Has this year left you with a some anxiety? You are not alone. Our friends at Backcountry Lodges of BC have given you some tactics to get back to the present, and notice your surroundings with a settled mind. These mindfulness strategies can be used before you drop a line on your skis, or while you are walking through a park on your way to work! Read the full feature on Backcountry Lodges of BC blog.
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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... As this year comes to an end, we hope that you and your loved ones are able to stay safe this Christmas and you are able to get outside and enjoy the fresh air! We have some last minute opportunities for you to treat yourself, or give the gift of experience! 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. 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.
See below for updated Events happening at the Alexander Falls Touring Centre. Come back to this post anytime for the latest promotions and events at your favourite ski shop!
We are so pleased to support another pre-season stoke production from the BLANK Collective Films crew. Last year, in the award-winning 7 Stages of Blank, Stan Rey, Alexi Godbout and company offered an explanation into their insanity. This season BLANK Collective Films relinquished control: to the forecast. Here at Callaghan Country, it's got us giddy stoked and we hope it offers you as much amp for the season ahead. Check out the OFFICIAL TRAILER FOR BLANK COLLECTIVE FILMS' LATEST FILM, “FOLLOW THE FORECAST”... FOLLOW THE FORECAST chronicles THE BLANK COLLECTIVE’S winter adventures - from their deepest days to date, to first time mountaineering experiences, to rolling the dice on new locations, each objective is documented with classic brother and sister banter.
Shot on location - Shot on location - Whistler Blackcomb, Lake Tahoe, Selkirk Mountains, Revelstoke, SkiBig3, Fernie Alpine Resort, Mt Baker Ski Area, Mt Shuksan, Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing, Callaghan Country / Journeyman Lodge, Whistler & Pemberton Backcountry. Starring. Stan Rey, Alexi Godbout, Josh Daiek, Chris Rubens, Aaron Blunck, Anna Segal, Jordy Kidner, Cody Townsend, Sam Kuch, Riley Leboe, Barclay Desjardins, Lexi Dupont, Ian Morrison, ABM, Cole Richardson, Sage Cattabirga-Alosa, & Drew Petersen. Follow the Forecast will premiere online for free through Salomon TV, and will serve as one of the must-see upbeat ski movies of the year. Stay tuned for additional premiere tour information, film festivals dates and VOD viewing options on Instagram and Facebook at @blankcollectivefilms. Blankcollectivefilms.com Supported by: Salomon, Rockstar Energy, Gogglesoc, Forecast Ski Magazine, Whistler Blackcomb, Après Lager & Head. Produced by: Alexi Godbout, Stan Rey, Jeff Thomas Directed and Edited by: Jeff Thomas & Alexi Godbout Principal Cinematography: Scotty Titterington, Hazen Woolson, Jeff Thomas, Blair Richmond Audio Post Production: Ridgeline Sound Motion Design: Imperial Post Graphic Design: Gary Martin Dog Day @ Callaghan CountryJoin us on Saturday, March 7th as we celebrate our love of dogs! Bring your furry friends and come play in the snow! Humans' best friends are giving us so much love that we decided to give some back. Take your dog(s) on a ski or snowshoe adventure on Dog Day and the money raised from dog trail tickets will be donated to Whistler Animal Galore (WAG) shelter in Whistler. This year, animation will take place at our Alexander Falls Touring Centre (1st Entrance to Ski Callaghan) with access to all of Ski Callaghan's dog-friendly trails. On-site, you will find WAG accepting donations as well as vendors giving away treats and showcasing their products & services. There will be 2 gift basket draws each with a value of over $75 thanks to generous donations from Eagleview Veterinary Hospital. 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. Here at Callaghan Country, we've often stated that our overnight packages are not about the destination, but the "Journey". Whether it be an inward journey or an outright physical challenge, right from check-in we endeavour to awaken your Wild Spirit and sense of 'adventure'. And over the years, that's exactly what most of our guests have done. Embarking on the 13.5km trek into Journeyman Lodge, arriving with either grimace or delight impressed on their faces or taking advantage of our Alpine Touring packages to save their legs for a hike up the surrounding mountain terrain, earning turns and powder filled plunges on descent. The experience in the wilds outside the lodge is unique to each guest’s own goals and perspective. Concurrently, the indoor experience disconnects guests from cell phones