Highly Trained & Experienced Guides

Safety comes first, without compromising the deep powder and adventure you came for. Our lead guides are professional mountain guides and members of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) or Canadian Ski Guides Association (CSGA), with Level 2 Avalanche certifications. They are supported by experienced tail guides who hold First Aid and CAA Level 1 Operations Avalanche certification or higher. Most are current or former professional ski patrollers with all loving skiing and the mountains.

Smart Decision-Making

Our guides make informed, constantly reassessed decisions based on current conditions, shared information, and years of experience. Staff meet twice daily to develop the day's skiing and travel plan. The decisions made in our guide meetings are based on our own observations, shared information, and many years of experience and training.

Throughout the season, we monitor and record weather, snowfall, snowpack, and avalanche activity. This information is shared through the Canadian Avalanche Association's INFOEX system. Access to the shared information between commercial backcountry operators provides us with detailed information on weather, snow, and avalanche conditions from many regions and aids inforecasting conditions in our area.

Ongoing Training

Every staff member is trained in avalanche rescue and emergency procedures, with skills and procedures regularly reviewed and practiced continually. 

You will receive training; all guests receive hands-on instruction in transceiver use, basic avalanche rescue, snowcat and snowmobile safety procedures, and general backcountry and lodge procedures, because safety is something we all share.

High Standards

Backcountry Snowcats is a member in good standing of HeliCat Canada, the trade association for Canada's helicopter and snowcat skiing industry.

HeliCat Canada develops and continually updates industry standards and best practices for safety, operations, and sustainability. Members are committed to meeting these standards and continually improving their operations, with periodic third-party reviews helping ensure they are upheld.

Learn more about HeliCat Canada's safety standards and risk awareness: HeliCat Canada Safety & Risk Awareness.

Reliable Communications

We maintain multiple lines of communication with the outside world, including radio, satellite phone, radio phone, and satellite internet.

Understanding the Risks

Our number one mission is to provide a safe and exceptional backcountry experience, but no backcountry activity is without risk. Guests must read and complete a waiver of liability prior to the start of their adventure.

Please review a copy of our online waiver. This is an important legal document that requires you to assume responsibility for the risks associated with the backcountry activities you'll be participating in with Backcountry Snowcats. We are happy to answer any questions you might have - please ask.