Winterstoke Backcountry Festival

March 5 - 8 2026

Winterstoke is an action-packed event, that provides specialized clinics and group tours. The event is geared towards safe and efficient recreation in our backcountry.

This event is an opportunity for winter recreators to descend their first big lines or elevate their expertise while also connecting with like-minded individuals, as well as inspiring athletes and industry professionals. And most of all, it's a chance to explore the incredible backcountry playground that surrounds us here in the Sea to Sky.

Winterstoke is jam-packed with events for everyone in the touring space with clinics and tours for every experience level. 

10th Winterstoke anniversary

This year, we’ve chosen to focus on removing barriers to education. At the end of the day, we believe the greatest impact we can have in our mountain community is helping people build the skills they need to explore and enjoy our local mountains - while doing so as safely as possible. Both of these goals are grounded in education. knowledge, judgment, and developing practical mountain travel skills.

Arc’teryx has been the key sponsor of Winterstoke for the past ten years, supporting the program through many different iterations and areas of focus. Throughout that time, their steadfast commitment to both Winterstoke and the broader mountain community has been abundantly clear.

As this marks our 10th year, we’ve chosen to direct all sponsor funds and resources exclusively toward education. This means no social events, no parties, and no side programming - just a focused effort on how we can make high-level backcountry education as accessible as possible. This year’s initiatives include:

Subsidized Clinics
All clinics have been subsidized, reducing participant cost from $190 to $145 per person.

Community Hero Spots
Twelve (12) fully subsidized spots are available across our clinics.

These are reserved for community members nominated by others—people who give back, support those around them, or are deserving of free access to a clinic of their choosing.

Backcountry Ski and Snowboarding Clinics

You've already gotten a few turns in, the stoke is high, but you want to bring your backcountry experience to the next level. Join us for four days of sessions and clinics with ACMG-certified guides and ramp up your skills.

All clinics will be led by Altus Mountain Guides. Guides are of the highest caliber available to get you dialed and ready for your next backcountry trip!

Clinics run from Thursday to Sunday, ranging from Introductory to Advanced.

Registration for all clinics. 

 

Beginner Clinics

Guide:

Avalanche and Rescue First Aid Response

March 5, 2026 – Book now

Refresh the essential skills from your AST 1 or AIARE 1 course with a full day of hands-on rescue practice. In the morning, we’ll cover the use of modern avalanche transceivers, 1:1 rescue techniques, multiple burial searches, and the latest probing and shoveling methods.

After lunch, we’ll dive into a session focused on first aid and extraction steps during an avalanche rescue scenario.

Prerequisites

  • Ability to comfortably ski tour (skin) uphill 700 meters vertical (2-3 hours).
  • Comfortable skiing/riding is the equivalent of a blue ski run at a North American resort—experience with backcountry ski/snowboard equipment.
  • AST 1 or equivalent

What you will Learn?

  • How to use a modern avalanche transceiver
  • 1:1 rescue techniques
  • Searching for multiple burials
  • Modern probing and shoveling techniques
  • Organized group rescue
  • CPR consideration
  • Triage
  • Improvised extraction
Location: Whistler Backcountry
Guide Ratio: 8 to 1
Cost: $145 plus GST
Guide: Ross Berg

Split-board Foundations

March 6, 2026 – Book now

Ready to take your riding from the groomers to the backcountry? This one-day, hands-on intro to split boarding is designed to equip you with the skills to use your split board and backcountry safety gear properly. It’s the perfect stepping stone to prepare for your first avalanche course or backcountry tours with more experienced riders.

 

Prerequisites

  • Ability to comfortably ski tour (or hike) uphill 700 meters vertical (2-3 hours).
  • Comfortable skiing/riding the equivalent of a blue ski run at a North American resort.
    Experience with backcountry ski/snowboard equipment.

What you will Learn?

  • Split board equipment
  • Pre-trip planning 
  • General backcountry hazard awareness
  • Avalanche rescue training
  • Skiing with a split-board and downhill line selection
Location: Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry
Guide Ratio: 8 to 1
Cost: $145 plus GST
Guide: Robert Thor

Foundations Guided Backcountry Tour (Whistler / Blackcomb)

March 8, 2026 – Book now

New to the backcountry? Join our crew to build a solid foundation for future learning and adventures. We’ll cover all the essential gear for backcountry touring—from skis and avalanche equipment to the tools on your phone for planning a successful day. Think of this as your safe space to get fully prepared before diving in with both feet.

