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Backcountry skiing in British Columbia

Perfect balance of legendary snowfall, bluebird weather, and dry pow that stays for weeks.
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What do people think of Backcountry skiing in British Columbia?
Marilyn F.

An awesome trip with a great, conscientious, and professional guide. Definitely felt that Tom listened to the whole crew and took our collective objectives, safety, weather, snow conditions, and skillsets to get the maximum we could have out of our Bow-Yoho traverse over New Year 2018. Super fun trip and lots of hilarious and educational stories and experiences Tom shared with us. And Eric was great in lending a hand where needed and carrying a ton of weight too. Would definitely recommend both Tom and Eric for any high adventure trips and any furthering of backcountry education. Not only do they really know their craft, but they also present their knowledge in a smooth and easy way for all to understand and learn from. Great guides, great guys. All five stars for sure!

George M.J.

I was out on trips with Tom Wolfe of Sawback Alpine Adventures twice during the ski season of winter 2018. Both trips were great. The Bow / Yoho Wapta Traverse was particularly spectacular traveling between Alpine Club of Canada huts. Tom really knows this area well.

Destination702588
 • February 2024

If we could give more than 5 stars, we would! We booked the 12 day powder highway tour as part of our honeymoon this February. Fresh Adventures truly exceeded our expectations – 10 days of skiing at 5 amazing mountains, delicious meals, great accommodations, and seamless travel. Our guides Mac & Jafar were true experts when it comes to the BC mountains and showed us around each hill from first to last chair each day. In addition to being great guides, they were also genuinely awesome people and went above & beyond to make the trip special – baking cookies and writing Valentine’s for the whole group on Feb 14 & even bringing a bottle of bubbly to the top of Kicking Horse on the last day to celebrate the end of our honeymoon adventure. This tour is perfect for adventurous skiers who love to dip into trees and hike to jaw-dropping scenic runs. The days are long & full, but we woke up each morning ready & excited to take on the next adventure. The guides also provided tons of great recommendations in each town we visited. Nelson & Revelstoke were definitely our favorites. The pacing of the trip was perfect, with 3 nights spent in the towns with more to see/do, and quicker stops in the quieter places. We will definitely be back!

debbie m
 • February 2024

For an older person who has skied at many of the backcountry lodges in complex terrain in BC, Purcell Lodge is a fabulous step down. It offers rolling terrain for mellow days where you can ski alone (with a radio to keep you safe) and absorb the views across to the Selkirks, great tree skiing, and terrain that will satisfy your needs of steep and deep when you feel more energetic. There is an added bonus offered at no other lodge I know, of a heli-bump to a nearby peak to access the beautiful powder bowls. The Lodge itself is deluxe and rivals any new Lodge. Treat yourself and you won’t regret it.

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The ultimate adventure in Canadian backcountry

North America’s backcountry skiing paradise

The province’s unparalleled terrain, featuring hidden gems and numerous mountain huts perched on top of exciting slopes offers a plethora of options for exploration.

Whether you’re drawn to challenging couloirs, serene tree glades, or wide alpine expanses, this area promises an unforgettable adventure at every turn.

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Snowboarder in the Kootenays, British Columbia.
Woman skier skiing fast in fresh powder.

A connection to nature in its purest form

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Spend your time making memories, not planning them. Enjoy a stress-free vacation and leave the trip logistics to us. You name it, we’ll take care of it!

Superb snow conditions
Shred unlimited world-class terrain stretching over 10 ranges boasting fantastic glaciers, bowls, forests and wide-open powder runs.

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More about backcountry skiing in British Columbia

  • There are four reasons why downhill skiing is such a hit in British Columbia:

    Prime Snow Conditions: The Coastal Mountains act as a barrier, trapping moisture from the Pacific Ocean and creating ideal conditions for abundant snowfall. Notably, the Kootenay Rockies region receives some of the highest snowfalls in North America, with areas like Mount Fidelity holding the record for the most snowfall in Canada.  This translates to consistent powder snow, a dream for many skiers.

