Guided Backcountry Skiing and Ski Touring in Whistler
Aurora Backcountry guides backcountry skiing and ski touring days in Whistler, our main area in the Sea to Sky. ACMG-certified guides lead every day, and all our guides have 10+ years of experience. Lift access to the high alpine makes Whistler an ideal full-season destination. We ski powder in the trees when the snow is good at lower elevations, and high-alpine traverses in spring, right to the end of April.
Ski touring from the Whistler lifts
When the weather allows, we take the lifts into the alpine. Areas we reach from the lifts include:
- Spearhead Range and the Spearhead Traverse
- Musical Bumps: Flute, Oboe and Piccolo
- Blackcomb Glacier and the Blackcomb backcountry gates
- Fitzsimmons Range
Whistler backcountry beyond the resort
Some areas in the Whistler zone have no direct access from the ski resort. Areas we guide beyond the resort include:
- Callaghan Valley
- Rainbow Mountain
- Brandywine Bowl
- Wedgemount
Why ski with a Whistler backcountry guide
The Whistler backcountry is popular and can be busy with other backcountry users and guided groups. You will see people following existing tracks to the same objectives.
Our guides know exactly where to go for the day’s conditions, so we can keep to our ethos: no tracks, no people.
We choose each objective up to 48 hours ahead, to fit the weather and conditions. On the day, your guide picks the exact terrain based on the group, the avalanche hazard and the snow.
A guided ski touring day in Whistler
Your guide sets the logistics for each day, and they change from trip to trip. Install the Aurora app before your day. Your guide adds the meet points to the app, and you tap one to get directions.
On lift days we usually meet at the Roundhouse or Rendezvous, between 8:45 and 9:30, depending on the objective. On other days we sometimes meet at a parking lot, then head to other meet points.
You can use the Aurora shuttle. As you get to know the Aurora community, carpooling is common.
We usually grab coffee and snacks, then head into the backcountry. How long we are out depends on the time of year, the objective and the group’s fitness. At the end of a lift day, we ski back to Whistler Village for après at one of the spots in the village.
We always keep one guide for every six guests. Mixed groups and more technical objectives also get a tail guide, for example to carry an extra rope.
Whistler days suit solid intermediate skiers and snowboarders, or better.
Lift tickets and timing
On days that use the lifts, you need a lift ticket, even with an Aurora pass: a backcountry ski pass (buy it at customer service), a day pass, a punch card or a resort season pass. It is up to you to have your ticket ready and arrive on time.
Days beyond the resort, such as the Callaghan or Wedgemount, do not need a lift ticket.
On lift days, the biggest problem is arriving late and getting stuck in a lift line. Always allow extra time.
Spring glacier ski touring
Many spring objectives from Whistler involve glacier travel. Everyone must bring the glacier travel kit on the daily packing list.
Questions about Whistler
Do I need a lift ticket for guided backcountry skiing in Whistler?
Yes, on days that use the lifts, Aurora pass holders included. A backcountry ski pass from customer service, a day pass, a punch card or a resort season pass all work. Have it ready before you meet your guide. Days beyond the resort do not need one.
Where do we meet in Whistler?
It changes from trip to trip. Your guide adds the meet points to the Aurora app, and you tap one to get directions. On lift days we usually meet at the Roundhouse or Rendezvous, between 8:45 and 9:30.
How do I get to the meet point?
Your guide sets the logistics for each day. You can use the Aurora shuttle, and people in the Aurora community often carpool.
Is there a shuttle from Squamish to Whistler?
Ask your guide about the Aurora shuttle. It meets you in Squamish and drives you to Whistler.
How many guests does each guide take?
One guide for every six guests. Mixed groups and more technical objectives also get a tail guide.
How good a skier or snowboarder do I need to be?
Solid intermediate or better, on skis or a snowboard.
When do you guide in Whistler?
December 1 to April 30. Powder in the trees when the snow is good down low, and high-alpine traverses in spring.
What if I am running late?
Your guide follows up with you through the Aurora app. On lift days the biggest problem is getting stuck in a lift line, so always allow extra time.
More questions? Read the general FAQ.
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