<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0">
    <channel>
        <title><![CDATA[Backcountry News]]></title>
        <description>RSS of Backcountry News</description>
        <pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2026 03:29:15 -0700</pubDate>
        <link>https://www.backcountryskiingcanada.com</link>
                        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[New Season, New Site]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[




window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
dataLayer.push({
  &#039;event&#039;: &#039;content_view&#039;,
  &#039;PageDetails&#039;: {
    &#039;category&#039;: &#039;news&#039;,
    &#039;subCategory&#039;: &#039;news&#039;,
    &#039;style&#039;: &#039;news&#039;,
    &#039;season&#039;: &#039;winter&#039;
  }
});



(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({&#039;gtm.start&#039;:new Date().getTime(),event:&#039;gtm.js&#039;});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],
j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!=&#039;dataLayer&#039;?&#039;&amp;l=&#039;+l:&#039;&#039;;j.async=true;j.src=
&#039;https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id=&#039;+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);
})(window,document,&#039;script&#039;,&#039;dataLayer&#039;,&#039;GTM-WPPVR6DP&#039;);

{
  &quot;@context&quot;: &quot;https://schema.org/&quot;,
  &quot;@type&quot;: &quot;NewsArticle&quot;,
  &quot;headline&quot;: &quot;New Season, New Site&quot;,
  &quot;alternativeHeadline&quot;: &quot;Why We’re Doubling Down on the Skin Track&quot;,
  &quot;author&quot;: {
    &quot;@type&quot;: &quot;Organization&quot;,
    &quot;name&quot;: &quot;Backcountry Skiing Canada&quot;
  },
  &quot;about&quot;: {
    &quot;@type&quot;: &quot;Brand&quot;,
    &quot;name&quot;: &quot;Backcountry Skiing Canada&quot;
  },
  &quot;articleBody&quot;: &quot;Where the Skin Track Began\nWhen we broke trail back in 2009 in Nelson, B.C., our objective was straightforward: deliver honest, reliable route intel for the passionate community of ski tourers exploring the deep powder of the West Kootenays. By 2010, that mission took tangible shape with the publication of our first printed guidebook.\n\nFrom those early tours up Kootenay Pass, the appetite for trusted mountain information exploded. We systematically expanded our route guides and deep-tier equipment reviews across the major mountain corridors of Western Canada:\n\nThe Coastal Ranges: From the maritime powder pillows of the Sea-to-Sky to rugged coastal glaciers.\n\nThe Columbia Mountains: Charting the storied tenure of the Monashees, Selkirks, and Purcells—including backcountry focal points like Rogers Pass.\n\nThe Canadian Rockies: Unlocking high-alpine traverses, cold continental snowpacks, and technical objectives across Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise.\n\nAlong the way, our community grew from a handful of dedicated local powder-hounds into a cross-country network of adventurers looking to push safely past the boundary ropes.\n\nThe Four Pillars: Our Standard for Every Route and Review\n\nNavigating uncontrolled alpine terrain demands more than enthusiasm; it demands respect, preparation, and self-reliance. As the line between ski resorts and the wilderness blurs, we are codifying our editorial direction around The Four Pillars of Backcountry Skiing Canada:\n\n1. Expert Guidance for All Levels\n\nHistorically, our route archives leaned heavily toward seasoned veterans, with nearly 90% of our coverage focused on advanced terrain. We are actively shifting that balance. By introducing a rich library of moderate routes evaluated under ATES 1 (Simple) and ATES 2 (Challenging) categories, we’re providing a deliberate roadmap for skiers and riders transitioning from resort groomers to backcountry bowls. Paired with expanded \&quot;how-to\&quot; safety fundamentals—terrain assessment, tour planning, and route-finding—we want to ensure you are as mentally prepared as you are well-equipped.\n\n2. Defining the ‘Backcountry’\n\nFor us, the backcountry isn&#039;t just acreage on the other side of a rope line; it is an environment that requires a baseline of fitness, self-rescue readiness, and mountain sense. We exist to help you navigate that shift in mindset. Moving beyond the marked trail means taking full responsibility for your decisions, and our content will always emphasize the discipline and respect required to travel through unmanaged mountain hazards.\n\n3. Purpose-Driven Product Authority\n\nWe don’t do vague gear lists or generic \&quot;top ten\&quot; roundups. Our review ethos is simple: the right tool for the job. A featherweight skimo setup designed for high-mileage spring traverses requires a fundamentally different review standard than a hard-charging freeride plank meant for pillow lines in the Monashees. We evaluate gear against specific mission profiles and snow climates, and we’re partnering with industry leaders to deliver clear, objective introductory guides so newcomers invest wisely from day one.\n\n4. Balanced Terrain &amp; Navigation\n\nWhether you&#039;re breaking trail on touring skis or hiking alpine singletrack, terrain needs to be clearly and accurately graded. We are standardizing our route data across a three-tiered scale for both winter and three-season travel:\n\nSimple (Green / ATES 1): Low-angle, non-avalanche or gentle terrain designed to build basic touring habits.\nChallenging (Blue / ATES 2): Demanding routes requiring active route-finding, group management, and intermediate terrain assessment.\nComplex (Black / ATES 3): High-exposure, technical alpine terrain intended strictly for seasoned experts with advanced avalanche and glacier travel training.\n\nYear-Round Intel: Summer Transitions and Safety First\nMountains don&#039;t clock out when the snowpack finishes its spring melt—and neither do we. As part of this site redesign, we are extending our technical scrutiny into the summer months. Expect the exact same depth of independent product reviews, route beta, and mapping resources applied to alpine hiking, fastpacking, climbing, and ridgeline scrambles throughout Western Canada.\n\nCrucially, we are deepening our editorial focus on mountain safety, decision-making, and hazard mitigation. While we are not a formal avalanche course provider, we believe continuous learning is non-negotiable. From tracking early-season faceted layers and atmospheric rivers to breaking down human-factor traps, our goal is to keep you informed before you step into your bindings.\n\nWelcome to the New Season\nThe updated website gives our community a faster, cleaner, and mobile-ready platform—whether you&#039;re checking snowpack intel over morning coffee or pulling up digital route coordinates in your camper van at the trailhead.\n\nExplore the revised route directories, dive into the latest gear teardowns, and join us in the forums. As the snow piles up and the lines get filled in, we&#039;ll see you out on the skin track. In the mean-time we have pulled some archive images of the Backcountry Skiing Canada website through time.&quot;
}