    Diverse Terrain: From gentle beginner slopes to heart-stopping double-black diamond runs, BC boasts a vast range of terrain to cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re cruising groomers, carving through glades, or tackling challenging chutes, there’s something for everyone.

    Epic Scenery: Skiing in BC isn’t just about the slopes; it’s about the breathtaking backdrops.  Imagine carving fresh tracks down a mountain while surrounded by majestic peaks, pristine forests, and glaciers. The scenic beauty of the province adds another dimension to the skiing experience.

    Après-Ski Culture: After a day on the slopes, many resorts offer a vibrant après-ski scene with lively bars, restaurants, and shops. This allows skiers to relax, socialize, and share stories about their adventures on the mountain.

  • British Columbia, Canada is a world-renowned skiing destination, and here is why:

    • Long ski seasons: The ski season in British Columbia typically runs from late November to early May, with some areas offering even longer seasons.
    • Reliable snowfall: British Columbia receives plenty of snowfall throughout the winter, thanks to the Coastal Mountains. This means that you can be sure to find good conditions on the slopes.
    • Diverse terrain: There is something for everyone in British Columbia, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert terrain. The province also has a number of heliskiing and cat skiing operations, which allow you easy access to prime untouched powder.
    • Beautiful scenery: British Columbia is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the world, and the backcountry skiing is no exception. You can ski through towering mountains, pristine forests, glaciers, and more.
  • The “best” month for skiing in British Columbia depends on what you prioritize. Here’s a quick breakdown:

    • Snow conditions: Powderhounds looking for the most snowfall will favor January, which is typically the snowiest month.
    • Balance of snow and sunshine: For a good balance between fresh powder and bluebird days, February is a great choice, though it’s also the busiest and most expensive month.
    • Pleasant weather and good snow:  March offers longer days, warmer temperatures, and still boasts a good snowpack. This is a good option if you want to avoid peak crowds.
    • Spring skiing and affordability: Shoulder seasons like late November to mid-December and April can offer good deals on accommodation and lift tickets, with decent skiing conditions, especially at higher altitudes
  • British Columbia’s reputation as a skier’s paradise extends far beyond the resorts. Here are 3 top backcountry skiing destinations in BC:

    1. Rogers Pass: Located in Glacier National Park, Rogers Pass is legendary for its massive snowfall amounts, averaging over 12 meters (40 feet) annually. This translates to a long season with a phenomenal snowpack.
    2. Purcells: The Purcells offer a vast and diverse backcountry playground, with endless options for multi-day hut-based ski touring. From the majestic peaks around Valhalla Provincial Park to the bugaboo spires, the Purcells welcome seasoned skiers seeking adventure.
    3. Valhalla Provincial Park: This park offers a taste of backcountry adventure with a range of options for intermediate-to-advanced skiers, from lodge-based trips to day tours. You can base yourself at the historic Valhalla Lodge, which provides access to world-class slopes, or explore the area on day trips from the park gates.
  • No, you can’t ski all year round in all of British Columbia, but there is a caveat. 

    While the province has a long ski season and some regions receive exceptional snowfall, there isn’t year-round glacier coverage or consistently cold temperatures for reliable skiing.

    However, if you choose to go heli-skiing or travel deep into BC’s backcountry, you’ll find favorable ski conditions well outside the standard season!

  • The part of British Columbia that gets the most snow is concentrated in the Kootenay Rockies, specifically around the Selkirk Mountains and the Purcell Mountains. This region is nicknamed the “Powder Highway” for a reason!

    Mount Fidelity in Glacier National Park boasts the highest average annual snowfall in Canada, reaching a whopping 1399 centimeters (546 inches)!

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We’re happy to answer any of your questions. Send us an inquiry or talk to one of our adventure planners free of charge.
Get in touch
We're happy to answer any of your questions. Send us an inquiry or talk to one of our adventure planners free of charge.
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