and on-the-grid-demands offering quiet freedom amid a comfortable respite. And you're always in good company here; fellow guests swapping stories and engaging in mountain loving camaraderie, ever so subtly, provides a sense of place and community, if only for a few days. Overall it's just a lot of fun, in a special place. BUT, what if you wanted to dig a little deeper? Perhaps, learn why it's such a potent mixture of place and experience for the 'feel goods'? Perhaps, begin to understand how to bring that back into your everyday life? Cue in the Backcountry Enlightenment Collective, a diverse and dedicated group of professionals including Mountain Guides, Movement and Somatics Leaders, Business/Life Performance Coaches, and a Neuroscientist, all working together to deliver XCamp. It's a 4-day gathering designed to stoke the soul and awaken the spirit; doesn't Journeyman Lodge resonate as an ideal venue and environment for such an endeavour? Through a combination of knowledge sharing and experiential learning, participants of XCamp will take a deep dive into their mental and physiological states utilizing a variety of modalities (and they all seem pretty fun, don't they?): ﹅ Body movement ﹅ Meditation ﹅ Breathwork ﹅ Cold Water / Hot Sauna transitioning ﹅ Forest Bathing ﹅ Skiing ﹅ Somatic experiencing ﹅ Personal mission and vision coaching ﹅ Music ﹅ Dance ﹅ Community Curious about how this all ties together? Mountain Life Magazine's recent winter edition featured Whistler-based writer, editor, biologist, Leslie Anthony's, reflection on his experience during last season's XCamp Read it here >> Leveraging embodied experience and modern technology to provide realtime feedback and observation, facilitators will work with camp-goers to investigate how our internal states relate and affect one another, also identifying opportunities and techniques to optimize and access preferred states more readily in different environments. Key state in target, FLOW, or 'the zone'. It's the mental state all those high achievers seem to mention nonchalantly when recalling the act in itself. 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. Ultimately, Backcountry Enlightenment aims to offer XCamp participants the environment, knowledge, fellowship, and tools to come into full alignment with their true selves...
"At Backcountry Enlightenment, we believe in the unlimited capacity of the human spirit. We seek more grounded and present flow states. Through a combination of neuroscience technology, embodied movement, deep-nature connection and like-minded people our eclectic tribe of professionals guide clients on a deep journey towards your inner selves. We carefully design and facilitate activities that push our participants towards new ways of being and make a positive and sustainable impact on the world." XCamp with Backcountry Enlightenment is scheduled at Journeyman Lodge: April 10-13, 2020...only a few spots left Questions can be directed to: Brent Martin, Director of Mischief | Cell: (604) 506-7124 | Email: freedom.bm@gmail.com We are happy to invite you and your special someone to celebrate Valentine's Day on snow at Callaghan Country. For this occasion we are offering 2-for-1 rentals on February 14th. To participate, meet us at Access Callaghan and ask for "Cupid's Special".
*The promotion is only available for day use only. Journeyman Lodge featured in Snowboard Canada MagazineWords & photo by Abby Cooper
Well, it’s no secret that winter was a bit slow to reach the west coast this season, but we’re about to let you in on a secret stash that is always on. Not so far away from Whistler BC, a not-so-little lodge sits in the very very snowy Callaghan Valley. Phrases like “Callaghan cold smoke” and “deeper than the valley” are often passed around when people talk about Journeyman Lodge but the truth is, most of the people that utter these phrases have not put them to the test. Don’t mind if we do! Read full feature on Snowboard Canada Source: Snowboard Canada Magazine
Santa Claus is coming to Callaghan CountryEnjoy festive holiday activities at the Alexander Falls Touring Centre (1st Entrance to Ski Callaghan): It's a natural winter-wonderland up here, so come, roast marshmallows by the trailside bonfire, wander the forest by snowshoe & play a game of Callaghan Country's nature bingo, participate in some natural crafting and Christmas decor, and of course get your photo with Santa! Can't get enough of the Callaghan? This Holiday Season, treat yourself and your family to the ultimate winter experience found right here at Callaghan Country! Typically an 'older-kid' and adult-only accommodation, we exceptionally allow families with young children in our Journeyman Lodge during the Holiday Season.
