We are excited to announce our interactive, month-long Wild About Winter Bingo challenge at Callaghan Country!

During the month of March, we encourage you to visit us in the Callaghan and participate in a range of fun, Callaghan-centric activities filled with adventure and nature immersion. Download your digital Wild About Winter Bingo card below to start planning how you will collect your squares!

We’ve partnered with incredible brands and local businesses, giving you the chance to win some sweet prizes for participating - including a voucher towards a stay at Journeyman Lodge!

Submit your Wild About Winter Bingo activity card before April 1st to be entered in to various prize draws. Submit your completed cards and accompanying photos by email at info@callaghancountry.com or tag @CallaghanCountry and use the hashtag #CCWAbingo to share your photos with us!

Fully completed cards will be entered to win a voucher toward a stay at Journeyman Lodge during the 2021-2022 winter season. Cards completed with a “C” for Callaghan will be entered to win a swag bag featuring gear from our partner sponsors: Arc’teryx, Salomon, Ryders Eyewear, Double Decker Coffee Roasting, Alpine Dogs, Little Pine, and Eagleview Veterinary Hospital. Cards completed with a single line will be entered in to win two free equipment rentals from Access Callaghan!

Prizes must be picked up in person at 1000 Callaghan Valley Road, Whistler during the week of April 4th-12th, 2021.

For questions or more information about our Wild About Winter Bingo challenge, get in touch at info@callaghancountry.com or 604.964.0058

Do you live in the Sea to Sky and are aching for travel and adventure? Or are missing the backcountry huts of pre-COVID  life? Support a local business and stay at a local backcountry lodge, while scratching the itch of travelling to a new place. Check out the full article by our friends at Backcountry Lodges of BC, and you might see a familiar building in the article! 

Update 9:30am, Tuesday, February 9th:
COVID-19 Operating Guide: Know before you go...
​​To help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, BC’s public health officials have strongly recommended that all social and recreational travel be avoided in British Columbia until further notice based on direction from the PHO.  This means all non-essential travel into, out of and within British Columbia should be postponed until the travel advisory is lifted. More information about the Province’s travel advisory is available on the​ Government of British Columbia’s website >>

The safety our team members, guests, and community are our top priority as we responsibly operate with adapted policies and protocols aimed at exposure reduction.  We are all in this together.  Please review our active COVID-19 Operating Guide, below, and make sure a visit to Callaghan Country is still the right option for you.  This guide will be continuously reviewed and updated as new information and guidelines are provided by our government and health officials.  We ask that our guests, staff, and community do their part by staying home if they feel sick, and by following all protocols below when at Callaghan Country.
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PRIOR TO ANY VISIT TO CALLAGHAN COUNTRY, please screen yourself using the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool >> and diligently follow instructions.  If you are deemed safe to proceed, please come prepared and understand your responsibilities as a visitor here.  For anyone with medical conditions; it is recommended that you not visit Callaghan Country’s facilities. 

WHEN VISITING CALLAGHAN COUNTRY, we ask that you please:

• Check our conditions page for available daily services
• Maintain Physical distancing by keeping two meters (six feet) away from one another.  Respect people's boundaries and ask for consent before you get close.
• Going for a snowshoe or XC ski is not considered a social gathering. You must make sure this activity does not turn into a group of people meeting outside.
• Bring a mask or face covering, and be sure to wear a mask whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained. This includes busy times on the trailheads and any outdoor areas where people may be transitioning (including parking lots). Wearing a mask, including a non-medical mask or face covering (i.e. made with at least two layers of tightly woven fabric, constructed to completely cover the nose and mouth without gaping, and secured to the head by ties or ear loops) can help protect others around you. 
• Follow good sanitary practices by washing and sanitizing your hands often, avoid touching your face, and sneeze or cough into your elbow.

