Solitude & dreamy ski peaks in the hearth of the fabled Jumbo wild…
An advanced tent based ski traverse at the headwaters of the well-named Jumbo & Glacier creeks in the Purcell Mountains. This 7 day trip links together the Horseshoe Glacier, Jumbo Pass, the Starbird Glacier and the Macbeth Icefield in one continuous high-level circuit.
This trip is a real Canadian adventure featuring many fine ski touring summits, a large icefield crossing, and several broken glaciers. Many long and fantastic descents and peak bagging opportunities await the most experienced ski tourers. For optimal conditions, this traverse is best skied in mid-April.
A 7day trip in the fabled Jumbo Wild in the Purcell Mountains. We will meet in Nelson BC the evening before we set off for a pre-trip meeting. On day1 we will drive up to the mouth of glacier creek and fly in to our starting point with a helicopter. After completing the complete horseshoe style traverse, we will ski out to a shuttle vehicle and drive back to Nelson for a final dinner and celebration.
This is an advance ski traverse. Prior overnight backcountry ski touring experience, preferably winter camping, and a minimum of advanced downhill 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.
This trip is located in the Purcell Mountains of Southeastern British Columbia about 90km Northeast of Nelson and 50km West of Invermere BC. You will be meeting with your guide the evening before the trip starts 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 weather in Southeastern BC can vary drastically, especially in the Spring time. In Winter you can expect day time temperatures ranging from -15C to –10C while in Spring daily temperatures could rise well above freezing. 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.
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.
