Ski Washington to Comox Glacier

As low as:

$1,090.00 / person

(at 4:1 ratio)
  • STRENUOUSNESS
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  • TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
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Add-ons

Avi Kit rental $70.00

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.

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.

About


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 Salish Sea. 

Included in the price:

  • 5 days with an ACMG guide
  • Group technical gear

Not included in the price:

  • Transportation
  • Food
  • Personal gear (avi kit and some other items available for rent)

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

Logistics 


Please get in touch to discuss the logistics of this trip. Itinerary, route objectives and the number of days will vary depending on the group desires and abilities as well as time of year. 

We will discuss logistics upon booking and note specifics in the booking tab. Exact meeting details will be provided in a pre-trip email sent one-week prior to your trip. 
 
Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details, or send us an email. 

Requirements


This Traverse is a demanding route. To join this trip, we require that you: 

  • Feel comfortable traveling for extended days in a backcountry winter environment including winter camping and movement in adverse winter conditions
  • Are an advanced level skiers or boarders (in this case, it means that you should be able to easily ride the equivalent of black diamond runs in natural and variable conditions at a minimum)
  • Have a high level of fitness (able to cover 5-15 km a day and 1500m elevation, or move for 8 hrs a day (with a heavy pack if on an expedition, or a day pack if the trip uses roofed accommodation)
  • Participants must be 19+, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian unless registering for a youth specific trip.

Preparation


To prepare for this trip you should be doing ski touring days with 1000-2000m elevation gain per day. We also recommend some overnight ski touring trips.

Questions about the suitability of this trip? Send us an email. We’re happy to help you find or customize trips to suit your needs. 

Gear List

 
Please be sure that all clothing and equipment is in good repair and functioning properly with boots fitted properly to bindings. 
 
Hardware
 
  • Touring ski/board, boots, skins, poles 
  • 60+ litre backpack (or something large enough to fit personal gear, group gear, and food)
  • Avalanche transceiver (modern, digital, 3-antenna), probe, shovel (available for rent as “avi kit”)

Technical Gear
 
The following can be provided by IAG as a “Mountaineering Kit” add-on for $15/day when you book.
 
  • Helmet (UIAA approved and adjustable)
  • Ice axe* (50-80cm, general mountaineering tool)
  • 3 locking carabiners (one “pear” shaped)
  • 3 non-locking carabiners (two should be matching flat stock)
  • Harness
  • 7mm accessory cord (2 x five-meter lengths)
  • Double shoulder length sewn sling (120cm length, rated to 22kn)
  • Boot and ski crampons if a spring trip

Clothing
 
  • Warm socks, 2 pairs
  • Base layers (top and bottom)
  • Mid-insulation layers
  • Waterproof jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or other waterproof breathable material)
  • Warm outer jacket (down or synthetic)
  • Warm toque
  • Face warmer (scarf, neck tube, face mask, buff)
  • Light gloves, 2 pairs
  • Insulated gloves or mitts, 2 pairs 

Camping gear
 
Some of these items can be shared between contiguous groups
 
  • 4-season tent
  • Winter sleeping bag (warm to -15 depending on time of year and forecast)
  • Sleeping pad (something that gets you off the ground and is rated for winter)
  • Lighters/matches
  • Pot, stove and fuel (available as a “cook kit” add-on)
  • Food (please note that all lunches should be ready-to-eat, and will likely be consumed on the go).  For tasty, nutritous and locally pre-made dinners check out https://wildedgeketo.com/

Other
 
  • Sun protection (sunscreen, glasses, and hat)
  • Goggles
  • Camp booties or shoes
  • Small general repair kit (e.g. for sleeping pad, stove, tent, any parts specific to your bindings/equipment)
  • Small personal first aid (medication, blister kit, etc.)
  • Personal toiletries (keep to minimum)
  • Bowl, cutlery, thermos
  • Water bottles (minimum 2L capacity)
  • Camera or phone
  • Headlamp
  • Water purification
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Map and compass (compass available as a rental add-on, bring your own map for the trip location)
  • Altimetre (optional)
  • Notebook (Rite in the Rain recommended) and pencil

Group Gear Logistics

Your guide will bring along group emergency (first aid, communications device) and group technical gear. You are only required to bring the items on this list.

Rentals

 
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.

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. 

Technical Gear: Our Mountaineering Kit rental includes all the items on the technical gear list, and is available for $15/day. These can be purchased when you book or requested later as an add on. 

If you require other items from the personal gear list, perhaps check out Sports Rent based out of Victoria, Blue Toque Sports based in Courtenay, and/or on social media to name a few.

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 about gear? Check out our FAQ page for details or send us an email.

Testimonials

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