Backcountry Skiing & Telemarking

Callaghan Country Backcountry Lodge

A long-time anchor for this area is the Callaghan Lodge, a deluxe backcountry lodge that offers comfort and hospitality to the adventurous folks who make it to this remote region far enough away from roads, traffic, and power lines to make one really feel they are “away from it all.” The high alpine lodge is nestled into a grove of old-growth yellow cedars and surrounded by snowcapped peaks.

Callaghan Lodge is a finely crafted 5,000 square foot, 3 story Whistler ski lodge boasting exceptional mountain views from all of its large windows.
This mountain lodge features a large and relaxing lounge area where over-stuffed couches and armchairs are comfortably adjacent to a beautiful stone fireplace.

The mountain lodge offers accommodation for sixteen in eight private rooms, however with 3 pull-out couches throughout the facility, up to 24 people can be accommodated quite comfortably. It is a fantastic Whistler ski lodge in the true Whistler backcountry.

Callaghan Country is situated in the Coastal Snowbelt - guaranteeing abundant snowfalls and a reliable snowpack. The Callaghan Valley is ringed on three sides by glaciated terrain; as the moist maritime air pushes up over the surround glaciers, the air gets super-cooled, creating a microclimate that makes for greater than average snow accumulation throughout the winter season.

Self-guided vs. Guided Ski Touring

While many opt for self guided travel, we strongly recommend that self-guided touring parties be knowledgeable and experienced in backcountry travel and avalanche safety.

For those guests who would prefer to head out under the watchful care of guide, we work with the Whistler Alpine Guides Bureau and would be happy to coordinate A.C.M.G. guiding services on your behalf.

The guides have an intimate knowledge of both the terrain and the snowpack, so hiring a guide ensures that your group gets the safest and most enjoyable backcountry experience possible. They know the best travel routes and the best places to ski in all weather and snow conditions. These professional and friendly guides will help you to learn more about the area, the backcountry experience, and avalanche safety. They'll even give you a few pointers on ski technique if you so desire.

Ski Terrain Facts

Alpine Touring Terrain: There is a virtually unlimited amount of backcountry terrain for alpine ski and snowboard touring, backcountry skiing and telemarking. Enjoy high alpine bowls, glaciers, steep chutes, tree runs and pillow drops. The peaks surrounding the lodge range from 7,600 - 7,900' and the lodge is situated at 4,500' meaning you can expect runs of up to 3,400 vertical feet.

Nordic Trails: 32 km of trails are groomed for cross-country skiing: lots of single track, some double track and skating.

The Callaghan Valley is the future site of the nordic and ski jumping events for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The Callaghan Valley Nordic Centre will be open for x-country skiing starting in December, 2008.

Tel: (604) 938-0616
Toll-Free (North America): 1-877-938-0616
Nearest town: Whistler, BC

A.C.M.G. Guiding Service: Provided by the Whistler Alpine Guides Bureau

Prices include backcountry safety equipment (avalanche transceivers, probes, and shovels). Prices are quoted in Canadian funds and do not include the 5% GST or gratuities. The maximum client to guide ratio is 6:1. Please ask us for a customized quote for groups of 7 or more.

Equipment rentals: Backcountry safety (avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel) and ski / board touring equipment can be arranged through the Escape Route or through the Whistler Alpine Guides Bureau (for those guests hiring a guide). Please note that skiers must bring their own ski boots and snowboarders must bring their own boots and bindings.

Ski lessons: Private lessons can be arranged on request

Other activities: Track-set Cross country skiing, Snowshoeing, dogsledding, telemark skiing, tobogganing and slidihelicopter skiing

Lodging on site: Powder Mountain Callaghan Lodge has 8 rooms

Location: The Callaghan Country staging area is directly adjacent to Whistler Olympic Park, approximately 8.5km up the access road from Highway 99 (13 km south of Whistler Village at the entrance to the Callaghan Valley). Access to Callaghan Lodge is via snowcoach or snowmobile, or if you prefer, by skiing the 12.5 km from the staging area to the lodge.