Backcountry Clinics & Tours
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New Backcountry Adventures in Whistler by |
Take the Next Step. Literally.
From the top of Whistler or Blackcomb, tantalizing backcountry ski & snowboard terrain stretches to the horizon in every direction. It’s accessible, and begging to be shredded. Take the next step.
Build Awareness.
Now you’re eyeing up that untracked line, it’s within reach, and you’re ready to rip. Or is it ready to rip? Avalanche safety and mountain awareness are critical skills to learn and practice frequently.
Boost Your Skills.
In a full day of mind-blowing guided backcountry skiing, telemarking or snowboarding, ACMG Guides will share techniques and tactics to hone your skiing, boost your safety knowledge, and heighten your awareness in big mountain terrain.
Private or Group. You Choose.
Backcountry Adventures run daily, December through April, when a minimum of 3 skiers are booked. Or book a Private; ski the lines you and your guide choose, travel at your pace, and get one-on-one coaching and instruction. With Privates you can also rally your group of up to 5 friends/family of similar ability.
Guides
You are in good hands. We are excited to announce that Keith Reid, President of the ACMG and recognized internationally as a senior guide/examiner with ACMG and IFMGA, is leading this exciting new program.
Keith knows the backcountry terrain around Whistler Blackcomb better than anyone, and he’s pumped to share it with more skiers and riders this winter.
Who & When
Advanced intermediate to expert skiers can enjoy Extremely Canadian Backcountry Adventures, regardless of your touring experience. Adventures run daily – subject to weather, avalanche conditions, and meeting the minimum group size.
Sample Itinerary 1-Day Clinic
| 8:30 | Meet outside on the deck of Essentially Blackcomb, in the Carleton Lodge, in the main village between the gondolas |
| 8:45 | Head up Blackcomb or Whistler Mountain, then traverse with your guide out into Garibaldi Park. |
| 9:30 | Avalanche awareness & safety, mountain travel. |
| 12:30 | Big line skiing, continued avalanche safety & mountain travel skills training. |
| EOD | End of day back in the Village with tired legs and open eyes. |
1-Day Backcontry Clinics:
| 2012.13 Season |
| Dec 8-Apr 28. Subject to conditions and number of participants |
| $199 |
Private Backcountry Clinics
Ski the lines you and your guide choose, travel at your pace and get one-on-one coaching and instruction.Private Backcountry Clinics:
| Early Season | Regular Season | Holiday Season |
| Nov 22-Dec 9 | Dec 10-16 Jan 7-Feb 8 Feb 23-Mar 22 Apr 16-21 |
Dec 17-Jan 6 Feb 9-22 Mar 23-Apr 15 |
| $549 | $624 | $659 |
Book Now
Email us for scheduling and details:Or Call:
Local Number: 604.938.9656
Toll Free North America: 1.800.938.9656
International calls: 0016049389656
Helpful Documents
| Backcountry Equipment and Preparation Info Sheet | Download PDF |
| Backcountry Information Sheet and Booking Form | Download PDF |
| Backcountry Brochure with General Information | Download PDF |
Equipment and Preparation
Remember when we head out for the day we stay out for the day. It is very important to realize that one of the key distinctions we represent as backcountry skiers/riders is that we climb many of the slopes we descend. This means our physical output is significantly broader than simply riding/skiing inbounds. How we manage our your temperature and protect ourselves from the environment is constantly changing. This is accomplished by proper clothing and effective layering.Take the time to review the equipment list. This list is intended only as a general guideline:
- Touring skis or split-board, with climbing skins
- Ski poles (required for both skier or boarders)
It is recommended that boarders use collapsible poles - Ski boots (ideally touring) or snowboard boots
- Back pack (25-30 litre)
- Avalanche transceiver
- Avalanche probe
- Avalanche shovel
- Airbag Pack (optional and not included in rental package)
- Waterproof breathable shell jacket (with hood) and pants
- Warm non-cotton under layers
- Synthetic or Down parka (ideally with hood)
- Gloves (spare gloves if you have them. Lighter weight touring gloves plus your usual winter gloves)
- Toque and Helmet (Please bring a toque with you even if you wear a helmet. Its gets hot when you are going up!)
- Sunglasses
- Goggles
- Sunscreen / Lip Protection
- Camera
- Lunch and water (at least 1 litre). Bring your own healthy lunch and snacks or lunches are available for pre-purchase from Whistler / Blackcomb for $12.50 plus tax. Includes cookie, piece of fruit and sandwich - choice of ham, beef, turkey or veggie. Gluten free bread available. Choice of water or juice.
