Whistler Backcountry Skiing

Description

Go Whistler Backcountry Skiing and you will experience what Whistler really has to offer. Regardless of your experience, if you desire a more remote and rewarding ski experience during your stay in Whistler, give us a call and go Whistler backcountry skiing. The Whistler backcountry skiing off of Whistler/Blackcomb is second to none. Large rolling glaciers, steep faces, and untracked powder, this is the essence of Whistler skiing.

Are you tired of the line ups at the ski lifts?  Let us take you away for the crowds in Whistler and Blackcomb. You will get into the best powder Whistler has to offer with the many backcountry ski runs our local guides know of. We can find a match for all objectives and you will get a true backcountry ski touring experience, whether you are looking for only short hikes or long multi-day trips, and whether you are experienced or new to ski touring.

Have you thought about where to stay? We can base our daily objectives from wherever you are or would like to be based: Whistler, Callaghan, Pemberton, Duffey Lake, Joffre Lake; you name it. We can make single or multi-day trips based from the comfort of hotels and resorts, lodges, remote huts, or tents.

Who for

Beginner to Advanced. Good fitness is required as you can expect to travel uphill on skis 2000 – 7000ft (depending on fitness). Our tours will accommodate all levels of skill/fitness.

what’s Included

Guide fee, group equipment

what’s Not included

Gear rental (if necessary we can provide this service for an extra fee), lift ticket

Dates

On demand all winter long!

Custom pricing and itinerary can be arranged. Please contact us for more details and information.

Itinerary

– 7:30am Meet at your hotel , check gear, and head straight to Whistler base for transceiver search training.

– 8:30 take the lifts up and head out of the ski area boundary to Whistler or Blackcomb, depending on guide’s discretion.

– 4:30 – 5pm. Be back to Whistler Village between

Whistler Backcountry Skiing EQUIPMENT LIST

Please contact Altus Mountain Guides for any questions or expert advice on the best equipment to have.  Let us know what you need on the list before you purchase any gear.  We can lend you gear free of charge or can advise you on the best gear to purchase. 

 The following personal equipment is required:

• Touring skis (AT or Tele); or, split snowboard
• Boots – touring boots appropriate to your bindings. A warm and comfortable boot is recommended.
• Poles (collapsible poles are best for ‘boarders)
• Climbing skins for skis or split board
• Backpack, approx. 70+ liters capacity suitable for carrying all required gear.
• Hard shell outerwear jacket – waterproof/breathable type with hood (Gore-tex, etc.) (1)
• Outerwear pants or bibs – same as above (ones with full zips are nice for ventilation while touring)
• Personal active-wear clothing layers that are adjustable and suitable for all conditions (no cotton)
• Down or synthetic warm parka/jacket
• Sleeping bag – down or synthetic; good for –15 degrees Celsius
• Sleeping pads – Therma rest type and/or closed cell foam style (1)
• Lightweight camp booties for around camp (optional)
• Personal kit (toothbrush, personal meds, etc.)
• Gaiters (unless your ski pants have built-in gaiters or snow-cuffs)
• Gloves or mitts with removable wool or synthetic liners (1 pair, plus 1 pair extra)
• Lightweight gloves – wind stopper, fleece, etc (1 pr)
• Sweater or vest – wool, fleece or down
• Toque/warm hat – wool or fleece
• Hat with sun brim – baseball cap style (1)
• Sunglasses with side protection and 100% UV blockage
• Ski goggles
• Headlamp with fresh batteries
• Misc. personal items (camera, journal, etc.)
• Water bottle w/insulation (no “hose”-systems) – 2 liter
• Compass & map in waterproof bag (optional)
• Note pad and pencil
• Knife – small pocket-knife style
• Avalanche transceiver (supplied by AMG if needed)
• Shovel (supplied by Altus if needed)
• Probe (supplied by Altus if needed)
• Harness (supplied by Altus if needed)
• Communal equipment required:
• (this may be shared among the group participants)
• 2 or 3 person tents (as necessary)
• Single burner stoves and fuel (1 stove per 2-3 people)
• Cooking sets (2 pots per 3 people)

All other group safety gear and emergency equipment is supplied by Altus Mountain guides. (ropes, crevasse rescue gear, satellite phone, etc)

Please go over this list before the trip to ensure that you are properly prepared. Contact our us if you have any questions, and we can suggest places for you to purchase or rent equipment if needed. Keep in mind that you will be spending all of your time outdoors in the snow in cold conditions (-5 to -20), and that the weather can vary from one extreme to the other. It is recommended that you also have a set of spare street clothes for the end of the trip after you have left the mountains.