Go Here: Ski Touring in Garibaldi Park, BC
Why: Alpine ski touring, backcountry snowshoeing, winter camping, alpine huts
When: Garibaldi Park is open and accessible year-round, with first come-first serve campsites (designated areas) — but the park truly shines in winter as an Alpine touring and snowshoeing mecca.
Where: Located about 70 km north of Vancouver, accessed via Highway 99.
Web: Garibaldi Provincial Park
Garibaldi Provincial Park provides backcountry enthusiasts with some of the most easily accessible wilderness ski touring in the country.
Diamond Head
The park’s Diamond Head area provides amazing opportunities for backcountry touring. The route is marked in winter by orange poles from Red Heather to Elfin Lakes. There are no huts in this area. It should also be noted that a four-wheel-drive vehicle is required to access the Diamond Head Parking Lot in winter. Parking fees apply year-round.
Map It Out: Topographical Map 92-G-14 & 15 1:50,000
Black Tusk/Garibaldi Lake
This route, accessed right from Highway 99 (Sea to Sky Highway) provides a great multi-day touring adventure. First-come, first-serve alpine huts can be found on the far side of Garibaldi Lake. Winter camping is also available.
Map It Out: Topographical Map 92-G-14 & 15. 1:50,000
Avalanche Safety: Skiers must be familiar with recognition and avoidance of avalanche terrain and conditions. Always be appropriately equipped with avalanche transceivers, probes, snow shovels, first aid kits and have adequate knowledge of avalanche assessment skills and avalanche rescue procedures.
