Earn your turns and experience solitude.
Revelstoke backcountry touring offers you a whole new way to experience the serenity of the mountains in winter: with two feet and a heartbeat. With some of the deepest, driest snow in the world and moderate winter temperatures, Revelstoke backcountry touring is second to none. It is a backcountry skiing mecca where you can go backcountry touring in two legendary mountain ranges, the Monashees and the Selkirks, in the same weekend.
If you're a beginner when it comes to backcountry travel, check out Avalanche Canada's "Start Here" Page.
Know before you go
A Winter Permit is mandatory for backcountry touring in Rogers Pass, Glacier National Park as of November 16th for the 2023/2024 season.
The system is in place due to explosive artillery fire used by Parks Canada for avalanche control along the TransCanada highway. Failure to follow the winter permit system will result in fines of up to $25,000.
Plan ahead and get an Annual Winter Permit by completing their quiz. Overnight parking is not permitted at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre.
Beginner
If you are new to touring, hire a guide to get you into the Revy backcountry. The terrain around Revelstoke is incredible and rewarding, but not something for beginners to tackle with limited experience. We have many local guiding outfits who will tailor an amazing day to match your fitness, goals, and skills. Taking an Avalanche Skills Training course is a great way to have a backcountry experience and learn the necessary skills to get out on your own.
Intermediate
If you have some experience under your belt and solid avalanche skills, the terrain surrounding Revelstoke Mountain Resort is a great choice. The easily accessible backcountry offers alpine bowls, steep (and deep!) trees, and couloirs. If you don't know the terrain, hire a guide before heading out on your own. Be aware that while close to civilization, there are very real consequences for wrong turns. Check the Avalanche Canada forecast and know what it means before heading into the backcountry.
Expert
Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park is world famous among ski tourers and mountaineers, and with good reason. With amazing terrain and tons of snow, Rogers Pass is a true Shangri La for ski touring. Make sure you get your mandatory winter permit, check daily avalanche closures on the Rogers Pass website, and review the avalanche forecast before heading out Check the avalanche forecast before heading out - the Rogers Pass terrain is complex.
Know before you go
You’re responsible for your own safety when heading out into the backcountry.
Avalanche Canada is Canada’s National Public Avalanche Safety Organization, and is based right here in Revelstoke.
Before you venture out, read their avalanche forecasts for the North Columbia, South Columbia, and Glacier National Park.
Everyone in your group needs to carry avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, shovel and probe), and know how to use it. An Avalanche Skills Training (AST) course is your place to start and is a must for everyone recreating in the backcountry or slackcountry.
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Get Your Winter Permit.
Before heading into Glacier National Park and Rogers Pass, make sure you have a mandatory winter permit. In Rogers Pass, explosive artillery fire is regularly used on mountain slopes to protect highway and railway traffic from natural avalanches. The Winter Permit System separates skiers from artillery fire and the resulting avalanches.
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