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: SPRING SALE on now until May 31st!
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 + 1 Spring Sale Bonus Day = 5 Punches | $799 CAD | BUY NOW (Waiver checkbox above required) |
8 Punch Pass + 1 Spring Sale Bonus Day = 9 Punches | $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
- 20% 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.
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.