Rental Packages
Rental Packages with touring skis, skins, pack, transceiver, probe, and shovel — are available from Essentially Blackcomb in the Carleton Lodge at the base of Whistler Mountain in the main village. Rental Packages are available for $60 plus HST for program participants. Splitboard rentals for snowboarders are also available, please drop us a line for more details.Backcountry Lift Tickets
1-Ride backcountry access lift tickets available for $49 + HST. Must be pre-ordered through Extremely Canadian.Cancelation
Our cancelation policy for Whistler programs is 100% refund if you give 24 hrs notice. Changes also require 24 hrs notice.
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To Book:Phone: 604.938.9242Email: Web: www.whistlerguides.com Location: 207B - 4368 Main Street Whistler BC V0N 1B4 |
Whistler Alpine Guides Earn Your Turns Backcountry Tour
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Leave the lift lines behind this winter on one of our professionally guided backcountry day tours! Enjoy awesome powder skiing and snowboarding in the backcountry surrounding the Whistler Blackcomb ski area. Lift access, skins, specialized ski touring bindings for skiers, and splitboards for snowboarders are used to access the big mountain backcountry outside the ski area, where a multitude of bowls, glaciers and gladed runs are available to choose from. Conditions are almost always favorable with lots of powder to ensure great turns for all. Your experienced ski guide will provide instruction on backcountry equipment usage and lead you down some memorable ski descents. Intimate group sizes provide individual attention and a day at the right pace. Geared for intermediate, advanced and expert skiers or snowboarders. Participants must be comfortable and confident in intermediate terrain [blue runs] in variety of snow conditions. Skiers, telemarkers and snowboarders welcome. Groups can expect 3 – 5 runs and up to 5,000ft of vertical descent for the day depending on ability and fitness level. |
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| Dates: | Offered Daily |
| Cost: |
$215/person (minimum 2 people) Group rates are available with 4 or more people booked under the same reservation: |
| Included: | Avalanche safety equipment - transceiver, shovel, probe Backpack if needed |
| Vertical Feet Skied: | 3,000 to 5,000 vertical feet depending on experience and fitness level of the group (3-5 runs) |
| Group Size: | Maximum of 6 people per guide |
| Location: | Garibaldi Park, adjacent to Whistler and Blackcomb ski areas |
Whistler Alpine Guides Ice Climbing Tour
| In this tour, first time climbers will be introduced to the basic climbing techniques and safety practices before giving it a go. More experienced climbers will be guided up the finest ice climbs matching their ability. There are a variety of pure ice and mixed climbing spots in the Whistler area for you to enjoy. No climbing experience necessary. All equipment is included. |
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| Dates: | Offered Daily |
| Cost: | $282.50 plus HST for a party of 2. (group pricing and private pricing available) |
| Included: | All technical climbing equipment |
| Group Size: | Maximum of 4 people per guide |
Whistler Alpine Guides Spearhead Traverse
| Traverse between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains - 13 glaciers in 4 days all above 2,000 metres! The Spearhead route offers spectacular scenery and excellent skiing. Glacier route finding and navigation, avalanche and hazard assessment and terrain evaluation will all be practiced along the way: a perfect trip to hone your winter skills in a challenging environment. Participants must be strong intermediate or above skier/riders with previous overnight backcountry touring experience and good physical condition. |
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| Dates: |
Mar 14-17, 2013, Mar 28-31, 2013, April 18-21, 2013. (Private dates also available) |
| Cost: | $545.00 plus HST per person. $48 backcountry lift pass available. Rental equipment available. Meal Plan available. |
| Included: | Group equipment & gear |
| Group Size: | Maximum of 6 people per guide |
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To Book:Phone: 604.932.1458Email: Web: www.coastmountainguides.com Meeting Place: The Lift Coffee company next to the Whistler gondola. |
Off Piste Skiing/Riding
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Whistler-Blackcomb is home of some of the best off piste skiing in the world. With an impressive lift access to the alpine, the resort offers incredible opportunities for short hikes to very long powder runs. We will find the best powder around. This tour as been specially designed for skiers, telemarkers and snowboarders looking for a more exciting ski adventure. Your ski guide will introduced you to powder ski techniques, avalanche safety and more. You will enjoy awesome powder turns away from the crowds. On Whistler or Blackcomb backcountry.
