The Best Places for Backcountry Skiing in Canada in 2023

If you’re trying to decide where to shred this winter, consider Rogers Pass — one of the most iconic backcountry skiing locations in Canada. Expect an unparalleled amount of snow, which combined with a longer than usual season, makes Rogers Pass area a no-brainer. It truly has it all: tree runs to rival the skiing in Tuckerman Ravine, couloirs, glaciers, you name it. And unlike other destinations in Canada, you’ll find beginner terrain as well as complex, full-mountain terrain. Beginner options are also found in Chamonix, such as skiing the La Vallée Blanche route, though this area in France has a lot more crowds than Rogers Pass.

It’s best if you are able to hike 3300 feet (1000m) to really benefit from the area. Revelstoke is considered by many to have the best backcountry terrain in North America. The powder! There are intense storms, but with less water content. Yup, perfect powder. As always, because of the enormity of the Pass, and its massive potential, ski smart and safe. 

Head to Connaught Creek for the best places to ski in Rogers Pass

The best valley to initially discover in Rogers Pass is the Connaught Creek. The amount of skiing up this valley is mind boggling. Heading to Balu Pass will allow you to wander under multiple incredible couloirs and impressive mountainscapes. Heading up towards 8812 Bowl or Video Peak will ignite the backcountry dreamer in you. Plus, my favorite spots will give you weeks worth of skiing.

…And my ultimate Roger Pass recommendation

The Illecillewaet Glacier is one of my favorite spots with the imposing Sir Donald mountain towers above the skin track. The blue ice of the glacier reminds me of times past. The Illecillewaet Glacier is the oldest studied glacier in North America and is shrinking daily. Heading up to Pearly Rock gives you priceless views and many skiing possibilities. You’ll get up close and personal with an epic piece of Mother Nature. 

What to know before you go 

Since Rogers Pass is located in the Glacier National Park, you will need a national park pass during winter. Areas in the pass can be open or closed depending on the current conditions. You will need a permit to ski in many of the areas. Regular visitors can apply for an annual permit, or get a daily winter permit at the Rogers Pass Information Center. The permit system in place allows rangers to control where skiers are located and the safety of the highway when performing avalanche control.

Get ready for the biggest vertical drop in North America at 5,620 feet (1,713m). Not nothing. The quality of the powder,  the relief of the mountains, and the endless skiing are why I chose to make Revelstoke home 20 years ago. Revelstoke backcountry skiing is incredible and access off the Mountain Resort (RMR) leads to a variety of unforgettable terrain. I believe most advanced skiers will be stoked on the fantastic glade skiing, steep couloirs and summits. Skiing the south facing trees is another must, and I highly recommend it. Revelstoke is home to many backcountry guides and outfitters, so you can find plenty of options and local support for attaining new objectives. 

Big terrain. Big everything in Revelstoke

Revelstoke features one of the largest areas for off-piste skiing with 3,121 acres to shred. Like Whistler and Blackcomb, there’s great benefit in using RMR lifts to access some stunning backcountry spots. Be aware, all of the backcountry skiing here is for the intermediate and advanced skier. I recommend skiing with a guide or a super experienced partner who knows the terrain.

Revelstoke drops you in the epicenter of backcountry skiing

You’ll find plenty of hotels in and around Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Any one of these accommodations will get you plenty close to getting your day started in the backcountry.

Don’t confuse Blackcomb with Whistler! Yes, they’re side by side and practically related, but they’re still two very different mountains. This is where I cut my teeth getting into backcountry skiing, and I learned a lot from these mountains.

Whistler’s backcountry options for beginner and intermediate skiers

Skiers will find a little bit of everything at Whistler. While this ski area is known for its resort, you’ll find ample backcountry opportunities. With plenty of tree skiing and alpine meadows, you’ll find access for all skill levels, including fantastic beginner terrain just beyond the resort boundaries. It’s also worth mentioning that Whistler has stunning views on clear weather days, which makes for awesome bowl skiing. If there’s any precipitation, the area can feel closed in and small. Regardless, it’s an awesome place for beginner to intermediate skiers, with plenty of amenities in the area for downtime.

