Ski Mountaineering in British Columbia
There are many great and famous ski mountaineering destinations in the world. If one speaks about the northern Coast Mountains of British Columbia as a destination, that just shows how unknown and remote those mountains are. They stretch over 2000 km from Vancouver all the way to Anchorage. Along the way, there is Mount Waddington, at 4016 m the highest peak inside British Columbia; Mount Fairweather, at 4600 m the highest mountain in B.C. with the Alaska boundary running over its summit; Mount Logan, at 5959 m the highest mountain in Canada and enormous in its bulk, surrounded by the largest non-polar icefields on the planet. The mountains are heavily glaciated and truly remote. Unless one uses aircraft, accessing those mountains usually involves several days of very hard labour.
We offer trips in those mountains. They will appeal to mostly stronger skiers just because of the remoteness and the dimensions of these mountains. On the traverses, you will sleep in tents. There are no huts and no towns and villages. Cooking is done on gas stoves. On many trips, it is possible to pull sleds so the packs are not too heavy. On many trips, air access is used at least at one end.
The Mount Logan (5959m) ski expedition is the most serious trip we offer. It is a three week expedition into great wilderness and altitude. One can see the Gulf of Alaska from the summit. That means that the weather can be severe. The altitude is serious. Solid skiing skills and expedition experience are an asset.
The Stikine Icecap traverse is much easier and less severe, but nonetheless a big traverse. It starts in Alaska, from the town of Petersburg. The Baird Glacier, across the water, is one of the most southerly glaciers to reach tidewater. The trip goes past the immense granite spire of Devil's Thumb to the exquisite skiing slopes that flank the sides of the upper Baird Glacier in British Columbia.
Further south, there is a very good traverse from Ningunsaw Pass down to Hyder, Alaska. A one week trip down the Knipple and Frankmackie and Salmon Glaciers ends at the head of Portland Canal and the picturesque mining town of Stewart.
And for those who wish to take it a bit easier, but not do any less skiing, there is the Burnie Glacier Chalet nestled in the Howson Range near Smithers. A sauna, electric lights, and great food seem like the lap of luxury after one of the traverses.
We also offer avalanche courses that combine the depth of Canadian snow science with European methods. All in the great mountain terrain of the Howson Range near Smithers.
You may not have heard of the Coast Mountains of northern British Columbia yet, but once you have tasted their skiing, you will come back.
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| Group Sizes |
1 to 11 people
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| Durations |
1 to 21 days
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| Required Skill Level |
Intermediate
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| Required Equipment |
Included
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| Targeted Activities |
Cross-country Skiing, Ice Climbing, Skiing, Snowboarding |
| Our Certificatons |
Christoph Dietzfelbinger is an IFMGA/ UIAGM Mountain Guide, a member of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides; the German Mountain Guides' Association; a professional member of the Canadian Avalanche Association and of the American Avalanche Association. He has been a mountain professional since 1981 and enjoys it today as much as on his first day skiing at age six. |
Group Types |
Private |
Groups |
Kids/Youth |
Elderly |
Workshops/Seminars |
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Ski & Snowboard Styles |
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FreeStyle Boarding |
Cross-country Skiing |
Alpine Skiing |
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FreeRide Boarding |
Telemark Skiing |
Carve Skiing |
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FreeCarve Boarding |
FreeStyle Skiing |
Speed Skiing |
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Kite Snowboarding |
Ski Jumping |
Heli/Cat |
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Off Piste |
HalfPipe |
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| Meals |
All Inclusive
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| Local Transport |
Included
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| Insurance |
Not Applicable
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| Additional |
Many trips require air access which is included. Food, tents, cooking gear, radios etc. are also included. Access to the point of departure, food and accommodation in civilization, and 7% tax are not included. |
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