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Highlights
Explore the powdery haven covering Canada on this 8-day backcountry ski tour
Ride through the sheets of powder sweeping off-piste gems on this guided tour through the Columbia Mountains.
Experience world-class backcountry touring on the tallest highway mountain pass in Canada, the Kootenay Pass.
Stamp each day with socializing: enjoy cheerful chatter during après ski, go out to local restaurants, and chill out in the hotel hot tub.
Spend one evening soaking and relaxing your muscles in the steamy cave and soothing pool Ainsworth Hot Springs.
Explore untracked, unspoiled sheets of powder blanketing Canada’s playground of slopes on this Guided Backcountry British Columbia Ski Tour. This eight-day tour winds through snowy havens tailor-made for intrepid skiers and snowboarders craving an advanced initiation to British Columbia’s off-piste hotspots.
You’ll have some days exploring the backcountry of Kootenay Pass, and also get some slack country and resort days at RED Mountain Resort & Whitewater Ski Resort.
Your guide will take you to the ultimate mecca of untouched, hidden spots throughout the Columbia Mountains. Outside the adrenaline-inducing backcountry slopes, the winter wonderland theme continues, but in a more chilled out way: relax your muscles in the hot tubs at the hotels, enjoy hilarious chatter during après ski, and munch on warm, fulfilling meals. Keep in mind that this off-the-beaten, guided tour is suitable for super experienced skiers and snowboarders.
Explore untracked, unspoiled sheets of powder blanketing Canada’s playground of slopes on this Guided Backcountry British Columbia Ski Tour. This eight-day tour winds through snowy havens tailor-made for intrepid skiers and snowboarders craving an advanced initiation to British Columbia’s off-piste hotspots.
You’ll have some days exploring the backcountry of Kootenay Pass, and also get some slack country and resort days at RED Mountain Resort & Whitewater Ski Resort.
Your guide will take you to the ultimate mecca of untouched, hidden spots throughout the Columbia Mountains. Outside the adrenaline-inducing backcountry slopes, the winter wonderland theme continues, but in a more chilled out way: relax your muscles in the hot tubs at the hotels, enjoy hilarious chatter during après ski, and munch on warm, fulfilling meals. Keep in mind that this off-the-beaten, guided tour is suitable for super experienced skiers and snowboarders.
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Guided Backcountry British Columbia Ski Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Kelowna to Nelson
The Guided Backcountry British Columbia Ski Tour will begin in Kelowna. Get picked up from either your hotel or at the airport and meet up with the other tour participants and your guide. Travel just over four hours to the mecca of all things hippie: Nelson. Chat with your new friends and marvel at the scenic views jetting across the Kootenays. Check into your hotel in Nelson. Go with your group to a local restaurant and discuss the upcoming days in detail.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Nelson
Meals: None
Day 2 Whitewater Ski Resort
Begin your first day on the slopes with a scrumptious, mouth-watering breakfast bun and a cup of joe at the quirky, artsy Oso Negro. Head up to the ski resort where few crowds gather, and a canopy of snow glistens: Whitewater Ski Resort. Enjoy an inbound day with your group, skiing world-class tree runs. Be sure to pay attention to the top-notch, expert tips from your guide. Reflect on the runs during après ski before spending the evening munching on some delicious food with your new friends. Stamp the end of a great day with a much-needed soak in the hot tub at your hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Nelson
Meals: None
Day 3 Backcountry touring
After consuming breakfast, you will go to the depths of a winter wonderland! Get ready for a day, led by a local guide(s), ripping through untouched powder. Before you hit the hidden tracks, your guide will educate your group on avalanche and safety procedures. Today will ease you into backcountry touring rather than haul you into something crazy intense. Expect to enjoy a bonfire along the shoreline, with some local beer in hand, on one of these tour nights.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Nelson
Meals: None
Day 4 Whitewater Ski Resort
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out to Whitewater Ski Resort’s side-country for lift-assisted touring. Travel up to unrivalled, remote spots with the help of your guide. After a long day on the slopes, soak your muscles in the hot tub and get ready for the next day.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Nelson
Meals: None
Day 5 Kootenay Pass
Today will have you leaving the bustling world behind and winding to the highest highway mountain pass in Canada: Kootenay Pass, where the swift sounds of nature, fresh mountain air, and lots of powder await. Afterward, reward your muscles with a relaxing, therapeutic soak in Ainsworth Hot Springs. Replenish your appetite with a lovely group dinner.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Nelson
Meals: None
Day 6 Whitewater Touring
Another day, another adventure. Follow your local guides to pillowed gems, coveted tree runs, and dare to drop a cliff. After taking off your boots, head to Rossland, a quirky ski town tucked into the Monashee Mountains. Don’t forget to soak in the hot tub back at the hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Nelson
Meals: None
Day 7 RED Mountain Resort
Take part in a well-earned inbound day at RED Mountain Resort. Snake through a myriad of steeps, glades, and tree runs. Spend the day covering three mountain peaks and four ski zones. Visit an array of secret hotspots. Enjoy numerous social outings: lunch at Paradise Lodge, drinks in the ever-so legendary Rafter during après ski, followed by dinner and more drinks at the Flying Steamshovel, a local gem.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Nelson
Meals: None
Day 8 Nelson to Kelowna
Pack up your bags, enjoy a tasty breakfast, and hop in the van for the drive back to Kelowna. Today’s highlight is a stop at Deadwood Junction for one of the best cinnamon buns ever made. The lowlight will be the goodbyes after returning to Kelowna. Get dropped off at your hotel or the airport.
