Flow State Experiences
Backcountry and ski touring operators near Whistler
Backcountry and ski touring operators we have checked with a genuine connection to this destination, in and around it, grouped by where each one actually works. A busy or seasonal operator is never left out. Dates, programs, prices and booking all stay with the operator.
Whistler
Guided ski touring and avalanche courses · Sea to Sky backcountry: Squamish, Whistler and the Callaghan Valley
Altus Mountain Guides
ACMG and IFMGA guides running avalanche courses and guided touring from Squamish.
Squamish-based Altus Mountain Guides runs AST 1, AST 1+ and AST 2 courses and guided backcountry group tours in Squamish, Whistler and the Callaghan Valley, led by ACMG and IFMGA guides.
- Access
- Office: 389 - 38109 2nd Ave, Squamish, BC V8B 0T7. Whistler days need a Whistler Blackcomb lift ticket (operator).
- Season
- Winter
- Availability
- 2026/27 AST 1 courses listed: Tuesdays in Squamish, Wednesdays in Whistler.
Avalanche courses and guided ski touring · North Shore mountains and the Whistler backcountry
Canada West Mountain School
Avalanche Skills Training on the North Shore and in Whistler, since 1982.
Canada West Mountain School has run avalanche courses since 1982. For 2026/27 it runs AST-1 weekends behind Mt Seymour and in the Whistler backcountry, plus AST-2 and guided Whistler backcountry ski and splitboard days.
- Access
- Main office: 1290 3rd St, West Vancouver, BC V7S 2Y2. Whistler days need lift access (operator).
- Season
- Winter
- Availability
- 2026-27 AST courses open: Seymour AST-1 every weekend from Nov 21-22, 2026 to Mar 27-28, 2027; Whistler AST-1 from Nov 28-29, 2026.
Guided ski touring and avalanche courses · Whistler, Squamish, Duffey Lake and the North Shore
Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures
Guided backcountry ski and splitboard days and avalanche courses across the Sea to Sky.
Whistler-based Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures runs guided ski and splitboard tours around Whistler Blackcomb and in the Squamish and Duffey Lake backcountry, AST 1 courses in Whistler, Squamish and North Vancouver (at Cypress Mountain), and guided backcountry snowshoe tours, with ACMG and IFMGA guides.
- Access
- Office: 207B - 4368 Main St, Market Pavilion, Whistler, BC V8E 1B6.
- Season
- Backcountry taster Nov-Apr; Squamish AST Dec-Mar (operator)
Guided ski touring · Whistler Blackcomb backcountry and the Spearhead Traverse
Extremely Canadian
ACMG-guided intro and private backcountry days from the Whistler Blackcomb lifts.
Extremely Canadian runs Intro to Backcountry group days and private backcountry tours from the Whistler Blackcomb lifts with ACMG guides, plus an overnight Spearhead Traverse.
- Season
- Intro to Backcountry: Wednesdays and Saturdays, Dec 12, 2026 - Apr 10, 2027; private tours Nov 20, 2026 - Apr 11, 2027 (operator)
- Availability
- The operator says online booking will be updated soon with all dates.
Kit for deep days
A backcountry and ski touring day asks more of your board or skis than a resort lap. Answer a few questions and we will shortlist gear that fits.