Intro to Backcountry
Intro to Backcountry Groups
Step into Whistler/Blackcomb’s vast untracked backcountry ski & snowboard terrain that stretches to the horizon in every direction. At an enjoyable pace to be able to take in the awe-inspiring Coast Mountains, we will accustom you to the gear, terrain, and lifestyle of a backcountry skier/snowboarder. An adventure you’ll not soon forget, but will certainly want to repeat.
In a full day of mind-blowing guided backcountry skiing, telemarking or snowboarding, ACMG Guides will share techniques and tactics to hone your skiing, boost your safety knowledge, and heighten your awareness in big mountain terrain.
Please note this course requires touring skis or splitboard, skins & avalanche safety gear. If you require Backcountry rentals please let us know. For complete equipment list see below.
Price:
$309 + Taxes & Fees / person
BUNDLE & SAVE: The perfect package for anyone getting into backcountry adventuring. Book the Intro to Backcountry and AST 1+ and save 25%.
Available Days:
Wednesdays
Saturdays
Groups of up to 6 people * Minimum of 3 people needed
The best value for groups of 3 people or more is our Backcountry Private! Customize your day for less, take advantage of the best deal!
Dates:
Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 - Sunday, Apr. 20, 2025
All participants will be required to sign the appropriate waivers for each adventure; please review the document thoroughly prior to signing.
Give the gift of adventure.
What’s Included:
One full day of Extremely Canadian guiding from 8:00 AM
Lift line priority
ACMG Certified Guide (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides)
Not Included:
Lunch
Lift tickets (discounted tickets available)
Backcountry rentals
Avalanche Safety Gear (shovel, beacon, probe)
Gratuity (at your discretion)
Ability Level:
Advanced-intermediate to expert skier or snowboarder with no or little touring experience.
*Group products are for skiers/riders 16 years of age or older. Privates are suited for any age of a level 5/6 skiing/riding ability.
Exertion Level:
Low to Medium (~1+ hours of hiking)
~ 400-600M elevation gain
~1600M skiing/riding vertical
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Q: What is the minimum ability I need to be?
A: If you can comfortably ski/ride an ungroomed black diamond then we have a group for you! Our programs are geared towards level 4-6 skiers and riders, from advanced-intermediate to Expert level.
Q: I have kid drop off in the morning, how do I get to the Carleton for 8:00AM?
A: If you’re booked in a private, that's no problem. We can meet at your convenience. For our Steeps/Freeride Clinics, the groups leave the deck for 8:30AM. Try to coordinate to have someone else drop off or inquire about early drop off. Please let us know if you are going to be running late.
Q: Does the price include a lift ticket?
A: The price does not include a lift ticket, but you cann purchase for a discounted price while skiing with Extremely Canadian.
Q: Do we need AST 1 or 2 to join the intro to backcountry group?
A: No, this is the beauty of having a certified Guide to show you the way.
Q: What gear do I need for a Backcountry Adventure?
A: Please check out our “Equipment and Preparation” sheet on each Backcountry Adventure page.
Q: What if the conditions are less than ideal, does the clinic/tours go ahead?
A: For our Backcountry tours the guides, will deliberate about the conditions prior to the tour and the morning of to discuss the avalanche conditions. The avalanche conditions would have to be extremely dangerous for a Backcountry tour to get cancelled.
Q: Where in the village can I find Backcountry rentals?
A: We highly recommend Evo Backcountry for all your backcountry rentals. Rent the full package, with a discount when booking with Extremely Canadian.
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Meet 8AM at the Carleton Lodge Patio - the backside, facing Lululemon
8:30AM leave the Carleton and upload the gondola
Head out of bounds once the guide feels comfortable with everyone avalanche training, and the alpine lifts open
3-4:30PM enter back into the valley, depending on the time of season/daylight
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Avalanche Safety Gear (shovel, beacon, probe)
Skins
1L of water or more
Lunch with lots of snacks for on the go
Extra warm layers
Sunglasses and goggles
Sunscreen
Toque and hat
If you’re looking for a more detailed packing list, check out our “Equipment & Preparation”
Similar Product
Avalanche Skills Training 1+
Entry-level decision-making framework for recreational skiers and snowboarders in winter backcountry avalanche terrain.
