Okanagan Real Estate Blog

Backcountry skiing is a very popular sport in Canada. They offer untracked powder and a true test of a skier’s ability. There are great opportunities for this in the northern part of the Thompson Okanagan area. Many people head over to Mount Robson Provincial Park and Wells Gray Provincial Park for great backcountry skiing and sometimes to the Monashee Mountains. Beginners should stick to courses by local outfitters while more advanced skiers would enjoy backcountry tours through Wells Gray and Mountain Robson Provincial Parks.

Self-Guided Tours

If you aren’t interested in a guided tour and just want your own, personalized experience, you can try a self-guided tour through backcountry skiing areas of Thompson Okanagan. There are plenty of cabins to rent for skiers including information provided by lodge owners on the trails. While it’s advised to hire a guide for any level of experience, it’s not required. Some huts can only be reached by helicopter or snowcat.

Backcountry Guides and Tours

There are plenty of guided tours in Clearwater, Blue River and Valemount. Snowy Mountain Alpine Tours and Chalets will take you on a multi-day guided tour of Wells Gray Provincial Park and the Monashee Mountains. They are located in Blue River in between Valemount and Clearwater. You can enjoy fully-catered meals after a day of skiing.

Wells Gray Adventures will give you a guided tour through Wells Gray Provincial Park in Clearwater. They offer six-day excursions between the three cabins of the park. It’s beautiful going over Valley of the Lakes, Trophy Mountain and Fight Meadows alpine plateau.

Headwaters Outfitting is located in Valemount where you can tour Mount Robson every February.

Differences in Clearwater & Valemount

Backcountry skiing in Valemount is harder to access but offers a huge area of untouched snow. You can see a great view of Mount Robson from the Mount Robson Provincial Park or you can ski to Mount Resplendant.

Clearwater is perfect from December until May. It offers more stable snowpacks near the Rocky Mountains and many find their way to Green Mountain and the Majerus homestead.

Backcountry skiing near Okanagan offers a wonderful experience where snow hasn’t been touched and skiers can have an authentic experience.