Backcountry Ski Trip: Keith Flavelle Hut & Snowspider Hut, BC Canada Rescheduled

Dates: February 17th to the 21, 2025 (over Presidents day)

Overview: This backcountry skiing trip in British Columbia, Canada, 30 miles east of Whistler (100 miles north of the Canadian border) and involves travel to two mountain huts Keith Flavelle Hut and Snowspider Hut. The trip spans six days, with one night at Keith’s Hut and three nights at Snowspider Hut along with two driving days. The huts are connected by 8 miles of off-trail touring through mountainous terrain. The trip is suitable for experienced backcountry skiers.

Sign up and commit soon, limit of 6 people. Message me if you have interest. Signing up requires a $110 deposit on huts and Hostel. A wait list has been started for this purpose.

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Itinerary:
Day 1:

• Travel to Whistler, stay at Whistler Lodge Hostel ($50)

Day 2:

• Keith Flavelle Hut (1,650 meters)
• Ski in 3 miles to hut.
• Spend the day in a hut equipped with a wood stove, solar-powered lighting, and a loft that sleeps up to 14 people.
• exploration of nearby alpine bowls and glades.

Days 3–4:

• Touring to Snowspider Hut (8 miles, 1,535 meters):
• 8 miles of gentle slopes and flat touring with mountain views.
• Navigate through terrain and avoid potential avalanche fields.
• This hut includes a wood stove, a three-burner propane stovetop, and a loft that sleeps 4 people. Navigation can be challenging in winter conditions.
• Spend days skiing in the surrounding alpine and glaciated terrain.

Day 5:

• Return the way we came-past Keith's hut and back to car,
• Drive 12 hours back to Portland
• Estimated arrival time is late PM.

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Trip Details:

• Difficulty Rating: Moderate (750 ft. climbed/hour)
• Equipment Allowed: Telemark, Alpine Touring (AT), or Split board setups
• What to bring: See this link for initial review of items:
• Type of Skiing: Yo-yo skiing with gentle slopes and flat touring to and between huts
• Total Distance: 16 miles plus additional yo-yo touring
• Estimated Skiing Time: 5 days
• Elevation: 4,500 to 6,000 feet, gain of 2000 ft.
• Approximate Return Time: Late PM Feb 20th

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Additional Information:

• Weather Forecast: TBD
• Snow Conditions: TBD
• **Avalanche Rating:**TBD
• Dogs: Not allowed
• Permits: Registration required; no reservations

Costs:

• Hut fees: $20 per night per person (3 nights)
• Whistler Lodge Hostel ($50) 1 night
• Car travel: Approximately 1,000 miles, with gasoline costs split among participants

Safety and Preparation:

• Avalanche Safety: Carry a beacon, probe, and shovel, and know how to use it.
• Navigation: GPS and map skills are helpful, especially for Snowspider Hut, which can be difficult to locate under heavy snow.
• Weather Monitoring: Be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather.

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