Enjoy an epic day of touring and riding in the Island Alps on one of our most coveted trips. A helicopter is used to swiftly access the high alpine in the morning, followed by a solid day of touring with an ACMG-certified guide. We’ll explore some of the best riding terrain the Island has to offer, enjoying panoramic ocean to alpine views of Salish Sea, the Coast Range, and Strathcona Park all the while.
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Our Guided Rock Days are offered as full or half day experiences and/or on single or multi pitch routes.
A fun-filled day at the crags introducing (or re-introducing) you to the exciting sport of rock climbing. Explore a new area, learn to move fluidly on the rock as you climb, belay, and rappel (descend).
Our guides are always happy to teach as you go or simply to show the way if that is your preference.
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The Elkhorn, affectionately known as the "Matterhorn of the Island Alps," is the second highest peak on Vancouver Island. The North West Ridge is the classic line, and was first ascended by an Alpine Club expedition led by A.O Wheeler in 1912. This route remains a challenge today, with over 1800m of elevation gain from valley to summit. Atmospheric low-fifth class climbing leads to striking views of Colonel Foster, Kings Peak, and Rambler amidst the rugged and remote backdrop of Strathcona Provincial Park.
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The backcountry surrounding Mount Washington offers first-rate powder stashes to those who know where to go. Seek out the best lines the area has to offer under the wing of an ACMG-Ski Guide, accessing otherwise off-limit areas. This trip benefits from exclusive lift access from the resort, providing a quick approach to excellent terrain for touring and riding. Guides will choose routes best suited to the conditions of the day, as well as the experience level, fitness and desires of the group.
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Vancouver Island’s third-highest peak stands somewhat alone between White River and Gold River. Offering views of Strathcona Park to the south, and the North Island peaks to the north, the route opens up to interesting and atmospheric climbing. This pleasant trip can be done in two to three days and benefits from easy access along logging roads.
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Mount Cain offers some of the quickest access to excellent backcountry skiing on Vancouver Island. Epic north island powder, stunning mountain scenery and the friendly culture of Mount Cain will ensure an unforgettable day. Seek out the best lines the area has to offer under the wing of an ACMG-Ski Guide.
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A classic summit in the Southern Strathcona Park region, Mount Myra makes for an excellent ski destination. Explore rugged and remote terrain and wide-range of ski line options, all under the wing of an ACMG Ski Guide. This trip can be done as a long day trip, or over two days.
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Set in the dramatic wilderness of the upper Elk Valley, Rambler offers one of the finest moderate technical rock routes anywhere. The West Buttress offers 650 meters of clean basalt climbing directly to the summit. Awesome as it is, the difficulty rating never exceeds 5.6. After enjoying the breathtaking view from the top, make a dramatic descent into the vast granite slabs of Elk Pass.
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This superb four-day alpine traverse offers huge exposure, varied and interesting climbing, and is undoubtedly an Island classic. Claim all the summits on this impressive mountain, while staying primarily in fourth and low fifth class terrain, with only a couple moves up to 5.8. While a strenuous and all-encompassing route, this traverse is a quintessential alpine experience on Vancouver Island.
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As many islanders trade in their skis for boots and bikes, cool nights and warm days are hard at work turning the island snowpack into perfect corn. Mount Arrowsmith, the highest mountain east of Port Alberni, offers great spring skiing objectives, with steep and exciting lines on a variety of aspects.
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This classic coast mountain Haute Route starts on Whistler Mountain and works its way around the spectacular Spearhead Range. Over three days, we’ll traverse through awesome terrain, bagging peaks and making ski descents along the way. This can also be combined with the Mystery Creek trip to make an amazing and committed seven-day mountain ski traverse. Best completed February to May.
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This three-day climb travels over two glaciers and covers some of the most impressive terrain in Strathcona Park. Straying from the standard route, we’ll access the summit by ascending through the hidden Kweishun Valley and up a rarely-climbed couloir. This climbers route is more technical and rarely used. You’ll enjoy a true wilderness experience, despite being on one of the most recognizable peaks in the area.
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The traverse from Mount Washington to Comox Glacier is an excellent summer and winter objective, but winter is when it really shines. Staying above tree line, this five-day ski tour takes in the height of land on the eastern edge of Strathcona Park. Enjoy countless summits, and panoramic views of the Island, Coastal Mountains, and the Strait of Georgia.
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Mount Septimus is perhaps the most dramatic alpine feature in Southern Strathcona Park. Rising above the turquoise waters of Cream Lake, climbers are rewarded with jaw-dropping views. Enjoy easy access as a 3 day out-and-back from Bedwell Lake Trail, or make the traverse from Bedwell to Price Valley for a wonderful 4-day journey.
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Seven days of world-class ski touring with a chance at the NW summit of Mount Waddington make this one of the greatest ski mountaineering adventures anywhere. Peak objectives include Mounts Munday, Jester and Cavalier amongst others combined with long glacial ski runs on a scale found only in the high mountains. Best done March to May.
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Join us for some superb climbing on big glaciers and clean granite in the spectacular Tantalus Range. A short helicopter trip from Squamish drops us in the amazing Serratus/Dione Col. Base camp will be set near the Jim Haberl Hut. We will spend 3 intensive days climbing objectives such as Mount Serratus, Dione, and Alpha, to name a few of the possibilities.
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With the use of a helicopter, a number of incredible alpine ascents on Vancouver Island become accessible in a single-day trip, including Mount Matchlee, Victoria Peak and Rugged Mountain. All of these peaks have a number of routes from straightforward scrambles to more technical lines.
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As the highest peak on Vancouver Island, the Golden Hinde holds a certain allure. The remoteness of this trek only adds to the appeal, offering a wonderful wilderness experience to anyone who endeavors to climb it. This trip can be done as a five day out and back or as an eight day traverse from Phillips Ridge to Elk River. The route combines the immersive experience of a hiking journey with the fun of some technical terrain once we start the ascent of the Hinde itself. A must-do for any island mountain enthusiast.
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The Comox Glacier dominates the skyline above Courtenay and Comox. This gleaming mass of alpine ice is a tantalizing goal for the fit hiker. From this glacier, some significant alpine features are accessible. On this trip, we’ll complete the traverse from the Ash River to the Comox Glacier and climb Mount Argus, Mount Harmston and the Red Pillar peaks along the way. This is a spectacular four-day mountain adventure, with unforgettable and panoramic views. Perfect for fit mountain hikers with backpacking and perhaps a little scrambling experience.
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The highest mountain in BC has a lure of course, but Mount Waddington is a very special peak for reasons beyond its place at the top of the elevation list. Set in a vast and dramatic wilderness, Waddington’s height is particularly noticeable when you stand on its 4015m summit and gaze out over the ocean. On this week-long trip into the Waddington range, we’ll aim to climb a few other peaks to acclimatize before heading for the main objective.
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