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ROCKY MOUNTAINS
In order to respect the sanctity of secret ski shacks, we’ll focus on establishments which are public and or affiliated with an organization such as Backcountry Lodges of BC. If you are looking for some route beta in the Rockies check out our Rocky Mountain Routes page here.
Be sure not to miss all the beta on the Wapta Traverse huts at the bottom of the page including the Peyto Hut, Bow Hut, Balfour Hut and Scott Duncan Hut.
If you’d like to tell us (and backcountryskiingcanada.com readers) about your hut/cabin/shelter, or ones of which you are aware, please check out the new routes submission area or feel free to contact us with an email.
Backcountry skiing is an inherently dangerous activity that requires experience and knowledge to travel safely. Any of the routes on this site may be dangerous depending on conditions. You are responsible for your own safety in the backcounty—the team behind backcountryskiingcanada.com disclaim any responsibility for any injury resulting from people travelling on routes described on this site. To read our Terms of Use and get all the details, read HERE.
View Rocky Mountain Lodging in a larger map
AMISKWI LODGE
Phone: 403.678.1800
Location: Rocky Mountains
Access: Heli in winter, 4WD in summer
Seasons: Winter (Dec - April), Summer (July - Aug)
Accommodation: 16 (Single, Double)
Amenities: Drying area, solar electricity, composting indoor toilet, satellite phone, wood fired saunas and showers, wood heat, propane stove, freezer and BBQ.
Amiskwi is a self-guided and self-catered lodge on the Yoho National Park boundary at 2,104 metres (6,900 ft). Spectacular scenery surrounds your hiking, skiing and snowboarding. The lodge has a fully equipped kitchen, wood heat, solar lights, and two indoor composting toilets. The wood fired sauna heats the water for two showers. Four upstairs rooms have foam beds and pillows for 16. With 12 or more friends you can book the whole lodge.
CAMPBELL ICEFIELD CHALET
Phone: 403.675.3238
E-mail: info@skigolden.com
Web site: www.skigolden.com
Location: Rocky Mountains
Access: Heli in winter
Seasons: Winter (Dec - June)
Accommodation: 22 (Double)
Amenities: Drying area, electricity, indoor toilets, running water, sauna, shower, propane stove, custodian, modern building.
Campbell Icefield Chalet offers great ski touring from 1,400 metres (4,500 ft) to a max of 3,300 metres (10,800 ft), the longest run is more than 1,500 vertical metres! We welcome groups, self-guided/self-catered with catering and guiding options available within a comfortable modern lodge. The average settled snow base varies from 2.5 to 4 metres at the lodge with up to 5.5 metres on some glaciers. Easy to expert terrain. Amazing views and superb spring skiing available well into May. There are many low hazard runs available. Proprietors: Andre Lomas, Chris Lomas, Bernie and Terry Schiesser.
CANADIAN ADVENTURE COMPANY
Phone: 250.835.4516
E-mail: info@cacltd.ca
Web site: www.canadianadventurecompany.com
Location: Rocky Mountains
Access: Heli in winter and summer
Seasons: Winter (Dec - May), Summer (June - Sept)
Accommodation: Winter & Summer, 7 to 9 guests
Amenities: Drying areas, solar electricity, indoor (heated building) toilet, shower, wood and propane heat, satellite phone, VHF radios, internet, BBQ.
For winter ski & snowboard touring, & summer hiking & llama trekking, Canadian Adventure Company offers the opportunity to explore pristine wilderness of the Rocky Mountains in a unique ambiance: maximum 7 to 9 guests winter & summer ~ ultra remote 3O minute heli access only. Booking the whole lodge, or joining another group, is easy with such a small number of guests. Guided or Self-guided ~ Catered or Self-catered ~ 7, 4 & 3 night packages ~ custom packages. The newly built Mallard Mountain Lodge is at tree line (1,921 metres/6,400 ft) with a large variety of terrain readily accessible at higher and lower elevations. See website for details.