2-Day Steep Skiing Clinic
You will discover both the best of Whistler Blackcomb’s insane steeps and are guaranteed to improve your skiing.
The fine print.
Book in Advance
Guides are in high demand and low supply. Please book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Payment & Confirmation
All rates are quoted in Canadian currency and are subject to taxes. Full payment is due upon booking. Confirmation is made by email.
** Weather Conditions
Adventure travel involves risk and unpredictable weather conditions. Extremely Canadian does not purport to any guarantee of conditions. We retain the right to cancel at any time due to inclement weather or factors outside of our control. In this case the client will be entitled to a full refund.
Group Dynamics
We worry less about exact ratios but we endeavour to have a tight match of ability and inclination to provide tons of vertical and mileage while moving quickly and safely through terrain appropriate for the group. Ratios can be between 1:5 but are usually closer to 3:1. If we don’t have a group for you we will work to find another program that matches your ability or provide a full refund.
Insurance
We do not request proof of insurance coverage, but please ensure that you have appropriate coverage to ensure that you are adequately covered for any eventuality. We highly suggest that you purchase trip cancellation insurance to avoid penalties related to a change in plans.
If you require any clarifications on these important details, please contact us at ski@extremelycanadian.com or call 604-938-9656.
Epic Pass Holders
Do you have the following pass that is part of the Mountain rewards program? Passes include: Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass, Epic Day Pass, Epic Australia Pass etc. You are eligible for 10% off all Extremely Canadian group products. Group products include 2-Day Steeps Clinic, 1-Day Steeps Clinic, 2-Day Snowboarder Freeride Camps, Intro to Backcountry, AST 1+ & AST 2 courses. Use code EPIC10 when booking to get your 10% discount.
What you need to know before embarking on your day.
Meeting Time and Place
Meeting time is 8 AM on the deck of the Carleton Lodge in the main village between the gondolas unless otherwise noted in your confirmation.
Late Arrival or Departures
Extremely Canadian cannot accept responsibility for travellers inconvenienced by late, diverted, delayed, cancelled, or rescheduled travel arrangements. This also applies to missed connections or transfers. We intend to leave the Carleton Patio for 8:30 AM, there will be a 15 min grace period where we will wait and connect you to the group. If you arrive outside the 15mins, we are not responsible for connecting you to the group or providing a refund/reschedule.
Refunds
No refunds will be issued on whole or partially unused portions of packages. No refunds will be issued on day of lesson (medical reasons with a doctor’s note may be an exception).
Rescheduling Due to Low Numbers
Group adventures must meet a minimum group size of 3 persons. In rare instances, we may ask a guest to switch from a clinic or camp that has too few participants. If this happens we will attempt to notify you 24 hours prior to the date. However, we reserve the right to cancel any clinics or camps, for any reason, at any time prior to start. In such a case, refund of any payments received shall constitute full settlement.
Cancellation Policy
We totally understand if your plans change!
Here's the scoop on our Backcountry Tours cancellation policy: Up to 7 days prior to your activity date, you will receive a 90% refund or you can choose to reschedule your adventure date or opt for a 100% credit to be used in the future. All modification requests must be made within Extremely Canadian’s operating hours by email or phone at least 7 days prior to your tour. However, please note that once alterations have been made to your original activity date, refunds will not be allowed. If you booked multiple days, our cancellation policy applies to each day separately. If you are cancelling your activity due to illness/injury within 7 days, you may be required to present medical documentation to complete the refund.
End of Day
Guides will determine the end of day. Many factors will be considered when doing so.
Behaviour Expectations
Guests are expected to behave in an orderly fashion and not to disrupt the enjoyment of other guests or in anyway harm the reputation of Extremely Canadian or its suppliers. Extremely Canadian reserves the right to decline accepting or retaining any guest whose health or actions impede the operation of a clinic or camp or the welfare or enjoyment of fellow guests.
Underage Participants
Group programs are for guests aged 16 and older. All clients 18 & under must sign the safety voucher and wear a helmet.
Waiver
You will be required to sign a waiver and release of liability before your first day on the mountain. Below is a copy of the waiver for your review. A separate waiver is required when purchasing a lift ticket; check our waiver page for more information.
If you require any clarifications on these important details, please contact us at ski@extremelycanadian.com or call 604-938-9656.