Alexander Falls Touring Centre is open every Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues.  Equipment Rentals and Retail will be available from Access Callaghan Ski Shop with the following adaptations (no reservations required):

• Subject to a single ingress and egress, as well as directional paths and limitations with regard to the number of people in each area at one time. There will be no boot-up area or benches inside.
• Employees and customers are required to wear non-medical face covering in all indoor public spaces.
• Physical barriers will be in place at the counter area.
• Hand sanitizer will be provided upon entry.
• Increased sanitization procedures will be in place.
• There will be a Callaghan Country representative managing traffic in and out of the facility.
• Full Alexander Falls Touring Centre Safety Plan (last updated Jan.12.20)
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Journeyman Lodge is open every Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon and we are accepting reservations until April 13th - Please review our Journeyman Lodge Guest Safety Plan, and make sure this trip is still the right option for you. ​  WSBC Journeyman Lodge Safety Plan & Mechanized Transfer Service Safety Plan also available to review. (last updated Jan.12.20)

While Callaghan Country traditionally boasts of our unique shared experiences that 'engage patrons with the original warmth and character of traditional alpine culture', like so many other businesses, we've had to 'pivot' on this point.    Luckily, connections with the natural world still abound when enjoying recreational pursuits in the outdoors, but we'll all have to hold out on the much anticipated story swapping and Apres vibes until safer days.  During these times, there is no longer a ‘shared’ experience inside Journeyman Lodge; rather the focus will shift to intimate solitude in the privacy of your own accommodation…unplugging to reconnect. For that reason, this is the season we're advising all our guests to Bring a good book! 

The staff here at Callaghan Country have curated a list of books for winter 2021 that resonate with our mountain loving interests and values.  They inspire new connections with the wilderness, offer fresh insights and approaches to live life to the full!  We specifically selected each of these reads as they relay stories of resilience, compelling perspectives, and offer some new tips and ideas for your own adventures this year. 

And the Staff Picks are...

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teaching of Plants - Robin Wall Kimmerer 
A perfect read for the nature lover!  This book aligns the methodologies, values, and findings of empirical science with those of Indigenous traditional knowledge systems for a deeper understanding of the world around us and our relationship with it.  Reverence abounds in Robin Wall Kimmerer's writing that is both uplifting and grounding; an ideal read for these strange times. 

Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose in the Avalanche Patch- Bruce Kay
Wanting to learn more about your decisions that you make when you're skiing in the backcountry? Bruce Kay delves into avalanche safety and techniques, but also the psychology behind risk taking and making decisions when in avalanche territory. 

The Overstory- Richard Powers
Awarded for the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, Powers tells the stories of five different families using five species of North American trees as the central characters. He addresses the issues of deforestation and protecting our forests as they entangle with our daily lives. 

Honouring High Places- The Mountain Life of Junko Tabei- Junko Tabei, Helen Y. Rolfe, Yumike Hiraki, and Rieko Holtved
Using the memoir and storied of mountaineer Junko Tabei, this English translation collects memories of the first woman to climb Mount Everest and the Seven Summits. Tabei's stories reflect the difficulties of being a female climber with a passion for mountains, her experience in Japan after World War II, and her death in 2016. 

Welcome to the Goddamn Ice Cube: Chasing Fear and Finding Home in the Great White North- Blair Braverman
Braverman commits her life to independence and fearlessness in the arctic. She faces death and survival in her daily life, and describes her strategies to face the risk and fear of living in a place that has the capacity to end your life. 

We'd love to hear your book recommendations for the season!  Please feel welcome to add yours in the comments below...

​Gift Certificates
Craving the alpine, or know someone who is? We have gift certificates for you! 
Gift certificates for The Journeyman Lodge are available online or can be purchased in person at the Alexander Falls Touring Centre. The certificates are redeemable at any time, even for future seasons! Give the gift experience and deep powder to your wilderness loving friends and family. More Details Here>> 

Not in the mood for a trip up the valley? Just come for the day! 'Any day tickets' are also available for day passes at Ski Callaghan, accessing over 90km of beautifully groomed Nordic ski trails. These can be redeemed any time during the 2020-21 season. Give us a call at 604.964.0058 for more details. ​
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Stocking Stuffers
We have everything you need to finish off your stockings that need a final top-up! Come to Access Callaghan Ski Shop, and grab some Journeyman t-shirts, wax and waxing supplies, gloves and ski apparel. Bonus: if you have a seasons pass, you are eligible for 25% off gloves, 20% off wax and 15% off select merchandise and apparel from the store! Give us a call at 604.964.0058 for more details. 
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From our Alexander Falls Touring Centre, Nordic skiers can venture with their dogs on Mainline and Real Life towards Callaghan Lake or reach Porter's Glide and other dog-friendly trails via Wetland Wanderer.  Snowshoers can take their dogs on Real Life, Finger Lakes and down to Alexander Falls or reach Marley's Meander via Wetland Wanderer.  Light ski tourers are guaranteed tranquility by heading up Mainline and going off the beaten path on Into Woods and reaching Woods Lake; one of less-visited lake in the area.

