Located in Whistler’s pristine snowy wilderness right next to Russet Lake, the Kees & Claire Hut sounds like the ideal weekend getaway destination. This picture-perfect hut is ideal for seasoned skiers looking to relax and unwind after shredding top-of-the-line powder all day long. With state-of-the-art equipment, homey atmosphere and majestic vistas, this charming backcountry alpine oasis is bound to win you over. The hut is even more unique once you learn that it was built in homage to Cornelius “Kees” Brenninkmeyer and Claire Dixon, a couple that tragically passed away in 2007. Hundreds of volunteers donated and built this stunning backcountry shelter where their names and legacy will continue to live on forever. On this adventure, you’ll traverse some memorable peaks and ski descents and get to spend 3 days in Whistler’s winter wonderland—all with the help of an expert guide.
Spoil yourself with a backcountry skiing trip to the Kees & Claire Hut! Spend 3 days in Whistler’s world-class alpine terrain and let your guide take you through some memorable ski descents after passing Musical Bumps and getting to the hut. Ski near Fissile Peak and Overlord Mountain on the excellent snowpack and kick back and relax for 2 nights in the modern and cozy backcountry digs. Don’t forget to appreciate Whistler’s winter wonderland around you and soak up some mountainous views while you’re at it.
On the first day of this backcountry skiing trip, you’ll meet up with your guide at 8:15 am at Escape Route Alpine Demo Centre for gear check and waivers. At 8:45 am, you’ll load up Whistler Gondola and begin your ski tour out to the Kees and Claire Hut. From the Peak Express chairlift, the hut is 9.4 km away and is accessed via the Musical Bumps. The trips take 2.5-4.5 hours. Drop off your gear once you get to the hut and ski for the rest of the afternoon. At the end of the day, you’ll have dinner with the guide in your cozy hut and end the day with a debrief.
You’ll start off your day with a morning breakfast and at 9:00 am your skiing adventure can continue. Ski until afternoon accompanied by your knowledgeable guide who’ll show you stunning ski descents and the best powder stashes in the area. After you’re done skiing for the day, get back to your hut, have dinner with your guide and spend the evening exchanging experiences and anecdotes.
On the last day of this adventure, you’ll have your morning breakfast in your comfy hut and return to Whistler via Singing Pass or Musical Bumps. The adventure ends with a debrief at Escape Route Alpine Demo Centre.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Whistler, BC, please refer to Canada’s COVID-19 travel requirements and British Columbia’s Travel and COVID-19 info website.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get in this adventure:
What’s not included:
In order to enjoy this backcountry adventure, you need to have a very good level of fitness and ski touring experience. From the top of the Peak Express, there is a 515 m elevation gain to the hut. The trip takes 2.5-4.5 hours and once you get past the hut, the peaks start getting much larger with mountains such as Fissile & Overlord. All participants should feel comfortable on challenging black-level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skiing.
This adventure is suited for intermediate and advanced backcountry skiers with previous skiing experience in the backcountry. In order to keep up with your guide’s pace, you should be comfortable ski touring for 2.5-4.5 hours to get to the hut and skinning uphill. If you’re not an intermediate or advanced skier, we recommend checking out this beginner-friendly backcountry skiing trip in Whistler, BC.
For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. Your guiding service has teamed up with a local rental company to provide discounted rentals.
Ski rental locations are in Whistler and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.
Group sizes:
Ski touring in Whistler, BC, can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has skiers under the age of 19, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Whistler, most people fly into Vancouver International Airport 1.5 hours from Whistler. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service.
The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group. On the first day of this trip, you will meet up with your guide at Escape Route Alpine Demo Centre.
Cancel within 48 hours of booking your trip for free, no questions asked. If you need to change your plans up to 31 days ahead of your scheduled adventure, we offer a full refund on most trips. Within 31 days we offer free date changes or the option to convert your booking to credit to use on any 57hours adventure at a later date.
