We ski from the top and the top is the summit…

Ski mountaineering is the merging of backcountry ski touring and the sport of mountaineering. It combines all the joy and hardship of earning your turns along with the rewards of basic mountaineering peak ascents. A typical ski mountaineering objective primarily involves a long ski ascent and descent on high alpine and glaciated terrain. Where it becomes mountaineering is that to reach the summit proper, one has to climb on foot over basic rock and/or ice on an exposed summit ridge or mountain face. Ski mountaineering is most rewarding to the skier who likes the added challenge of reaching a significant summit while ski touring.

Both Western Canada and the European Alps offer outstanding ski mountaineering venues for the intermediate to advanced ski tourer. Spring is the optimal season for such trips. The deeper snowpack, more reliable weather conditions along with longer and warmer days all contribute to a more successful trip during spring season.

Browse our ski-mountaineering trips

Barbeau Peak, Canadian Arctic

Barbeau Peak is a 2616m mountain in Qikiqtaaluk, Nunavut, Canada. Located at 82deg North on Ellesmere Island within Quttinirpaaq National Park, it is the highest mountain in Nunavut and the Canadian Arctic. Summit Mountain Guides is planning to conduct a ski mountaineering ascent of Barbeau Peak in early June 2025.

Custom Ski Mountaineering

Tell about your dream ski peaks! We have the expertise and experience to co-create a custom ski mountaineering trip to suit your needs and interest. We regularly create such custom programs in Western Canada, the Alps, Patagonia, the Arctic, and beyond. Trip length may vary greatly depending on venue and access from 3-21days.

Mount Waddington NW Summit

A ski peak like no others. Mount Waddington, 4019m above see level, is the highest peak in the Coast mountain range of British Columbia. While the main summit is technical and only accessible in summer by advanced mountaineers, the North West summit (4000m high) provides one of the most interesting and aesthetic ski mountaineering challenge in the coast mountains. It is a Canadian Classic!

Cathedral Glacier Basecamp

This remote, tent based, 10day ski mountaineering trip is ideal for those looking at attempting high elevation ski peaks far from the crowds. It is an exciting heli access program similar to a ski traverse however, the focus here is on peak bagging while skiing with a lighter day pack from a well located basecamp

Mount Columbia

At 3747m, Mount Columbia is the tallest summit in Alberta and the second highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. This classic ski mountaineering peak is located across the majestic Columbia Icefields. This 4-day trip is like a mini-expedition in the heart of a remote region, it is best suited for intermediate to advanced ski mountaineers.

Svalbard Ski & Sail

A unique ski touring expedition in the rugged mountains of the Svalbard/Spitsbergen archipelago in the arctic ocean. Located at 79º latitude & north of Norway, this area provides an amazing opportunity to discover a remote alpine range, arctic wildlife, glaciated peaks and world class skiing.

Mount Logan

The Ski Mountaineering route of choice up Mount Logan is the famous King’s trench. This route features generally straightforward ski touring terrain on large broken glaciers and involves winter camping at high altitude. The ascent gradually climbs 3500m over 23kms, from base camp to summit, and offers a fantastic panorama on some of the biggest glaciers in the world. Mount Logan is for advanced ski mountaineers wishing to push their skills on a challenging summit.

Get in touch to book or plan your next custom adventure

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