BACKCOUNTRY
The allure of backcountry skiing and riding has increased over the last few years and many resorts, as well as manufacturers, are filling this demand with innovative products and services. Gathered below are resources to guides, training, gear, and bulletins to make help make your adventure safe and prepare you for avalanche and glacier hazards.
BACKCOUNTRY ADVISORY
AVALANCHE SUMMARY
Heavy snowfall on Thursday night could result in a natural cycle of avalanches overnight and leave storm slabs primed for human triggering on Friday. Prior to the storm there were reports of a few small (size 1) slab avalanches triggered by skiers and explosives on Wednesday. They were 20-30 cm thick and ran on a hard crust. This crust could provide a bed surface for large avalanches to run on during the storm.
SNOWPACK SUMMARY
A return to stormy weather is bringing much needed snow to the Sea to Sky region. 20-40 cm of new snow is possible by midday Friday, with another storm pulse coming Friday night. Not to far beneath this new snow is a hard crust that formed in late November. Recent snowpack tests have shown the snow above this crust is weak and could provide a bed surface for avalanches to run on. Typical snowpack depths in the alpine currently range between 50 and 150 cm, depending on the amount of wind affect. Snowpack depths taper quickly with elevation as most treeline terrain is still below the threshold for avalanches.
WEATHER FORECAST
THURSDAY NIGHT: 10-25 cm of snow above 1600 m (rain below), 50 km/h wind from the southwest, alpine temperatures around -3 C.
FRIDAY: 10-20 cm of snow above 1800 m (rain below), 50 km/h wind from the southwest, alpine high temperatures around -1 C.
SATURDAY: 20-30 cm of snow above 1400 m (rain below), 30 km/h wind from the southwest, alpine high temperatures around -3 C.
SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light wind from the north, alpine high temperatures around -3 C.
CONFIDENCE
TODAY'S DANGER SCALE
DANGER SCALE FORECAST
| OVERVIEW | Saturday | Sunday | Monday |
| Alpine | Considerable | Considerable | Considerable |
| Treeline | Moderate | Considerable | Moderate |
| Below treeline | Low | Low | Low |
Storm Slab
Travel and Terrain Advice
FORECAST DISCLAIMER
USE AT YOUR OWN RISK:
The Whistler Blackcomb Avalanche Bulletin and other information and services provided by Avalanche Canada are intended for personal and recreational purposes only.
THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IN NO EVENT SHALL THE PROVIDERS BE LIABLE FOR AN DAMAGES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES RESULTING FROM DISCOMFORT, INJURY, OR DEATH, CLAIMS BY THIRD PARTIES OR FOR OTHER SIMILAR COSTS, OR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THE INFORMATION.
The user acknowledges that it is impossible to accurately predict natural events such as avalanches in every instance, and uses the data in the bulletin with this always foremost in mind. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and the Providers disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use the data.
Backcountry Avalanche Advisory
Uphill Skiing
Uphill skiing and and snowboarding access to Garibaldi Park through Whistler Blackcomb terrain is permitted on the Singing Pass trail from Whistler Village.
Skiers and snowboarders looking to access the backcountry terrain adjacent to Whistler Blackcomb’s ski area boundaries can also do so via the chairlift system. Please note that the designated Flute Bowl footpath is accessible only when avalanche conditions allow.
When the high alpine lifts are closed due to avalanche danger, backcountry skiers and snowboarders should check in with Patrol (604-935-5555) at the dispatch offices on Whistler or Blackcomb for more information on how to safely access the backcountry.
Backcountry Tickets
- Availability of backcountry tickets is assessed daily by Ski Patrol.
- Proper gear is required to purchase ticket: avalanche transceiver and demonstrated ability to use it, probe, shovel, skins or snowshoes, cell phone.
- Tickets are sold for a specific lift set to reach the backcountry access points and cannot be used on other lifts.
- Guests must sign the Backcountry Access Agreement.
Guides & Tours
Free daily Avalanche Awareness Tours are run by the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol in the winter. These half-day tours cover: Safe travel, terrain evaluation, avalanche phenomenon, control measures within boundary, avalanche safety equipment, and rescue techniques. The tour meets at the Avalanche Hut on the top of Blackcomb Gondola r and leaves at 12:30 for a 2.5hr tour.
HELI ASSISTED TOURING
Combining the ease and convenience of heli-skiing with the serenity and challenge of ski touring, Extremely Canadian's new heli-assisted ski touring adventures cover all the bases. A unique and remote backcountry experience in the beautiful coast mountains might just be exactly what you’ve been waiting for!
BACKCOUNTRY GUIDING
Experience Whistler Blackcomb backcountry with expert guides, tours, and adventures with Extremely Canadian Backcountry Adventures.
Backcountry Essentials
Every member of your group needs to be wearing a transceiver and have knowledge on how to use it. We recommend you take a course and / or hire a certified ACMG guide via Extremely Canadian.
Additionally, all members must carry an avalanche probe and a shovel. Once you've got the basics covered, the additional equipment list gets a little fun.
Every member of your group needs to be wearing a transceiver and have knowledge on how to use it. Additionally, all members must carry an avalanche probe and a shovel.
Plan your trip thoroughly
Be prepared to cope with emergencies due to fatigue, equipment failures, weather, and avalanches.
- Evaluate each member's capacity and ability
- Check the personal equipment of the party
- Carry a mobile phone with full battery charge
- Keep hydrated and nourished throughout the day
- Understand supply levels of liquid and food for the group
- Pace the travel speed of the party so that no one becomes exhausted
- Keep the party together but not too close in avalanche terrain
- The leader should be experienced in route selection
- Ensure that there are sufficient tools in the group to repair broken skis, skins, and bindings
- The leader must be capable of organizing a backcountry avalanche rescue including applying first aid and keeping survivors alive until rescuers arrive
Things you should be aware of
- Understand this winter's snowpack layers
- Knowledge of recent snowfall and type of snow
- Know the current Whistler backcountry Avalanche Advisory rating
- Understand today's weather conditions including snowfall, temperature, and visibility
- Never travel alone
20-40 cm of new snow and strong wind will make storm slabs very easy to trigger at upper elevations. A buried crust beneath the storm slab could cause wide propagations and large avalanches.