Many families have already booked their Holiday stay with us but there is still some vacancies remaining through Christmas and in the New Year, so don't delay and book now for your best Holiday memories yet. ***We are pleased to honour 55% off to guests 13 yrs & under for reservations Dec.20-25 & Jan 5-7*** With the Official Opening weekend of Journeyman Lodge finally upon us, we couldn't be more stoked for another season seeing more and more guests embarking on new and inspiring winter backcountry adventures. Regardless of whether you are ski touring, split-boarding, mountaineering or snowshoeing, it is critical that your #1 objective is to return safely. That means equipping yourself with the knowledge and skills to explore wisely. The AdventureSmart website (www.adventuresmart.ca) offers a wealth of helpful tips and guidelines on a variety of topics ranging from activity specific information to trip planning* and knowledge based programs. As a starting point specifically for winter backcountry pursuits, we recommend taking the time to review this excellent KNOW BEFORE YOU GO resource page prepared by Backcountry Lodges of BC. It's loaded with pre-trip guides, resources and safety advice. You can also look into the multitude of AST courses being offered by region, here >> Continuing on our commitment to raising awareness of backcountry safety & building an informed community of wilderness explorers, here at Callaghan Country, we're pleased to these host upcoming Skills Clinics & Courses:
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.
GOOD LUCK! WE LOOK FORWARD TO HOSTING YOU!
- Callaghan Country Crew Last season we were honoured to host a crew of award-winning producers and athletes up at Journeyman Lodge. They experienced Callaghan Country's legendary pillows and pow along with that not-so-mythic early season neck deep skiing our guests are familiar with. This season we're celebrating in the pre-season stoke. Check out the OFFICIAL TRAILER FOR BLANK COLLECTIVE FILMS' LATEST FILM, “THE 7 STAGES OF BLANK”... Anticipation. Inspiration. Creativity. Perseverance. Experience. Exploration. Satisfaction. These 7 Stages are designed to postulate a progression of the emotional stages during a ski season.
Watch as Rey, Godbout, Josh Daiek, Mike Douglas, Sam Kuch, Tony Lamiche, Mark Abma, Vinnie Gagnier, Evan McEachran, Barclay Desjardins, Jordy Kidner, Nico Vugnier, Jules Mandin, Andrea Byrne, Phil Langevin and the Whistler Freeride Club bring you on a journey through the 7 Stages of Blank, while taking a lighthearted look into the bond that develops around the sport of skiing. From neck-deep pow here at Journeyman Lodge in Callaghan Country outside of Whistler, B.C., Mount Baker Ski Area, Washington and Lake Tahoe, California, to spine-tingling ascents and descents in Chamonix, France and Valais, Switzerland, to creativity gone wild in the terrain parks of Whistler Blackcomb, and an all-out assault on the awe-inspiring peaks that surround Whistler, Pemberton and Bralorne, B.C., The 7 Stages of Blank, which will premiere in Whistler on Saturday, September 28th at the Maury Young Arts Centre and later be released online for free through Salomon TV, will serve as one of the must-see ski movie events of the year. For more on Blank Collective Films, visit blankcollectivefilms.com, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook at @blankcollectivefilms. #7stagesofblank #blankcollectivefilms SUPPORTED BY: Salomon, Whistler Blackcomb, Après Lager, Comor Sports, Gogglesoc, Forecast Ski Magazine, Head, Rockstar Energy & Callaghan Country. SKIING BY: Stan Rey, Alexi Godbout, Josh Daiek, Mike Douglas, Sam Kuch, Tony Lamiche, Mark Abma, Vinnie Gagnier, Evan McEachran, Barclay Desjardins, Jordy Kidner, Nico Vugnier, Jules Mandin, Andrea Byrne, Phil Langevin, Whistler Freeride Club SHOT ON LOCATION AT: Whistler Blackcomb, B.C; Journeyman Lodge / Callaghan Country, B.C.; Mount Baker Ski Area, Washington; Lake Tahoe, California; Whistler, B.C.; Pemberton, B.C.; Bralorne Adventure Lodge / Bralorne, B.C.; Chamonix, France; Valais, Switzerland PRODUCED BY: Alexi Godbout, Jeff Thomas, Stan Rey, Blair Richmond DIRECTED BY: Jeff Thomas, Alexi Godbout EDITED BY: Jeff Thomas PRINCIPLE CINEMATOGRAPHY: Scotty Titterington, Blair Richmond, Jeff Thomas ADDITIONAL CINEMATOGRAPHY: Anthony Bonello, Hazen Wolson, Ming Poon, Carlo Mion, Wilbur Drake, Isaac Walden, Ryan Regehr, Flow Motion Aerials, Guillaume Broust, Alexi Godbout, Stan Rey, Whistler Blackcomb / Origin Outside, Brad Mcgregor, Mike Douglas, Switchback Entertainment AUDIO POST PRODUCTION: Ridgeline Sound - Jeff Yellen As the prime summer months approach, so too can we expect to see an increase in the volume of visitors to British Columbia's pristine backcountry. More and more of us are in search of solitude and adventure, and we're entering the backcountry with varying levels of exposure and experience. Statistics show that each year across Canada there are approximately 5,000 ground Search and Rescue incidents (approx. 1,600 in BC). They involve all types of outdoor enthusiasts, from hikers and skiers to backcountry travellers and boaters. All outdoor activities are assume-risk sports, and when we take these activities into the backcountry, these risks increase. Time spent gaining extra knowledge and skills can help reverse the SAR incident trend. Cue in the valuable work of Canada's AdventureSmart search and rescue prevention program. Their goal is to give you the tools and knowledge to have a safe and enjoyable outing, regardless of your outdoor adventure passion. By following three easy steps, AdventureSmart believes that outdoor recreationalists will significantly improve their chances of survival should they become hurt or lost.
