Northern BC is our home…
Sean has guided through northern BC for close to 20 years – From the Cariboo & Rocky Mountains near Valemount and McBride, to the Mcgregor Ranges and Pine Pass outside Prince George, to the rugged Howson Ranges near Smithers, the North Coast Mountains of Terrace, and the Boundary Ranges of Stewart and Bell 2. I’ve worked at all the major heliski operations and ski touring lodges,and know the area well ! There are infinite possibilities for spectacular ski trips. From high mountain glaciers and peaks, to couloirs, tree skiing or mellow alpine cruisers – there is something for everyone here.
Why should I hire an ACMG certified guide?
Our job is your safety, comfort and enjoyment. That means we set a comfortable pace for you, along a well set track, and choose terrain and conditions suitable for your group and abilities. We offer you the security of professional safety systems, comprehensive terrain and snowpack evaluation, and an eye for fresh powder and great skiing.
Please join in on a scheduled trip or call to discuss your ideas. .
Types of Ski Trips we offer…
DAY TRIPS:
Let our professional ACMG guides look after all the logistics and details, and get out for a day of backcountry ski touring. We offer daily tours in the Smithers area, or throughout the northwest. CONTACT US to book a custom trip »
The “Classic” Smithers Backcountry
A lot of hype has been generated about the area over the past decade. We have a good thing here, but its not a hidden utopia that many people often think it is. However,it is good ski touring, with a mix of terrain that ranges from easy access/egress, short distance tours, that are suitable for beginner skiers, with basic fitness. Or – gruelling, character building approaches/egress over long distances that reward you for your efforts.
Our snowpack is best described as an intermountain, transitional snowpack. While technically we are in the North Coast Ranges, we do not have an epic, deep maritime snowpack. Many places are more akin to the Rockies. The Bulkley Valley is not known for tree skiing – but we have spectacular, and extensive Alpine terrain.
Access varies with a few areas that offer short, quick hit roadside tours on a regular, annual basis.Some other areas are dependant on resource road plowing that can change each year, while other areas require a high degree of fitness to approach ski objectives, with tours in the 20-30km &1500m elevation gain range. Utilization of a snowmobile or helicopter can open up lots of terrain, but at additional cost.
So – if you have a sense of adventure, are open to ski in a new area, in variable mountain snow – you will have fun.
Dates: November – May daily. Please contact us for availability.
Group Size: Up to 6 guests
Pricing & Guiding Info Package
Waiver: All guest are required to sign a waiver before a trip
Lodge or Cabin Based Trips
Spending a few days at a remote, backcountry lodge is a unique experience. Life is simple – Ski, eat, sleep. Repeat ! Our guides can join you for a trip you have booked, or join in on one of ours. Let us take the guesswork out of logistics, routefinding, tracksetting, and snowpack evaluation so you focus on the skiing.
We often have trips running at some of my colleagues fine backcountry lodges in northern BC:
CONTACT US to book a custom trip »
Here’s an example of a local trip we offer most winters….
Babine Mountains Provincial Park – Joe L’Orsa Cabin
Located on the east side of the Bulkley Valley, the Babine Mountain Park is our version of the Rockies. An easy day approach will bring us to the Joe L’Orsa Cabin. There a various access options that can be discussed. Mid March – late April is often the best time.
Some local objectives and ski routes include
- Cronin, Hyland & Galleon Summits
- Reiseter & Cronin Glaciers
- Silver King Basin
This is a multi-day overnight trip, and guests will need overnight equipment.
Dates: TBD
Group Size: Up to 6 guests
Prerequisites: Guests must be fit,strong intermediate skiers capable of skiing with overnight pack 15-20km/ 1000m
Price: TBD
Spring Base Camps
Smithers Area Spring Base Camp
Join us for a 4 day, helicopter access spring basecamp. We will set up a tent camp at one of our favorite areas that offer reliable, high alpine spring skiing. This will allow us to ski with a light pack for daily objectives, returning to our camp in the late afternoon.
Objectives may include:
- Peaks and Summits
- Glacier Skiing
- Couloirs & Alpine Bowls
- Instruction in Glacier Travel
Guiding Fees Include:
- Helicopter Access
- Camp Kitchen
- Group Gear
Guests will provide winter camping equipment and share in food preparation.
Dates: TBD
Group: Often these trips work best with a private group of friends who regularly ski together.
Price: Please contact us for pricing
- Private trips and basecamps in other areas are also possible
Why Not?
If you have the budget, I can arrange a flight or we have to hoof it to get out of the green valley bottoms, to a number of high elevation destinations in northwest BC for a daytrip or a tent based overnighter. This is highly weather dependant and variable based on the seasonal snowpack conditions, with May still giving great skiing.
2024 - More Courses & Trips will be added shortly
November 2024 TBD: AST 1 Ski
December 9-13: AST Training 1 or 2. Dezaiko Lodge
December 13-20: Guided Ski Touring. Dezaiko Lodge
2025
March 7-14: Guided Ski Touring. Dezaiko Lodge
April 3-10: Guided Ski Touring: Burnie Glacier Chalet