WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

BACKCOUNTRY

As North America’s #1 Resort, Whistler Blackcomb is also your gateway to a vast area of unmarked and un-patrolled backcountry access in the Garibaldi Provincial Park.

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.

Patrol - Emergency

For on hill emergencies only

604-935-5555

Backcountry Avalanche Advisory

Three day avalanche hazard forecast prepared for the area immediately surrounding Whistler Blackcomb terrain - Which is easily accessible as a day tour from Whistler Blackcomb's boundaries.

We are currently experiencing technical difficulties with the automated Avalanche forecast. Please refer to Avalanche Canada for the most updated Backcountry and Avalanche Report.

View Advisory

2019.20 Winter Price: $59 + tax

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.

Uphill Travel

Uphill travel within the Whistler Blackcomb ski area boundary is only permitted on designated routes, marked with signage. Please respect all on-mountain signage.

Accessing Garibaldi Provincial Park

Starting in the Village

Uphill skiing and snowboarding access to Garibaldi Provincial Park is permitted on the Singing Pass trail from Whistler Village. The Singing Pass trailhead is located in the Gondola Transit Exchange.

Starting on Mountain

Skiers and snowboarders looking to access the backcountry terrain adjacent to Whistler Blackcomb’s ski area boundaries can do so via the chairlift system and designated uphill travel routes when operations and avalanche conditions allow.

View Map

Access Routes:

WHISTLER MOUNTAIN

Bottom of Harmony (Oboe Traverse) to Oboe Basin
Top of flute
Lesser Flute at top of Encore Ridge

BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN

Cloud 9 to Sluiceway
East Col
Crystal Road to Hot Rocks or 2%
To Rock & Roll from Blueline
Bottom of Showcase to Secret Basin

When the high alpine lifts are closed due to avalanche danger, backcountry skiers and snowboarders should check in with Patrol (604-905-2324) at the dispatch offices on Whistler or Blackcomb for more information on how to safely access the backcountry.

Re-entering the Ski Area Boundary

Skiers and snowboarders looking to re-enter Whistler Blackcomb’s ski area boundaries from the backcountry should check in with Patrol (604-905-2324) for up-to-date avalanche conditions and terrain closures within the ski area boundary.

Guides & Tours

FREE AVALANCHE AWARENESS 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 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.

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

See all our Extremely Canadian Backcountry programs below and find the best fit for you.

Backcountry Programs

See all our Extremely Canadian Backcountry programs below and find the best fit for you.

Backcountry Intro Groups

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Backcountry Experienced Groups

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Backcountry Privates

Learn More

Avalanche Skills Training Level 1+

Learn More

Avalanche Skills Training Level 2

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Crevasse Rescue & Glacier Travel

Learn More

Extremely Canadian

Redefine your Boundries

Looking for skiing and snowboarding experiences you’ll be talking about FOREVER? Then we have a group for you. The group is called EXTREMELY CANADIAN and here’s a sneak peek at why you want them to be a part of your next mountain adventure.

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