Whistler, BC, is justifiably known for its abundance of snow. The reasons for that are explained by the warm moist maritime air masses that move unobstructed up the valley from neighbouring Howe Sound to elevations that are sufficiently cold enough to produce snow. Callaghan Country is sandwiched on the Lee side of the aptly named Powder Mountain. The difference in micro-climate is astounding. That same warm, moist Howe Sound air mass that rolls along the valley to Whistler now needs to climb 2350 metres of elevation and cross 7 kilometres of permanent snowfield before dropping its now, super cooled, fluffy, abundance down on the wind protected Upper Callaghan Valley.
The result is an average annual snowpack of 6.8 m (22 ft) and an assured long ski season with colder snow, ideal conditions for both x-country skiers and backcountry tourers alike. Not to mention, an everyday pristine visual landscape for guests at Journeyman Lodge.
Journeyman Lodge is nestled high in the Upper Callaghan Valley basin. This makes it an ideal place to access an assortment of peaks or various tree skiing spots all with different slope aspects and powder conditions. The vast amount of terrain means that there is likely always a location with some decent snow or visibility conditions.
As the area is so large it is very important to have proper backcountry navigation training and skill sets. For more information please read our pages on Backcountry Skiing.
“The overnight lodge is surrounded on three sides by glaciated summits and offers everything from high alpine bowls and glacier skiing to glades, pillow drops and gently rolling terrain. The closest runs drop 750m on North facing slopes that terminate less than a half-kilometer from the lodge. Look beyond weekend packages. There is easily enough terrain here to keep a keen group of skiers busy for a week.” ~ John Baldwin “Exploring the Coast Mountains on Skis”
Backcountry Skiing Advisory
Once you leave the groomed x-country ski trail surfaces of Callaghan Country you have entered backcountry terrain. You are entering the wilderness and are advised to be prepared for any and all eventualities including: terrain that is uncontrolled, unmarked, and involves many risks, dangers and hazards in addition to that of avalanche. Other hazards exist and may include, but are not limited to: cornices; crevasses; cliffs; trees, tree wells; tree stumps; forest dead fall; creeks; rocks; rockfall; boulders; holes and depressions on or below the snow surface; open water; variable and difficult snow conditions; hypothermia, snow immersion, equipment failure; encounters with domestic and wild animals, nightfall and the possibility of a medical emergency. Carry a cell phone with good batteries and be aware that there may be areas of poor reception and /or transmission. Ensure you are properly dressed and equipped with appropriate safety gear and the knowledge to use it effectively. Your safety and well being are completely your own responsibility. Rescue services are accessed by dialing 911 and requesting RCMP assistance
THE BACKCOUNTRY IS NOT PATROLLED. NEVER SKI ALONE.
THE BACKCOUNTRY IS NOT PATROLLED. NEVER SKI ALONE.