My favorite Whistler backcountry routes

Flute Backside is where you’ll find laid-back powder skiing. On the east flank of Oboe, you’ll come across The Apostle. Continue on to take in the classic lines at Cowboy Ridge. Here, the runs get a lot less traffic than other popular spots, and you’ll still be back in time for that after-ski beer. If you’re looking for something a little more complex, venture farther east to Fissile Peak and beyond where you’ll be rewarded with challenging, glaciated alpine terrain.  

Explore expert Blackcomb terrain with the backcountry experts 

Blackcomb’s backcountry access is relatively straightforward, but it gets real, really quickly! You should keep in mind that the terrain is mostly intermediate to advanced. Skilled skiers will find plenty of couloirs, glaciers and other large shredding objectives. 

You should have significant backcountry experience before heading out, or do yourself a favor, and hire a local guide to show you what the mountain has to offer. The terrain is alpine, complex, and very demanding. If you’re heading to this area, Backcountry Skiing Canada has a Whistler Blackcomb backcountry ski map and some additional info to help you plan your trip. 

Whistler ski tours feature backcountry huts and untracked powder

Whistler backcountry ski tours range from day trips to multi-day adventures, and the area is also known for its backcountry huts. You won’t want to miss the Kees and Claire Hut, a new backcountry hut featuring up to 38 bunks. If you’re looking for the best untracked powder in the area, there are plenty of Whistler backcountry ski guides that will get you there, such as Altus Mountain Guides and Whistler Ski Guides. 

Find ample accommodations for families in Whistler

There’s lots to do in Whistler and just as many places to stay. Be prepared though, accommodations can get pricey. If the resort-side accommodations don’t seem that budget friendly, consider an Airbnb or a backcountry hut tour. If you’re travelling with family, you’ll find everything you need in Whistler Village. There are no shortage of pubs and cool spots to hang out, and check out the Family Apres for the kids. 

Duffy Lake Road is a backcountry hot spot accessed from Whistler. “The Duffy,” as it’s known to most locals, is super rewarding, not too crowded and well worth the trip. From Whistler, drive north for about an hour and then head east towards Lillooet. You’ll gain 4000 feet on the road alone. You can find ample touring available directly from your car.Because of the proximity of the road to the terrain, you’ll get a pretty good idea of what kind of skiing awaits. 

 Keep in mind, inclement weather and avalanche safety are not to be underestimated here. You should be well-equipped to head onto this road. Note that conditions can get nasty, and there’s not much cell service.

What to know before you go to Duffy Lake

There’s plenty of tree skiing and great access to alpine terrain. Depending on objectives, there’s a great backcountry cabin accessible from this road called Cerise Creek Cabin. Check it out. Plus, there are plenty of options for accommodations in nearby Pemberton and Whistler.

While many skiers don’t think of Quebec as a ski touring destination, in the Chic-Choc Mountains, backcountry skiing is as good as it gets in Eastern Canada. With amazing tree skiing, couloirs, and plenty of open glades, it’s an almost-western skiing experience in the east. Access is easy. You’ll find plenty of options for any skill set. Plus, you’ll be greeted by a culture and atmosphere totally unique to other Canadian destinations. 

The Chic-Chocs are worth the trek

The Chic-Chocs are some of the oldest mountains in Canada. With open bowls reminiscent of Colorado, tree glades that share a strikingly similar feel to BC, and snow that can hold its own against the best European spots, Chic-Choc ski touring is a definite must for anyone adventuring on the east coast. The views are truly amazing as they run dead parallel with the St. Lawrence River. This spot is out of the way (a seven-hour drive from Quebec city). The payoff is that Chic-Choc is far less crowded than other top backcountry ski spots. Look in and around Murdochville, Quebec, for places to stay. If you want to make it a truly epic backcountry trip, consider a lodge like the Chic-Choc Mountain Lodge.