DAVE HENRY LODGE
Phone: 250.566.4718
Location: Rocky Mountains
Access: Heli in winter, hike or horseback in summer
Seasons: Winter (Dec - Apr), Summer (Jul - Sept)
Accommodation: 10 (loft, dorm)
Amenities: Log cabin, wood heat, propane lights and cook stove, sauna, toilets and outhouse.
Dave Henry Lodge is a pleasant log cabin that blends into its mountain setting. Built with local logs, it provides a warm and comfortable base for exploring the wild backcountry of Mt. Robson Park. Our philosophy is to provide a reasonable service with a minimal environmental impact. Whether you are here for the summer wildflowers or want to enjoy skiing on fabulous powder, you can rest assured that this is a sustainable holiday. As well, be sure to inquire about Swift Creek Cabins, which are located 14 kilometres to the northwest of Dave Henry Lodge.
DEZAIKO LODGE
Phone: 250.962.5272
Location: Rocky Mountains
Access: Heli in winter
Seasons: Winter (Jan - May)
Accommodation: 9 (loft)
Amenities: Drying area, satellite phone, sauna, shower, wood heat.
Dezaiko Lodge is situated at tree line in a picturesque alpine bowl with excellent skiing right outside the door. 100 square kilometres of terrain ensures you won’t have to ski the same line twice. The area is renowned for its deep, light snow, and world class tree skiing. The wood crafted and heated lodge is warm and cozy and the cuisine has been described as legendary. We specialize in providing a personalized and unforgettable experience for smaller groups. Many of our guests have been returning for 15 years or more. We must be doing something right!
ELIZABETH PARKER HUT
Phone: 403.678.3200
E-mail: info@alpineclubofcanada.ca
Web site: www.alpineclubofcanada.ca
Location: Rocky Mountains
Access: Ski in winter, hike in summer
Seasons: Winter (Dec - April), Summer (July - Aug)
Accommodation: 20 in winter, 24 in summer (Dorm)
Amenities: Propane cooking and lighting, woodstove heat,well-equipped kitchen with oven, and covered foamies.
This is the flagship of the ACC fleet! For overall comfort and straightforward access this is the place to be! In summer the opportunities for doing fantastic hikes are endless. There are so many classic trails here that many seasons would be required to complete them all. Climbing is excellent in the area as well, with a mixture of rock and alpine routes which will keep most alpinists happy. The hut is also one of the most popular in winter - one of the few ACC huts which can be reasonably reached with cross country skis. Ski touring in the area varies from easy, flat tours to serious backcountry skiing on avalanche prone slopes and glaciers.
LYELL HUT
Phone: 403.270.8537
Location: Rocky Mountains
Access: From Icefall Lodge in winter
Seasons: Winter (Dec - June)
Accommodation: 12 (dorm)
Amenities: Propane stove, all cooking and eating utensils, mattresses, blankets, propane heater and solar lighting.
Perched on a rock outcrop and surrounded by glaciers on all sides, the Lyell Hut offers access to some of the best mountain terrain anywhere in the world. Situated at 2860m (9400'), it sits on the shoulder of Christian Peak (Lyell 5). You can be on the summit of Christian Peak, watch the sun set and ski down to the hut in the last light. The amount of terrain the Lyell Hut opens up is mind blowing. All five 11,000' Lyell peaks can be skied in a day trip from the hut. There are over a dozen glacier runs right out the door. It offers access to monster 7000' runs that descend from the summits of the Lyells into Lyell Creek to the north. It provides a convenient stop on the Great Divide Traverse. It is possible, in good conditions, to ski out the broken South East Lyell Glacier to Saskatchewan Crossing in a day. There are other un-skied possibilities waiting to be explored.
ICEFALL LODGE
Phone: 403.270.8537
Location: Rocky Mountains
Access: Heli in winter, hike in summer
Seasons: Winter (Dec - June), Summer (Jul - Sept)
Accommodation: 16 (double, private)
Amenities: Drying room, electicity, internet, indoor toilet, satellite phone, radio service, running water, sauna, shower, wood heat, propane stove.
