Backcountry Skiing & Boarding in Squamish
Just one winter trip to Squamish and you may leave the lift lines and resort crowds for good.
Our mountain town delivers some of the best, untapped backcountry terrain for a classic Pacific Northwest backcountry experience that’s both rugged and refined.
Brace yourselves for alpine adventures like no other.
Where to go
With mountains in nearly every direction, there is endless terrain to choose from. We have included some information about two of our favourite areas so that you can begin planning your next trip.
Garibaldi Provincial Park
A backcountry skiing and touring dream destination for novice and advanced ski-mountaineers alike, Garibaldi Provincial Park boasts more than 195,000 hectares of glacier-capped mountains, ancient forests, and gentle peaks. There is also a hut offering a winter refuge which makes for lots of options for those looking for a little hut-based touring.
The popular Elfin Lakes Trail is a gateway to pow laps and offers relatively quick access from Squamish. Along this trail, adventurers can access both the Red Heather Hut, a popular day shelter equipped with picnic tables, a food prep area with a sink and wood stove during the winter months, and the Elfin Lakes Shelter, an overnight mountain hut complete with propane stoves, eating areas and bunks for 33. From the Elfin Lakes Shelter, skiers and riders can begin the Garibaldi Neve traverse, a worthy mission in one of the more beautiful areas in the Coast Mountains.
Callaghan Valley
Some of North America’s best Nordic skiing happens just 50km north of Squamish in an area known as the Callaghan Valley. Ski Callaghan offers nearly 100km of trail access for beginner to expert skiers. In addition, the Callaghan Valley is a great access point into the backcountry where powder seekers can find plenty of turns for a great day out. Callaghan Country is also home to Whistler Olympic Park, the site of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic cross-country, biathlon, ski jumping, and Nordic combined events.
Useful information
Play it safe
Remember that when venturing into remote areas a small injury can turn into an epic rescue. There is wildlife and inherent risk so please be mindful of your surroundings. Bring extra food, water and clothing as weather and conditions in the mountains can change instantly. Finally, pack out what you pack in to help keep our area clean.
Visit the Visitor Information Centre in the Squamish Adventure Centre for maps, guidebooks, suggested trail routes and everything you need to know to help plan your day out.
When
Be sure to check the BC Parks website for the latest seasonal, trail and park updates.
