Backcountry Nomads is full day guided backcountry skiing day trips within driving range of Vancouver.
Tired of trying to figure out where the best skiing is after a storm or driving on winter roads? We depart the Vancouver area early in the morning and get you back home after a full day of shredding powder. All you have to do is pack a lunch, show up, and we do the rest.
Our guides love to safely explore new zones and seek out the best powder skiing around. BC Ski Guides is a full service guiding company with permits to operate in Whistler/Blackcomb, Squamish, Coquihalla, Manning Park, and Duffey Lake!
Free Nomad Van: We love our environment and support car pooling. On most days, our free car pooling van will depart from a Vancouver area Park and Ride lot. Still want to drive your own vehicle and not carpool with us? No problem, we will let you know the destination and meet you at the trailhead.
Schedule:
- Season runs from December (or earlier if conditions permit) through to mid April
- Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
- Locations include: North Shore, Coquihalla, Squamish, Duffey Lake, Whistler, Tantalus, and more!
- Separate Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert Groups
Who’s it for?
- Intermediate: Fitness for 500m-750m of vertical climbing and confidently ski a black diamond run inbounds. Slower pace overall with lots of breaks and coaching.
- Advanced: 750-1500m vertical climbing and confidently ski a double black diamond inbounds. Fitness for a full day in the mountains. Previous backcountry experience required. We still stop for for lunch and breaks!
- Expert: Confident steep skiing ability required
Nomads – 2025/2026 Season:
I have read and agree with the waiver and cancellation policy
| 1 Punch Pass | $275 CAD | BUY NOW (Waiver checkbox above required) |
| 4 Punch Pass | $799 CAD | BUY NOW (Waiver checkbox above required) |
| 8 Punch Pass | $1399 CAD | BUY NOW (Waiver checkbox above required) |
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Extra Pass Perks:
- Bring A Friend: Use 1 of your punches to bring a friend (8+ punch pass only) or purchase a day pass for $199
- 10% discount on ALL BC Ski Guides courses (AST-1, AST-2, and Crevasse Rescue)
The Rules of Backcountry Nomads
- Be ready to meet some awesome new people and explore some new backcountry riding zones!
- You must register to attend. Group size limits must be respected.
- Minimum group size of 4 required to run a day.
- Unlimited number cancellations are allowed up to 14 days before a trip. One cancellation per punch is allowed up to 48hrs before a trip. For example, if you have a 5 punch pass, you are permitted a total of 5 last minute cancellations up to 48hrs before the trip starts for the season. No shows, changes, or cancellations within 48hrs are not permitted for any reason.
- Punches are non-transferable to other people.
- Unused pass carry over: 50% any unused days in the season will be carried forward to following season with the purchase of an equivalent pass. Otherwise, unused punches at the end of the season expire without refund or credit towards future season.
- Anyone who does not follow the guide’s instructions or compromises safety will be removed from Nomads with no refund.
Planned Trips For 2025/26 Season (Subject to change)
| Wed Dec 03 2025 | Whistler – Oboe | Intermediate |
| Fri Dec 05 2025 | Blackcomb – Decker | Advanced |
| Sat Dec 06 2025 | Coquihalla – Zoa | Intermediate |
| Sun Dec 07 2025 | Whistler – Steeper And Deeper Progression for intermediates looking to advance downhill riding skills | Intermediate |
| Wed Dec 10 2025 | Blackcomb – Decker | Intermediate |
| Fri Dec 12 2025 | Blackcomb – Chute Tour | Expert |
| Sat Dec 13 2025 | Whistler – Oboe | Intermediate |
| Sun Dec 14 2025 | Blackcomb – Phalanx Stair Master | Advanced |
| Wed Dec 17 2025 | Squamish Area – Mystery Zone | Advanced |
| Fri Dec 19 2025 | Blackcomb – Disease Ridge (Powder Day!) | Intermediate |
| Sat Dec 20 2025 | Blackcomb – Spearhead Zone | Advanced |
| Sat Dec 20 2025 | Blackcomb – Chute Tour | Advanced |
| Sun Dec 21 2025 | Coquihalla – Thar Peak | Advanced |
