Backcountry Ski Lodges to Sample in Western Canada

10Adventures shares some of our favourite backcountry ski lodges in Canada

Western Canada is blessed with a wonderful mix of options for winter fun in the backcountry.  You can find great groomed cross-country ski trails in Alberta, with near-perfect, groomed trails.  You can also find modern and large ski hills in Alberta, where you can marvel at some of the world-famous light, dry powder. For those who don't want to ski, there is plenty of winter hiking in Alberta, and there are some incredible snowshoeing trails in Alberta!

However where Canada is really special is getting into the backcountry trips to Banff National Park and beyond in winter, with days spent exploring on ski or snowshoe, using your own power to climb up hills and explore the virgin powder.  Then in the evenings you come back to a cozy lodge.

How you explore depends on what gear you want.  Some lodges cater to alpine touring (AT) ski gear, where you effectively have downhills skis and boots and the aim is to ski virgin powder. Other backcountry cabins in Alberta are better for snowshoeing or light touring, which is closer to cross-country skiing, only with metal edges and mimics hiking.

What makes Canada different is the cold dry powder and the remoteness.  In most cases you need to either have a long ski into your lodge or else take a chopper flight.  In either case, you are the only people there, kept safe and sound in a warm mountain lodge.

For anybody thinking of coming to Canada, there are some incredible options that you must put on your map.  Here are four backcountry lodges to consider.

Skoki Lodge

Skiing Deception Pass at one of the best backcountry lodges in Western Canada - Skoki Lodge

Located near the Lake Louise ski hill, Skoki Lodge was the choice for Prince William and Kate for a summer retreat in 2011. More recently, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rang in 2018 at Skoki Lodge.  You access the historic lodge via a 3 to 5 hour ski or snowshoe, which is a great day trip in itself.

Once at the lodge, staff take care of you with incredible meals, stunning scenery and legendary atmosphere.  The touring around Skoki Lodge is not steep and deep, and is best suited for those who are looking for light touring and not major descents.  The tours are also self-guided, so people shouldn’t tackle significant objectives without proper expertise.

Here is an article about a recent snowshoeing trip to Skoki Lodge.

Assiniboine Lodge

Assiniboine Lodge review

Assiniboine Lodge is another historic gem, located next door to Banff National Park in BC’s Assiniboine Provincial Park. The Lodge is at the base of Mount Assiniboine, a Canadian Matterhorn.

The Lodge is simply stunning, with views from the front door amongst the best in Canada, looking out directly on the stunning Mount Assiniboine.  You can get to the Lodge via a long 8+ hour ski in, which some people do in 2 days, though many people take a helicopter in.

Once at the lodge, there is an abundance of rolling terrain to tour on, with a few more aggressive objectives for those seeking powder turns.  Lodge guides are on-hand to lead groups each day and returning back to the lodge means delicious food and ambiance.

For those on a budget, there are also the nearby Naiset Huts. These wonderful cabins are self-guided and self-catered, which means you need to bring all your own food, however there is a very comfortable Wonder Cooking Lodge, which is a wonderful addition in winter.

Fairy Meadows (Bill Putnam) ACC Hut

Backcountry ski touring high above Fairy Meadows ACC Hut

Fairy Meadows Hut is also known as the Bill Putnam Hut.  The hut is one of the original ski touring destinations in Canada for those that love powder skiing.

Located in a grassy meadow in the Adamant group of the Selkirk Mountains, this Alpine Club of Canada hut can only be accessed by helicopter and booking takes place far in advance.  The majority of guests either go with the ACC or a guiding company that has booked the hut for their trip.

The historic hut is comfortable, though not luxurious, with a common sleeping area and you need to bring your own sleeping bag.  This lack of luxury is balanced by the incredible ski touring and location.

Shadow Lake Lodge

Winter activities in mountains

Shadow Lake Lodge is the historic CPR lodge located near the beautiful Shadow Lake in Banff National Park. Shadow Lake used to be a luxury, backcountry resort, however the Alpine Club of Canada purchased the lodge and converted it to more affordable, self-catered options.  There is still a  bit of luxury at Shadow Lake, with a central cooking cabin, the beautiful CPR cabin, washrooms, showers, and even a general store.

Access to Shadow Lake Lodge is a 14km snowshoe or ski in.  The first 10.5km is on an old fire-road, which is partially track-set and great for XC skiers.   After the fire-road, the trail changes and you have an uphill trail through the trees that is not anywhere near as fun on XC Skis.  Of note, that there are avalanche paths that cross the trail at kilometer 3.3 and 4.4, and there are avalanche paths above the trail between kilometer 6.3 and 8. It's best to have avalanche gear, and definitely do not stop in these areas.

In winter you can also cycle all the way to the Lodge (in summer you need to leave your bikes at the end of the fire road).

Winter in the Rockies Articles

Check out our series of articles planning an incredible Tour du Mont Blanc!

• Best winter hikes in Alberta
• Focus on how to stay safe in Winter
• Guide to planning a ski trip in the Canadian Rockies
• Save Money on your Jasper holiday this winter
• Tips to stay safe in Winter
• Things to do in Winter in Banff
• Things to do in Winter in Calgary
• Winter Weekend in Alberta
• Winter Weekend in Assiniboine Park
• Winter Weekend in Banff National Park
• Winter Weekend at Elk Lakes Cabin
• Winter Weekend in Jasper
• Winter Weekend in Lake Louise
• Winter Weekend at Lake O'Hara
• Winter Weekend at Skoki Lodge