Explore Western Canada on Backcountry Skis & Splitboards
Escape the crowds, find untouched powder, and discover the thrill of guided backcountry skiing and splitboarding in the Canadian Rockies and beyond. From serene alpine bowls to adrenaline-pumping couloirs, our programs give you access to some of the best winter terrain in North America.
Whether you’re an experienced skier, snowboarder, or adventurous beginner, Yamnuska Mountain Adventures will help you master the skills, explore incredible terrain, and make every turn unforgettable.
Why Backcountry Skiing is Different
Specialized Equipment: Backcountry skis and splitboards allow you to climb uphill on skins and then switch to ski mode for the descent. The payoff? Fresh tracks in untouched snow, where the climb is just as rewarding as the run.
Fitness & Endurance: Without chairlifts, backcountry touring gives you a full cardio and strength workout. It’s like hiking uphill on skis—your effort is rewarded with exhilarating downhill runs.
Layering & Backpacks: Backcountry skiing requires carrying layers, food, water, and avalanche rescue gear. Smart gear choices let you move efficiently in alpine terrain while staying comfortable during breaks.
Avalanche Awareness & Emergency Skills: Unlike resorts, the backcountry requires knowledge of avalanche terrain and companion rescue techniques. Courses like AST 1 Avalanche Skills Training are recommended for all winter travellers.
With the right guidance, backcountry skiing offers powder stashes, remote landscapes, and a winter adventure you won’t forget.
Instructional Backcountry Skiing & Boarding
Level 1 – Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding : With unlimited potential for ski descents, the backcountry is where the heart of every true skier resides. The shift from resort skiing and boarding to the backcountry has taken off in recent years and our beginner backcountry ski and splitboard course will give you the foundational skills you need to get out of the lift lines.
Level 2 – Backcountry Freerider : Our goal over the course of this two-day camp is to take your backcountry riding to the next level. Combining the pure backcountry experience with the opportunity to solidify the basics and develop more sophisticated techniques makes this program appropriate for those looking for 2 days of guided skiing and splitboarding. This program is designed to refine your skill set allowing you the ability to venture deeper into the mountains.
Level 3 – All Mountain Freerider: Join us for an action-packed 2-day backcountry ski and splitboarding adventure deep in the Rockies, where we seek out the most coveted lines. Over these two days (or three, if you can join us for our additional ‘plus day’), we’ll explore venues that challenge and push your limits.
Guided Steep & Deep Programs
Rogers Pass Ski Camp: Rogers Pass offers some of the most exciting and challenging terrain in North America. From high glaciers to beautiful open bowls, tree skiing to small chutes and steep adrenalin-fueled couloirs, the list is endless.
Kootenay Powder Adventure: British Columbia’s Kootenay region is home to some of the best powder skiing in North America. Off the beaten path and away from the crowds, Yamnuska’s guides will aim to find you the best powder skiing the Kootenay’s has to offer all while keeping your safety as our top priority
Ski Mountaineering & Classic Traverses
Intro to Ski Mountaineering: Learn the skills of glacier ski mountaineering on the Wapta Icefields.
Crevasse Rescue for Skiers & Splitboarders: This one-day course is designed specifically to teach skiers and snowboarders how to perform crevasse rescue in a winter travel context. It will explain how to plan a trip on a glacier, how to identify and avoid crevasses and seracs, as well as how to conduct a crevasse rescue
Wapta Traverse: The classic hut to hut traverse of the Canadian Rockies.
Bow to Yoho Advanced Ski Week: An incredible adventure east to west across the Wapta Icefields! We will be skiing over massive glaciers laid down during the last ice age, crossing the continental divide, and all the while surrounded by the majestic peaks that are the name sake of this range!
Bugaboos to Rogers Pass Ski Traverse: The Bugaboos to Roger’s Pass Grand Traverse is regarded as one of the top ski traverses in Canada. Crossing the Purcell and Selkirk Mountains, the traverse travels through the jagged granite spires of the Bugaboos as it works its way north through the large connected path of glaciers and summits
11’000ers
Mt Hector: Along the Icefields Parkway, just north of Lake Louise, this majestic peak was the second Canadian Rockies 11,000er to be climbed in 1895. Standing on the summit you will be following in the footsteps of some of the Canadian Rockies’ most famous mountaineers. You will enjoy amazing panoramic views of the Lake Louise group and the Wapta Icefields on this trip.
The Lyells & Mons Ski Descents: Are you looking to travel to some of the best ski mountaineering terrain in North America? Do you enjoy accessing 11,000ft peaks within a couple of hours of a remote hut with all the basic amenities that one needs to create a trip of a lifetime? Then this is the trip for you.
Mt Columbia: Nestled deep in the Columbia Icefields, Mount Columbia is considered one of the grandest ski objectives in the Canadian Rockies.
Semesters
Yamnuska Mountain Skills Semesters are the ultimate mountain and ski training courses, the initial step for many of our guides. Spend 1 – 3 months learning every aspect of skiing and mountaineering, summer and winter!
3-Month Mountain Skills Semester : Offered every Spring and Fall.
1-Month Ski & Splitboard Semester : Our most comprehensive winter program.
International Ski Trips
Each year we run a handful of select international ski trips. These trips may be supported by local ground resources but we use our Canadian guides to lead the trips. This means you can be confident that your guide is certified to the standards appropriate for the objective and holds professional avalanche certification from Canada.
Hakkōda to Hakuba: Japan’s Ultimate Backcountry Skiing – Ski Japan’s legendary powder and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture on this 9-day backcountry adventure. From the mystical forests of Hakkōda to the alpine bowls of Hakuba, enjoy expert-guided touring, gourmet food, and cultural experiences in some of the snowiest terrain on Earth.
Southern Chile Ski Excursion – Embark on an unforgettable backcountry skiing adventure in southern Chile, exploring two stunning volcanic zones, including Lonquimay and Chillán.
For guests looking for a ski experience beyond the backcountry, our partners at Great Hikes Japan offer an incredible resort-based skiing adventure that blends world-class Japanese powder with authentic cultural experiences. Explore lesser-known ski regions, soak in traditional onsens, enjoy incredible local cuisine, and experience the warmth of rural Japan — all while skiing some of the best snow in the world.
Private Ski Guiding & Splitboarding
Planning your own private backcountry touring ski & splitboard packages in Canada with a private ski guide can be extremely rewarding in terms of what you achieve. This is because the pace and the objective depend on you and your group. There is no compromise involved as the sole aim of the guide is to meet your backcountry skiing or splitboarding goals.
Avalanche Courses
Avalanche Courses – Avalanche Skills Training levels 1 and 2 courses run most weekends throughout the winter months.
Start Your Backcountry Adventure
Discover the thrill of backcountry skiing and splitboarding in Western Canada. Whether you’re chasing fresh powder, mastering ski mountaineering, or tackling epic traverses, book your guided adventure today and make this winter unforgettable.