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Trip

Whistler Backcountry Hut Trip

Overview

The high alpine ski touring in Garibaldi Provincial Park features everything you want in a hut trip: easy access, a spectacular setting in the backcountry of Whistler/Blackcomb ski area, heavily glaciated terrain, and lodging at the new Kees and Claire hut! It seems incredible that terrain of such quality and easy access (we take the lift to the top of the Whistler ski area) can still offer so much solitude and such a wilderness experience.

$1,280 Per Person
4 Days
Difficulty
Ratio:
4:1, 6:2

Trip Information

$1,280
Price based on 4 skiers. Price for 3 skiers is $1540. Please contact us directly for private trip arrangements. 425-888-6397 x2 | info@proguiding.com

The new Kees and Claire hut is situated above Russett Lake within Garibaldi Provincial Park, at the foot of Whirlwind Peak. For this trip it serves as a destination for day based ski touring in the fantastic Whistler backcountry. The hut is easily accessible via the "Musical bumps" and Singing Pass.

The touring possibilities from the hut are plentiful. You want mellow skiing? You got it. You want steep? No problem. You want to ski near tree line? But of course.

Easy access, a spectacular setting in the backcountry of Whistler / Blackcomb ski area, heavily glaciated terrain and even a hut make it a must for anybody who is serious about ski touring. It seems incredible that a ski traverse of such quality and easy access (we take the lift to the top of the Blackcomb ski area) can still offer so much solitude and such a wilderness experience. What else do you need?

 

Duration: 4
Ratio: 4:1, 6:2
Difficulty Level:
Click here to learn more about difficulty ratings.

Overall Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult

Skills Required: Advanced skiing ability and prior ski touring experience

Fitness Level: Strenuous


Private Trips Available

Don't see a date that works for you? Pro Guiding Service offers any trip or courses on a private basis. We are flexible! Call or email to inquire.
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Itinerary

Day 1: We will meet in Whistler (exact meeting times will be coordinated by the guides) and catch the lift up to the top of the Whistler ski area. From here we will ski and tour across the Musical Bumps and Singing Pass to the beautiful Kees and Claire hut. We will deposit our gear and should have time for an afternoon ski on the Overlord Glacier below the impressive Fissile walls.

Day 2: We have choices. We can ski up to the summit of Whirlwind Peak and go around to the top of the Overlord Glacier and have a ski down the Iago Glacier before going back to the hut.

Day 3: Who knows? Maybe Benvolio Peak, maybe even the Fissile if conditions allow. The Fissile is a ski mountaineering objective with some "classic extreme ski lines" right back down to the hut.

Day 4: The proximity to the Whistler ski area will allow for another half day tour before we head back to the Whistler ski area via the Musical Bumps or the more adventurous Singing Pass trail.   After the ski descent down to Whistler, we should have enough time for a good lunch in the village before heading home.

Private Trips

Pro Guiding Service proudly offers the most diverse ski touring and ski mountaineering programs of any guiding service in the Northwest. Smaller, more intimate custom itineraries or instructional tours are available for any of our destinations. Tell us what you want to do, and we can create a customized plan for you.
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Pricing

$1,280
per person
Price based on 4 skiers. Price for 3 skiers is $1540. Please contact us directly for private trip arrangements. 425-888-6397 x2 | info@proguiding.com
View Dates & Availability
What's Included In the Trip Price

- Guide fees and expenses for 4 days (includes partial wages for travel day)
- Group gear including ropes, Sat phone or inReach, and group first aid kit (please see equipment list)
- Hut fees

 