Located in Southeastern British Columbia’s Selkirk Mountains, Golden backcountry features access from Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. The area is mostly complex with alpine skiing. Although access is somewhat easy, the terrain and snowpack are serious and must be respected. You’ll discover some glade skiing, along with pillow lines and just about anything else you can anticipate. Golden sees slightly less snowfall than Revelstoke and Rogers Pass, but there’s less people too. All that space makes it an awesome spot to spend your time. 

Accommodations in Golden

There’s anything and everything in Golden to suit a variety of tastes. You just need to find what fits your needs and budget. Many skiers make the journey here during the high season, so there’s an abundance of accommodation options from fancy hotels to secluded lodges. You can also enjoy awesome hut-based skiing available here, depending on how you’re looking to spend your downtime.

Sunshine Village is famous for possessing Canada’s best snow, as well as three mountains each offering varied terrain. The Sunshine Village Ski Resort has some beginner terrain, but advanced skiers won’t want to miss Delirium Dive. The Dive is a controlled backcountry area in Alberta’s Banff National Park. You’ll discover serious skiing and steep angles. With plenty of alpine terrain in this zone, it is a great place for advanced skiers to test their mettle in the backcountry. Depending on the season, opening dates are subject to the resorts careful discretion. You gotta be sure to bring all your avy gear and a skiing partner too. It’ll be worth it.

Where to stay in Sunshine Village

Canadian lodges are most popular among guests, but you can choose from plenty of hotels and apartments, too.

The Icefields Parkway, known as Highway 93 to most, links Lake Louise and Jasper, with Banff and Jasper National Parks at either end. You’ll find a continental snowpack here with solid skiing between January and May. This area boasts endless backcountry options whether you’re looking for tree skiing or huge alpine descents.

Plenty of eye-catching lines between Banff and Jasper

Either way, if you’re traveling between Banff and Jasper, you may find some lines to distract you mid-journey. Always be sure to be mindful of the weather and avalanche reports. Road conditions can be also tough, so check with the weather service before you go!

Accommodation and lodging 

There are just a handful of lodges along the Parkway. Consider accommodations in Jasper or Lake Louise. Then, plan your day trips accordingly.

The backcountry access off the ski hill at Lake Louise Ski Resort is good but not extensive. You’ll find some tree skiing and plenty of alpine bowls, which is mostly what Lake Louise is known for. The alpine terrain is definitely worth seeking out. Because of the complexity of the terrain and snow, you’ve got to be patient and carefully pick your lines. The area has a continental snowpack that really depends on the season. I’ve always thought it best between February and April. You’ll also be able to select from plenty of cozy lodges and hotels outside of Banff National Park.

Welcome to Kananaskis Country — or K-Country — the closest backcountry skiing area to Calgary! You’ll find a wide variety of everything here from beginner to advanced, tree skiing to alpine bowls and mountain tops. And, the routes here are long. While it’s awesome to have skiing this close to Calgary, it takes a little longer to get into the solitude of the Kananaskis backcountry.

Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is located within the expansive Kananaskis area, just an hour and half west of Calgary and even closer to Canmore. It’s the perfect option for those looking to travel not that far. Keep in mind, Burstall North Pass is one of the shortest tours in the area, and consequently one of the busiest. It has a couple of options for routes.

Kananaskis accommodations 

Lodges are more popular than hotels in this area, so consider one and treat yourself to a private and cozy accommodation. There’s also plenty of top notch hotels in nearby Calgary.

The Whitewater Ski Resort is just outside of Nelson, BC. Whitewater offers solid access to beginner and advanced terrain, all via lift access just outside of the resort. Here, you’ll find lots of tree skiing, burnt trees, and alpine features. It should be noted for those of you venturing out here that strict backcountry rules in place. Be aware and considerate when exploring the area. This particular region of the Selkirks boasts significant amounts of cold, dry snow. Even with its epic powder, the crowds aren’t bad — at all.

Whitewater Ski Resort accommodations

Accommodations in Whitewater are plentiful, although perhaps not as involved as others on this list. Regardless, there are creature comforts to be had on any budget.