As skiers and snowboarders, there are two things we can’t put a price on: our health, and a couple thousands vertical meters of the untouched fluffy stuff. Enter backcountry skiing. One of the most rewarding but risky ways to enjoy the snow and the mountains that we are so lucky to have in abundance here in Canada. One of the best ways to enjoy it? Get educated and get out there.
While there are many backcountry skiing locations and outfits that offer courses to get educated, or that offer privately guided days, there are a few that stand out across the country.
Extremely Canadian Backcountry Adventures (Whistler, BC)
While Whistler is most well known for its lift-accessed terrain that ranks as some of the best in North America year after year, the hidden gem is the Spearhead Range. Just over the ridge from the nearest resort boundary are nearly twenty untracked glaciers, countless couloirs, and endless old growth tree skiing tucked away from the masses of Whistler Blackcomb. Headed up by former ACMG President and Head Guide Keith Reid, Extremely Canadian has been leading privately guided groups, Introductory and Experienced Groups, Avalanche Safety Training Courses, and Crevasse Rescue courses for over ten years now.
[The Spearhead Range always delivers. Photo: Randy Lincks]
Because of Whistler-Blackcomb’s proximity to the varied terrain of the Spearhead Range, Extremely Canadian is able to offer easy access to iconic ski lines for many levels of ski ability. The terrain also allows them to center their attention in the Avalanche Safety Training and Crevasse Rescue courses on complex terrain unavailable to most guiding operations in Canada.
For more information, visit www.extremelycanadian.com
