Canada - The Wapta Traverse

There is no need to travel to Europe for hut to hut skiing in the high mountains. Canada has a great hut system and far bigger glacier systems than the lower 48. They also speak a variation on English, have OK beer and are very friendly and the mountains are far less crowded than the European Alps. So a trip here has a lot to recommend it.

The Wapta traverse is Canada’s best known and popular backcountry ski. The Wapta Icefields and it’s glaciers are extensive, but not too difficult to travel across. The crevasse danger is low but must still be assessed and dealt with. The skiing is generally pretty easy, but there are a few steeper slopes to descend and some tree skiing at the end of the trip. And with a couple of layover days there is some great skiing from the huts. And for those of us used to the Sierra Nevada, the presence of huts means that there is no need to carry tents, stoves and all those snow camping accessories, meaning nice light packs.

The traverse does not involve a lot of step skiing and the pass crossings are short and easy. One does not need to be an expert skier to enjoy this trip and on the layover days we will have a variety of descents to choose from and with a larger group and two guides we can readily split into two parties for the day skis.