The 4 Best Places in the World to Travel on a Guided Ski Trip with Extremely Canadian
For those who’ve tamed the slopes, slayed the steeps, and conquered the groomers, the time has come to take things up a notch. We’re talking about venturing into the wild backcountry, dancing in knee-deep powder, and sending it down untamed freeride terrain. With Extremely Canadian, a ski guiding company boasting 30 years of leading the charge in off-piste skiing and snowboarding, your dream trips to the world’s most iconic ski destinations are just a booking away.
Let’s dive into four of the best spots on the planet for guided ski trips that guarantee adrenaline, adventure, and maybe even an après-ski hangover or two. Buckle up—this isn’t your average ski vacation.
1. Niseko, Japan – Deep Powder, Deep Culture
If waist-deep powder is your religion, then Niseko is your holy grail. This place is legendary for its bottomless powder, thanks to the cold Siberian winds that unload snow all season long. It’s the kind of place where your skis disappear beneath you, and you float on snow so light you barely make a sound. But, unless you know the terrain (and speak fluent Japanese), navigating the backcountry can be a bit tricky. That’s where a guide from Extremely Canadian saves your bacon.
The Terrain: Niseko offers up a smorgasbord of freeride terrain, from pillow lines in the trees to wide-open bowls, perfect for the advanced skier seeking pristine snow. The backcountry is particularly inviting, but it's also notorious for avalanches, making a guide not just useful, but essential.
Gear Tip: To handle Niseko’s relentless powder, you’ll want something like the Rossignol Black Ops 118. Wide underfoot and built for big mountain skiing, these bad boys will keep you floating through the deepest days.
Après-Ski: After a day of slashing powder, soak your muscles in one of the many onsen (hot springs) that dot the area. Then, head to Niseko's vibrant nightlife scene where you can down Japanese whisky or sip on sake at cozy bars like the speakeasy Bar Gyu+ (yes, it has a secret refrigerator door entrance).
Culture & Cuisine: Niseko seamlessly blends the tranquility of rural Japan with world-class ski resorts. Don’t leave without savoring some fresh Hokkaido seafood—try the king crab or the legendary miso ramen.
Why a Guide? Beyond the language barrier and the maze of backcountry options, an Extremely Canadian guide ensures you don’t end up skiing in a whiteout on the wrong side of the mountain. They’ll take you to the best stashes of snow, keep you safe, and show you a side of Japan you won’t find in any guidebook.
2. Whistler, Canada – The Mecca of Big Mountain Skiing
When you think of world-class ski destinations, Whistler tops the list. As the home of Extremely Canadian, there’s a special connection between this resort and the guides who live to shred here. With over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, two massive mountains, and the kind of backcountry access that makes your heart race, Whistler is the ultimate playground for expert skiers.
The Terrain: From the steep chutes of Whistler’s West Cirque to the powder-filled bowls of Blackcomb Glacier, this is a place where skiing legends are born. And don’t even get us started on the backcountry. Touring beyond the resort’s boundaries opens up access to even more remote powder stashes that few will ever see without a guide.
Gear Tip: Visibility can turn on a dime in Whistler. Invest in Smith 4D MAG Goggles with ChromaPop technology. You’ll thank yourself when you’re carving through clouds and still seeing every bump and ridge.
Après-Ski: Whistler’s après scene is legendary. You’ve got classic spots like the Garibaldi Lift Co. for craft beers, or head to the Longhorn Saloon for a rowdy party atmosphere. And if you’re still standing by nightfall, there are clubs, bars, and even late-night poutine to fuel your recovery.
Culture & Cuisine: Whistler attracts a global crowd, so you can find everything from fine dining at Araxi to burgers at Splitz Grill. And of course, there’s the breathtaking beauty of the Coast Mountains—the perfect backdrop for an epic ski adventure.
Why a Guide? Whistler’s vastness can be overwhelming, and the terrain can be technical. An Extremely Canadian guide will help you unlock the best lines, avoid the crowds, and lead you safely through the backcountry, whether you’re skinning up for a fresh powder lap or tackling some steep, gnarly terrain.
3. Las Leñas, Argentina – South American Steeps and Style
For those chasing the endless winter, Las Leñas offers a South American escape where the skiing is as spicy as the Malbec. This Argentine resort is known for its steep terrain, making it a paradise for advanced freeriders looking to put their skills to the test.