Prerequisites

  • Ability to comfortably ski tour (skin) uphill 700 meters vertical (2-3 hours).
  • Comfortable skiing/riding the equivalent of a blue ski run at a North American resort.
  • Experience with backcountry ski/snowboard equipment.
  • Comfort with ski/snowboard equipment
  • Previously completed AST 1 or equivalent course

What you will Learn?

  • Morning trip planning
  • In the field decision-making and snow safety evaluation 
  • Local backcountry tour ideas
Location: Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry
Guide Ratio: 6 to 1
Cost: $145 plus GST
Guide: Brian Shannon

Locals AST 1

March 7, 2026 – Apply Here

Join us for a special AST 1 course, offered at a discounted rate for community members. This essential avalanche safety training covers the fundamentals of backcountry travel, including assessing avalanche terrain and interpreting forecasts. Gain hands-on experience with rescue techniques and decision-making in real-world conditions. It’s the perfect opportunity to build critical skills while connecting with your local outdoor community

Participants will receive a certificate of completion from Avalanche Canada.

Prerequisites

  • Ability to comfortably ski tour (skin) uphill 700 meters vertical (2-3 hours).
  • Comfortable skiing/riding the equivalent of a blue ski run at a North American resort.
  • Experience with backcountry ski/snowboard equipment.

What you will Learn?

The course will start with a 4-hour online course that can be done at your leisure before the course

  • Avalanche formation
  • Pre-trip planning resources
  • Using Avaluator to facilitate backcountry decision-making
  • Use of backcountry ski/snowboard
Location: Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry
Guide Ratio: 8:1
Cost: $65 plus GST
Guide:

AST 1 - Women led

March 5, 2026 – Book now

Kick-start your backcountry journey with a women-led AST 1 course in the Whistler backcountry. Begin with engaging online learning and then head into the mountains to practice hands-on skills alongside others at your pace.

Participants will receive a certificate of completion from Avalanche Canada.

Prerequisites

  • Ability to comfortably ski tour (skin) uphill 700 meters vertical (2-3 hours).
  • Comfortable skiing/riding the equivalent of a blue ski run at a North American resort.
  • Experience with backcountry ski/snowboard equipment.

What you will Learn?

The course will start with a 4 hour online course that can be done at your leisure prior to the course

  • Avalanche. formation
  • Pre trip planning resources
  • Using Avaluator to facilitate backcountry decision-making
  • Use of backcountry ski/snowboard
Location: Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry
Guide Ratio: 8:1
Cost: $145 plus GST

Intermediate Clinics

Guide:

Modern Navigation and Trip Planning

March 8, 2026 – Book now

Believe it or not, South Coast touring FB page isn’t the only place to get beta on where to ski! Learn how to read a map, examine terrain, and how weather moves through terrain to find the best zones. Most importantly: we’ll cover how to find your way around this terrain once you are in it.

Prerequisites

  • Ability to comfortably ski tour (skin) uphill 1000 meters vertical (3-4 hours)
  • Comfortable skiing/riding the equivalent of a blue ski run at a North American resort
  • Comfort with ski/snowboard equipment

What you will Learn?

  • Trip planning tools
  • How to read a map
  • Online map tools
  • In field navigation tools and tricks
Location: Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry
Guide Ratio: 6:1
Cost: $145 plus GST
Guide: Tim Ross

AST 2 next steps

March 7, 2026 – Book now

Join a guide and a group of like-minded backcountry enthusiasts to refresh the skills you learned in your AST 2 (or equivalent) before winter begins. Review trip planning, snowpack assessment, and decision-making, and check in on any new techniques introduced to the industry since your last course.

Prerequisites

  • Ability to comfortably ski tour (skin) uphill 1000 meters vertical (3-4 hours)
  • Comfortable skiing/riding the equivalent of a black diamond ski run at a North American resort
  • AST 2 or equivalent avalanche training

What you will Learn?

  • Trip planning
  • AM hazard forecasting
  • Safety travel techniques and track setting
  • Snowpack assessment tools and techniques
  • Advanced companion rescue
Location: Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry
Guide Ratio: 6 to 1
Cost: $145 plus GST
Guide:

Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry Group Tour

March 8, 2026 – Book now

The backyard! And how good it is. Spend the day touring around the Whistler or Blackcomb Backcountry with a guide, learning their secret spots, gaining some snow knowledge, and getting some runs in.

Prerequisites

  • Ability to comfortably ski tour (skin) uphill 1000 meters vertical (3-4 hours)
  • Comfortable skiing/riding the equivalent of a black diamond ski run at a North American resort
  • AST 1 or equivalent avalanche training

What you will Learn?

