Backcountry Adventures Around the Thompson Okanagan
The winter season offers a unique opportunity to explore the backcountry terrain of BC. Instead of hiking along the mountain trails in the summer, you can float down the mountains in knee deep powder on your skis or snowboard. The Thompson Okanagan is surrounded by a diverse range of world-class backcountry experiences complete with lodges located in the middle of snowy valleys surrounded by unbelievable slopes. In this blog you will find information on backcountry experiences you will want to add to your winter bucket list.
Backcountry adventures are not only about getting the perfect shot to post on your Instagram, but finding slopes that are suitable to your ability and enjoying nature safely and respectfully. For information on backcountry safety and snow conditions visit AvalancheCanada.ca.
Backcountry Lodges of British Columbia is an organization that ensures the backcountry lodges of BC are supported and bring world-class adventure tourism to locals and visitors. On their website, you will find information about backcountry lodges, tours, safety, and general knowledge.
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing, Cariboo, Monashee and Canadian Rockies
Named after its founder, Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing promises to give you an adventure of a lifetime in the backcountry of BC. Their properties consist of their Blue River Resort which is made up of private chalets and estate properties (Bavarian Estate & Cabana and the Eleanor Lake Estate) and the Albreda Lodge, located 45 km north of Blue River. All properties are accessible via car. Once at the resort, helicopters will pick up guests from their chalet, estate or the Albreda lodge and take them into the mountains for a day full of powder skiing in open bowls and peaks of the Cariboo, Monashee, and Rocky Mountain ranges. The diverse terrain offers a variety of slopes that everyone can enjoy. At the end of the day guests will be returned via helicopter and do it all over again the next day.
Photo Credit - Photo 1: John Schwirtlich, Photo 2: Luke Laurin
Each property has onsite chefs and amenities like saunas, comfortable rooms, and rentals for nordic skiing and snowshoeing. There are multiple packages offered throughout the properties to ensure that everyone will find the perfect trip for them.
Photo Credit - Photo 1 & 2: John Schwirtlich, Photo 3: Grant Gunderson
Wells Gray Adventures Lodges, Cariboo Mountains
In Wells Gray Provincial Park, you’re amongst giants, whether they be old-growth forest, untouched mountain ridges, this is a vast playground. Wells Grady Adventures has three lodges: Trophy Mountain Lodge, Fight Meadow Lodge, and Discovery Cabin. All three have fully equipped kitchens and functioning saunas for guests to warm up in at the end of their day. Visitors are encouraged to bring a pillowcase from home and a sleeping bag liner for their comfort.
Photo Credit - Wells Gray Adventure Lodges
Trophy Mountain Lodge can be accessed via snowcat and a short ski to the cabin. It sits right at the tree line (7000 ft, 2145 m) in the steepest terrain of the system. The area is suitable for intermediate skiers with more aggressive terrain an hour away.
Fight Meadow Lodge is a great place to learn how to backcountry ski and snowboard with laid-back terrain surrounding it and more advanced terrain a few hours away. It sits in a vast sub-alpine meadow system offering some of the best touring conditions in BC. Fight Meadow is only accessible by helicopter.
Photo Credit - Wells Gray Adventure Lodges
Discovery Cabin sits in a remote valley just below the treeline (6400 ft / 1970 m) and is only accessible by helicopter. Although it has easier terrain than Trophy Mountain, it is surrounded by intermediate terrain with expert terrain nearby.
If you’re new to the backcountry, let Wells Gray Adventures take care of the details. Their packages include guiding, accommodations, catering, and transportation to and from the trailhead.
Snowy Mountain Lodge, Cariboo Mountains
Snowy Mountain Lodge is located in the powder belt of the Cariboo Mountains. It is surrounded by terrain that offers long, steep, and naturally gladed tree skiing. Technical and advanced slopes are at every turn, making this lodge the perfect getaway for expert to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The location of the lodge offers direct day access to the Wavy Range of Wells Gray Park and several adjoining valleys. The ski season here lasts into late May.