Big mountains, deep snow and long runs are what Icefall Lodge is known for. With ski mountaineering peaks at 11,545 ft and valleys at 3400 ft, the vertical is the most of any lodge. No other users and a huge area to choose from means there is terrain for everyone’s style. In addition to the main lodge, there are two new outlying huts only one day’s travel apart. This hut to hut traverse can be done on skis or as a summer trek. Summer brings wildflowers, wildlife, waterfalls and glacier clad peaks. Hiking, glacier treks, peak accents and mountaineering courses are available.
MONS HUT
Phone: 403.270.8537
Location: Rocky Mountains
Access: From Icefall Lodge in winter
Seasons: Winter (Dec - June)
Accommodation: 12 (dorm)
Amenities: Propane oven, heater, hut shoes and solar powered lights, full kitchen set up, mattresses and blankets.
This is the newest mountain hut in Canada and offers some of the best high alpine skiing anywhere. The hut sits at the toe of the Mons Glacier and has quick access to at least 8 different glaciers including the North Glacier of Mount Forbes. Ski mountaineering includes peaks such as St Julien, Cambrai and of course Mons Peak. Many of the runs and ski lines have yet to be skied. This is the winter to explore. The Hut sleeps 12 dorm style, has a propane oven, heater, hut shoes and solar powered lights. It has a full kitchen set up, mattresses and blankets. Guests will need to bring a sleeping bag liner and food. It is similar in design to the Lyell Hut but about 30% larger. It is located at the toe of the Mons Glacier at 2370m (7800'). The grid reference is 97048
MISTAYA LODGE
Phone: 866.647.8292
Location: Rocky Mountains
Access: Heli in winter, heli in summer
Seasons: Winter (Dec - May), Summer (Jul - Sept)
Accommodation: 14 (shared or private double)
Amenities: Micro hydro elctricity, hot and cold running water, sauna, wood heat, indoor toilets, ski rental, large heated gear room, local food.
Visit our secluded tree-line lodge for all levels of hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing and mountaineering surrounded by pristine peaks, glaciers and alpine meadows. Relax in the beauty and peace! An artist and photographer paradise! Great for families, couples, singles, reunions, work retreats, and small weddings. Certified guides lead throughout the day, while our cook looks after the kitchen duties. Amenities: Micro Hydro power, running water, sauna, shower, indoor composting toilet and private rooms available. Summer: flowers, glaciers, water falls, fossils, wildlife and more. Winter: ski tour or snowshoe in amazing amounts of dry Canadian Rocky Mountain snow.
TALUS LODGE
Phone: 250.342.9358
Location: Rocky Mountains
Access: Heli in winter, heli in summer
Seasons: Winter (Feb - Apr), Summer (Jun - Sept)
Accommodation: 10 (double)
Amenities: Drying room, electricity, showers, sauna toilets, wood heat.
Discover alpine flowers and unique landforms while you hike. Breathe in crisp, clear air as you snowshoe, XC or backcountry ski. Later, relax on the wraparound decks, warm yourself by the fire or take a sauna. Adjacent to Banff Park, Talus is located on the BC-Alberta border at an elevation of 2,300 metres (7,600 ft) with views of Mount Assiniboine. The new, two-story chalet features living and dining areas and private bedrooms. A private cabin option is available for couples or small families, located 40 metres from the main lodge.
Phone: 403.678.3200
E-mail: info@alpineclubofcanada.ca
Web site: www.alpineclubofcanada.ca
Location: Rocky Mountains
Seasons: Winter (Dec - June), Summer (July - Aug)
The Wapta Traverse is a classic Canadian ski traverse which covers 50km over the course of 4 to 6 days. There are four Alpine Club of Canada huts spaced approximately 10km apart along the route that allow you to rest and sleep in comfort and carry a little less of the essential gear like sleeping pads, kitchen supplies and stoves. The Traverse is typically completed north to south and stops at the Peyto Hut, Bow Hut, Balfour Hut and Scott Duncan Hut. Along the way you will encounter several glaciers, avalanche hazards and possible white out conditions so you need to either hire a guide or be proficient in your rope rescue and navigational skills.
We will be posting a full trip report of the Wapta Traverse shortly but for now have a read below of the details for each of the huts along the route including directions, maps and photos.