What's Not Included

- Lift ticket: since so many people have the Epic Pass, Whistler vouchers, or other access tickets, we no longer include the one-up ticket in the trip price. It is easy to purchase the ticket on the morning of the first day of the tour. You can see information and prices HERE. The 2022/2023 price for this is approximately $33 USD.
- Lodging before or after the trip. We can help arrange lodging if you'd like, just let us know!
- Transportation to/from Whistler
- Parking: Parking has become challenging at Whistler and it is good to have a plan before you arrive. You are not allowed to leave your vehicle in the public pay lots for over 24 hours. Some hotels will let you pay to park in their lots while on the Spearhead for their nightly rate (US $20-40 per night).
- Gratuity for the guide
- Personal equipment and meals: please see the equipment list

Payment Policy
If booking a domestic trip that is over 60 days away or an international trip that is over 90 days away, you can book your trip by paying a 20% deposit.  View Full Policy
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel for any reason 60 or more days before domestic trips or 90 or more days before international and Alaska trips, we will refund everything you have paid minus half of your deposit. No refunds will be provided if you cancel your trip for ANY REASON (this includes but is not limited to illness including CoVid-19, injury, or work-related issues) within 60 days of the start of domestic trips or 90 days of international and Alaska based trips.  View Full Policy

Equipment List

Clothing
Base Layer
  • 1 Bottom - midweight or lightweight
  • 1 or 2 Tops - midweight or lightweight
  • Ski Socks - 2 pair
Mid Layer
  • Windshirt or light Soft Shell jacket
  • Fleece or similar warm layer
  •  Soft-shell pants
Outerwear
  • Lightweight Waterproof/Breathable Jacket
  • Lightweight Waterproof/Breathable Pants
  • Warm Hat - should cover your ears
  • Sun Hat - baseball cap or visor
  • Lightweight Gloves
  • Ski Gloves/Mittens
  • Down or Synthetic Puffy-type Jacket
Personal Gear
  • Internal Frame Pack - 50 Liter/3100 cu.in. minimum
    • Everything must fit inside except ice axe, crampons, helmet, and pad
    • If approach shoes are worn, ski boots may be on outside of pack as well
  • Sleeping Bag - down or synthetic, 15-20º F or warmer
  • Compression Sack - for sleeping bag
  • Sleeping Pad - closed cell foam or self inflating (or both)
  • Headlamp - lightweight LED recommended
  • 2 Water Bottles - liter bottles, wide mouth recommended
  • Bowl and Cup - bowl is optional if eating from freeze-dried meal bags
  • Spoon, Fork, or Spork
  • Small Knife
  • Sunglasses - adequate for snow travel
  • Goggles
  • Sunscreen - SPF 25+, waterproof
  • Lip Balm - SPF 15+
  • Lighter
  • Personal Toiletries - keep it simple: toothbrush, tiny toothpaste, hand sanitizer
  • Small Personal First Aid Kit - just the basics: blister care, ibuprofin, prescription meds, etc.; your guides will have a substantial group first aid kit
  • Toilet Paper (blue bags provided by PGS)
Technical Gear

Snow Travel Equipment

  • Skis - Alpine Touring or Telemark (or Splitboard)
  • Ski Boots - Alpine Touring or Telemark - no downhill boots (or Snowboard Boots)
  • Poles - Telescopic poles work well, but not required, with snow baskets
  • Climbing Skins
  • Ski or Splitboard Crampons - REQUIRED! - Ensure that they are compatible with your bindings
  • Ski Brakes or leashes

Safety Gear

  • Avalanche Transceiver
  • Shovel - compact, lightweight, metal blade preferred
  • Probe - dedicated probe only, ski poles do not suffice

