The Best Backcountry Skiing in Canada

With more cat and heli-ski operators, than any other region, we know, understand and love backcountry skiing. The region is on the “Powder Highway", bringing together 50 ski-related businesses and eight resorts under one snowy umbrella.

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Ski Touring

Whitewater Ski Resort, Kootenay Pass, and Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park all provide amazing access for ski touring in our region. Backcountry Skiing Canada has route information on their website for all of these locations or you can buy detailed backcountry ski maps at Valhalla Pure Outfitters, ROAM, or the Nelson Visitor Centre.

Backcountry Lodges

Several backcountry lodges in the area will take your next ski touring trip to the next level. Catered or self-catered trip are available along with amenities like wood saunas, full kitchens, and cozy accommodations. For your next trip check out Mount Carlyle Backcountry Lodge, Valhalla Mountain Lodge, or Powdercreek Lodge. 

Guides & Education

Summit Mountain Guides specialize in day tours and introductory backcountry trips, and offer multi-day adventures and heli-assisted touring. Kootenay Backcountry Guides is another great source for backcountry ski and snowboard guides. They also provide avalanche education training courses run through Avalanche Canada. 

Safety First

Before venturing into the mountains be sure to check Avalanche Canada and DriveBC for snow conditions. There are lots of backcountry and avalanche awareness courses available and local guides to help make your trip as enjoyable and safe as possible.