  • Morning trip planning
  • In the field decision-making and snow safety evaluation
  • Local backcountry tour ideas
Location: Whistler / Blackcomb Backcountry
Guide Ratio: 6:1
Cost: $145 plus GST
Guide: Tucker Roderick

Crevasse Rescue Mastery

March 5, 2026 – Book now

Learn what to do if someone falls into a crevasse. This clinic will teach the principles of crevasse rescue in both ski and mountaineering settings, with a focus on lightweight rope kits as well as conventional systems.

Prerequisites

  • Understanding of Basic Climbing Knots

What you will Learn?

  • Haul systems 3:1, 6:1 
  • Drop loop technique
  • Roping up for glacier travel
  • Techniques for rope storage
  • Lowering skills
Location: Squamish
Guide Ratio: 6:1
Cost: $145 plus GST
Guide:

Finding new backcountry lines

March 6, 2026 – Book now

Learn the art of finding the best lines when touring in unfamiliar areas. This clinic will teach you how to analyze terrain and use both traditional map reading and modern digital tools to plan efficient uptracks and choose optimal descents. You’ll develop the skills to identify key terrain features, assess slope angles, and evaluate snow conditions to make informed decisions.

Throughout the clinic, we will venture into new terrain, where you will practice these skills in real-time. Working as a team, you’ll gain confidence in navigating complex landscapes and discovering the best routes.

Prerequisites

  • Ability to comfortably ski tour (skin) uphill 1000 meters vertical (3-4 hours)
  • Comfortable skiing/riding the equivalent of a black diamond ski run at a North American resort
  • AST 1 or equivalent avalanche training

What you will Learn?

Location: Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry
Guide Ratio: 6:1
Cost: $145 plus GST
Guide: Ross Berg

Split-board Efficiency

March 7, 2026 – Book now

This clinic will teach you how to approach backcountry terrain with confidence from the perspective of riding a board, focusing on safe and efficient ways to reach your objectives. You’ll dive into trip planning strategies, including how to interpret weather and avalanche forecasts to guide your decisions. Learn tips for uphill travel, smooth transitions, and handling challenges on the descent, such as first snow traverses, boot packing, and those pesky flat sections. Additionally, you’ll practice selecting terrain and perfecting your ride down.

 

Prerequisites

  • Ability to comfortably ski tour (skin) uphill 1000 meters vertical (3-4 hours)
  • Comfortable skiing/riding the equivalent of a black diamond ski run at a North American resort
  • AST 1 or equivalent avalanche training

What you will Learn?

  • Route planning for snowboaring
  • Up tracking and transition tips
  • Skinning to boot packing tips
  • Reading terrain and managing flats
  • Basic split skiing training
Location: Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry
Guide Ratio: 6:1
Cost: $145 plus GST
Guide: Monte Johnston

Steeps and Peaks

March 8, 2026 – Book now

This clinic is for backcountry skiers and riders looking to add more excitement to their adventures by covering greater terrain and summiting peaks. You’ll learn to systematically tackle common ski mountaineering challenges. Topics include hazard recognition and management, risk assessment, anchor building, rope techniques for descending and ascending, entering couloirs, and complex glacier travel.

Prerequisites

  • Ability to comfortably tour (skin) uphill 15000 meters vertical (4-6 hours)
  • Comfortable skiing/riding the equivalent of a double black ski run at a North American resort
  • AST 1 or equivalent avalanche training

What you will Learn?

  • Rope, anchors
  • Navigation
  • Identifying and managing alpine hazards
  • Group management
Location: Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry
Guide Ratio: 6 to 1
Cost: $145 plus GST

Advanced Clinics

Guide:

Women Led Alpine (or suitable) Shred

March 8, 2026 – Book now

This clinic is for backcountry skiers and riders who want to spice up their backcountry adventures by covering more terrain and summiting peaks. Learn to approach common ski mountaineering challenges systematically. Hazard recognition and management, risk management, anchor building, rope descending and ascending, entering a couloir, and complex glacier travel will be introduced. 

Prerequisites

  • Ability to comfortably tour (skin) uphill 1500 meters vertical (4-6 hours)
  • Comfortable skiing/riding the equivalent of a double black ski run at a North American resort
  • AST 1 or equivalent avalanche training

What you will Learn?

  • Rope, anchors
  • Identifying and managing alpine hazards
  • Group management
Location: Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry
Guide Ratio: 6 to 1
Cost: $145 plus GST
Guide: Simon Thompson

Heli-assisted ski tour (Tantalus)

March 6, 2026

March 7, 2026

Jump in the chopper for a quick flight out of Squamish into the untracked backcountry goods. Ski tour for a full day and return back to the valley with an afternoon pick up. Perfect to get the early season going up high.