The AdventureSmart website (www.adventuresmart.ca) offers a wealth of helpful tips and guidelines on a variety of topics ranging from activity specific information to trip planning* and knowledge based programs such as the Hug a Tree and Survive program developed for Grades K-5, and the Survive Outside program for people aged 12-99. While an excellent launch pad, AdventureSmart information is intended as a guide and cannot be expected to replace approved and appropriate courses in outdoor survival, navigation, first aid, CPR, or emergency procedures. Planning, experience and education are essential for all safe, successful, wilderness trips. *With the NEW AdventureSmart Trip Plan app you can easily create trip plans and send them to your family and friends.The app is available free in the Apple App Store for iOS devices and on Google Play for Android devices, and can also be accessed from any web browser. Ideal for beginners and intermediate wilderness recreationalists, Callaghan Country's NEW Summer Backcountry Skills Clinics with local & established ACMG Guide, Dave Sarkany, are dedicated to raising awareness of backcountry safety and building an informed community of wilderness explorers. We've specifically designed these clinics to welcome outdoor enthusiasts to the niche learning curve of backcountry hiking and camping: Navigation Skills for Backcountry Pursuits will be held July 6th, and Competency for Wilderness Backpacking is scheduled for July 13 & 14 (Overnight Program). The clinic Instructor and Guide, Dave, has been active in our mountains and on the ocean since the early 1980’s, and has specialized in guiding for the last 20 years. As an longstanding Whistler SAR member, he can share locally nuanced survival wisdom from years of accumulated, field-tested observations. Even when you're fully prepared, all it takes is a turn in the weather, mistake in judgment, unexpected injury, equipment failure, or sudden nightfall to quickly change any recreational outing into a crisis. Add to that, bad weather or injuries can lead to further delays and an extended crisis. It's a harsh reality that the deeper you head into the backcountry, the higher your risk that help may not arrive for several days. This is where Wilderness First Aid and Outdoor Emergency Courses can play a critical role. They differ from typical first aid classes which are designed for situations where emergency response professionals can get there quickly — you're trying to keep a person safe, while waiting for professional help to arrive. In additional to medical training and CPR 'C' certification, a Wilderness First Responder curriculum is supplemented with unique approaches required when responding in isolated and extreme environments. Supplementary topics can include leadership, critical thinking for outdoor/low-resource environments, and the wilderness medicine triad: hypothermia, hypoglycemia and hypovolemia. Once you've acquired the appropriate knowledge and skills it's important to apply them regularly. Building your network of outdoor adventure comrades will align with more pursuits on your calendar and exposure to novel locations and environments. The South Coast Touring Facebook Group is an excellent online forum and community of mountain loving explorers. If you're still weary of your capacities there's even a new mentorship programme designed to connect mentors and prospective mentees.
"It is all right to talk about roughing it in the woods. But the real woodsman is the man who can be really comfortable in the bush." ~Ernest Hemingway It's the most delicious time of year!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. SCHEDULE...
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.
