Backcountry Skiing

British Columbia is home to 10 mountain ranges, and almost 15 per cent of the land is protected. Here, the backcountry terrain goes on seemingly forever. 

BC is a renowned backcountry destination among skiers around the world, with countless route options for single- or multi-day trips. Find peace listening to your breath and the gentle glide of ski on skin track as you travel in untracked terrain. There are dozens of remote lodges offering a luxurious, guided backcountry experience, and experienced skiers have the option of staying in rustic, self-serve alpine huts positioned on mountaintops and traverses across the province.

Cozy backcountry lodges and alpine huts are perfect for multi-day ski touring, and going with an experienced guide ensures safe travel through rugged terrain. If you are an experienced backcountry skier, some provincial and national parks offer designated backcountry areas with amenities that include overnight huts, picnic areas, and open-air shelters for day trips or overnight adventures. Skiing in backcountry areas means severe weather and avalanches are real hazards. You and everyone in your group must be self-sufficient, carrying all the proper gear (transceiver, shovel, and probe), and must have avalanche training. It is advisable to travel with a guide, and in national parks you must have a Winter Permit.