SELF-PROPELLED LODGE ACCESS

Trailheads:  Alexander Falls Base Area, see Getting Here >> for directions
Distance:  Mainline route = 13.4 kms (8.3 miles); OR Real Life route = 12.4 kms (7.3 miles)
Calories burned:  3000-4000 depending on personal weight and travel time
Total elevation gain: 560 meter gain (1,837 feet) not including gains after losses
Allow: 3-4 hours (by XC Ski) 4-5 hours (by Snowshoe) depending on equipment, conditions, and experience
Admission Requirements: Ski Callaghan Admissions >> are required for all visits to Journeyman Lodge via the trail access routes
Maps available: Google Map View >> (GPS track download), Free trail map available at adventure desk during check-in, Clarke Geomatics and John Baldwin Topographical maps available for purchase at Access Callaghan Ski Shop >> during check-in
Events: Callaghan Country's Signature Benchmark Social ski series >>

ROUTE DESCRIPTIONS:  There are two main access routes to  Journeyman Lodge during the Winter season…

Mainline Trail  (ski route only) – The most popular route to Journeyman Lodge is via Mainline, Parkway, and Upper Wild Spirit groomed ski trails.  For safety reasons, snowshoers are not permitted on this route.  For skiers however, it features longer, but more gradual climbs and is quite open for sunshine and mountain vistas.

Mainline trail is a Blue Square rated, 8.4 km intermediate trail.  It begins with an initial long climb of 3.5 km that follows the original Callaghan Forest Service Road on its way up to Callaghan Lake. The first part of the trail is the toughest with moderate terrain in the middle section and even a downhill slope to Callaghan Lake.

Along the way, skiers will enjoy amazing views of Metal Dome, Brandywine and Powder Mountains. Once you reach the lake you can continue on to the lodge via the forested Parkway trail, a Green Circle rated 1.8 km ski to the final climb of Upper Wild Spirit trail (3.2km). The return trip from the Lodge following this route  affords skiers a fantastic view of Black Tusk, a volcanic spire that has become one of Whistler’s most famous landmarks.

Real Life Trail  (snowshoe, ski, and luggage transfer service route) -  As the primary service route, this is usually the first lodge access route that opens each winter season.  For those opting to snowshoe in and out of the lodge, Real Life trail, to the Wild Spirit trails is the only lodge access route.  It is also preferred  by those heading in on touring equipment looking to shave off the extra 1.6 kms of travel.

Real Life trail is accessed just off the first few hundred meters of Mainline trail.  The first kilometre of real Life trail is blue rated because of a steep pitch that must be climbed before reaching the pleasant 3.5 kms of gently rolling terrain that soon turns into Wild Spirit trail. 

The journey up the 4.1 km of Wild Spirit trail is a classic introduction to the West Coast forest ecosystem. Majestic old growth Hemlocks and Yellow Cedars tower overhead as the trail crosses over several creeks, including the fast-flowing Callaghan Creek.

Advanced and expert skiers LOVE this trail; an aggressive black diamond rating  with some of North America's steepest  hills. As the trail winds its way up the valley to the lodge along the Upper Wild Spirit trail (3.2km), snow-laden trees give way to sub-alpine meadows and breathtaking mountain views.

WINTER TRIP PLANNING SUGGESTIONS & TIPS
  • Climbing skins are an excellent tool to help save energy during the long climbs into the lodge – these are available for rent at Access Callaghan.
  • Ensure you pack sufficient hydration and a trail-side lunch/snacks for the journey *Please note, there is no running water at our base facilities but we do have vitamin water and coconut water available for purchase at Access Callaghan.
  • Remember, you are welcome to bring an additional set of gear that can be sent up with the daily luggage transfer.  Many XC skiers will classic ski on the way in, then skate ski on the trip out.
  • Beware of the naturally occurring  Snow bombs on all ski trails. These accumulations of snow collect high up in the tree canopy  and then can sometimes fall from considerable height causing  bodily injury to skiers and significantly degrading trail surfaces. If you encounter this phenomena seek shelter or move to safety as the opportunity presents.
  • Bring adequate gear for the variety of conditions you may experience: start with thin layers, but pack some warmer layers as temperature will drop with the elevation gain.  Other essentials include light and dark sunglasses, band-aids / moleskin for blisters. Both are available for purchase in the Access Callaghan Ski Shop
  • Be prepared to adapt your plans – guests coming in the early winter season may be required to utilize Real Life trail  route based on weather and snow conditions.
  • Don't forget to bring your favourite beverage/refreshment to reward yourself for a job well done. 
  • Please NOTE:  JOURNEYMAN LODGE does not sell alcohol beverages but you are welcome to bring your own.
  • With a sufficient 48hrs notice, we’re happy also, to provide transport to and from the lodge by snowmobile with the daily luggage transfer schedule (please add $189.00 per person plus 5% GST; price is based on shared riding). It takes about 45 minutes to reach the lodge by snowmobile, subject to weather and trail conditions. Please be prepared to drive a snowmobile if this service is required for 2 or more people.  Unscheduled transfers will be charged at a rate of $200 hourly.

Believe it or not, strong athletic types have been known to ski up in an hour and out in 30 minutes! No matter which trail you take, adventuring into Journeyman Lodge is a truly rewarding experience. Pack a lunch, start early, bring your camera and make a day of it!