Wilderness passes are required if you plan on staying in the backcountry over night as well all vehicles stopping in a National Park must have a Park Motor Vehicle Permit. Annual or single day permits and wilderness passes can be purchased at most Park entrance gates and Park visitor centres.
For a detailed review of each of the huts on the Wapta Traverse, including a video overview of each, click on over here.
PEYTO HUT
Map: 82N/10
Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Hut Elevation: 2,500m / 8,200ft
Elevation Gain: 670m / 2,200ft
UTM Coordinates: 11U 531470 5723692
Accommodation: 16 in winter, 18 in summer (Dorm)
Amenities: Sleeping pads, cooking utensils, pots and pans, two-burner propane cook stoves, outhouse, propane lighting.
Access: Ski in winter, hike in summer.
The trailhead is on the west side of Highway 93 and is located at the parking lot and tourist viewpoint at Peyto Lake. The turn-off for the parking lot is located five km north of the turn-off for the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge. Alternatively there is a plowed parking area on the west side of Highway 93, down the hill and 2.5 km past the bow summit. For detailed directions to Peyto Hut have a read over here.
The Peyto Hut is a single-roomed hut with bunks along one side and the kitchen space along the other side of the hut with a table in the corner surrounded on two sides by larger windows which offer plenty of sunlight and views.
Things to consider: There is no heat but the hut is well insulated and body heat and cooking tends to keep it nice and warm. Bring your own TP as there is none in the outhouse. Water is available by melting snow.
BOW HUT
Map: 82N/9
Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
Hut Elevation: 2,350m / 7,700ft
Elevation Gain: 150m / 492ft (loss of 300m / 984ft)
UTM Coordinates: 11U 535296 5720566
Accommodation: 30 in winter and summer (Dorm)
Amenities: Sleeping pads, cooking utensils, pots and pans, several two-burner propane cook stoves, outhouse, propane lighting.
Access: Ski in winter, hike in summer.
From Peyto Hut cross the Wapta Glacier or via the trailhead in the parking lot of Num-Ti-Jah Lodge on Highway 93 North 40 km north of Lake Louise. For detailed directions to Bow Hut have a read over here.
The Bow Hut is the largest and busiest of the huts on the Wapta Traverse and is comprised of two separate buildings joined by an indoor walkway. One building is for cooking and lounging and the other is for sleeping. There are even two outhouses that are just off the walk way but still covered and inside.
Things to consider: Bring your own TP as there is none in the outhouse. Water is available by melting snow.
BALFOUR HUT
Map: 82N/9
Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
Hut Elevation: 2,470m / 8,100ft
Elevation Gain: 580m / 1,902ft (loss of 430m / 1410ft)
UTM Coordinates: 11U 537754 5715765
Accommodation: 16 in winter, 18 in summer (Dorm)
Amenities: Sleeping pads, cooking utensils, pots and pans, two-burner propane cook stoves, outhouse, propane lighting.
Access: Ski in winter, hike in summer.
From Bow Hut you have two options to access the Balfour Hut (also known as the Rob J. Ritchie Hut). If avalanche conditions permit you can ski tour up and under (the east side) of St. Nicholas Peak, however the traditional route is around the west side of St. Nicholas Peak. For detailed directions to Balfour Hut have a read over here.
The Balfour Hut is a modern, single-roomed hut similar to the Peyto Hut with bunks along one side and the kitchen space along the other side of the hut. On a clear day, there is a great view of Mount Balfour and the High Col traverse out the large bay windows on the south west side of the hut.
Things to consider: There is no heat but the hut is well insulated and body heat and cooking tends to keep it nice and warm. Bring your own TP as there is none in the outhouse. Water is available by melting snow.
SCOTT DUNCAN HUT
Map: 82N/9
Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Hut Elevation: 2,773m / 9,100ft
Elevation Gain: 520m / 1,700ft (loss of 250m / 800ft)
UTM Coordinates: 11U 541506 5708750
Accommodation: 12 in winter and summer (Dorm)
Amenities: Sleeping pads, cooking utensils, pots and pans, two-burner propane cook stoves, outhouse, propane lighting.
