British Columbia Backcountry
Dates: 4/3 – 4/9
Location: Domestic
Price Range: $3000-3500
Theme: Culture & Outdoors
Faculty Contact: Lane Seeley
If you would like to learn how to navigate safely in the winter backcountry, this trip may be for you. Our trip will begin with an 8.5-mile backcountry ski tour up to Journeyman Lodge in the pristine Callaghan Valley. Once at our lodge, we will be taking a 4-day avalanche safety course with Black Sheep Adventure Guides. During the days, we will do field-based avalanche safety training while we explore the slopes, glades, and peaks of the Callaghan Valley.
There will be options to explore the area on backcountry skis, splitboards, snowshoes, or cross-country skis. In the evenings, we will study snow science, winter wilderness navigation, and complete coursework for our AST 1+ Avalanche Safety Certification. There will also be plenty of time for sharing hearty meals, playing games, stargazing, and even a wood fire sauna next to a polar plunge. No previous backcountry skiing experience is required, and equipment rental will be included. If you are new to downhill skiing or snowboarding, you should take a couple of ski bus trips this winter to begin developing your skills.
- Students and families should be aware that this experience includes:
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- Extended travel and activity in a remote winter backcountry environment with variable weather and snow conditions
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- Active days involving skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and other physical exertion at altitude
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- Participation in avalanche safety fieldwork and hands-on training in mountainous terrain
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- Cold temperatures and potential exposure to snow, wind, and changing weather conditions
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- Shared accommodations in a backcountry lodge with limited access to technology and modern conveniences
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- The need for personal responsibility, teamwork, and adherence to safety protocols in all outdoor activities
Itinerary
Friday April 3rd – Leave EPS at 4pm. Drive to Whistler in 15 passenger EPS shuttle and
minivan. Arrive at around 9pm and check into hotel or hostel.
Saturday – 9am pick up rental gear at EVO Backcountry in Whistler Village. 11am departure
from The Callaghan’s Base at Alexander Falls. 8.5 mile uphill ski to Journeyman Lodge.
Arrive at about 5pm.
Sunday – Morning meetup with Black Sheep Adventure guides.
Sunday thru Wednesday – Skiing, snowshoeing, avalanche safety fieldwork, snow science
and other outdoor activities during the day. Avalanche and snow science coursework and
lodge time during the evenings.
Thursday – Leave Journeyman lodge at 10am to ski down to Callaghan’s Base. Arrive at 2pm
and depart for EPS. Arrive at EPS around 7pm.