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Ski Traverses
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Ski Traverses
7 public items in this list
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Atlin-Juneau Icefield Traverse
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McBride Traverse
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Bridge-Lillooet Divide
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Blackomb to Currie Traverse
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Bow Yoho Traverse
The Bow-Yoho Traverse is more than a ski route — it's a journey through some of the Rockies' most legendary terrain, a rugged journey through some vast terrain. It is best done by staying in the excellent huts along the route (booked through the Alpine Club of Canada), but if the huts are booked up, those with a tolerance for carrying heavy packs can do it by staying in tents. Like the nearby Wapta Traverse, extending this trip by staying an extra night or two in some or all of the huts is a great option. The trip begins at the frozen expanse of Bow Lake, where the towering ramparts of the Wapta Icefield loom on the horizon. Skate across the lake's windswept surface before threading their way up a narrow canyon, gradually climbing through snow-laden forest and frozen waterfalls toward the alpine. The Bow Hut emerges on a bench high above the treeline, tucked beneath the imposing flanks of Mount Gordon - a welcome shelter and a gateway to the glaciated wilderness beyond. From here, the route ascends steadily onto the Wapta Icefield itself - a vast expanse of snow and ice. (Some choose to climb Mount Gordon, a panoramic high point with sweeping views that reach to the Columbia Icefield and beyond, but this does add a lot to the day and is better done as a return day trip from the Bow Hut.) Head west across this and make the loooong and gradual climb up towards Mount Collie. It's possible to tag the summit of Collie in the highly improbable event you're keen for some more skinning! From beneath Collie, head due south and follow a spectacular, broad ridge that undulates and then drops down to Guy Hut. Even by the standards of mountain huts, the Guy Hut is utterly spectacular and enjoys an epic view of Mont des Poilus. Taking an extra day or two to tour from the Guy Hut is highly recommended, for the views, if nothing else. The final chapter of the traverse is perhaps its most spectacular: a long ascent and then descent through the icefall-laced Isolated Col and down into the Little Yoho Valley, where the Stanley Mitchell Hut awaits. Tagging Mount McArthur is an option if the weather is good, but this is an adventurous and exciting day even without any detours. As you ski beneath towering limestone walls and past ice-choked gullies, the terrain softens and the Iceline Trail begins to take shape — a high alpine shelf with unparalleled views across the Vice President range and Yoho's glacial giants. Alternatively, if the weather and conditions aren't suitable for the Iceline, follow the Yoho Valley road out. The descent winds past frozen tarns and larch-filled basins, eventually dropping to Takakkaw Falls, where the roar of meltwater signals the return to the world below.
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Wapta Traverse
This north-to-south traverse of the Wapta Icefield is a classic route of the Canadian Rockies — committing, wild, and achingly beautiful — offering a high-alpine journey through one of North America's most accessible glacier networks. The hut network makes this a civilized tour on which you can carry a relatively amenable pack - something of a rarity on North American ski traverses. If the huts are fully booked, and you take the camping option, expect to carry an eye-watering amount of gear and food. For those staying in huts, booking an extra night in some or all of them is a great way to add some day tours to this itinerary, and remind yourself how pleasurable touring can be with a day pack! The huts are booked through the Alpine Club of Canada, and if they're full, don't count on being able to squeeze in. If you aren't booked into the hut, then you'll need to find alternative dates or take a tent. The Wapta Traverse begins at the north end of Peyto Lake - in summer, it's a shimmering turquoise basin just off the Icefields Parkway, but in winter, it's a frozen, tundra-like expanse. From the parking lot, the route descends steeply through forest to reach the outflow of Peyto Lake, this section often requiring skis on packs or careful "manoeuvring" (if you know, you know) through dense trees. Once on the frozen lake surface, the journey begins in earnest, crossing its length before ascending through rolling moraines (including a section of bootpacking) and onto the Peyto Glacier via a barren section of slightly descending moraine. Gaining the glacier requires care: this section is often crevassed, especially early or late in the season, and roped travel is advised. Once on the glacier proper, a long, steady climb leads up to the edge of the Wapta Icefield, where expansive views open up and the terrain becomes more forgiving. The Peyto Hut, perched on a rocky outcrop to the west, is the first major waypoint, marking the transition from a steep approach to the broad, glaciated