      
      
        
          .bsc-compare-stack { display: none; }
          @media (max-width: 640px) {
            .bsc-review-container .bsc-photo-gallery {
              grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) !important;
            }
            .bsc-review-container .bsc-compare-wide { display: none !important; }
            .bsc-review-container .bsc-compare-stack { display: flex !important; }
          }
          @container (max-width: 640px) {
            .bsc-compare-wide { display: none !important; }
            .bsc-compare-stack { display: flex !important; }
          }
          @container (max-width: 640px) {
            .bsc-photo-gallery {
              grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) !important;
            }
          }
        
        

        Why We’re Doubling Down on the Skin Track
        Backcountry Skiing Canada

        



        
    
        
        
        Welcome to the digital rebirth of Backcountry Skiing Canada.As the first crisp autumn air settles over the valleys of Western Canada and high-elevation flurries begin dusting alpine ridgelines from the Coast Mountains to the Rockies, we find ourselves standing at the trailhead of a new winter. But this autumn marks a major transition not just on the thermometer, but across our entire platform.If you’ve been clicking through our pages over the past few days, you’ve noticed a clean new skin and logo on the site. But make no mistake: while the digital scaffolding has been rebuilt from the ground up, the engine powering it remains unchanged. We aren&#039;t pivoting away from our roots. In fact, we’re doubling down on our 15-year heritage of providing unfiltered, boots-on-the-ground beta for travelers moving through Western Canada’s wild mountain ranges.
        
          
          Did we mention we are doubling down on our history? Just a tweak to our original logo.
        
    
        
          Where the Skin Track BeganWhen we broke trail back in 2009 in Nelson, B.C., our objective was straightforward: deliver honest, reliable route intel for the passionate community of ski tourers exploring the deep powder of the West Kootenays. By 2010, that mission took tangible shape with the publication of our first printed guidebook.From those early tours up Kootenay Pass, the appetite for trusted mountain information exploded. We systematically expanded our route guides and deep-tier equipment reviews across the major mountain corridors of Western Canada:The Coastal Ranges: From the maritime powder pillows of the Sea-to-Sky to rugged coastal glaciers.The Columbia Mountains: Charting the storied tenure of the Monashees, Selkirks, and Purcells—including backcountry focal points like Rogers Pass.The Canadian Rockies: Unlocking high-alpine traverses, cold continental snowpacks, and technical objectives across Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise.Along the way, our community grew from a handful of dedicated local powder-hounds into a cross-country network of adventurers looking to push safely past the boundary ropes.The Four Pillars: Our Standard for Every Route and ReviewNavigating uncontrolled alpine terrain demands more than enthusiasm; it demands respect, preparation, and self-reliance. As the line between ski resorts and the wilderness blurs, we are codifying our editorial direction around The Four Pillars of Backcountry Skiing Canada:1. Expert Guidance for All LevelsHistorically, our route archives leaned heavily toward seasoned veterans, with nearly 90% of our coverage focused on advanced terrain. We are actively shifting that balance. By introducing a rich library of moderate routes evaluated under ATES 1 (Simple) and ATES 2 (Challenging) categories, we’re providing a deliberate roadmap for skiers and riders transitioning from resort groomers to backcountry bowls. Paired with expanded &quot;how-to&quot; safety fundamentals—terrain assessment, tour planning, and route-finding—we want to ensure you are as mentally prepared as you are well-equipped.2. Defining the ‘Backcountry’For us, the backcountry isn&#039;t just acreage on the other side of a rope line; it is an environment that requires a baseline of fitness, self-rescue readiness, and mountain sense. We exist to help you navigate that shift in mindset. Moving beyond the marked trail means taking full responsibility for your decisions, and our content will always emphasize the discipline and respect required to travel through unmanaged mountain hazards.3. Purpose-Driven Product AuthorityWe don’t do vague gear lists or generic &quot;top ten&quot; roundups. Our review ethos is simple: the right tool for the job. A featherweight skimo setup designed for high-mileage spring traverses requires a fundamentally different review standard than a hard-charging freeride plank meant for pillow lines in the Monashees. We evaluate gear against specific mission profiles and snow climates, and we’re partnering with industry leaders to deliver clear, objective introductory guides so newcomers invest wisely from day one.4. Balanced Terrain &amp; NavigationWhether you&#039;re breaking trail on touring skis or hiking alpine singletrack, terrain needs to be clearly and accurately graded. We are standardizing our route data across a three-tiered scale for both winter and three-season travel:Simple (Green / ATES 1): Low-angle, non-avalanche or gentle terrain designed to build basic touring habits.Challenging (Blue / ATES 2): Demanding routes requiring active route-finding, group management, and intermediate terrain assessment.Complex (Black / ATES 3): High-exposure, technical alpine terrain intended strictly for seasoned experts with advanced avalanche and glacier travel training.Year-Round Intel: Summer Transitions and Safety FirstMountains don&#039;t clock out when the snowpack finishes its spring melt—and neither do we. As part of this site redesign, we are extending our technical scrutiny into the summer months. Expect the exact same depth of independent product reviews, route beta, and mapping resources applied to alpine hiking, fastpacking, climbing, and ridgeline scrambles throughout Western Canada.Crucially, we are deepening our editorial focus on mountain safety, decision-making, and hazard mitigation. While we are not a formal avalanche course provider, we believe continuous learning is non-negotiable. From tracking early-season faceted layers and atmospheric rivers to breaking down human-factor traps, our goal is to keep you informed before you step into your bindings.Welcome to the New SeasonThe updated website gives our community a faster, cleaner, and mobile-ready platform—whether you&#039;re checking snowpack intel over morning coffee or pulling up digital route coordinates in your camper van at the trailhead.Explore the revised route directories, dive into the latest gear teardowns, and join us in the forums. As the snow piles up and the lines get filled in, we&#039;ll see you out on the skin track. In the mean-time we have pulled some archive images of the Backcountry Skiing Canada website through time.
        
