Canada Powder Highway Trip
On this Canada Powder Highway backcountry road trip, come and ski/ride the world famous powder, tree skiing, and long runs that the Monashee and Kootenay mountain ranges of western Canada have to offer.
This backcountry road trip starts at Kelowna International Airport and then the group will travel to the towns of Revelstoke, Nelson, Fernie, and finally finish in Calgary.
You will spend 10 days experiencing some of the best ski destinations in Canada across four mountain ranges. In addition to a diverse geography, the route is also rich with Canadian history from the first days of discovery and resource development. You will pass through old mining towns, and even visit the famous Frank Slide of 1903 where half a mountain collapsed and buried an entire town. In the evenings you will enjoy meals from local restaurants and sample locally brewed beers from the many micro breweries that you will pass along the way. Depending on weather and conditions there are options for a heliski day or a catski day for an extra cost.
Late February and early March are the best times to ski from these epic ski towns because the snow is cold, dry, fluffy, and there is lots of it. This is the tree skiing, deep powder paradise you've always wanted to experience.
Ability & Fitness
This trip is designed for intermediate to advanced backcountry ski tourers and split borders.
Whilst there is the potential for a couple of days of lift-assisted backcountry (and options for heli & cat skiing), the tour is predominantly about backcountry touring. So with this in mind, you will need a good level of fitness.
Equipment
There is no capacity to rent gear on this tour as it starts and finishes in different locations, so you will need to bring your own.
You will need a ski touring setup or splitboard plus your own avalanche safety gear.
Itinerary
This tour starts at Kelowna Airport (YLW) and ends at Calgary Airport (YYC).
Day 1: Arrival Day
Arrive at Kelowna Airport, British Columbia. Your guide will meet you at the baggage claim. You will then travel to Revelstoke, which is about 2.5 hours drive into the mountains. On the way the group will stop and have a nice dinner in the town of Vernon.
Day 2 - 4: Revelstoke - Rogers Pass
The first 3 days of skiing will be in Rogers Pass, located within Glacier National Park. This is arguably one of the best ski touring locations in the world. Your guide will need to obtain permits to ski here as part of the parks avalanche management plan. Your guide will ease you into your first day, starting with an avalanche safety briefing and choose an objective that is appropriate for the avalanche hazard of the day. On day 4 you will finish your day a few hours early so the group can travel to the town Nelson for the next part of the road trip.
Day 5 - 6: Nelson - Whitewater Resort
In Nelson the lift assisted ski touring is quite exclusive. There are very few people and the snow is usually divine powder. If desired by the group, you will have the option to go heli skiing or heli assisted ski touring. The pricing is determined based on location and time.
Day 7: Kootenay Pass - Fernie
Your second travel day will include a tour at Kootenay Pass en-route to Fernie. Kootenay Pass is a hidden gem that offers exceptional tree skiing, especially in heavy snow storms. Your day will finish in Fernie, located in the Rocky Mountains.
Day 8 - 9: Fernie
Your last 2 days will be spent exploring the Rocky Mountains around Fernie. There are multiple options, from summiting large high peaks and the option to go cat skiing. On the last evening you will stay in Calgary. You may get to attended an NHL game if possible, otherwise you will have a fun night out on the town in Calgary.
Day 10: Departure Day
You will have few hours to do some last minute shopping at Mountain Equipment Coop if you wish to add to your outdoor equipment addiction. Your guide will drive you to the airport around 2pm for your journey home. Sadly, all good times must come to an end.
Rates, Inclusions & Add-Ons
Rates
CAD $4,100 per person
- Invoice/base currency is in Canadian dollars
Inclusions
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8 days backcountry guiding with an ACMG certified ski guide
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9 nights accommodation
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Daily breakfast
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Airport transfers from Kelowna to Calgary
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All transportation between ski areas & destinations
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Avalanche safety training
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National park entry fees
Add-ons
Not Included
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Flights in to Kelowna & out of Calgary - find best flights here
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Lunches & Dinners
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Lift tickets if/where required
Booking and Cancellation Policy
All trips must be secured by deposit or full payment. Full payment is due 10 weeks before the trip start date. If your initial booking is less than 10 weeks before your start date then full payment is required to secure your booking.
All payments are conditionally non-refundable. We highly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance to protect your investment.
All cancellations must be received in writing by email.
If you need to cancel your trip more than 10 weeks before the start date your deposit becomes forfeit. However, here are 2 scenarios where you many not lose your deposit.
1. We can transfer your trip to a later date within the season, if it is available.
2. If your trip gets sold to another person at full price...
a) Your deposit may be refunded back to you minus a 10% admin fee. 10% of the deposit.
b) 100% of your deposit may be used to book another trip with Aurora Backcountry for the following season. Deposits will become forfeit if not used within 1 year.
If notice is received less than 10 weeks prior to the starting date, no money will be refunded.
There is no refund for leaving early or arriving late.