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| Departure: | 8:00 am |
| Difficulty: | Moderate to Advanced |
| Duration: | 5 to 6 hours round trip |
| Cost: | $197 per person Single on a tour $347 Includes avalanche safety gear for the day. |
| Details: | *Up to 3 off piste runs (approx. 2500 - 3500 vertical feet or 750 – 1000 vertical meters of skiing).Backcountry powder skis and Splitboards rental available at a preferred rate. Valid ski lift pass required. |
Day Touring
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Ski and ride 'The Musical Bumps' from Whistler Mountain and make it to the 'Cowboy's Ridge' if you dare or explore the Spearhead Range from Blackcomb Mountain and watch out to not loose your hat. Hee…Haa..! The peaks are towering 6,000 feet above the valley floor with alpine bowls to make your jaw drop. Enjoy convenient lift access and lots of powder turns. For enthusiastic intermediate to advance skiers, telemarkers and snowboarders who are looking for a real backcountry day.
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| Departure: | 8:00 am |
| Difficulty: | Moderate to Advanced |
| Duration: | 7 to 8 hours |
| Cost: | $215 per person | Single on a tour $347 Includes avalanche safety gear for the day. |
| Details: | *Up to 5 off piste runs (approx. 3500 - 5000 vertical feet or 1000 – 1500 vertical meters of skiing). Backcountry powder skis and splitboard rental available at preferred rates. Backcountry lift pass available. |
Ski Mountaineering
| The Coast Mountains are home to some of the finest ski mountaineering in Western Canada. Our knowledge of the area guarantees you the best route selections whistler region has offer. Fissile Mountain, Phalanx Peak, Cheakamus Mountain, Joffre Peak and Mount Matier are only a few options to choose from. Join us in a memorable experience of a winter alpine adventure. |
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| Departure: | 8:00 am |
| Difficulty: | Advanced, previous experience an asset. |
| Duration: | 7 to 8 hours round trip |
| Cost: | $347/person per day ($197/person additional) Includes avalanche safety gear for the day. |
| Details: | Some short roping, the use of a mountaineering ice axe, steep skiing, up to 3500 - 5000 vertical feet or 1000 – 1500 vertical meters of skiing. Backcountry powder skis and splitboard rental available at preferred rates. Backcountry lift pass available. |
Ice Climbing
| You thought ice climbing was only for fit and experienced climbers not true! This is your chance to experience the ultimate feeling of climbing on ice with technical equipment, in a safe and positive environment. Do not miss this rare opportunity! Advanced ice climbing tours also available. |
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| Departure: | 8:00 am |
| Difficulty: | Challenging, good physical fitness |
| Duration: | 6 to 8 hours round trip |
| Cost: | 2 people $227pp 3 people $197pp Single on a tour $447 Price includes climbing access, technical equipment. |
Our Partners
Using state-of-the-art technology, TELUS unleashes the power of the internet to deliver the best solutions to Canadians at home, in the workplace and on the move.
Coca-Cola offers the world's favourite beverage brand to Whistler Blackcomb guests as a part or their memorable resort experience. As the cold drink sponsor at Whistler Blackcomb, Coca-Cola brings more than ice-cold refreshment.
Since 1995, GMC has been the Official Vehicle of Whistler Blackcomb. GMC trucks and SUVs give you the performance, engineering and technology to get you, your family and friends and all their gear to and from the mountain any time of the year.
Light it Up!
Avis Car Rental and its subsidiaries operate one of the world's best-known car rental brands with approximately 5,200 locations in more than 165 countries.
The Globe and Mail, Canada's National Newspaper, daily offers unparalleled national, international and business reporting, analysis and commentary to all the guests and patrons of Whistler Blackcomb.
Our name represents a long-standing tradition of producing premium wines from Canada and around the world; it is your guarantee of outstanding quality and an uncompromising commitment to making great wine. We’ve got a wine for that.
Smirnoff is proud to be the vodka sponsor of Whistler Blackcomb. From extraordinary event experiences, to the latest in Music, Nightlife and extraordinary Cocktails. The world's best cocktails start with Smirnoff.
W.L. Gore & Associates, the makers of GORE-TEX® products, is proud to be the official technical fabric sponsor of Whistler Blackcomb. GORE-TEX® products are wearable weather protection that keeps you dry and comfortable from head to toe in any kind of weather.
American Express is the official Card of Whistler Blackcomb. The sponsorship program brings unique offers, purchase incentives and rewards for American Express® Cardmembers. ®,™: Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express
GoPro - The World's Most Versatile HD Camera for sports
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