Access: Ski in winter, hike in summer.
From the Balfour Hut via the Balfour High Col which is the most challenging and potentially dangerous section of the Wapta traverse. For detailed directions to Scott Duncan Hut have a read over here.
The Scott Duncan Hut is an older, single-roomed hut with bunks along one side and the kitchen space along the other side of the hut. The windows are quite small in the hut and it is smaller than the other huts on the traverse.
Things to consider: There is no heat but the hut is well insulated and body heat and cooking tends to keep it nice and warm. Bring your own TP as there is none in the outhouse. Water is available by melting snow.
LOUISE AND RICHARD GUY HUT
Map: 82N/9
Time: 5-8 hours
Distance: 102km / 7.4 miles
Hut Elevation: 2,585m / 8,480ft
Elevation Gain: 695m / 2,280ft
UTM Coordinates: 11U 05299355714711
Accommodation: 18 in winter (dorm), closed in summer
Amenities: Sleeping pads, cooking utensils, pots and pans, full stove/oven, two-burner propane cook stoves for melting water, outhouse, propane and electric lighting, propane heat.
Access: Ski touring from either Bow Hut or Stanley Mitchell Hut
The Louise and Richard Guy Hut is the second of three huts used to complete the Bow to Yoho traverse and is located north of Yoho Peak on a ridge to the east of the Des Poilus Glacier. The approach can be tricky in whiteout conditions so be sure to plan your route well. The ridge to the hut is accessed at 2,750m so do not ski below this or you will be going the wrong way.
The Louise and Richard Guy Hut is the most modern of the ACC huts an was designed to reduce its carbon footprint and increase the longevity of the facility. Solar and wind energy are used to generate electricity which is stored in battery banks. This system is self-running so you need not monitor it.
Things to consider: The hut runs on solar, wind and propane, with the solar and wind energy being stored in a bank of batteries that power the lighting, fans, and control room. The stoves and heating are propane powered and while there are propane lights. The wind turbine can be noisy so bring earplugs. Be sure to use electrical lighting as much as possible to conserve propane, which has to be flown to the site. Bring your own TP as there is none in the outhouse. Water is available by melting snow. Winter use only December 1 to April 30.
STANLEY MITCHELL HUT
Map: 82N/10
Time: 4-6 hours in winter, 3-4 hours in summer
Distance: 23km / 14.3 miles
Hut Elevation: 2,060m / 6,825ft
Elevation Gain: 72m / 236ft
Elevation Loss: 850m / 2,787ft
Lat/Long Coordinates: 51° 31' 33" / -116° 33' 50"
Accommodation: 22 in winter and summer
Amenities: Sleeping pads, cooking utensils, pots and pans, full stove/oven, two-burner propane cook stove for melting water, outhouse, propane lighting, wood stove.
Access: Ski in winter, hike in summer from Louise and Richard Guy Hut or Highway 1
Located in the Little Yoho Valley, Yoho National Park, BC. The Stanley Mitchell Hut is a 23km ski from Highway 1 (4 km east of Field, BC) in winter or you can approach it from the Louise and Richard Guy Hut as part of the Bow-Yoho traverse. In summer you can park at Takakkaw Falls and hike in the 10 km on good trails.
The Stanley Mitchell Hut is a cozy log cabin with a main room, kitchen, private bunk room and an attic loft sleeping quarters. There is plenty of seating in the main room with a wood stove that is typically the gathering place. The kitchen is well stocked but can become busy at meal time. The loft up stairs can get very warm so be sure to make use of the sliding door to keep the warm air downstairs.
Things to consider: Wood heat warms the hut so there is some chopping to be done. Bring your own TP as there is none in the outhouse. Water is available by melting snow.
Backcountry skiing is an inherently dangerous activity that requires experience and knowledge to travel safely. Any of the routes on this site may be dangerous depending on conditions. You are responsible for your own safety in the backcounty—the team behind backcountryskiingcanada.com disclaim any responsibility for any injury resulting from people travelling on routes described on this site. To read our Terms of Use and get all the details, read HERE.