Ski touring and splitboarding from Sea to Sky GondolaWINTER BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS

Use the gondola to access extensive backcountry terrain in the upper Shannon Creek watershed. Check today’s upload status, weather, avalanche forecast and last download time before you travel.

New to backcountry travel? Learn how access works, and what training, equipment and experience you need before entering this terrain.

Uncontrolled, unpatrolled backcountry terrain

Terrain beyond the Sea to Sky Gondola’s maintained area is not controlled or patrolled. It includes complex avalanche terrain and is not suitable for beginner or inexperienced backcountry travellers.

Sea to Sky Gondola does not assess snow stability or rate the avalanche hazard. Before travelling, check the current Avalanche Canada forecast and make your own informed terrain and travel decisions.

Ski and snowboard upload policy

Skis and snowboards will not be loaded when the Avalanche Canada forecast for the South Coast region reaches High or Extreme under Sea to Sky Gondola’s operating policy.

Habrich Ridge, Exit Gully weather station and camera

Review recent temperature, wind speed, wind direction, wind gust and dew point observations from the Habrich Ridge–Exit Gully weather station at 1,550 metres.

View 24-hour weather station data↗

Latest Exit Gully camera image

Use the camera image to check recent visibility and surface conditions at Exit Gully. Conditions can differ substantially with elevation, aspect and terrain.

In an emergency, call 911 immediately

For any backcountry emergency, call 911.

Provide your location, the nature of the emergency, the number of people involved and your callback number. Once help has been requested, stay in one place if it is safe to do so and follow the operator’s instructions.

Sea to Sky Gondola emergency line

Call 604-892-2555. In a backcountry emergency, call 911 first. Use this number to alert Sea to Sky Gondola staff about the emergency.

Avalanche forecast and regional conditions

Avalanche Canada: South Coast forecast

Check the current regional avalanche danger ratings, avalanche problems and travel advice before every trip. Confirm the forecast’s issue and validity dates.

View the current avalanche forecast for the Sea to Sky Gondola area ↗

Zenith Mountain Guides: Sea to Sky conditions reports

Read recent guide-authored observations and discussion about weather, snowpack and skiing conditions in the Sea to Sky region. These reports supplement—but do not replace—the current Avalanche Canada forecast or your own observations.

Read the latest Sea to Sky conditions report ↗

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About the backcountry terrain

The gondola provides access to the upper Shannon Creek watershed and terrain around Sky Pilot, Co-Pilot, Skyline Ridge and Goat Ridge. The area covers more than 1,300 hectares and includes four alpine bowls with up to 1,100 metres of vertical relief.

This is complex, uncontrolled avalanche terrain. It includes steep alpine slopes, gullies, couloirs, dense forest and other serious mountain hazards. Routes are not marked, maintained, controlled or patrolled by Sea to Sky Gondola.

This terrain is intended for experienced backcountry travellers with the training, equipment and route-finding skills to make their own decisions and perform companion rescue. It is not suitable for beginner or inexperienced ski tourers and splitboarders.

How access works

From the gondola summit, the Backcountry Access Road provides the approach into the upper Shannon Creek watershed. Gondola access shortens the approach—it does not make the terrain lift-served or controlled.

View the backcountry access map PDF

The map is for general orientation only. It is not a winter route guide, avalanche-terrain map or substitute for appropriate navigation tools.

Make sure you know the last gondola download time and plan to be back WELL BEFORE. Backcountry users must also understand that severe weather can change our download time and thus you should always be prepared to ski down the service road.

New to backcountry travel?

This is not an appropriate place to learn independently. Begin with recognized avalanche training and travel with a qualified guide in terrain suited to your experience.

Before you enter the backcountry

Every member of your group must be prepared for self-rescue and have the training, equipment and experience appropriate for the planned terrain.

Before leaving the maintained area:

• Check the current avalanche forecast, mountain weather and recent observations.

• Ensure every person carries an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel, and knows how to use them.

• Carry appropriate navigation, communication, first-aid and emergency equipment.

• Leave a trip plan with someone who is not travelling with you.

• Agree on your route, turnaround time and emergency plan.

• Travel with experienced partners. Do not enter the backcountry alone.

Create an AdventureSmart trip plan ↗

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