        
        
          
            
              
              The original Backcountry Skiing Canada Website circa 2014.
            
          
        
      
        
          
            
              
              Our first backcountry skiing guidebook West Kootenay Touring Guide.
            
          
        
      
        
          
            
              
              Updated website circa 2019.
            
          
        
      
        
          
            
              
              User Forum circa 2019.
            
          
        
      
      
        

        
        
      
    ]]></description>
            <pubDate>2026-10-27 09:11:27</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/new-season-new-site</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/new-season-new-site</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Escaping the &#039;Larch March Madness&#039;]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[




window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
dataLayer.push({
  &#039;event&#039;: &#039;content_view&#039;,
  &#039;PageDetails&#039;: {
    &#039;category&#039;: &#039;news&#039;,
    &#039;subCategory&#039;: &#039;news&#039;,
    &#039;style&#039;: &#039;news&#039;,
    &#039;season&#039;: &#039;winter&#039;
  }
});



(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({&#039;gtm.start&#039;:new Date().getTime(),event:&#039;gtm.js&#039;});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],
j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!=&#039;dataLayer&#039;?&#039;&amp;l=&#039;+l:&#039;&#039;;j.async=true;j.src=
&#039;https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id=&#039;+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);
})(window,document,&#039;script&#039;,&#039;dataLayer&#039;,&#039;GTM-WPPVR6DP&#039;);

{
  &quot;@context&quot;: &quot;https://schema.org/&quot;,
  &quot;@type&quot;: &quot;NewsArticle&quot;,
  &quot;headline&quot;: &quot;Escaping the &#039;Larch March Madness&#039;&quot;,
  &quot;alternativeHeadline&quot;: &quot;Earning Solitude at Lake McArthur as Winter Creeps Over the Divide&quot;,
  &quot;author&quot;: {
    &quot;@type&quot;: &quot;Organization&quot;,
    &quot;name&quot;: &quot;Backcountry Skiing Canada&quot;
  },
  &quot;about&quot;: {
    &quot;@type&quot;: &quot;Brand&quot;,
    &quot;name&quot;: &quot;Backcountry Skiing Canada&quot;
  },
  &quot;articleBody&quot;: &quot;Just across the Continental Divide in Yoho National Park lies Lake O’Hara—a storied subalpine sanctuary renowned for world-class ski touring access in winter and regulated visitor limits in summer. While scoring a seat on the Parks Canada access bus during peak season usually requires lottery luck, the backcountry rules of engagement remain unchanged: access is open to anyone willing to put in the footwork.\n\nBy taking on the roughly paved 11-kilometre fire road on foot, earning the 400 metres of vertical up to Lake O&#039;Hara takes two to three hours of steady pacing. While the road itself is utilitarian, the reward lies beyond. Another 5 kilometres and 400 metres of elevation gain push past Lake Schaffer into the transitional alpine zone, leading directly to the cirque of Lake McArthur at 2,250 metres.\n\nDuring the final operational weekend of the access shuttle in early October, fresh dusting coats the scree and autumn gold collides with early winter snowpacks—a stark reminder of the imminent shift to skin tracks and ski crampons.\n\nRoute Logistics: Beating the Crowds via Self-Propulsion\nTotal Distance: Approximately 31 km round trip purely on foot (11 km road + 4 km/5 km trail each way), or roughly 21 km if catching an empty outgoing bus seat ($15 cash, first-come, first-served at the Le Relais shelter).\n\nTotal Elevation Gain: ~800 m cumulative (400 m along the road approach, 400 m from Lake O’Hara up through McArthur Pass / High Level route).\n\nTerrain &amp; Elevation: Transition from montane spruce-fir forest to fragile subalpine meadows and exposed scree benches at 2,250 m.\n\nShoulder-Season Safety Note: Early October brings mixed conditions across the Rockies. Shaded trail sections around Schaffer and McArthur quickly ice over, demanding microspikes or traction devices, windproof layering, headlamps for the road walk, and active bear awareness during the pre-hibernation hyperphagia phase.\n\n&quot;
}



      
      