Technical Gear

  • Ice Axe - lightweight, 45-70cm is fine
  • Boot Crampons – Ensure they fit your boots
  • Anti-ball plates for crampons
  • Climbing Harness - lightweight, (no padding; ex: Petzl Altitude, Black Diamond Couloir)
  • Glacier Travel Kit:
    • 2 Locking Carabiners - at least 1 large HMS style and 1 regular locker
    • 2 Non-locking Carabiners - any style, we recommend wire gates
    • 1 Single Length Dyneema/Dynex Runner/Sling (60cm/24in diameter loop)
    • 1 Double Length Dyneema/Dynex Runner/Sling (120cm/48in diameter loop)
    • 1 Cordelette - 6 mm cord, 6 meter length
    • 1 Prussik Loop - 3-4 feet of 6mm cordelette tied in loop with double fisherman's knot and/or a Sterling Hollowblock
Optional Items
  • Camera - we’d like some shots for the PGS website!
  • Ear Plugs - essential for sound sleep
  • Camp Booties
  • Thermos - vacuum type
  • Electrolytes - tablets/powder/gel/blocks
  • Note Pad and Pencil - Rite-in-the-Rain brand waterproof notebooks work well
  • Compass - adjustable declination a must
  • Altimeter watch
  • Map Case - large Ziploc bag works well
  • Maps - contact guiding office for appropriate quadrangles
  • Collapsible Water Canteen - good for storing snowmelt at camp
  • Liner socks - if blister-prone
  • Warm Socks - to sleep in
  • Approach shoes--lightweight running shoes work well
  • Foot Powder
  • Neck gaiter - for protecting your face from sun, wind, cold
  • Helmet - climbing or lightweight uninsulated ski helmet (recommended)
  • Post-course care kit (to leave in car): cotton T-shirt, flip flops, favorite treats
Equipment Sales & Rental

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FAQs

Where can I stay the night before the trip?

There are many lodging choices in Whistler Village and the surrounding area.  Make sure you inquire about parking during your stay and leaving your vehicle in their lot while you are on the trip. Another option is to stay in Squamish the night before. Check out the Sea to Sky Hotel HERE, located about 3 miles north of the Squamish. Driving up the same day is possible but adds unnecessary stress especially if a border crossing is involved.

Where can I leave my car?

Parking has become challenging at Whistler and it is good to have a plan before you arrive. There are several designated parking spots for Garibaldi Park visitors and we will provide more information about that prior to your trip. Some hotels will let you pay to park in their lots. More information about overnight parking can be found on the Spearhead Huts Society page HERE.

Is the lift ticket included in the price of the trip?

No. If you prefer, we can add the price of the lift ticket to your trip and have the guide get it for you.

Is there more information about the hut?

The Kees and Claire Hut is the first of 3 proposed huts along the Spearhead Traverse.  You can see more details about the hut HERE.

How does my gear get to the hut?

You will be responsible for carrying your gear to the hut. Although you will likely take the lift system up, there will still be a couple of hours of skinning to reach the Kees and Claire Hut. Once there, however, you can unload much of your gear and tour the remaining days with a lighter pack.

Do you provide food?

We do not provide food.  You are responsible for providing, carrying, and preparing your own food.  You can find food suggestions HERE. Four 2-burner propane cooktops, complete with supplies and equipment for cooking and dining, such as pots, plates, utensils, mugs, glasses, Bodums, and teapots are available at the hut. (Personal cookstoves are not allowed within the hut.) They also have French presses and Bialetti stove top coffee makers so bringing ground fresh coffee is a great idea if you're a coffee person. The grounds have a special receptacle so wet grounds do not have to be packed out!

When will we be out on the last day?

We are typically out in the early afternoon of the last day.

Should I tip my guide?

Although tipping is not a requirement, it is considered standard practice in the guiding industry and is appreciated by our guides. We generally recommend roughly 10%-15% of your trip cost or a flat amount that you are comfortable with.

Why Book With Us? 

Certified Professional Guides & All Access
All of our guides have the highest quality training and certification in the industry, and you can be sure that we have the permits, licenses and insurance in every location we operate.
Safe, Well-Planned Tour Design
Every tour has a carefully thought-out guide-to-customer ratio. You always get a safe, high-quality trip or learning environment with us.
Pioneers In The Industry
You will travel and learn from experts. We've pioneered several alpine climbing routes, ski descents, and traverses and we've written books on skills and routes in the industry. 
Read Our story
Resources

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