| Wed Dec 31 2025 | Blackcomb – Disease Ridge | Intermediate |
| Fri Jan 02 2026 | Coquihalla – Yak Nak Traverse | Advanced |
| Sat Jan 03 2026 | Whistler – Steeper And Deeper Progression for intermediates looking to advance downhill riding skills | Intermediate |
| Sat Jan 03 2026 | Blackcomb – Decker and DOA | Advanced |
| Sun Jan 04 2026 | Whistler – Oboe | Intermediate |
| Wed Jan 07 2026 | Whistler – Oboe | Intermediate |
| Fri Jan 09 2026 | Duffey – Tszil Peak | Intermediate |
| Sat Jan 10 2026 | Blackcomb – Trorey and Pattison NW Face | Expert |
| Sun Jan 11 2026 | Blackcomb – Chuting Gallery | Intermediate |
| Wed Jan 14 2026 | Squamish Area – Mystery Zone | Advanced |
| Fri Jan 16 2026 | Whistler – Oboe | Intermediate |
| Sat Jan 17 2026 | Blackcomb – Decker | Intermediate |
| Sun Jan 18 2026 | Whistler – Oboe | Intermediate |
| Sat Jan 24 2026 | Blackcomb – Decker Glacier | Advanced |
| Sun Jan 25 2026 | Blackcomb – Vista Bowl | Intermediate |
| Sat Jan 31 2026 | Blackcomb – Spearhead Glacier – Husume | Advanced |
| Sun Feb 01 2026 | Whistler – Oboe | Intermediate |
| Tue Feb 10 2026 | Coquihalla – Zoa Peak | Intermediate |
| Wed Feb 11 2026 | Blackcomb – Phalanx Stair Master | Advanced |
| Fri Feb 13 2026 | Coquihalla – Zoa | Intermediate |
| Sat Feb 14 2026 | Blackcomb – Chute Tour | Advanced |
| Sun Feb 15 2026 | Blackcomb – Vista Bowl | Intermediate |
| Tue Feb 17 2026 | Decker – Main Chute | Expert |
| Wed Feb 18 2026 | Spearhead Glacier – Corona Bowl | Intermediate |
| Fri Feb 20 2026 | Duffey – Heart Strings | Advanced |
| Sat Feb 21 2026 | Blackcomb – Steeper And Deeper Progression for intermediates looking to advance downhill riding skills | Intermediate |
| Sun Feb 22 2026 | Whistler – Corral Zone (Exit Via Singing Pass) | Advanced |
| Tue Feb 24 2026 | Squamish Area – Mystery Zone | Advanced |
| Wed Feb 25 2026 | Blackcomb – Decker Lake | Intermediate |
| Fri Feb 27 2026 | Whistler – Fissile Banana Chute | Expert |
| Sat Feb 28 2026 | Squamish – Pauls Ridge | Intermediate |
| Tue Mar 03 2026 | Blackcomb – Decker and DOA | Advanced |
| Wed Mar 04 2026 | Whistler – Oboe | Intermediate |
| Fri Mar 06 2026 | Blackcomb – Decker 9th Hole | Advanced |
| Sat Mar 07 2026 | Blackcomb – Vista Bowl | Intermediate |
| Sun Mar 08 2026 | Whistler – Cowboy Ridge | Advanced |
| Tue Mar 10 2026 | Squamish Area – Mystery Zone | Advanced |
| Wed Mar 11 2026 | Duffey – Anniversary Glacier | Advanced |
| Fri Mar 13 2026 | Whistler – Oboe | Intermediate |
| Sat Mar 14 2026 | Squamish Area – Mystery Zone | Advanced |
| Sun Mar 15 2026 | Coquihalla – Yak/Nak Basin | Advanced |
| Tue Mar 17 2026 | Blackcomb – Spearhead Glacier | Intermediate |
| Wed Mar 18 2026 | Blackcomb – Phalanx Chutes | Advanced |
| Fri Mar 20 2026 | Whistler – Oboe | Intermediate |
| Sat Mar 21 2026 | Wedge – NW Couloir | Expert |
| Wed Mar 25 2026 | Squamish Area – Mystery Zone | Advanced |
| Fri Mar 27 2026 | Whistler – Oboe | Intermediate |
| Sat Mar 28 2026 | Blackcomb – Trorey | Advanced |
| Fri Apr 03 2026 | Squamish Area – Mystery Zone | Advanced |
| Fri Apr 03 2026 | Whistler – Spearhead Traverse (3 days) 1 punch + $550 | Advanced |
| Sun Apr 05 2026 | Whistler – Cowboy Ridge (Exit Via Singing Pass) | Advanced |
| Wed Apr 08 2026 | Duffey Lake Area (High Level Fitness Required) | Intermediate |
| Fri Apr 10 2026 | Blackcomb – Decker 9th Hole | Advanced |
You will need the following gear, contact us if you need any recommendations:
- Face mask or ski mask
- Personal hand sanitizer
- Alpine touring boots, skis or split-board, poles, skins
- Avalanche kit: transceiver (digital), probe, shovel. We can provide rentals if required.
- Medium sized backpack (20 to 30l)
- Lunch, snacks, and water
- Helmet is recommended
- Ski googles
- Headlamp
- Warm clothing and down jacket
- Goretex Jacket & Pants
- Breathable windproof jacket uphill travel
- Thin gloves for uphill travel
- Warm gloves and touque
- Crampons required for split boarders during the entire season
- Crampons required for skiers in the spring (Mid-March Onwards). Suggested to purchase these in advance as they are hard to source once the season starts.
