Ski touring

Off-piste skiing is emerging in Québec, including in the Chic-Chocs and also in some ski resorts developping “wild” areas. During winter 2012-13, Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC), a leading retailer of outdoor equipement, has recorded a 40% increase in sales of products related to off-piste skiing. In fact, it is estimated that this activity shows about 20% growth per year!

Off-piste skiing refers to skiing, snowboarding and telemark, practiced outside of groomed and patrolled ski areas. Sectors sought can be near lifts, which facilitate the access (out of bound, sidecountry, slackcountry) or in the heart of the remote backcountry (backcountry skiing). However, no matter the location, skiing off-piste presents a higher risk of avalanches as well as other opportunities to get hurt, get lost and have to wait a long time for help to arrive. For the mountain to remain a safe playground, the Avalanche Centre recommends being prepared, having the necessary equipment and knowing how to use it before you go.

The introductory course on avalanche safety (CSA 1) is an essential starting point for improving safety in the backcountry during winter time. This course will teach you the basics of nature and avalanche formation, recognizing risky slopes, how to use available tools, moving safely in the mountains and how to perform a safe rescue.

Boulder Hut, Kimberly British Columbia

4 or 7 days / 4 or 7 days of skiing

If you enjoy backcountry ski touring and want to take your skiing to the next level, consider a trip to the historic Boulder Hut in the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia.

Boulder Hut is one of the original privately held backcountry ski lodges in the province and holds a unique place in the history of ski touring in British Columbia. Its founders were instrumental in establishing the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy, nearly 500,000 acres of protected land bordering the lodge’s 15,000-acre ski tenure.

The Purcells offer legendary powder skiing and the best tree skiing in BC. Boulder Hut offers challenging terrain for every skier, including open moderate runs, chutes, high alpine bowls, glades and treed powder skiing.

Full week | 7 days
$ 2,665 / pers.

Half Week | 4 days
$ 1,845 / pers.

INCLUDES :

• Helicopter transport to and from Kimberley Alpine Resort
• Lodging in shared dormitory
• Three professionally prepared meals per day
• Safety briefing and mountain rescue training session
• Guided ski touring with two certified ACMG guides
• Taxes

OPTIONS ($) :

• Get your travel insurance (medical, cancellation and/or interruption) with your travel agent
• Parking space at Montréal-Trudeau Airport at a preferential rate: Aeroparc, multi-level and ValetParc lots

NOT INCLUDED :

• Round trip flight
• Airport transfers

Calculated for a stay in January, February or March 2019 depending on availability at the time of booking (same rate for the entire season). Other dates available on request.

For more information, contact our specialist, Paul Dubrûle at pdubrule@voyagesgendron.com or 1-514-866-8747 ext. 258.