        
          .bsc-compare-stack { display: none; }
          @media (max-width: 640px) {
            .bsc-review-container .bsc-photo-gallery {
              grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) !important;
            }
            .bsc-review-container .bsc-compare-wide { display: none !important; }
            .bsc-review-container .bsc-compare-stack { display: flex !important; }
          }
          @container (max-width: 640px) {
            .bsc-compare-wide { display: none !important; }
            .bsc-compare-stack { display: flex !important; }
          }
          @container (max-width: 640px) {
            .bsc-photo-gallery {
              grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) !important;
            }
          }
        
        

        Earning Solitude at Lake McArthur as Winter Creeps Over the Divide
        Backcountry Skiing Canada

        



        
    
        
        A self-propelled push into Lake McArthur delivers pure alpine solitude and golden larches along the Great Divide.
        Every autumn across the Canadian Rockies, the onset of golden needles triggers what locals know as the &quot;Larch March Madness.&quot; Trailheads along the Bow Valley and Moraine Lake swell with bumper-to-bumper convoys, and popular tracks like Larch Valley transform into single-file processions. For backcountry enthusiasts seeking quiet lines and early-season alpine solitude, following the herd isn&#039;t the objective.
        
          
          A lone hiker navigates the transition trail toward Lake McArthur. Subalpine larch (Larix lyallii) blaze gold against dusting snow, with hanging glaciers clinging to the headwall behind.
        
    
        
          Just across the Continental Divide in Yoho National Park lies Lake O’Hara—a storied subalpine sanctuary renowned for world-class ski touring access in winter and regulated visitor limits in summer. While scoring a seat on the Parks Canada access bus during peak season usually requires lottery luck, the backcountry rules of engagement remain unchanged: access is open to anyone willing to put in the footwork.By taking on the roughly paved 11-kilometre fire road on foot, earning the 400 metres of vertical up to Lake O&#039;Hara takes two to three hours of steady pacing. While the road itself is utilitarian, the reward lies beyond. Another 5 kilometres and 400 metres of elevation gain push past Lake Schaffer into the transitional alpine zone, leading directly to the cirque of Lake McArthur at 2,250 metres.During the final operational weekend of the access shuttle in early October, fresh dusting coats the scree and autumn gold collides with early winter snowpacks—a stark reminder of the imminent shift to skin tracks and ski crampons.Route Logistics: Beating the Crowds via Self-PropulsionTotal Distance: Approximately 31 km round trip purely on foot (11 km road + 4 km/5 km trail each way), or roughly 21 km if catching an empty outgoing bus seat ($15 cash, first-come, first-served at the Le Relais shelter).Total Elevation Gain: ~800 m cumulative (400 m along the road approach, 400 m from Lake O’Hara up through McArthur Pass / High Level route).Terrain &amp; Elevation: Transition from montane spruce-fir forest to fragile subalpine meadows and exposed scree benches at 2,250 m.Shoulder-Season Safety Note: Early October brings mixed conditions across the Rockies. Shaded trail sections around Schaffer and McArthur quickly ice over, demanding microspikes or traction devices, windproof layering, headlamps for the road walk, and active bear awareness during the pre-hibernation hyperphagia phase.
        
        
        
          
            
              
              Sitting perched at 2,250 metres, Lake McArthur’s deep, cold waters rest beneath sheer limestone faces dusted with October’s first real accumulations.
            
          
        
      
        
          
            
              
              Looking back along the ascent trail over scree slopes and scattered snow patches into the forested valleys flanking the Great Divide.
            
          
        
      
        
          
            
              
              Lake Schaffer offers a quiet intermediate basin below Mount Schaffer, framed by stands of golden larches reflecting off glassy shallows.
            
          
        
      
        
          
            
              
              The turquoise waters and shoreline timber of Lake O&#039;Hara under heavy autumn cloud cover, viewed before descending back to the valley floor.
            
          
        
      
      
        

        
        
      
    ]]></description>
            <pubDate>2026-10-26 08:24:21</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/lake-mcarthur-larch-march</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/lake-mcarthur-larch-march</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Get Out and Feel Alive: Helly Hansen Open Mountain Month Hits the Canadian Rockies This Summer!]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[While June is drawing to a close, the mountain adventure season is only just catching its stride. If you&amp;#39;re looking for the perfect excuse to trade your ski touring skins for a solid pair of hiking boots, look no further. Helly Hansen&amp;rsquo;s annual Open Mountain Month is back for its fourth year, offering an incredible lineup of events, guided experiences, and community challenges stretching across the Canadian Rockies and Western Canada throughout the summer.

Designed for both seasoned backcountry explorers and outdoor newcomers, Open Mountain Month is all about experiencing the power of shared adventure. Partnering with mountain professionals, local guides, and search-and-rescue teams, Helly Hansen is hosting experiences aimed at building confidence, fostering community, and ensuring everyone can safely enjoy the peaks we love.

Whether you&amp;#39;re looking to push your limits or try something entirely new, Open Mountain Month brings the community together.

Unmissable Summer Events Across Canada

No matter your skill level, there&amp;rsquo;s an activity on the calendar designed to get you moving. Here are some of the premier events taking place across B.C. and Alberta:


	
	Hike Revelstoke Women&amp;#39;s Group Hikes (Select Dates, June 27 &amp;ndash; September 12): Led by Helly Hansen ambassador and professional skier/adventurer Nat Segal, these full-day guided hikes focus on community, confidence, and connection for women exploring the breathtaking terrain around Revelstoke.
	