Weather dependant – Tantalus Range

The trip is refunded if we are not able to fly due to weather or conditions.

Prerequisites

  • Ability to comfortably tour (skin) uphill 1500 meters vertical (4-6 hours)
  • Comfortable skiing/riding the equivalent of a double black ski run at a North American resort
  • AST 1 or equivalent avalanche training

What you will Learn?

  • Morning hazard assessment
  • Safe travel techniques
  • Group management
  • Feed back on setting skin tracks and route selection
Location: Tantalus Range
Guide Ratio: 4:1
Cost: $675 + GST
Guide: Robert Thor

Snow Science Update

March 5, 2026 – Book now

Expand your knowledge of snowpack assessment and snow tests, and learn how to apply this information to your ski line selection. This clinic is designed to help skiers make more informed decisions in avalanche terrain by using advanced snow observations. You’ll dive deeper into understanding snow structure, stability tests, and how to interpret results in real-time to identify hazards. By the end of this clinic, you’ll have the skills to integrate snowpack data into your terrain choices, making your backcountry travel safer and more efficient.

Prerequisites

  • Ability to comfortably tour (skin) uphill 1500 meters vertical (4-6 hours)
  • Comfortable skiing/riding the equivalent of a double black ski run at a North American resort
  • AST 2 or equivalent avalanche training

What you will Learn?

  • Snowpack assessment principals 
  • Snowpack tests: Compression, PST, ECT
  • Record keeping and communication
  • Applying test results to terrain
  • Hasty snowpack tests
  • Feedback on existing skills and snowpack interpretation 
Location: Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry
Guide Ratio: 6:1
Cost: $145 plus GST
Guide: Tim Ross

Duffey Lake Group Tour

March 5, 2026 – Book now

The backyard! And how good it is. Spend the day touring the Whistler or Blackcomb backcountry with a guide, discovering secret spots, gaining valuable snow knowledge, and, of course, getting some runs in. This is the perfect way to explore familiar terrain from a fresh perspective while picking up insider tips from a local expert.

Prerequisites

  • Ability to comfortably tour (skin) uphill 1500 meters vertical (4-6 hours)
  • Comfortable skiing/riding the equivalent of a double black ski run at a North American resort
  • AST 1 or equivalent avalanche training

What you will Learn?

  • Morning hazard assessment
  • Safe travel techniques
  • Group management
  • Feed back on setting skin tracks and route selection
Location: Duffey Lake Area
Guide Ratio: 6:1
Cost: $145 plus GST
Guide: Ross Berg

Big Mountain Split Skills

March 6, 2026 – Book now

Step up to bigger terrain with confidence. This clinic focuses on how to choose and navigate the essential steps for tackling longer, more complex descents. While the focus is on ski mountaineering and steep terrain, it’s tailored for snowboarders. Learn the skills to conquer bigger objectives, with subtle tweaks that make it smooth and efficient on a split board.

 

Prerequisites

  • Ability to comfortably tour (skin) uphill 1500 meters vertical (4-6 hours)
  • Comfortable skiing/riding the equivalent of a double black ski run at a North American resort
  • AST 1 or equivalent avalanche training

What you will Learn?

  • Risk management for backcountry safety
  • Anchor-building techniques for accessing challenging terrain
  • Terrain assessment skills for route planning and avalanche considerations
  • Basic technical skills for navigating alpine environments
Location: Whistler / Blackcomb Backcountry
Guide Ratio: 6:1
Cost: $145 plus GST
Guide: Monte Johnston

Steep Skiing/Riding

March 8, 2026 – Book now

This clinic is for experienced skiers or boarders looking to push their riding to the next level in the backcountry. Our guides will lead you through hazard assessment, risk management, and line selection to ride big lines.

Prerequisites

  • Ability to comfortably tour (skin) uphill 6000 feet vertical (4-6 hours)
  • Comfortable skiing/riding the equivalent of a double black ski run at a North American resort
  • AST 1 or equivalent avalanche training

What you will Learn?

  • Steep line assessment
  • Hazard identification
  • Steep ski/riding techniques
  • Group management
  • Rope use 
Location: Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry
Guide Ratio: 6 to 1
Cost: $145 plus GST

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if weather is bad or avalanche danger is high?

When does clinic regstration open?

What is the minimum age requirement to take a clinic?

When and Where Do I Need to Arrive for Clinic Check In?

What Are The Start and Finish Time Of the Clinics

Do I have to sign a liability waiver prior to joining a clinic?

Can I read the Terms and Conditons of joining?