Backcountry Ski Traverses

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The Pinnacle of the ski touring experience

Imagine a self-propelled backcountry ski traverse through a mountain range.  We offer a variety of ski traverse experiences, from tent based to hut to hut trips. Late winter and early spring are the perfect time to capitalize on longer days, warmer temperatures and well settled snowpacks. Each year, we strap on our pack and head for an adventure or two, join us for a trip of a life time.

Human Powered

Your legs and you skis carrying you across a mountain range

great divide ski traverse
ski traverse

Premier Backcountry Ski Traverses in Western Canada

Embark on a self-propelled journey through on of BC's spectacular mountain ranges. Late winter and early spring offer the perfect conditions for a backcountry ski traverse; capitalizing on longer days, warmer temperatures, and a well-settled snowpack is a key for sucess. Whether you are looking for a classic hut-to-hut experience or a rugged glacial expedition, join Arctos Guides for the trip of a lifetime.

Bow Yoho Traverse

The Bow Yoho Traverse is a quintessential Canadian Rockies hut-to-hut ski touring experience. This classic route runs northeast to southwest across the Continental Divide, starting at Bow Lake and finishing in the stunning Yoho Valley. Along the way, you will cross three magnificent alpine expanses: the Wapta, Yoho, and Des Poilus Icefields.

  • Duration: 5-7 Days
  • Accommodations: Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) Backcountry Huts

Wapta Traverse

The iconic Wapta Traverse travels north-to-south along the spine of the Wapta and Waputik Icefields. The traditional route begins at Peyto Lake, navigating over the high, glaciated crest of the Rocky Mountain Divide, before concluding at the Great Divide Lodge near Sherbrooke Lake. This premier glacier ski tour features overnight stays at four distinct ACC huts along the route.

  • Guiding Ratio: Maximum 6 guests per 1 ACMG-certified guide
  • Experience: Classic Canadian Rockies glacier skiing

Valhalla Traverse

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Experience the rugged and dramatic peaks of the Kootenays with the Valhalla Traverse. Renowned for its steep, alpine terrain and deep powder, this ski traverse offers a challenging and deeply rewarding wilderness experience through Valhalla Provincial Park.

  • Highlights: Remote Kootenay adventure, dramatic alpine ridges, and pristine wilderness.

Why Book a Ski Traverse with Arctos Guides?

  • Expert Certified Leadership: All trips are led by professional ACMG-certified guides specializing in terrain-driven objectives and elite mountain decision-making.
  • Small Group Ratios: We keep our group sizes small to prioritize your safety, maximize your skiing, and ensure a presonalized backcountry experience.

Ski Traverses

Custom Objectives

We can design a trip that will suit your group's interests.

Human Powdered Adventure

Travelling by ski is an exhilarating experience

Tent Based

Big Packs and Big Adventure

Push your Boundaries

Ski Traverses aren't easy, but they are extremely rewarding.

Ski Traverses are custom trips and priced according to the objective. Please get in touch with us to discuss your ski traverse interests and we would be happy to design a trip for you.

Gold Range Ski Traverse

Arctos Trip Inventory

The complete Arctos Trip Inventory