Guest Adventure: Back Country Skiing in Squamish, Canada

Kimber out to do some seriously awesome Back Country Sking near Keiths Hut, Squamish, Canada.

Indulgent Adventures interviews Kimber Raby, from Kindred Escapes, about one of her favourite adventures.

Kimber, please tell us a little about yourself and give a brief overview of your favourite Indulgent Adventure.

My name is Kimber and I am a 35 year old Canadian. I am currently living in a small mountain town called Squamish. Squamish is located on the way to Whistler from Vancouver and is known as the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada. If you love adventure and outdoor activities Squamish is a great place to visit.

I run a Women’s Adventure retreat company (Kindred Escapes, www.kindredescapes.com) focused on hiking, trail running, skiing and yoga by day with sophisticated accommodations to relax at in the evening.

Skis off to cross one of the many river crossings on this back country ski trip, Squamish, Canada.

I am someone who loves to break a sweat and also enjoys a soft bed to crawl into after an active day. I have always been an avid skier and love vacations that get my heart pumping. Since moving to Squamish I have had the opportunity to go on a few backcountry ski touring trips to some of the local huts in the area. Backcountry skiing trips are a little outside my comfort zone because I generally enjoy the comforts of a cozy bed to rest my head at night after a fun filled and physically challenging day.. But if you love fresh powder and don’t mind earning your turns, I highly recommend a backcountry ski trip on your vacation.

Kimber loving the challenge of Back Country Skiing, Squamish, Canada.

My first backcountry trip was to Keith’s Hut. It was built in 1988 at Cerise Creek in the Duffy Lake area in memory of a young mountaineer, Keith Flavelle. Keith lost his life in a climbing accident on the East Ridge of Mt Logan. The 600 square foot hut was built by friends and family and is open to the public (there’s a donation box for overnight trips to help maintain the hut). It provides access to limitless climbing and skiing potential. The beauty is that the hut is only accessible by hiking in, skiing in or by helicopter. The hut is located about 8km off the main road with an elevation increase of about 300m. It’s essential to make sure that you have the appropriate gear to make the trip. In the winter, avalanche equipment (and knowledge on how to use it), food, sleeping bag and dry clothes are must haves. Snowshoes or ski touring gear is also essential in the winter months.

Keiths Hut, Squamish, Canada.

What were the OMG moments & highlights:  What, for you, were the highlights of your Indulgent Adventure?

The highlights of backcountry skiing is all the fresh powder and untouched terrain. In this area there are mellow areas and highly technical areas. The views of the two main mountains, Joffre Peak and Mount Matier, are breathtaking.

Keith’s Hut Dining area. A place to get to know other adventurers, Squamish, Canada.

Another highlight was all the great people we met at the hut. Everyone shares a love of the outdoors and adventurous spirit. It is a great place to share stories and get to know likeminded individuals.

Note to self:  What would you do differently if you were to do the Indulgent Adventure over?

The only thing I would do differently is bring a tent. The hut sleeps 25 people but it can get busy. It’s a blast to hang out at night with everyone but the sleeping quarters are tight. By bringing a tent we could have our own space and avoid the noise when we go to bed making for a more restful sleep.

The Upper level sleeping area of Keiths Hut, Squamish Canada.

 Notes to others:  What advice would you give to future Indulgent Adventurers who would like to do this trip?

Avalanche gear and the knowledge on how to use it is essential if you are planning to ski or climb in the wintertime. You can visit the hut without much experience but should you wish to venture further and do some skiing or climbing, a guide would be a good idea. Plan at least one if not two nights at the hut. The trip can be done in a day but after the hike/ski in you will likely be quite tired. The alpine skiing starts at the hut. By staying overnight you will be fresh and ready to hit the slopes in the morning.

Another perfect day at Keiths Hut, Squamish, Canada.

Essential info for future Indulgent Adventurers. Eg operators, getting there, season, best time of year, length of trip, Season etc:

All year (depending on the activity you want to do – hike, ski, climb etc) Length: 1-2 days

Please rate the following where 0 is terrible and 5 is brilliant.

Must do rating: 5 (if you like the wilderness and toughing it)

Sleep rating: 2

Work recovery rating: 3

Relaxation rating: 3

Final words of wisdom?

This is not a trip for everyone. But if you are an avid skier, avalanche trained, and backcountry savvy it’s a must do. The skiing is incredible.

Not for the faint hearted. A ski bridge in the back country, Squamish, Canada.

Thanks Kimber for being our first Guest Adventurer. We suggest checking out Kindred Escapes at www.kindredescapes.com for more details about Womens Adventures in Canada.

If you have an Indulgent Adventure you would like to share please email us at Indulgentadventures@gmail.com.