Overnight Location: None
Meals: None
Guided Backcountry British Columbia Ski Tour Price and Dates
This guided backcountry ski tour in the Canadian Rockies is only run as a group tour with a fixed date, therefore the price only depends on whether you are staying in a double or single room. Please note that this tour won’t be run during the 2025 winter season. In some cases, private departures can be arranged, please enquire for more information.Accommodation on Guided Backcountry British Columbia Ski Tour
Our carefully selected clean and comfortable hotel includes the necessary amenities for total comfort during your tour. It also has a hot tub—which is a necessity after a day spent in the snow. Expect to stay with another tour mate in a room, or you can upgrade to single occupancy if you prefer some privacy and alone time.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of CAD795 to have a private room in a hotel when travelling with your group. It’s also possible to try and match single travellers up.
What’s included in the Guided Backcountry British Columbia Ski Tour?
Meals
Meals on this tour are not included and you are responsible for purchasing your own food. You can join your group for dinner in restaurants or have a meal on your own.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights along the tour are included. Accommodations in Kelowna, before and after the tour, are not included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport for you, your luggage and your ski/snowboard is included throughout the tour.
Also Included
- One trip guide and 1-2 ski guides
- Hot spring entry fees
- Two inbound days
- Four backcountry touring days
- Transfers to and from any hotel or airport in Kelowna
Not included
- Flights to get to Kelowna
- Gear rental
- Accommodations before and after the tour in Kelowna
- All meals and drinks
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Getting around in each town during free time
Optional Extras
- Ski/snowboarding gear rental
- Optional activities (prices upon request, subject to availability):
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- XC skiing / snowshoeing
- Dog sledding
- Heli/cat skiing
- Scenic flights
- Shopping
- Spa visits
- How hard is the Guided Backcountry British Columbia Ski Tour?
- Do I need a Visa to travel to Canada?
- Are meals included on the Guided Backcountry British Columbia Ski Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Kelowna to start this tour?
- Is the Guided Backcountry British Columbia Tour in English?
- Where does the Guided Backcountry British Columbia Tour end?
- Do I need to have my own skiing/snowboarding equipment?
- How big is the group?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?
- Do I need to tip my tour guides?
We rate this tour as a 5 / 5. This ski tour is suitable for advanced skiers and snowboarders who have a lot of experience exploring backcountry routes.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
No, you are responsible for buying your own meals.
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
You can get to Kelowna via a flight to Kelowna International Airport (YLW) from all major Canadian cities.
Yes, the tour guide speaks English.
The tour ends where it starts, in Kelowna.
Not necessary! You can book rental equipment during the booking process.
A maximum of 12 people can join this tour, plus one local guide, and one to two experienced backcountry guides.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Tipping in Canada is customary, but much appreciated. Ideally, you should tip each guide 5-10 CAD per day (from one person) for an excellent service.
Customer Ratings
Fresh Adventures is an outdoor tour company that navigates explorations through the rugged, stunning terrain spanning western Canada. With an emphasis on customer care, Fresh Adventures promises to depart on an expedition, with a highly skilled guide, no matter how many people have signed up, while also ensuring tour participants have top-notch equipment.