	
	Rise + Climb &amp;amp; Blaze the Trails at Sea to Sky Gondola (Saturdays, June 27 &amp;ndash; September 5): Take on Squamish&amp;#39;s winding trails to boost your mind and mood. Finishers at the summit receive complimentary hot drinks, exclusive gifts from Helly Hansen, and a chance to win massive outdoor gear prize packs.
	
	
	Helly Hansen Guided Hikes (Various Weekends in July): Looking to dive deeper safely? Lace up your boots and join professional mountain guides for curated journeys through the wild landscapes of Banff, Golden, Revelstoke, Whistler, and North Vancouver. These small-group guided treks are perfect for learning local terrain, mountain safety, and backcountry navigation tricks.
	
	
	Helly Hansen Hiking Challenge at Whistler Blackcomb (June 27 &amp;ndash; September 7): Turn your passion for the trail into serious bragging rights. Log your hikes over the summer to accumulate points and enter to win grand prizes and premium technical apparel.
	
	
	The Ultimate Summit Sleepover at Whistler Blackcomb (August 15&amp;ndash;16): Returning for its fourth year, this highly coveted, money-can&amp;#39;t-buy experience gives lucky winners the rare chance to camp high above the clouds on Whistler Mountain. The curated overnight includes sunset alpine entertainment, fine dining, sunrise yoga, and a premium Helly Hansen gear package valued at over $600.
	


Trade the ski boots for hiking footwear and explore the alpine terrain of Western Canada with certified mountain pros.

Ready to Experience the Open Mountain?

At its core, Helly Hansen&amp;rsquo;s mission is to enable life-enhancing experiences between people and the raw power of nature. When you trust your kit and share the trail with experienced pros, exploring the high alpine becomes more accessible and rewarding than ever.

To find a full calendar of event dates, sign up for local guided hikes in the Rockies, or enter to win a spot at the Whistler Summit Sleepover, head over to the official hub.

Visit www.hellyhansen.com/open-mountain to find out more or register for an event near you.&amp;nbsp;
]]></description>
            <pubDate>2026-06-26 03:53:16</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/helly-hansen-open-mountain-month-canada-2026</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/helly-hansen-open-mountain-month-canada-2026</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[2026 Backcountry Skiing Canada User Survey Results &amp; Trends]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The results are in! After weeks of gathering data from across North America, the 2026 Backcountry Skiing Canada User Survey is officially closed. We want to extend a massive thank you to the hundreds of ski tourers and backcountry skiers who shared their perspectives. From the rugged peaks of the Rockies to the deep snowpacks of the Coast Mountains, your feedback has provided us with a baseline understanding of our community&amp;#39;s current needs and habits.



As our first comprehensive survey focused specifically on backcountry skiing, these insights are invaluable. The data highlights a strong preference for high-performance safety tools and a growing interest in lightweight gear that doesn&amp;#39;t sacrifice downhill performance. Beyond equipment, your responses have clarified exactly what you value most&amp;mdash;ranging from localized route beta to more in-depth technical reviews. This feedback will serve as our primary roadmap for the coming seasons, ensuring our content remains the most relevant resource for your winter adventures.

We are also excited to announce that the prize winners have been selected! One lucky participant has won the MEC Tour 32 Ski Pack, and dozens of others have secured annual memberships to our exclusive route database. Head over to the full post to see a breakdown of the key data points from the 2026 season and find out if you were one of this year&amp;#39;s lucky winners. Click here to read the full review of the survey results and see what your fellow backcountry enthusiasts had to say.

Read a summary of the results: &amp;lt;&amp;lt;CLICK HERE&amp;gt;&amp;gt;
]]></description>
            <pubDate>2026-05-06 12:21:23</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/2026-Backcountry-Skier-Survey-Results</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/2026-Backcountry-Skier-Survey-Results</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Sunshine Village to Reopen for Canada Day]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Sunshine Village Confirms Summer Skiing Window for 2026

It is a recurring theme in the Canadian Rockies: Banff Sunshine Village almost always runs out of skiers before it runs out of snow. While the resort typically wraps up its winter operations in late May, the 2025/26 season&amp;mdash;which saw a staggering cumulative total of nearly 1,000 cm of snowfall&amp;mdash;has provided enough of a buffer for a rare summer encore.

The resort has confirmed it will reopen for 16 days of summer skiing from June 20th through July 5th, 2026.

Historical Precedent

While the &amp;quot;Slush Cup&amp;quot; usually marks the end of the lift-access season, summer openings have occurred a handful of times in the resort&amp;rsquo;s history. Most recently, in 2022, a similar late-season snowpack allowed the resort to spin lifts from June 28th to July 3rd. These windows are entirely dependent on the depth of the spring snowpack and its ability to withstand the rising June temperatures.



Operational Details

For the 2026 summer session, the current plan focuses on the Strawberry Express quad. Depending on how the upper mountain holds up, there is a possibility of another lift opening, though operations will likely be limited to the core morning and early afternoon hours to preserve the snow surface.


&amp;quot;Our decision to host summer skiing is thanks to record snowfall,&amp;quot; the resort noted in a recent update. &amp;quot;For those planning to join us for some summer turns, our hotel Sunshine Mountain Lodge will be open for guests.&amp;quot;


Implications for the Backcountry

For the backcountry skiing community, this announcement serves as a useful benchmark for high-alpine conditions along the Continental Divide (which&amp;nbsp;Sunshine straddles). A snowpack deep enough to support resort operations into July confirms that the higher-elevation lines on the Continental Divide and throughout the Bow Valley will likely remain filled and skiable well into the summer months.