If you need to rent equipment, our Access Callaghan Shop is conveniently located at our Alexander Falls Base and gives you access to all of Ski Callaghan dog-friendly trails, no need to move your car!  Bring your lunch & thermos for a winter picnic outside or in our warming hut or sit by the bonfire and roast S'mores & wieners.

Alongside the curation of personal learning inquiries and immersive experiences bringing participants deeper into themselves, XCamp facilitators are proud to offer a heart-centred approach to their camp delivery.  The intimate size and unplugged nature of Journeyman Lodge as a venue provides a perfect setting for unfettered connection.  Each professional has a unique opportunity to be fully present in an active and relational learning process with camp-goers. ​

We are excited to run a contest giveaway with the chance to win a 1-night stay for two people at our Journeyman Lodge; a full-service backcountry chalet set deep in the heart of Whistler’s Callaghan wilderness, 13.5 kilometres from the nearest road...getting there is part of the adventure!

Boasting genuine hospitality, deluxe meals, and 12,000 hectares of non-motorized alpine terrain, Journeyman Lodge provides comfortable accommodation for up to 24 people (15 singles) in eight private rooms with a range of amenities and adventures.

Spend the days exploring untracked Coast Mountain powder on skis, splitboard, snowshoes or cross-coutnry skis, then unwind in the handcrafted Scandinavian wood-fired sauna or in the Games Lounge.

Deluxe full-service meals, hot showers and crisp linens mix with the wood-fired Scandanavian sauna, billiards lounge, luggage transfer and river rock fireplaces to redefine alpine comfort.

ENTER CONTEST BELOW

Contest's details:
Only applicable to our 2019 winter season opening weekend (December 13-16th 2019, must book these dates) on our Nightly Self-propelled Package*. Call us at 604-938-0616 or toll free 1-877-938-0616 to book your stay.

DOES NOT INCLUDE Ski Callaghan Admission or gratuities.

*Nightly Self-propelled Package: Ideal for enthusiastic cross-country skiers & snowshoers who are up for the adventure of an independent trek along the 13km route to and from the Solitude Valley where Journeyman Lodge is located.  

This Package includes:
- Off-the-grid accommodation.
- All meals for each night booked (après-ski appetizers & a 3-course dinner, with a continental breakfast & bagged lunch + hot & cold non-alcohol beverages). DOES NOT INCLUDE lunch on arrival day (can be purchased separately).
-Return luggage transfer service (40lbs per guest + an extra set of equipment scheduled for Noon from base to lodge, 10:30am from lodge back to base).
- Use of lodge amenities including our Scandinavian Sauna, guest toboggans, & snowshoes. Mechanized transfer add-on available with luggage schedule at additional cost.

Winner will be drawn and announced on Friday, December 6th.
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GOOD LUCK!  WE LOOK FORWARD TO HOSTING YOU!
​- Callaghan Country Crew

Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 22nd, when Journeyman Lodge welcomes hikers of all ages for a FREE PANCAKE BREAKFAST!  Escape to a setting where food is found among the paths we walk, experience mountain camaraderie and explore nature at its best.

Don't forget it's a wee bit different getting to Journeyman Lodge in the summer…
Self-Drive and Hike:
Follow the Callaghan Lake Forest Service Road to Callaghan Lake. It is about 8.5km from the Alexander Falls base to Callaghan Lake on a rough road and it takes about 20 – 35 minutes. We recommend using a vehicle with good clearance (4WD preferred). The trail to the lodge begins about 250m before you reach the lake – look for the sign on your left. There is a small clearing just off the road – park here. From here, the hike is 4.5 km and will take between 1.5 – 2 hours depending on your ability and fitness level. ​

This is it folks, the end of another ski season...and what a season it was!  First of all, thank you for visiting us this winter and for your continued support over the years.  You are the reason we are working so hard to run this small business (of course, we think this place is pretty special too).  Your stoke, smiles, feedback & encouragements for Callaghan Country are what help us keep going through hard times.  Great things were accomplished this year, thanks to your support & the hard work of our Callaghan Country crew!  For your reading pleasure, we've prepared a Winter 201819 -  Season's recap...

