About Backcountry Skiing Canada

Welcome to Backcountry Skiing Canada – your definitive online hub for everything related to ski touring and splitboarding across Canada. Since our inception, our passion has been to empower and connect the vibrant Canadian backcountry community, fostering safe exploration and a deep appreciation for our majestic mountains.

Our Mission:

At Backcountry Skiing Canada, we are dedicated to:

• Building the Backcountry Community: Creating a space where enthusiasts can connect, share experiences, and learn from one another.
• Encouraging Safe Mountain Travel: Providing essential resources, information, and promoting best practices to minimize risks in dynamic mountain environments.
• Promoting a Healthy Appreciation for Mother Nature: Inspiring respect for the wilderness and advocating for responsible outdoor ethics.
• Cranking Up the Fun Factor: Helping you discover incredible routes, find the best conditions, and maximize your enjoyment of backcountry skiing and splitboarding.

What We Offer:

We strive to be your one-stop shop for backcountry adventures, offering a wealth of resources including:

• Comprehensive Route Guides & Maps: From our popular West Kootenay Ski Touring Guide to specific maps for regions like Whistler, Lake Louise, Rogers Pass, and beyond, we provide detailed information to help you plan your next tour. Many of our routes are available electronically for convenient access.
• Latest News & Conditions: Stay informed with up-to-date reports, weather insights, and snowpack analysis to make informed decisions for your trips.
• In-depth Gear Reviews: We test and review a wide range of backcountry equipment, from skis and bindings to safety gear and apparel, helping you make informed purchasing choices.
• Vibrant Forums: Connect with fellow backcountry enthusiasts, ask questions, share trip reports, find touring partners, and engage in discussions about all things backcountry.
• Safety Tips & Education: While we are not an avalanche course provider, we emphasize basic avalanche awareness, hazard management, and the importance of continuous learning for safe travel in uncontrolled terrain.
• Community Building: Through our forums and content, we aim to facilitate connections and help you find partners who share your passion and commitment to safety.

Our Philosophy:

We believe that the Canadian backcountry offers unparalleled opportunities for adventure, challenge, and connection with nature. However, we also understand the inherent risks involved. Our content consistently emphasizes the importance of education, preparation, and responsible decision-making. We advocate for:

• Knowledge and Preparedness: Understanding avalanche terrain, carrying essential safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe), and continuous learning through recognized courses.
• Situational Awareness: Being present, observing conditions, and making real-time decisions to ensure the safety of yourself and your group.
• Respect for the Environment: Practicing Leave No Trace principles and minimizing our impact on the fragile mountain ecosystem.
• Community Collaboration: Sharing information and supporting each other to foster a stronger, safer backcountry community.

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just starting your backcountry journey, Backcountry Skiing Canada is here to support you with the information and community you need to explore Canada's incredible winter landscapes safely and confidently. Join us in celebrating the thrill of earning your turns and discovering the untouched beauty of the Canadian backcountry!

The Kootenay Region is acknowledged to have some of the best powder skiing in the world. That may be why there are more cat and heli-skiing operations nearby than anywhere else on the planet. Though some of the routes in our region take advantage of a ski lift (Whitewater and Red, for example) most depend on your using your body to climb and tour to get the goods.

Enjoy your turns. We will too.

Backcountry skiing is an inherently dangerous activity that requires experience and knowledge to travel safely. Any of the routes on this site may be dangerous depending on conditions. You are responsible for your own safety in the backcounty—the team behind backcountryskiingcanada.com disclaim any responsibility for any injury resulting from people travelling on routes described on this site.  To read our Terms of Use and get all the details, read HERE.