Backcountry Skiing at Kees & Claire Hut in Whistler

Things to know

• Covid measures in Whistler

  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’s included?

  What you get in this adventure:

  • • An experienced, certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • Three days of backcountry ski touring
    • Hut accomodation and two nights in the hut

  What’s not included:

  • • Technical backcountry ski touring equipment
    • Transportation
    • Food and snacks
    • Lift Ticket (unless you already have a Season Pass, Edge Card or Epic Pass)
• How fit do I need to be?

  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.

• What if I’ve never backcountry skied before?

  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.

• What equipment do I need to bring?

  For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:

  • • Alpine touring skis, telemark skis or splitboard with skins (can be rented)
    • Touring boots and poles (telescopic poles required for splitboarders) (can be rented)
    • Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
      • Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
      • Lightweight snow shovel
      • Avalanche probe
      • Harness for glacier travel

  For personal items, we recommend bringing:

  • • Helmet
    • Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (45L+ backpack)
    • Glacier travel kit
    • Ski and/or boot crampons
    • Mountaineering axe
    • Sunglasses or ski goggles
    • Gloves and hat
    • Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
    • Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
    • Down jacket or vest
    • Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks
    • One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners
    • Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people)
    • Multi-tool
    • Water bottle and 1L of water
    • Thermos with a warm beverage — optional
    • Food you can eat on-the-go
    • First aid kit with blister kit
    • Sunscreen
    • Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
    • Headlamp with fresh batteries
    • Personal care kit (toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, personal medical drugs)
    • Camera — optional
    • Ear plugs — optional
    • Bandana — optional
    • Map, compass, GPS — optional
    • Watch (with altimeter, barometer, compass, thermometer) — optional
    • Hut booties/slippers — optional
    • Reading material — optional
    • Field book and pencil — optional
• Can I rent equipment?

  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.

  • • Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel and probe from Escape Route
    • Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots and poles can be rented from Escape Route
    • Splitboards can be rented from Escape Route

  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 and age requirements

  Group sizes:

  • • For this group tour, the max client to guide ratio is 6:1.
    • Cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows.
    • If joining alone, you’ll be placed with peers that share a similar level of experience.

  Ski touring in Whistler, BC, can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 19, you’re good to go.
    • Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis.
    • Guests under the age of 19 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the waiver on their behalf.

  If your group has skiers under the age of 19, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  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.

• Cancellation policy

  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.