Mount Washington Backcountry Tour

As low as:

$225.00 / person

(at 6:1 ratio) Next Trip: Jan 3, 2025 (day trip)
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    Upcoming Trips

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  • Jan 3, 2025 (day trip)
    Book Trip
    6 spots available. $225.00
  • Jan 25, 2025 (day trip)
    Book Trip
    4 spots available. $225.00

Add-ons

Avi Kit rental $15.00

Avalanche kit rental includes transceiver, shovel and probe. If you are bringing your own avi kit, this must include a modern, digital, 3-antenna transceiver, and a solid shovel and probe. If you do not have all three of these things then you must rent a kit from us to take part. Avi Kits once rented are non-refundable.

Lift ticket $35.00

This specially priced lift ticket is mandatory if you do not own a season pass. If you are not purchasing this add-on, you must email us at [email protected] to confirm that you have a season pass, otherwise we will add a lift ticket to your booking. Lift Tickets once purchased are non-refundable.

Island Turns and Tours Guidebook $69.00

Save on postage and have this indispensable trip planning guide delivered to you at your course. With well over 500 Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale rated Island tours, this guidebook allows you to apply the learning from your IAG/HVI course to doing real trips in the mountains.

IAG Cancellation Coverage $11.00

As per our Cancellation Policy, your trip or course is 100% non-refundable after 30 days prior to the trip/course start date. Purchasing this addon will allow you to cancel your trip/course within that 30 day time period for reasons of injury, illness or family emergency, and will provide you with a credit for the full value of your trip/course fee which can be be used on any Island Alpine Guides or Hike Vancouver Island trip or course or trip for up to one year from the start date of the trip/course originally booked.

About


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. 
 
Included in the price:

  • 1 day with an ACMG guide
  • Exclusive access to the Mount Washington Backcountry

Not included in the price:

  • Transportation
  • Food
  • Accommodation
  • Personal equipment
  • Avi kit (available as an add-on)
  • Lift ticket (available as an add-on)

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details about our booking and cancellation policy, and other commonly asked questions.

Location 


These trips utilize the lifts at Mount Washington Alpine Resort for quick access into the alpine. We then leave the resort boundary for fresh tracks and excellent lines.

Note: Our guides have special permissions to access terrain outside the boundary lines at Mount Washington Alpine Resort. 

Itinerary


A typical day begins at 08:30 and finishes around 16:00. Where we explore will depend on the conditions of the day, and the group in question. 

Exact meeting details will be provided one-week prior in a pre-trip email.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page, or send us an email. 

Requirements


To maximize your enjoyment of the day and ensure the safety of our participants, we ask that you: 

  • Are an advanced skier or boarder (able to ride blue/black diamond-equivalent runs comfortably and safely in natural conditions (powder, breakable crust, ect))
  • Have moderate fitness (able to hike for 2-3 hours/day)
  • Have a basic understanding of your gear, and any limitations 
  • Are prepared to spend the day outside in variable conditions (please see gear list)
  • 19+ (if you are a minor, please reach out to discuss options)

The choice between alpine touring skis, telemark skis or a splitboard is up to you. Choose a mode of transport you are most comfortable and competent with.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page, or send us an email. If you do not feel you meet these requirements, feel free to reach out – we are happy to set up private trips whenever possible.  

Gear List


The equipment list provided aims to prepare you to be comfortable in the field regardless of the weather. Please ensure that all your gear is functioning and in proper repair. If you have any questions, please send us an email (link). 

