Backcountry Tours

See Whistler beyond the crowds with a tour into the pristine backcountry. Featuring ski touring, ice climbing and mountaineering, theres a variety of activities to get you out in Whistler’s alpine wilderness. Try snowshoeing to a hidden waterfall or take a helicopter to a remote lodge for cross-country skiing and a gourmet lunch. For the ultimate Canadian winter adventure, snowmobile or dog sled your way through breathtaking scenery.

Avalanche Courses

Informative courses in avalanche safety, awareness, and terrain assessment are available through Whistler Alpine Guides Bureau, Coast Mountain Guides and Pacific Alpine Institute. These courses are excellent for skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers and those frequenting the backcountry areas.

The courses have been designed and recognized by the Canadian Avalanche Association. Instructors are qualified and experienced. All courses include manual and handout packages.

Free Avalanche Awareness Tours

Free daily Avalanche Awareness Tours are jointly run by the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol and the Whistler Sports Injury Prevention Program. The full day tour covers terrain evaluation, avalanche phenomenon, procedures that Whistler Blackcomb uses to keep people safe inside the ski area boundary, avalanche safety equipment, and rescue techniques. You must be able to ski or ride a blue (intermediate) run comfortably.

Blackcomb Mountain: Thursday and Saturday - register in advance through the Blackcomb Daylodge Guest Relations desk or call 604.938.7759. Please note: a $10 cash refundable deposit will be taken when you sign up. On the day of your tour, meet your Ski Patrol guide and group at 8:45 am at the Blackcomb Daylodge.

Whistler Mountain: Tuesday and Sunday - meet at the Guest Communication Centre in the Roundhouse at 10:30 am. Please note: no deposit or pre-registration is required.

Ask at any Guest Services for more information.

Tips for Travel in Avalanche Terrain

Avoid large, steep, lee bowls, gullies and cornices
Choose safer routes: ridge tops, valley floors, dense timber and low angle slopes
Never have more than one person on a slope at any time
Don't stop in the middle of the slope, move to a safe place
Watch each person on the slope and stay in voice contact
Have a plan: know who is going to go first, where to stop and where is the escape route

Ice Climbing

Ever dreamed of climbing up a frozen waterfall of ice? It’s definitely an extreme challenge but professional guides and safety equipment make it all possible. Whistler Alpine Guides Bureau offers daily guided climbing trips (for beginners and more experienced), ice climbing courses and private guided tours. Coast Mountain Guides has intro and advanced climbing tours available.