Backcountry Skiing in Canada
Heli Skiing, Cat Skiing & Ski Mountaineering in Canada's Wilderness Mountains
A world class winter season for wilderness backcountry, heli and cat skiing in our powder snow mountains
Canada backcountry skiing, which in most worlds includes heli skiing and cat skiing, provides an opportunity to locals and visitors alike to ski the most remote regions of Canada's backcountry mountains. There are various levels of Canada backcountry skiing. Each uniquely accessed by different modes of transportation. The main types of backcountry skiing in Canada include heli skiing, cat skiing, telemark skiing and ski mountaineering.
Backcountry Skiing | British Columbia || Alberta || Saskatchewan || Yukon || NWT || Manitoba || Ontario || Newfoundland || Quebec |
Canada Backcountry Skiing by Helicopter
Heli skiing in Canada involves, you guessed it, helicopters. Many of the bigger ski resorts and heli sking tour operators operate in or near the major ski resorts in Canada. However, there are some heli ski tour operators who operate more remotely close to majestic mountain ranges. Canadian heli skiing is like no other, because of our high elevation mountain ranges and our world class powder snow.
Cat Skiing in Canada
Cat skiing in Canada is a different skiing experience. However, the powder snow result is the same. Most of the cat skiing tour operators are located on resorts or near resorts. Canada cat skiing requires large snowcats. (A snowcat is an enclosed-cab, truck-sized, fully tracked vehicle designed to move on snow. - Wikipedia). The snowcat travels on snow covered roads and mountain slopes to reach their skiing destinations.
Canadian Ski Mountaineering
Ski mountaineering is another form of Canada backcountry skiing. Ski mountaineering involves, in some cases, self propelled transportation to reach their destinations because, in some cases, nothing else can get there. Often ski mountaineering transportation involves snowshoes and telemark skiing to reach backcountry ski destinations. Telemark skiing (also known as free heel skiing) is a form of skiing using the Telemark turn.
Canada Skiing Multi Day Adventures
Throughout the winter season there are various operators who provide heli skiing, cat skiing and ski mountaineering adventures which can last for days and even weeks. These high end backcountry skiing adventures are well planned with lodges and accommodations spread out along the route. Most backcountry ski operators provide lessons (if you require them), equipment, meals, transportation, and guides. Operators are also obligated to check the weather conditions, avalanche reports and ski routes. Services and amenities will vary per trip and tour operator.
Wilderness Winter Lodges in Canada
The accommodations provided on a backcountry ski adventure varies based on location and operator. Therefore some are rustic and some are full service lodges, self contained cottages and remote wilderness cabins. Located in some of the deep backcountry regions in Canada are alpine huts which are basic lodgings (warming huts) for skiers provided and managed by local alpine clubs. Do your research.
Best Canada Backcountry Skiing
Now that is a tough question? However, backcountry skiing, heli skiing and cat skiing is most popular in the mountain ranges of British Columbia and Alberta including the Coast Mountains, Interior Mountains and throughout the Rocky Mountains. Because of the many mountain ranges in the western provinces heli and cat skiing is more available. However, Ontario and Quebec have areas in the province which provide backcountry ski adventures as well. And there are also wilderness lodges providing ski mountaineering adventures in the Yukon Territory of Canada too.
Canada Backcountry Skiing, Heli Skiing, Telemark Skiing and Cat Skiing Tips
- research tour groups, lodges and guides pertaining to your skiing needs.
- always backcountry ski within your abilities.
- confirm and prepare a trip plan with arrival and departure dates
- never backcountry ski in the wilderness alone.
- research your ski destination as per your preferences.
- bring sunglasses and ski goggles as the snow reflects light making it very bright on the eyes.
- always ski with an avalanche probe & snow shovel.
- pack maps, a compass, a knife, tools to start a fire and a noisemaker to signal a rescue crew.
- do not ski under the influence of alcohol.
- dress in layers.
- bring dry clothes for a change of clothes at the end of the day.
- carry a lightweight backpack packed with water, snacks, tissues, a camera and cell phone.
- pack electronics in plastic bag for protection from snow and wet conditions.
- lock your vehicle when out skiing.