Avalanche Safety Gear

These items are available as an add on “avalanche kit” when you book, or by request for $15

  • Avalanche Transceiver (must be a modern, digital three-antenna)*
  • Shovel: Collapsible aluminum shovel*
  • Probe: Normal length probe somewhere from 220cm to 320cm*

Hardware

  • Ski touring skis/board
  • Skins
  • Poles
  • Ski touring/snowboard boots
  • Day pack (30 - 40L, or whatever will fit your gear)

Clothing

  • Waterproof/breathable jacket and pants
  • Lightweight, breathable jacket and pants (for uphill skinning/climbing)
  • Insulated jacket (synthetic insulated jacket is strongly recommended)
  • Lightweight gloves for climbing/skinning 
  • Warm gloves
  • Warm hat
  • Balaclava or another type of neck warmer
  • Baselayers (top and bottom)

Other

  • Water
  • Lunch and snacks (prepared ahead of time and consumable on the go) 
  • Sunglasses
  • Goggles
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun hat
  • Ski strap
  • Personal first aid (e.g. blister kit, medication)
  • Camera (optional)

Rentals


Avalanche Kit: We offer rental transceivers, shovels and probes as an add-on kit when you book or by request pre-trip. If you do not have your own modern, digital, three antenna transceiver, collapsible shovel, and/or probe - please request a rental kit prior to your course/trip.

Touring Gear: 'Ski Tak Hut' in Courtenay (https://www.skitakhut.com/pages/rentals) offers backcountry ski and splitboard rentals. Clients on IAG courses and trips are eligible to receive a unique 25% discount code towards their gear rentals from Ski Tak Hut - for the duration of their course/trip with us. These discount codes are distributed directly by IAG to our clients upon request. Rentals from Ski Tak Hut can be ordered online using the unique discount code. Note you will be asked to show the booking confirmation you received from us when you pick up your gear.

Winter 4x4 Vehicle(s): 'Far Out Wilderness' (https://faroutwilderness.com/ski-tours-winter-4x4/) is a 4x4 vehicle rental service in Victoria that offers clients access to a fleet of rugged, reliable, and fully-equipped vehicles designed to conquer the most challenging winter terrain. Their vehicles come with snow tires with the 3 peak mountain symbol, chains, and ski racks. They also provide emergency equipment, including SOS, SPOT messenger systems, GPS, tire pump, toe rope, tire pressure gauge, a map to BC's backcountry roads, and a first aid kit. Everything you need to get safely to the ski slopes! Upon request, IAG clients can receive a 5% discount code towards their rentals from 'Far Out Wilderness'.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for information about gear fitting, rentals, add ons, and other commonly asked questions, or send us an email.

Testimonials

AWESOME. Ryan D. ,
I had a great time riding with you. I gained a lot of knowledge, and definitely appreciated your willingness to share your expertise. Thanks again, and happy turns. I look forward to our next meeting. David Boychuk, Vancouver Island, BC.
Just wanted to email to thank Christophe for the great tour yesterday. We had so much fun and enjoyed recounting all the different parts of our day on the drive home yesterday afternoon. We'll look forward to another Mt Cain tour next year! Mary Thiess, Nanaimo, BC.
The backcountry ski tour was a 10/10. It was everything I had hoped for, and more! Jasper D. (age 10),
I had a great day with Ken today. He was really knowledgeable and good at communicating where I needed to improve and how. Learned all sorts of great tips today! Abby R, Courtenay
awesome day all around. Joe is a great communicator, did a great job leading us through safety aspects as well as providing great tips throughout the day. His personal experience and local knowledge were invaluable. JF Rapatel,
It was a great… insanely DEEP day. Joe and Sam were professional, knowledgable and on-it, as per usual. We had our fair share of extraneous issues (car troubles, personal issues) that we had to deal with, but the actual day was epic. Would highly recommend it, and everyone in our group was really happy with it. Brendan Matthews,
The whole day was awesome. Jan asked what our personal goals were and exceeded all expectations. Not only did we get a ton of good turns in, but we learned more about the area in general. We just moved to the valley and this was the perfect introduction to Mount Washington Slackcountry. Steph, Washy Backcountry Tour
Cooler temps provided perfect conditions. Our guide’s route and timing were perfect to allow us to maximize vertical. Outstanding day! Jerry, Mount Washington Backcountry Tour