Plan Ahead

Summer skiing is a novelty that requires a different approach than mid-winter laps. Expect &amp;quot;hero snow&amp;quot; early in the day followed by heavy, saturated conditions by the afternoon. Those making the trip should be prepared for typical summer mountain weather and high UV exposure.
]]></description>
            <pubDate>2026-05-05 06:27:03</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/banff-sunshine-summer-skiing-july-2026</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/banff-sunshine-summer-skiing-july-2026</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[When in Doubt, Go to the Mountains: The Resilience of Christine Bérubé-Martin]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Finding the Way Back: How the Mountains Healed a Soul

For Christine B&amp;eacute;rub&amp;eacute;-Martin, the path to the peaks wasn&amp;rsquo;t a straight line. It was a winding, often difficult journey that began in Gasp&amp;eacute;sie, Qu&amp;eacute;bec, and led her through the depths of personal loss before delivering her to the vast, quiet wilderness of the Yukon and British Columbia.

In the latest episode of Rab&amp;nbsp;Team Mountain People, produced by Pilchard Productions, we follow Christine to Sol Mountain Lodge during the winter solstice. It is here, amidst the rugged beauty of the Monashee Mountains, that she reflects on a life reclaimed. Once a child who felt most alive in a tent under the stars, Christine lost her way following the death of her mother at age ten. After years of struggling with addiction and a lost sense of direction, she found her &amp;quot;anchor&amp;quot; in the backcountry.


&amp;quot;That&amp;#39;s where I felt my utmost self. It brought the little child out of me... that child that liked being outdoors. That is what actually brings the kid out of me every day I go out there.&amp;quot; &amp;mdash; [02:57]


The Balance: Nursing and the Backcountry

Now a nurse in the Yukon, Christine balances the high-stakes, emotionally heavy environment of the hospital floor with the restorative silence of the mountains. She views her time on a splitboard not just as a hobby, but as a necessity for her mental well-being. By choosing the right partners&amp;mdash;whether on a medical &amp;quot;dream team&amp;quot; or a skin track&amp;mdash;she has learned that vulnerability is a strength and presence is the ultimate goal.



Christine&amp;rsquo;s story is a reminder that the mountains don&amp;#39;t just offer adrenaline; they offer a reset. She describes her lifestyle as a way to &amp;quot;grow young,&amp;quot; maintaining the wonder of that ten-year-old girl who never wanted to go back inside. For her, the energy needed to be a &amp;quot;jolly nurse&amp;quot; for her patients is cultivated directly from her &amp;quot;missions&amp;quot; in the wild [03:28].

Key Highlights from the Film:


	
	Location: Filmed on location at Sol Mountain Lodge in the Monashee Mountains, BC.
	
	
	The Message: Exploring the intersection of professional burnout, grief recovery, and the healing power of nature.
	
	
	The Team: A collaboration between Rab and Pilchard Productions (Ben Howells).
	


Watch the Short Film:

Ready to be inspired? Watch the full episode of Team Mountain People featuring Christine B&amp;eacute;rub&amp;eacute;-Martin below:






]]></description>
            <pubDate>2026-03-17 09:45:04</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/christine-berube-martin-mountain-people</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/christine-berube-martin-mountain-people</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Team USA Secures Olympic Quota at Salt Lake City Skimo World Cup; Canada Finishes 7th]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Solitude Mountain Resort, Utah &amp;ndash; The road to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games took a decisive turn this weekend at the Salt Lake City Skimo World Cup. In a high-stakes showdown on North American snow, athletes from 24 nations gathered to close the Olympic qualifying period, resulting in a historic performance for Team USA and the official securing of the North American Olympic quota spot.

The Battle for the Olympic Quota

The atmosphere was electric as the United States and Canada faced off for the continent&amp;rsquo;s singular Olympic quota. The pressure peaked during Saturday&amp;rsquo;s Mixed Relay, where fresh snowfall set the stage for a defining moment in North American ski mountaineering.

While the U.S. team of Cam Smith and Anna Gibson took the victory and the quota spot with a time of 32:17.6, the Canadian squad fought a valiant battle in the A Final.


	
	Canadian Results: The Canadian duo of Emma Cook-Clarke and Aaron Robson battled hard against the world&amp;#39;s best, finishing 7th overall (+1:31.7 back). Despite missing the quota spot in this head-to-head matchup, their presence in the A Final against elite European teams underscores the rising level of Canadian ski mountaineering.
	
	
	Team USA Victory: Smith and Gibson (in her first-ever World Cup appearance) executed a flawless race to claim the first Mixed Relay World Cup victory in U.S. history.
	
	
	US Depth: The U.S. team also swept the B Final, with Griffin Briley &amp;amp; Hali Hafeman taking 1st, and John Gaston &amp;amp; Jessie Young taking 2nd.
	



&amp;ldquo;This weekend was a defining moment for U.S. ski mountaineering. Winning the Mixed Relay on home snow... reflects years of progress and the remarkable commitment of our athletes and staff.&amp;rdquo; &amp;mdash; Sarah Cookler, Head of Sport for USA Skimo


Sprint Day: Speed and Strategy

Sunday brought clear skies and a fast, technical track for the Sprint races. With Olympic qualification on the line, the racing was aggressive and thrilling.