The Terrain: Las Leñas is home to Marte, the highest lift in South America, and it accesses some of the steepest in-bounds terrain on the planet. When conditions align, the backcountry opens up to endless possibilities. Steeps, chutes, and couloirs await, but it's avalanche-prone, so a guide is crucial.
Gear Tip: When skiing Las Leñas, you’ll want a lightweight yet warm jacket for varying temperatures. The Smartwool Merino Sport Ultralite Hoodie is a great option for layering on the mountain and comes in both Men’s and Women’s.
Après-Ski: Las Leñas’ nightlife is a blur of dancing, cocktails, and live music. The vibe is laid-back, but don’t be surprised if you end up partying until dawn with your ski boots still on.
Culture & Cuisine: The Argentinian love for meat shines here. A visit to a local asado (barbecue) is mandatory, where you can indulge in steaks and sausages grilled to perfection. Pair it with some local Malbec, and you’re living the dream.
Why a Guide? Las Leñas is as wild as it is wonderful. An Extremely Canadian guide will navigate you through the complex terrain, keep you safe from slides, and ensure you’re skiing the best lines instead of spending your day hiking back up from a wrong turn.
4. Alagna, Italy – The Hidden Gem of the Italian Alps
For advanced skiers seeking a lesser-known gem, Alagna, Italy, offers an off-the-beaten-path ski experience like no other. Nestled in the Piedmont region, this quiet village is the gateway to the Monterosa Ski area and a haven for those looking to venture into serious backcountry terrain. Known as Italy’s "Freeride Paradise," Alagna is perfect for expert skiers and splitboarders ready to dive into some of Europe’s most demanding off-piste lines. With steep terrain, long descents, and endless powder, Alagna is a hidden treasure in the world of freeride skiing.
The Terrain: Steeps, Couloirs, and Endless Powder
Alagna is part of the Monterosa Ski area, which spans three valleys and offers around 180 kilometers of skiable terrain. But for the advanced skier, the real draw lies beyond the marked trails. The area is famous for its challenging off-piste routes, including some of the longest descents in the Alps. At the top of Punta Indren, over 3,200 meters above sea level, the backcountry opens up to vast powder fields and couloirs that seem to stretch on forever. It’s not for the faint-hearted, and the avalanche danger can be significant, so a guide is crucial.
Gear Tip: When tackling Alagna’s steep lines and unpredictable snow, the Rossignol Sender Free 110 skis are a must. These freeride machines handle big mountain terrain with ease. This bad boy is lightweight yet packs a serious punch with its Air Tip and Carbon Alloy Matrix technology.
Après-Ski:: Alagna isn’t known for its party scene, but that’s part of its charm. The après-ski experience here is more about relaxing with a drink in hand and reliving the day’s epic descents. The village is small and cozy, with just a few bars, but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. The atmosphere is intimate and inviting, perfect for a post-powder wind-down with an Aperol Spritz or a Grappa.
Culture & Cuisine: Wooden chalets and cobblestone streets give the village an old-world feel, and the culture here is deeply tied to the mountains. You’re in the Piedmont region, home to some of Italy’s best food and wine. From rich risottos and polenta dishes to the famous Toma cheese, the food is hearty and soul-warming—perfect after a long day on the slopes. The rifugios (mountain huts) scattered throughout the ski area also offer traditional Italian meals like asado (barbecue) or a meal of fresh handmade pasta.
Why a Guide? Alagna’s backcountry is as wild as it is vast. The risk of getting lost or caught in a dangerous area is real. That’s where an Extremely Canadian guide steps in. With their knowledge of the terrain and avalanche risks, they’ll lead you to the best, safest lines, giving you a worry-free adventure that lets you focus on the skiing—not your survival.
No matter which destination you choose, one thing’s for sure—booking a guided ski trip with Extremely Canadian will turn your adventure up to 11. Whether you're chasing powder in Japan, carving the iconic slopes of Whistler, wining and dining in the Italian Alps, or taking on South America's steeps, their expert guides have your back, ensuring your trip is safer, smoother, and filled with unforgettable turns. So pack your bags, gear up, and get ready for the ski trip of a lifetime.
