Back Country Ski Adventures
Hut to Hut Ski Tours (December to April)
What better way to experience winter than by skiing the vast terrain of the back country? Our designated trails go from hut to hut and take you past some of the most breath taking post card scenery.
Area, Climate and Terrain
Enjoy ski touring and telemarking in the ideal snow conditions found above 5000. elevation. In addition to ample snow depths from December through April, the warmth of the sun from late February onward will further enhance your skiing pleasure. Due to the diverse climatic conditions encountered from the coast to the interior, suitable tour routes can always be found, regardless of snowfall.
Customized Itineraries
Itineraries are planned to suit each group.s skills and fitness level and the expected weather and snow conditions. Trips of 4 to 7 day duration are usual, using snowmobile transfers to maximize your time at higher elevations. Activities are planned to suit your objectives: whether it.s hut to hut exploration of the back country, searching out challenging telemark slopes, or enjoying the spring sun while photographing the spectacular scenery.
Guides
Certified mountain ski guides are engaged to lead trips. These guides all have many years experience, good ski instruction skills and training in first aid, avalanche awareness and rescue techniques.
Accomodation and Food
A network of fully equipped, comfortable log cabins awaits your arrival. Our alpine cabins are located in Eldorado Basin, Spruce Lake, the headwaters of Tyaughton Creek and just off of Trigger Lake. Cabins are equipped with wood heaters and propane cook stoves. Accomodation can be provided the night before your ski tour is to begin at our main ranch location. Your guide will prepare your meals for you. Rations are packed in by horse in the fall to each camp. Menus can be tailored to vegetarian or other special dietary restrictions.
Skills and Fitness
All tours are organized to meet the needs of your group; however, reasonable level of fitness is required as well as basic skiing skills and equipment. Skiing ability should be intermediate in either cross country or downhill. You should be sufficiently fit to handle a modest pace at +5000. elevation for 3 - 4 hours per day. Pack weights are minimized by stocking cabins with food.
Equipment and Clothing
The most important equipment items required are telemark (steel edge) skis and boots, a comfortable internal frame pack and sleeping bag. Clothing should be windproof and of the breathable type to permit cooling on ascents. A list of recommended equipment, clothing and supplies is issued on application. PIEPS avalanche transceivers are supplied to all participants.
Spruce Lake Wilderness Adventures
Began its ski tour operation in 1982, and conducted tours at three locations in the Southern Chilcotin Mountains. In 1985, a new high country cabin was built at 6300. elevation to allow easier access and extend the season. In 2002, a new all season structure at our Spruce Lake Camp helped to make our extended back country tours more efficient. In addition to our fully guided service, Spruce Lake Wilderness Adventures will rent our cabins to responsible and experienced groups during the season.
Alpine Hut Rental
For advance level and experienced back country skiiers we rent out some of our accomodations for unguided groups. Eldorado is a beautiful location and a back country skiiers dream. Call to inquire about our very reasonable nightly rates.
