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Winter Backcountry Adventures |
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Winter Backcountry Activities |
| Experience true Canadian winter adventure in the mountain wilderness of Callaghan Country. Whether you are looking for easy-going family activities like snowshoeing and cross country skiing, or the high action adventure of backcountry skiing, telemark skiing and alpine ski touring, you will find an unparalleled winter experience at Callaghan Lodge. Take the time to get away and enjoy everything we have to offer: awe-inspiring natural beauty, invigorating outdoor recreation opportunities, amazing food and hospitality, and the quiet pleasure of rediscovering nature, and yourself. |
Cross Country / Nordic Skiing |
Callaghan Country offers 42 km of cross country ski designed for light Nordic ski touring. Trails are track-set for classic skiing, and skate skiing is sometimes an option, depending on weather and trail conditions. The trail network begins at the Alexander Falls base with two access trails that lead to Callaghan Lodge - a comfortable 5,000 square foot lodge in the Upper Valley next to Conflict Lake. In addition to these access trails, there is a network of approximately 16 km of additional trails surrounding Callaghan Lodge. The rolling terrain surrounding the lodge is perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers but advanced skiers will not be disappointed with the incredible variety of terrain. A note for dog owners: The first 5km of Wild Spirit trail has been designated "dog friendly." This makes for a beautiful 10 km (out and back) ski for you and your canine companion. Whistler Olympic Park also offers the 4km "Pooched" loop for dogs and their owners. Please keep your dog under your care and control at all times and don't forget to scoop the poop! |
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Photo courtesy of Al Rumble
Come and see why Vancouver's Olympic organizers have chosen the
Callaghan Valley as the site of the Whistler Olympic Park , where all of the nordic and ski jumping events
for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games will take place. |
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Snowshoeing |
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Experience the peace and tranquility of the Upper Callaghan valley and explore the old growth forests and sub-alpine meadows by snowshoe. Follow a set loop, or make your own way - the whole valley is yours to discover. Dogs are welcome on our two lower snowshoe loops - Alexander Falls and Finger Lakes as well as on the first 5 km of our multi-use trail, Wild Spirit. Please keep your dog under your care and control at all times, and don't forget to scoop the poop! |
Backcountry snowshoeing |
Alpine Snowboard & Ski Touring |
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Alpine ski and snowboard touring is known by a few different names such as backcountry touring, backcountry skiing, ski hiking (europe), randonnee skiing, ski mountaineering, alpine touring, and telemarking. No matter what you call it, backcountry skiing is a very rewarding experience that will connect you with the natural world in an incredibly profound way. Not to mention, acres of untracked powder, high alpine bowls, and steep (and deep) glades are yours for the taking. To be enjoyed to the fullest, guests must be of intermediate skiing ability or better, in good physical condition, and capable of handling the challenges of ascending and descending in a variety of snow conditions. You must supply your own ski or snowboard touring (skis/board, skins, poles, boots) and safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel), but we can help you to arrange rental equipment on request. Please make sure that your equipment fits, works and is in good condition before arriving at the lodge. Don't forget spare batteries for your avalanche transceiver. We offer two options to our backcountry skiing guests: 1. Self-Guided (included in package price) For those guests who are strong skiers with previous backcountry touring experience, self-guided ski touring is an option. Backcountry skiing is not without risk. We strongly recommend that self-guided parties have knowledge and experience in backcountry travel and avalanche safety. All self-guided parties will be responsible for self-rescue. 2. Guided We work with the Whistler Alpine Guides Bureau to provide certified A.C.M.G. guiding (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides), and would be happy to coordinate their services on your behalf. These guides have an intimate knowledge of both the terrain and the snowpack so hiring a guide ensures that your group gets the safest and most enjoyable ski experience possible. They know the best travel routes and the best places to ski in all weather and snow conditions. These professional and friendly guides will help you to learn more about the area, the backcountry experience, and avalanche safety. They'll even give you a few pointers on ski technique if you so desire. And because you've hired a private guide, you can be assured that your group will travel at its own pace and go to the ski areas that best fit with your group's objectives and ability level. The price to hire a private A.C.M.G. guide ranges from $399.00 - $829.00 per day ( not including the 6% G.S.T. or gratuities), depending on the size of the group and the length of the trip. The use of avalanche transceivers, probes and shovels is included in the guides rate. Please click here for more detailed pricing information. Personal Responsibility and Release of Liability Backcountry skiing is
not without risk. Reliable prediction of factors such as weather,
snow and terrain conditions is impossible. All guests going ski
touring will be required to read and sign a comprehensive self-guided
Release of Liability or Waiver of Claims agreement. |
Photo courtesy of Al Safrata
Photo courtesy of Eric Berger Skier: Shane Szocs
Photo courtesy of John Baldwin
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