Women&amp;rsquo;s Sprint Results:


	
	Margot Ravinel (FRA) &amp;ndash; 3:14.8
	
	
	Giulia Murada (ITA) &amp;ndash; +13.1
	
	
	Katia Mascherona (ITA) &amp;ndash; +13.2
	


Men&amp;rsquo;s Sprint Results:


	
	Jon Kistler (SUI) &amp;ndash; 2:40.7
	
	
	Arno Lietha (SUI) &amp;ndash; +2.7
	
	
	Maximilien Drion du Chapois (BEL) &amp;ndash; +11.0
	


A Historic Step for North American Skimo

This event marked the first time the ISMF World Cup tour has stopped in the U.S. since the Federation was founded in 2007. With global broadcast coverage and a packed crowd, the event showcased that North American Skimo is ready for the world stage&amp;mdash;looking ahead not just to Italy in 2026, but to the 2034 Winter Games returning to Salt Lake City.

For full results and more details on the qualification process, check out the ISMF official website.
]]></description>
            <pubDate>2025-12-13 07:17:18</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/Team-USA-Secures-Olympic-Quota-Salt-Lake-City-Skimo-World-Cup</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/Team-USA-Secures-Olympic-Quota-Salt-Lake-City-Skimo-World-Cup</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Freshtival 20025]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Get an early start to your Fall Ski Film fix with Calgary&amp;#39;s Freshtival 2025.

Since 2023, Fresh Skis has been bringing Calgary skiers together every fall to celebrate, connect and watch the year&amp;#39;s best ski movies. Come see the best ski action captured on film last winter by Teton Gravity Research, Matchstick Productions and others.

Friday October 17th
&amp;quot;After the Snowfall&amp;quot; Matchstick Production

Saturday October 18th
&amp;quot;Preassure Drop&amp;quot; Teton Gravity Research.

Get all the details: CLICK HERE&amp;nbsp;]]></description>
            <pubDate>2025-09-30 14:19:06</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/Freshtival-2025</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/Freshtival-2025</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Little Things That Matter When Backcountry Skiing]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Over the years, backcountry skiing has grown rapidly in popularity. Gear has improved immensely, as has our knowledge of snow and weather conditions. This has opened up numerous new areas for skiers and snowboarders to explore.&amp;nbsp;

A tour in the backcountry is an incredibly rewarding experience. It makes it easy to avoid crowded resorts, lift lines and traffic. The sound of skins swishing through fresh blower powder as you make your way to the top of your line is beautiful music.&amp;nbsp;

A trip to the backcountry is fairly easy to make happen. It doesn&amp;#39;t take a ton of effort to call some buddies, set a meeting time and place, grab your gear and head out. With that said, there are a ton of small things that can add to your experience. Putting a little thought into the comfort and safety of the entire group goes along ways in ensuring a fun, safe and successful day out in the backcountry. Here are some small backcountry skiing tips and tricks you can use to make sure your next day on the mountain&amp;nbsp;is unforgettable.&amp;nbsp;

Ski Straps
Ski straps are a vital piece of any backcountry skier&amp;#39;s kit. By carrying at least four of them at all times, you can solve a number of issues that can come up while skiing in the backcountry. Can&amp;#39;t get your skins to stick? Use a ski strap front and back to hold them in place. In a pinch, they can also be wrapped around your boot to provide extra traction.&amp;nbsp;

In addition to securing loose gear or skis, a ski strap can be employed in a variety of situations if you get creative.

Layer Up
Dressing properly is a key part of a comfortable day of backcountry skiing. While the skin up may start off cold, you&amp;#39;ll quickly start to heat up as you make your way up the track. Wearing a few layers that you can easily shed while ascending but then put back on prior to dropping in will make your life significantly easier. It&amp;#39;s especially important to wear a thermal base layer before layering anything. This will be the most source of your warmth!

A second set of gloves can come in handy too. Mountain bike gloves make for a great option to use on the way up as they are lightweight and breathable, but still protect your hands from the elements.&amp;nbsp;

Don&amp;#39;t forget to wear a warm winter hat! Opting for something lighter weight can help avoid sweating on the way up, but can also be used as extra insulation under your helmet.&amp;nbsp;

Bring Duct Tape
Duct tape (I personally prefer Gorilla Tape, but to each their own!) is an essential addition to your backcountry skiing kit. When something breaks, duct tape can generally fix it enough to get you back to your truck. Wrap it around your ski poles or Nalgene so you&amp;#39;ve always got some with you. Bailing wiring and zip ties are other items worth adding to your repair kit.&amp;nbsp;

Seat Pad
A scrap of old yoga mat or even just a thin piece of foam can be an incredibly useful addition to your set up. It can be used as a seat that keeps your butt warm and dry while you wait for the rest of your crew or stop for a lunch break. When you are back at the car, it doubles as a changing mat while you switch from ski boots to your everyday shoes.&amp;nbsp;

Wax
Everyone waxes their skis at the beginning of the season, right? While you&amp;#39;re waxing yours, put a light coat on the top of the skis too. This will help them shed snow more easily, saving you some energy on your way up.&amp;nbsp;

Food
Don&amp;#39;t skimp on food. Trying to complete an epic day without proper nourishment is sure to cause major headaches. H-anger is a very real thing and can be avoided with a little planning. Pack something tasty with lots of calories. You&amp;#39;ll thank me later.&amp;nbsp;