With the Coast Mountains & Callaghan Valley getting dumped on, we enjoyed the visit of professional skiers Riley Leboe & Sam Kuch with the Wild Coast Creative crew shooting promotional materials for Head Ski.  They weren't disappointed with what they found; waist-deep powder, pillow lines & drops.  These guys made it look easy but trust us, it isn't.

By Christmas, our new lodge hosts, Aaron & Alisha, as well as returning Chef, Joe, were fully settled in and confident in their daily lodge operational routines.  This marked the early phase of an exhaustive 18-day stretch over Christmas and New Year period.   Well done guys!  At the Alexander Falls Touring Centre, we saw record numbers of day skiers and snowshoers over the holidays.  This was the perfect ambience to get us stoked for the rest of the season!

We are looking forward to seeing Double Decker Coffee Roasting in full swing next season.  Whether you are visiting Callaghan Country for a day of XC Skiing, wilderness snowshoeing, backcountry touring, or an overnight adventure into Journeyman Lodge, Double Decker Coffee Roasting is sure to become an iconic respite for anyone visiting this location.  

Here we are in April, the last official weekend of operations for the Ski Callaghan Nordic Trail network and one more bonus weekend April 13th & 14th...Winter 201819 in a blink.   Once again, THANK YOU ~ We look forward to welcoming you all back next season!

Boastful, but true…Callaghan Country’s natural landscape is picture perfect!  Over the years Callaghan Country has drawn a number of renowned photographers and videographers, and for good reason; the terrain is diverse and impactful.

Of course, there are some special considerations when winter dynamics are at play.  "The key is to pack warm, pack smart,  & pack light" says Teague Chrustie, of Teague Chrustie Photography. Winter presents lots of brightness and occasionally washed out lighting, so be sure to bring along appropriate lenses and cleaning cloths. Teague recommends a graduated filter to darken the sky from overexposure, but allow for overall photo quality along with a circular polarizing filter to help pop the sky and minimize lens flare.  Keeping an organized camera bag and packing a variety of cleansing cloths will help you manage moisture, and try your best to keep that camera bag closed as much as possible.   Even when you get inside!  Give it some time to come to room temperature before re-opening your camera bag and reviewing your day's work...the condensation damage can be irreparable.  It's also wise to think about your hands: both a thin glove layer for precision shooting and some thick mitts to keep those shooting hands steady in between shots.  Those chemical warming packs can be helpful for both your hands and packing in the same space as some extra batteries. Those extra batteries are another essential for extended shooting since cold temperatures are notorious for shrinking battery life.  If you're spending the night at Journeyman Lodge and hoping to snag some low-light shots, the tripod is going to be your best friend.

Whether you're a budding hobby photographer or an Insta Influencer, snap that quintessential photo to gain you ultra bragging rights at one of these top Callaghan Country shot locations:

If you're looking for more photography tips we recommend checking out some of the excellent features published by our friends at The Outdoor Project.

Go for it! The first event is this Sunday... Advanced registration is required; this allows us to place an appropriate food order before the event. Registration closes at 50 participants. The event cost is $10 per person for registered participants + Ski Callaghan Admissions (trail ticket fee or season pass)

Call us at 604.964.0058 or email us at info@callaghancountry.com to register.

A hot chili lunch (both meat and veggie) will be served up at Journeyman Lodge from 12pm – 2pm. Event Participants are welcome to use our traditional woodfired sauna, but will need to bring their own towels.

​We're excited to announce the launch of  our new Fireside Speaker's Series: 'Tales from the Callaghan'.  Designed to promote a sense of place and connect our community of 'Callaghan Country fans', each month we will host a special guest speaker for a casual apres-ski chat at our trailside bonfire next to the Alexander Falls Touring Centre.  

All are welcome!  Top-off a great day of Nordic play and join us at 1:00pm. Topics will pertain to the unique ecology, topography,  and history of the Callaghan Valley. 

The series began with the opening topic 'A Backcountry Dream is Born!' Callaghan Country's President, Brad Sills, and local ACMG Guide, Dave Sarkany.  Next up is scheduled for Saturday, February 2nd.   We will dive into the 'Ongoing search for the 'T-33 Silver Star'.  Brad, and local retired  RCMP Staff Sgt., Steve LeClair, will discuss a series of clues found in the Callaghan Valley prompting continued efforts to solve the great mystery and ample folklore!