This 12-day ski safari follows the famous Powder Highway through the snow belts of western Canada, from the Rockies to the Purcell, Selkirk, and Monashee ranges. Starting and ending in Calgary, we drive a big loop through British Columbia, skiing resorts and backcountry zones along the way, including Fernie, Kimberley, Whitewater, Revelstoke, and Rogers Pass. Most days mix lift access with backcountry touring, guided by an ACMG-certified guide who knows where the best snow hides. The trip is designed for intermediate to advanced ski tourers and splitboarders. Hotels and lodges, breakfasts, ground transportation, avalanche safety training, and avalanche gear rentals are all included.
Arrive in Calgary, where your guide will pick everyone up at the airport. From the prairies, we hit the Powder Highway and head southwest into the Canadian Rockies, aiming for Fernie, a small ski town in BC’s Elk Valley. We check in and get a good night’s sleep before the skiing begins.
Accommodation: Hotel or lodge
We kick things off at Fernie Alpine Resort. A few laps warm up the legs, then we ride to the top and head past the ropes into the backcountry of the Lizard Range, to powder stashes usually known only to a few locals.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel or lodge
We continue along the Powder Highway to Kimberley, a small mountain town in the Purcell Mountains. We spend the day skiing the resort and, depending on conditions, the backcountry around it.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel or lodge
Today we ski tour at Kootenay Pass, a high pass in the Selkirk Mountains on the highway between Creston and Salmo. With no lifts here, it’s a fully human-powered day in the backcountry.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel or lodge
Next up is Whitewater, a ski hill in the Selkirk Mountains just outside Nelson, well known for its deep, dry snow and great tree skiing. We ski the resort and the surrounding backcountry, depending on conditions.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel or lodge
After four days on skis, we give our legs a break with a scenic drive north to Revelstoke, one of the best-known ski towns on the Powder Highway.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel or lodge
We spend the day at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, home to the most lift-served vertical in North America (1,713 m / 5,620 ft), skiing the resort and the backcountry right off it.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel or lodge
Today we tour at Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park, one of the snowiest places in Canada. It’s an all human-powered day, and our guide picks the zone based on snow and avalanche conditions.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel or lodge
We move on to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort near Golden, known for its big bowls and steep chutes, skiing the resort and the nearby backcountry, depending on conditions.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel or lodge
Back in the Canadian Rockies, we ski Lake Louise, one of three major ski resorts in Banff National Park, with wide-open terrain and big mountain views.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel or lodge
Our last ski day takes us to Sunshine Village, also in Banff National Park. Sitting right on the Continental Divide, it’s a fitting finale to our Powder Highway adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel or lodge
After breakfast, we head back to Calgary, closing the big loop across three mountain ranges to end up right where we started.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
In order to join this Powder Highway ski safari, good fitness is required as well as intermediate to advanced backcountry skiing or splitboarding experience. Most days combine resort laps with backcountry touring, and some days, like Kootenay Pass and Rogers Pass, are fully human-powered.
Keep in mind that you’ll be skiing for 10 out of 12 days, so arriving in good shape helps. Snow, weather, and highway closures may change the plan, and your guide will adjust each day to the conditions and the group.
This trip isn’t the right fit for first-time skiers. The Powder Highway ski safari is designed for intermediate to advanced backcountry skiers and splitboarders. Most days combine resort skiing with backcountry touring in ungroomed, off-piste terrain, so you’ll need to be comfortable skiing a wide range of slopes and snow conditions.
Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking.
Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver. During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip.
Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to booking.
Safety equipment (rentals included in the price)
Snow gear
Clothing
Personal items & essentials
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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Group sizes and pricing:
Min. age requirements:
The starting point of your Powder Highway ski safari is Calgary Airport, which is where your guide will pick you up on Day 1 of the tour. The trip ends back in Calgary.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.