plateau that defines the traverse. From here, the route travels south across the Wapta Icefield, weaving between peaks such as Mounts Thompson and Habel. Navigation can be tricky in poor visibility, with subtle terrain features and hidden crevasses requiring caution. The terrain undulates gently for much of the traverse, with occasional steeper sections as you drop into and climb out of shallow glacier bowls. The travel is mostly mellow, but the sense of exposure and remoteness is ever-present. The next stop is the Bow Hut, but its relative proximity to the Peyto Hut means that some teams skip it and proceed straight to the Balfour Hut. Regardless of which option you choose, the St. Nicholas–Olive col needs to be crossed, and it's a defining feature that signals the approach to the central section of the route. This col is often wind-scoured and may require boot-packing or side-stepping depending on conditions. Once over the col, the route swings eastward briefly before descending onto the fun and open Vulture Glacier and reaching the Balfour Hut, another critical waypoint nestled beneath its eponymous peak. The next segment leads toward the Balfour High Col, the crux of the route and its highest point. This section requires careful assessment of avalanche conditions, as it involves steeper slopes and potential overhead hazard from some pretty chunky seracs. The Balfour Glacier is heavily crevassed in places, and route-finding through the seracs below Mount Balfour can be complex. Efficient travel and sensible route finding are essential here. Once over the high col, the descent to the Scott Duncan Hut offers a relief in gradient and a dramatic shift in landscape, with views extending toward the Yoho Valley. The descent down to the Scott Duncan is great fun and you eat up the distance quickly. The final leg of the traverse climbs up to the col immediately east of Mount Niles. From there, either drop straight into the valley below or, if you want to avoid the overhead avalanche hazard that option can entail, hold your height and swing around beneath Mount Niles into the valley due south of it. Both options meet just north of Sherbrooke Lake, which should be frozen anytime the Wapta ski traverse is possible. Cross the lake - as tedious as it sounds, but at least the scenery is good - and then descend/climb/traverse/bushwhack down to the parking lot, just steps from the Trans Canada Highway.
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Garibaldi Neve Traverse
The Garibaldi Neve Traverse is a rite of passage for ski tourers in the Coast Mountains — a 40-kilometre journey across sprawling glaciers, towering volcanic peaks, and some of the most photogenic alpine terrain in the province. Connecting the Diamond Head trailhead near Squamish with the Rubble Creek exit north of Whistler, it’s a line that captures the essence of backcountry skiing in the Sea to Sky corridor: accessible yet committing, and endlessly beautiful. Some teams go for the trip in a oner, starting early and finishing late, but taking multiple days allows you to immerse yourself a little more in your surroundings. The downside of the multi-day option is the heavy pack you’ll have to carry....pick your poison. The trip begins with a steady climb from the Diamond Head parking lot to Elfin Lakes, where the modern shelter offers a warm overnight stop and a chance to watch sunset light over Mount Garibaldi. From there, the route continues north past Opal Cone, The Tent, and Atwell Peak, all remnants of Garibaldi’s volcanic past. The most objectively dangerous part of the entire trip is usually the descent into and climb out of Ring Creek, which is threatened by overhead avalanche hazard. If conditions are not right - go home! The skinning is generally moderate once out of Ring Creek, with a few steeper pitches that provide efficient elevation gain onto the Garibaldi Neve proper. This vast, undulating icefield is framed by ridges and seracs, making navigation a critical element in moving safely and efficiently through the terrain. Make sure you download the relevant maps on Outmap before setting out! Midway through the traverse, most parties camp near the Warren Glacier or the Glacier Pikes, taking in huge views and the silence that defines this section of the park. As you leave the alpine, the descent toward Garibaldi Lake is long, flowing, and scenic, and thoroughly enjoyable in good snow conditions. Once on the lake, a final slog (let’s he honest here) across the frozen expanse brings you to the shore below The Table. The final challenge is the long ski and hike out through the Rubble Creek Trail, which winds through dense forest to the parking lot below. It’s a demanding finish, especially with heavy packs, but the satisfaction of linking such an iconic alpine route is worth every minute. Even if the satisfaction isn’t providing enough motivation, the prospect of burgers getting ever closer should do! The Garibaldi Neve Traverse requires solid fitness, reliable navigation tools, and crevasse rescue experience. Spring offers the best combination of stable snow and longer daylight hours. With clear weather, good planning, and a capable team, it’s one of the most memorable and aesthetic ski traverses anywhere in western Canada — a true Coast Mountains classic.