Backcountry Basecamps

The main goal on this program is to have as much fun as possible while skiing a variety of terrain and submitting remote alpine peaks.

We will try tailor the program to meet the guests skiing interests while considering the weather and avalanche conditions. Contact us for details on Kokanee and Valhalla Basecamps.

Below is a sample itinerary for the Nimbus Basecamp near Terrace:

• Pre-Trip meeting; Participants will meet the guide(s) at 4pm in Terrace, BC before the trip starts. We will go over last minute changes (weather & avalanche conditions) and logistic for the following days. We will also sign a liability waiver and do an avalanche beacon exercise
• Day 1; We will fly to the Nimbus area from a staging area near Terrace BC at 07:00 AM. Our first day will involve setting up camp and skiing as much a possible
• Day 2-5; We will do various day trips from our basecamp location. We will ski various glaciers and peaks and explore various valley in the area
• Day 5; On the last day, we will be back in camp at 4pm in time for our short flight back to Terrace

This is an intermediate to advance ski program. Prior overnight backcountry ski touring experience, preferably winter camping, and a minimum of intermediate to advanced backcountry skiing skills are required.

Guests are responsible to self evaluate their skills as groups need to be matched together based on prior experience and ability.  Please contact us to discuss your background and options.

Backcountry Basecamp Equipment List

This trip is located in a large glaciated area near Nimbus in the central Coast Mountains of British Columbia about 50km Southeast of Terrace BC. You will be meeting with your guide the evening before the trip starts in Terrace for a final gear check. We will go over last minute changes (weather & avalanche conditions) and logistics for the following days. We will also sign a liability waiver.

The Central Coast Mountain weather can vary drastically, especially in the Spring time.  In Winter you can expect temperatures to be from -15C to –5C in the day while in Spring daily temperatures could rise above zero. Overnight temperatures will often dip below -20C, even in the Spring. Visibility may be poor or whiteout conditions when snowing heavily or clear on bluebird days. Ensure you are dressed and equipped for all variations as temperatures, wind and precipitation can change rapidly.

• Pre-trip planning support
• Fully certified IFMGA guide and /or ACMG Ski guide service
• Helicopter Access to Basecamp and back to Terrace
• All Breakfasts and Dinners while on the trip
• Tents, Group shelter and Cooking equipment for winter camping
• Group safety equipment (communication device, rescue kit, first aid supplies, GPS, maps)

Not included in price:

• Individual lunches, snacks
• GST 5% tax
• Personal ski touring boots, skis, skins or splitboard
• Personal avalanche safety equipment *SMG rentals available $25/day for beacon ($15), shovel ($5) & probe ($5)
• Transportation to the meeting location
• Additional charges to due changes in itinerary or group number
• Trip cancellation, adventure travel insurance, medical insurance

Where can I rent Ski touring and safety equipment?

Summit Mountain Guides has a limited amount of winter safety equipment available for rental. Contact us for availability. Here are a few outdoor stores in Nelson that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment and gear rental, please ensure you rent gear well in advance.

Rivers Oceans and Mountains 354-2056 www.roamshop.com
Valhalla Pure Outfitters 354-1006 www.shop.vpo.ca
Gericks   354-4622 www.gericks.com

Skis, Telemark or Split Boards?

Which should you use? If you are a downhill skier then you should use Alpine Touring gear. Only if you are already an advanced Telemark skier or Snowboarder should you bring Telemark or Split Board gear. All types of gear can be rented in Nelson prior to your day trip.  There are three types of backcountry systems you can use:

Alpine Touring skis are essentially downhill skis with a special touring binding which allows the heel to lift whilst going uphill or across the flats and then ‘locks down’ to become a regular downhill safety binding. We recommend this system to anyone with a background of downhill skiing who is not already an advanced telemark skier.

Telemark skis. These should only be used for this program if you are at least an advanced-intermediate telemark skier with some backcountry experience. This system is more difficult and less forgiving than others.

Snowboarding with a Split Board is the most effective way to snowboard in the back country. We recommend this system to advanced snowboarder over snowshoeing.