Photo Credit - Snowy Mountain Lodge
The four bedroom lodge has a fully equipped kitchen, functioning sauna, and water that is hauled in. Guests are provided with sheets, pillows, and pillowcases, but are asked to bring a duvet or a sleeping bag from home. Access to the lodge is by snowmobile from the town of Blue River, or helicopter access through Yellowhead Helicopters, which must be organized on your own.
Photo Credit - Snowy Mountain Lodge
Dave Henry Lodge, Mount Robson Provincial Park
Set amongst subalpine meadows and lakes, Dave Henry Lodge is on the boundary of Mount Robson Provincial Park, near Valemount. It receives the same quality of snow as the nearby Cariboo Mountains, making the area recognized as world-class backcountry terrain.
Photo Credit - Dave Henry Lodge
Surrounded by magnificent peaks, miles of gentle meadows, and alpine basins, the Dave Henry Lodge is ideal for backcountry skiing, nordic skiing, and alpine touring. The lodge accommodates up to 10 people in a semi-divided room format with a fully equipped kitchen and sauna. Guests are expected to bring their own sleeping bags.
Photo Credit - Photo 1: Dave Henry Lodge, Photo 2:
@john_scurlock, Photo 3: @exploremagazine
The owners also operate Swift Creek Cabins, which are located 15 km north of Dave Henry. These cabins are located in a basin, giving guests the opportunity to ski or snowboard open glades to the alpine. Here, there are two cabins, one for the kitchen and dining room and the other for sleeping quarters that can comfortable fit six people. This area has advanced terrain, perfect for skiers and boarders with advanced snow evaluation skills or groups with a professional skiing guide. When the snow flies, guided and catering packages are also available here.
Canadian Adventure Company, Canadian Rockies
Recognized for its extremely remote location, the only access to Mallard Mountain Lodge is a 77 km helicopter ride from the town of Valemount. Once at the lodge, you will have access to five valleys covered in untouched powder, perfect for backcountry snowboarding and skiing of all abilities. Diverse terrain offers steep or moderate descents in tree or high alpine lines. If you are not yet comfortable in the backcountry, consider registering for Canadian Adventure Company’s AT 101 course which offers training in the backcountry over a period of days.
Photo Credit - Canadian Adventure Company
The lodge is powered by solar panels giving guests the capacity to charge their electronics and use the wifi. A fully equipped kitchen, washroom facilities, and communal sleeping arrangements with blackout curtains are found here. All bedding is supplied by the lodge.
Photo Credit - Canadian Adventure Company
Monahsee Powder Snowcats, Monashee Mountains
With an average snowfall of 60 feet of dry, champagne powder every year, you will enjoy making fresh lines in the diverse terrain surrounding the Monashee Powder Snowcat Lodge. Strong to intermediate levels of skiing and snowboarding is recommended to enjoy the variety of slopes a guide will take you on throughout your day in the backcountry. The diversity of the surrounding terrain offers the opportunity to decide the steepness of the runs based on group comfort levels and avalanche hazards.
To access the lodge you can take a bus from the Kelowna International Airport or Cherryville to the trailhead. If you have a vehicle, you can drive yourself to the trailhead where in both cases, a snowcat will take you the rest of the way.
CHM Heli Skiing, Cariboo Mountains
CHM Heli Ski has multiple lodges throughout BC, all accessible by helicopter. Their Valemount Lodge is secluded in the middle of incredible snowy mountains. Here, you will be surrounded by long and steep terrain with perfect trees and open glaciers.
The lodge has 10 rooms with all the amenities you need from snow shoes to the sauna and spa. Whether you are looking to be out in the powder every day, or want to relax for a few days in the lodge, this location is accommodating to all.
Venturing into the backcountry is an experience you won’t soon forget. To ensure the safety of yourself and those with you, take the proper training and be prepared with the proper conditions knowledge and safety gear before venturing into the fresh powder.
Written by Jenna Labossiere
Born and raised in Kelowna, Jenna loves being able to be a tourist in her own backyard. She hopes to be able to showcase the Thompson Okanagan’s local businesses and natural attractions in order to encourage others to take the opportunity to enjoy them as much as she does.