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! Here we go again... it's the beginning of another ski season! Summer feels like went by in a blink but that’s okay because, here at Callaghan Country, we really love winter and all things that come this time of year! After postponing our opening day due to lack of snow, we were hit with the perfect storm...and it just kept coming! The Coast Mountains were slammed with over 200cm of snow in a week, which meant 300cm blanketed the upper Callaghan Valley. This left us with the challenge of seemingly endless snow-shovelling, packing, grooming, and re-grooming our Nordic trails. The challenge is all too familiar and we have grown to enjoy it over the years. In fact, we love the frenzy of gearing up for opening day. As a small business, we work hard but it’s hardly work when you’re having so much fun and you're rewarded with the smiling faces of customers. What a fortunate endeavour! We hope you can join us for some winter fun during this Holiday season and appreciate that it’s a busy time of year. The Callaghan Country team also knows the importance of staying active during the festive season. We all experience it; work parties, family celebrations, likely more that a little too much to eat and drink...it can certainly leave you feeling groggy.
Rejoice! Callaghan has the solution for you - Join us for some outdoor winter activities with your loved ones. We have a lot of snow...meaning our ski & snowshoe trails are in excellent condition and the backcountry terrain is literally neck-deep, we offer Nordic equipment rentals for the whole family (including a chariot for the little one), our Callaghan Lake Snowshuttle will be running daily through the Holidays, there's still space in our 'Designed for Freedom' Skate Skiing Skills Clinic on December 26th, and our Navigations Skills for Backcountry Touring Clinics. We also still have availability and special promotions over the Holidays for a stay at Journeyman Lodge. If you are still looking for the perfect gift (yeah, we are running late too), you can purchase a Callaghan Country Gift Certificate. This can go towards a stay at the Lodge, seats on our Callaghan Lake Snowshuttle, or one of our upcoming skills clinics. The Alexander Falls Touring Centre Ski Shop also has a variety of gifts perfect for the outdoor enthusiasts in your family. Pop in and say hello! Whatever adventures you get up to during the Holidays, we hope Callaghan Country will be part of it and have the opportunity to share good times and memories with you and your family!
Let the crisp cold mountain air fill your lungs, let the snowshoes/skis on your feet carry you over the deep snow through majestic old-growth forest and let yourself & your family indulge in the coziness of the Journeyman Lodge.
Happy Holidays to all of our Family! Join us Saturday, December 15th for our annual opening weekend party!Our team has been working tirelessly to prepare our Nordic trail network for a pleasing opening to the 201819 winter season and it looks like Ullr is finally delivering some much needed snow over the next couple weeks. We'll say it again, finally!!!!! The wait has been S(no)w joke. Join the Callaghan Country crew for our opening weekend as we kick-off the 2018/19 ski season with some goofy fun and special praise for Ullr!
FREE admission for those dressed in viking attire! Ullr (pronounced Oool-er) stems from Norse mythology, where he was revered as the god of winter. Like us, Ullr loves the cold and especially travelling over Northern forest terrain on skis. This dude deserves our respect, so we’re going to spirit our winter patronage with some festive viking attire and an annual snow-dance around the Callaghan Country Bonfire Cauldron. This is located at the 1st entrance to Ski Callaghan (left over the bridge 8.5km up Callaghan Valley Rd). Festivities begin at 2pm. Please feel welcome to bring your hotdogs and or marshmallows for roasting. As a society, we have never been more time-starved and over-stimulated so the need to slow down, unplug and reconnect is more important than ever. Throw in an ever-looming threat of climate change and it only makes sense that more and more backcountry enthusiasts are opting to “Earn their turns” and overall self-propelled recreation is on the rise. We ache for freedom, and the wilderness calls. Callaghan Country's Journeyman Lodge was built on sweat equity and a belief in the inherent value of exploring the world beyond lift dependency. There are no free rides to the top and no one to hand-hold you through another cookie-cutter backcountry experience. In these mountains, you’re on your own, and you’re better off because of it. An infamous Eleanor Roosevelt quote resonates..."With freedom comes responsibility." Wilderness exploration does require certain capacities and skill sets. We're excited to announce that Callaghan Country has some early season Skills Clinics to build that toolkit!