Water
Your trusty Nalgene bottle is a reliable and easy way to transport water, but it is not always the most convenient. These bulky items can easily fall out of a water bottle sleeve and are not very forgiving in the event of a fall. A soft sided water bottle is easily stashed in a jacket pocket and takes up almost no space once its empty.&amp;nbsp;
Another option is to use a hydration sleeve. Though a hydration sleeve is convenient, they are not without their own issues. Water tends to freeze in the hose if it is not properly dealt with. Blowing some air into the hose and pushing the water back into the sleeve is one way to keep it from freezing. You can also add some sugar, powdered drink mix or even a little whiskey to keep your water from icing over.&amp;nbsp;
Planning for a day in the backcountry involves a lot of things. In addition to the obvious things like your beacon, probe, shovel and other necessary gear, these small items can help make your day out a little bit easier. It can take years of skiing to get your kit just right, so trying new things never hurts. Lots of little things can quickly add up and help make your day out that much better.&amp;nbsp;]]></description>
            <pubDate>2019-03-25 10:34:57</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/Backcountry%20Skiing%20for%20Beginners</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/Backcountry%20Skiing%20for%20Beginners</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Skills to Pay the Bills - Intro to Backcountry clinic- Nelson BC]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Are you new to the backcountry and want to build a solid foundation before you head out of bounds? Do you already have some experience, but maybe want a fresh reminder before you head out for the new season? Gals. This may be the clinic for you!

Come join us and ACMG guide Laura Adams for a day in the backcountry that focuses on avalanche search and rescue techniques, travel skills, and terrain and gear management. We&amp;#39;ll end the day with an after-shred mixer and photo review at the tasting room at Nelson Brewing Company!

This clinic will cost $180 plus tax. 10% discount if you bring a friend, or if you sign up for another Pow Gals Clinic. 10% of fees going to the Nelson and District Youth Centre!

Message us for more info! We&amp;#39;d be happy to answer any questions you may have!]]></description>
            <pubDate>2018-12-05 16:33:36</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/Introduction%20to%20backcountry%20clinic</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/Introduction%20to%20backcountry%20clinic</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Mountain Biking in the Thaw Season - Choose Your Trails Wisely]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[
It&amp;rsquo;s been a cold wet spring in much of British Columbia, and Canada for that matter, and it seems like mountain bike season may never arrive. If you live on the coast your trail options are much greater than in the interior so any trails that may be free of snow are tempting to ride. At this time of year though no matter where you live it&amp;rsquo;s good idea to take a moment to think about the effects of riding on wet trails and what we can do as riders to minimize our impacts so trails remain sustainable in the long term.

	Choose the trails you are going to ride wisely: pick ones that are built to withstand use in the wet. Most mountain bike associations are building new trails with sustainability in mind so most built in the last few years should be wet weather friendly. If in doubt check Trailforks to see if a trail has been designated as wet friendly. Chances are your favorite old school, steep, fall line loamer is not wet weather friendly.
	Don&amp;rsquo;t be tempted to drop into or ride up flowing creeks of water. There&amp;rsquo;s nothing worse than spending an hour grinding up a climb to get to your favorite descent and see it&amp;rsquo;s a raging river. It&amp;rsquo;s tempting to just roll in and ride but either move on to another trail if possible or turn around and save it for another day. Same goes for climbing up trails, if you see running water at the bottom, try another climb or ride somewhere else if possible.
	If you come across deep mud or puddles on trails don&amp;rsquo;t try and ride around it. This will widen the trail and cause damage to surrounding vegetation. Also, if you come across wet, slick sections of trail you aren&amp;rsquo;t comfortable riding don&amp;rsquo;t create a new line to go around it. There&amp;rsquo;s nothing wrong with walking down wet greasy sections if you have to.
	This should go without saying wet or dry but ride don&amp;#39;t slide. Ease off on the rear brakes!
	Join your local mountain bike association and volunteer on trail days. We have all ridden in the wet before and there&amp;rsquo;s no better way to give back to the trails than to help work on them.

]]></description>
            <pubDate>2018-04-23 19:17:03</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/Mountain%20Biking</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/Mountain%20Biking</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Brandon Semenuk Is At It Again]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[At this point, when Brandon Semenuk is featured in another one of Rupert Walker&amp;#39;s Raw 100 edits, I know it&amp;#39;s going to be good. I don&amp;#39;t think I&amp;#39;m alone in saying that while the short films are only 100 seconds long, I&amp;#39;ve sunk more time than I&amp;#39;d care to admit&amp;nbsp;into watching them over and over again.&amp;nbsp;

Without further ado, here is the third installment in this sublime video series:
&amp;nbsp;





]]></description>
            <pubDate>2017-08-06 12:06:39</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/brandon-semenuk-raw-100-v3</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/brandon-semenuk-raw-100-v3</guid>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[TGR lands in our back yard-- VIDEO]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[I don&amp;#39;t remember seeing them but apparently there was a TGR crew up at Whitewater shooting. Because&amp;nbsp;Tight Loose&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;came out last season, this must have been shot the season before. &amp;nbsp;&amp;#39;way to recycle that content! Does anyone recognize these zones?&amp;nbsp;It&amp;#39;s sled accessed, near Nelson and looks like a heck of a lot of fun. Happy August everyone. I hope it&amp;#39;s not as smokey where you are as it is now here in Nelson...







&amp;nbsp;]]></description>
            <pubDate>2017-08-03 09:40:08</pubDate>
            <link>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/TGR%20lands%20in%20our%20back%20yard--%20VIDEO</link>
            <guid>/index.php/forum/bcs/category/backcountry-news/topic/TGR%20lands%20in%20our%20back%20yard--%20VIDEO</guid>
                    </item>
                    </channel>
</rss>
