BACKCOUNTRY TOURING

A MECCA FOR EARNING YOUR TURNS.

There’s more Gore-Tex per capita in Revelstoke than anywhere else in Canada. With unequaled access to big mountains and deep snow, this place thrives on a culture of going up to get down.

If you’re really new to it, hire a local guide. There are tons of amiable mountain maestros ready to safely show you the goods. If you’ve got the basics under your belt, including an avalanche safety training (AST) course, and you want to venture out into some simple terrain, aim for The Fingers on Mount MacPherson. The short laps hold a big payoff in fluffy, open runs you can lap over and over. To get there, park at the Nordic Ski Club Lodge for five dollars and follow the Main Loop to Mountain Climb Trail, then turn left at the sign. The Nordic trail ends at a bridge crossing, and the uphill track starts from here. Want a bit more than the basics? Make sure you’ve tuned into the bulletin on Avalanche. ca. Next, aim for the terrain surrounding Revelstoke Mountain Resort. The easily accessible backcountry offers everything from deliriously deep trees to complex alpine ridges and couloirs. While many of the runs funnel back inbounds, watch out in the woods; the subalpine turns into a dense jungle around RMR, so be sure you know where you’re going and have good communication between partners. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, play it safe and register for a guided backcountry tour with the Resort.

ALWAYS CHECK AVALANCHE CONDITIONS BEFORE HEADING OUT:

www.avalanche.ca

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709B Victoria Rd W | +1.250.814.4769 | revelstokepowderrentals.com Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park is a Shangri-La for strong ski tourers and ski mountaineers. Stop in at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre to make sure you know what’s open and get your permit. There are rolling closures for the highway avalanche-control program you need to pay attention to. Start off on Grizzly Shoulder or Balu Pass, and graduate to the Seven Steps of Paradise—one of the 50 classic ski descents in North America. If you’ve got glacier gear, the Asulkan and Illecillewaet valleys will lead you into the alpine over rewardingly complex terrain and onto iconic peaks. You can also stay at the Asulkan Cabin to break up the

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