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Navigation Skills for Backcountry Touring An introductory clinic covering the basics of mountain navigation with local and established ACMG Guide, Dave Sarkany. This full-day clinic will provide participants with classroom theoretical review and on-the-snow practical skills: -printed topographic map layout to form an understanding of projection, datum, scale, distance, and contour lines -referencing location through Lat/Long and the UTM grid -understanding components of standard handheld compasses -adjusting to the local magnetic declination to be able to follow a bearing off a map -use of resection/triangulation These skills will be brought together for modern navigation using digital maps stored on personal phones for the purpose of navigating with the units GPS/electronic compass and altimeter. Instructor Bio: Dave Sarkany has lived in Whistler for 27 years. He has been very active in the mountains and on the ocean throughout the region since the early 1980’s., and has specialized in guiding for the last 20 years. In the mountains Dave is recognized as an ACMG Ski Guide and Hiking Guide(Association of Canadian Mountain Guide) and a CAA Professional Member (Canadian Avalanche Association). Equipment:
Skill:
Clinics offered Sunday, Nov. 25th & Saturday, Dec. 1st
$126.50 per person (includes Snowshuttle Seat & Ski Callaghan trail pass)
*Online Bookings required **All participants are required to sign a Waiver of Liability>> **All Bookings are non-refundable an non-transferable, including in scenarios of late arrival ****Please call 604.938.0616 with any questions
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'Designed for Freedom' Skate Skiing Skills Join local high-performance Biathlon coach 'Munny' for 2 hrs of instruction & technique development to enjoy the ultimate freedoms that come as you hone your skate-ski skillset. Build confidence to explore the high altitude trails of Callaghan's Solitude Valley. Take your Nordic skiing to new heights! -Special attention on the art of skate ski ascent and descent -Work with your physical literacy -Customize your coaching session i.e. "What do you want to work on?" Equipment:
$85.00 per person (does not include Ski Callaghan Admissions/Trail Tickets)
*Online Bookings required **All Bookings are non-refundable an non-transferable, including in scenarios of late arrival ***Please call 604.938.0616 with any questions With the 2018/2019 winter season almost upon us, we look forward to welcoming the latest addition to our Callaghan Country staff family— Introducing, Guillaume St-Louis!
Gui embodies an intrinsic sense of hospitality; he wants nothing more than to make sure you are having a good experience. He loves to share his knowledge & stories and enjoys a good conversation over a cup of coffee. He might not always understand the nuances of English humor due to his ‘Frenchness’ but he will gladly share his own humor which, in turn, you may not understand at times. Gui describes himself as a bit of a loner and he might seem shy at first contact but this won’t stop him from offering you a warm welcome accompanied by a friendly smile. Once the shell is broken, great relationships will unfold.
It isn't a surprise that Scandinavian cultures are recognized for their concepts of Hygge and Friluftsliv; they offer the essential foundation for any good family tradition. Cultivating your own meaningful family traditions can have numerous positive outcomes: providing a source of identity, strengthening the family bond, offering comfort & security, connecting generations, all the while creating lasting memories.
This winter we welcome you to our backyard, where guests of all ages can have fun playing & laughing together in the natural world. Whether you're coming to XC Ski or Snowshoe, our rustic, yet comfortable facilities inspire nostalgia of times past...when family time didn't compete with technologies, and memories were built around traditions of human connection. As you come together for the annual Thanksgiving holidays, we invite you to consider starting some new family traditions in the Callaghan...
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are great winter activities for families to enjoy together. You'll quickly discover it's more affordable and easier to get into than alpine skiing. Bring the wee ones and comfortably tuck them in for a ride in a Ski Chariot (available for rent at Access Callaghan Ski Shop). Kids can start Nordic skiing as early as 4 or 5. Trail tickets & Passes here are FREE FOR CHILDREN AGES 6 & UNDER. It's great exercise, gets you out in the great outdoors, and offers ample opportunity to build genuine family bonds! Get a full Nordic Season Pass at the best rate available before October 8, 2018...To purchase the Family Season Passes, please call: 604.964.0059
At the end of your family day in the Callaghan, kick back & toast some marshmallows by the trailside bonfire or cozy up next the fireplace in our rustic warming hut. It's the perfect setting to swap stories and share in the pride of developing your skills in the outdoors.
Callaghan Trip 2010 from Andrew Handford on Vimeo.
For intrepid families ready for the full mountain adventure experience, Callaghan Country has set aside select dates when Journeyman Lodge waives its 13-yrs-and-up policy to welcome guests of all ages. As with all backcountry travel, there are inherent risks involved and they are not to be taken lightly; Please Contact Us >> directly for more information about planning a family adventure to our backcountry lodge.
Holiday Season: December 21st – January 8th ***We are pleased to honour 55% OFF to guests 13 yrs & under for reservations Dec.21-26 & Jan 6-8*** BC Family Weekend: February 15th-19th |
AuthorThe passionate staff at Callaghan Country that not only want you to enjoy the snow, but want you to love the history and the stories that make Callaghan Country so special. ENJOY OUR BLOG! Categories
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