Are you a powder wizard? Lay down fresh tracks at a location in the Canadian Rockies selected by your experienced, local guide. Our experienced guides will lead you on a fun, safe day of backcountry touring and turns in some of Alberta’s best powder, with each date's location chosen to take advantage of the best conditions.

This is a sign-up list for notification only. When we see a high probability of good ski conditions coming we will send out an email and notify you that a program will be posted. You will usually have 1 - 2 weeks advance notice and we will require a minimum of 4 participants to sign up to run the day. 

Programs will be posted as "Blue" for intermediate skiers comfortable linking parallel turns in a variety of conditions on blue runs at the resort and "Black" for strong intermediate and advanced skiers capable of linking parallel turns in most terrain in a variety of conditions. You will be asked to define your ski ability when you sign up for this notification list.

Participants should have avalanche conpanion rescue training such as is taught in our AST1 courses and have practiced companion rescue this season. 

Prerequisites: 18+, strong physical fitness, ability to ski/ride under control in all snow conditions and training in avalanche companion rescue. Includes: ACMG guides.

Rogers Pass is one of the best ski touring destinations in North America and is host to as many steep and deep runs as your legs can handle! Join us for 5 days filled with shredding powder lines at the Pass and come "home" to soak in the hot tub and relax at the luxurious Moberly Lodge, located near Golden, BC. Accomodations (single- and double-occupancy available), meals and certified guide provided. This trip is suitable for those who have backcountry skiing experience and are comfortable skiing black runs at the local ski resort. 

The Wapta Traverse is a classic hut-to-hut ski tour in one of the most popular areas for ski mountaineering in the Canadian Rockies. We will traverse vast expanses of glacier, surrounded by attainable ski-mountaineering objectives. Spending nights in the famous Alpine Club of Canada hut network allows us to travel relatively lightly and get a quick start each morning. Every backcountry skier who comes to the Canadian Rockies will want to experience the Wapta Traverse at least once!

For Winter 2023 we offer a 5-day Intro to Ski Traversing on the Wapta Icefields (35 km plus side trips) starting with 2 nights in the Bow Hut to give us an opportunity to ease into the traverse, learn some skills and attempt a ski mountaineering objective. We will then ski the Wapta traverse with a night each in Balfour and Scott Duncan Huts. This trip is ideal for avid backcountry skiers who are comfortable with transitions and skiing with a large pack.

19 yrs and up (or 16+ if accompanied by a parent). Prerequisite: strong intermediate skier in good physical condition. Includes: ACMG guides, hut fees, backcountry access fees, specialized glacier travel equipment (harness, ropes, crampons, etc.).

This classic, multi-day backcountry traverse gives access to tremendous views and great skiing or boarding. The first night is spent at Bow Hut. On the second and third nights we will stay in the new Louise and Richard Guy Hut. The fourth and fifth are at the beautiful Stanley Mitchell Hut, and on the last day we will make an incredible descent to Emerald Lake (conditions permitting). Our bonus nights in the Louise and Richard Guy Hut and the Stanley Mitchell Hut will set us up nicely to attempt some of the excellent ski mountaineering along the way! 

Prerequisite: strong intermediate-expert skier/splitboarder in good physical condition. Includes: ACMG guide, hut fees, backcountry access fees, specialized glacier travel equipment (harness, ropes, crampons, etc.), evening meals.

Join one of our ACMG-certified guides for a day or more of guided backcountry skiing, ice climbing, or instructional content. This can be an extremely cost-effective way to get you and your friends out in the hills with a qualified professional!

Please contact us for a complete quote. Maximum ratios will vary depending on the chosen objective.

Rates begin at $655 per day for one guest, with an additional $55 for each additional guest to a maximum of six guests per guide. Guests will also be responsible for Guide expenses, such as mileage, or for transporting the guide to the program venue. Guests will also be responsible for expenses such as hut and camping fees, guides' food, and backcountry passes for overnight trips. Certain very long objectives completed in a single day may have an additional surcharge applied.

Please contact ocprograms@ucalgary.cafor a detailed quote.

Do you dream of venturing away from the ski resort crowds and hustle to explore the limitless ski runs and fresh powder snow of the Canadian Rockies backcountry? If you are an intermediate skier who is confident navigating variable and off-piste terrain at the resort then this is the course for you. Join us for a day of foundation-level instruction on the essential skills for backcountry skiing, including climbing efficiently with skins, basic companion rescue, and track setting.

Spend a day learning the equipment and techniques used in crevasse rescue.
We will use a site in the Bow Valley that allows us to practice skills essential to safe travel on a glacier, as well as basic rescue systems.

This course teaches fundamental crevasse rescue skills, including: 
- glacier topography and safe navigation 
- roping up for glacier travel 
- rope management 
- holding a load 
- tractor pull rescue technique 
- drop loop assisted rescue 
- transferring a load 
- hauling systems  
- self-rescue techniques 

Many of our instructors and guides are available for individual lessons or private guided trips. We have the ability to customize an experience based on skillset and needs. If you have something specific in mind, email ocprograms@ucalgary.ca and we'll do our best to accommodate your request.