Trip Description top of page A backcountry skiers paradise! The goods:
Longest hut accessed runs in B.C. Up to 7620 ft long in fact. These runs are easily accessed, are on all aspects, elevation ranges and of different difficulty levels. A ski mountaineers paradise with 23 ski mountaineering peaks and 37 glaciers! The Lyell ‘s peaks are eleven-thousanders and the highest ski peak is 3511m. One of the objectives of the week will be this peak for those wishing to collect another one of the 54 eleven-thousanders. Skiing in the glades at Icefall is a treat. Well spaced, long and steep old growth on all aspects below and above the hut. Within all of this, the terrain is interesting, exciting and super fun to ski. Chutes, couloirs, pillow runs, steeps, or big cruisers.
The lodge and satellite huts:
The main lodge area is made up of three buildings, two spacious deluxe lodges and a sauna building. The setup is deluxe offering all the amenities such as electricity, showers, hot water, satellite phone/internet, running water, yoga mats, emergency communications, backcountry chef providing 4 catered meals a day plus snacks and beverages. There are two fully equipped satellite huts that allow hut to hut travel with only a light pack. The Lyell hut (2860m) is located on a glacial rock outcrop at the base of the Lysell peaks. It is a 6-8 hour tour from the main lodge. The Mons hut (2370m) is located at the toe of the Mons Glacier, 6-8 hours from the main lodge and both satellite huts are two hours from each other. The satellite huts are both fully equipped and approached with light daypacks. These offer access to incredible high elevation glaciers and ski mountaineering objectives.
The Guides Lead Guide: Eric Dumerac is an IFMGA Mountain Guide and the chief guide on this trip. He is the founder of the Mountain Skills Academy. Eric has a vast personal ski resume and experience. Sporting ski's since a toddler, Eric has skied in most of the North American Eastern and Western ranges, as well as in the Alps and South America. He has accomplished many multi-day tours and pioneered first descents. In the spring Eric runs steep ski camps. He has guided extensively in the heli-ski and and cat skiing industry but now only focuses on his love which is ski touring. Eric has an intimate knowledge of the Icefall Lodge terrain. Eric has been guiding at Icefall since its very beginning when there was only one lodge. He has led his groups to several of the high ski mountaineering objectives, explored far afield and pioneered new descents in the area. Second Guide: TBA - We are very descerning in the quality of our certified guides, the position is to be announced shortly.
The Cost In the highly unlikely event of an emergency, quick helicopter evacuation is possible in good weather and during the day. No flights at night. Selkirk Lodge and the MSA are not responsible for evacuation costs. Emergency hospital and evacuation insurance is available for $15.00 extra. Logistics Luggage should be as light as possible. Not including skis, boots and beverages, each persons luggage will be weighed and should be 2 backpacks with a combined weight of about 16 kg (35 lbs). All guests must sign waivers prior to trip departure as required by the government of British Columbia and the Mountain Skills Academy. Upon arrival, food, luggage and equipment will be brought into the hut and guests will settle in. A hut and guide briefing will be given and then an outdoor avalanche safety, transceiver refresher will be given. Icefall lodge is in big, white, tree line and alpine terrain; it is subject to high avalanche danger, large crevasses, cliffs, cornices and other objective hazards such as white-out conditions and getting lost. It is thus the strict policy of the guides that all ski touring must be done under the direct supervision of the guide. No exceptions are tolerated. Having said this your guides endeavor to provide their guests with the highest quality powder, longest runs, finest summits, greatest fun, and excitement that they possibly can. Please find full equipment and other logistics information under Equipment and Trip Logistics tabs. Icefall is home of the big, long powder lines. Fat skis are encouraged. If you are a telemarker or splitboarder, please ensure that you bring spare parts to fix binding breakdowns. Boarders should be competent in putting toghether their boards and crossing in between flat areas on the downhill with the aid of ski poles. We will be bringing two spare sets of skis and skins. If anybody needs to rent backcountry equipment, MSA has excellent pricing from local providers on high quality equipment. To book your trip a non-refundable 25% reservation deposit is accepted immediately. Full payment must be received three months prior to trip start date. Payment can be made on-line with a credit card or cheque mailed to the Mountain Skills Academy c/o Eric Dumerac. Trip interruption/cancellation insurance is available for $108.00.
Trip Itinerary top of page Apart from departure logistics, trip itineraries are announced either each evening or morning during the trip.
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Equipment List top of page
Optional items
Trip Logistics top of page Food Logistics top of this page This trip is fully catered by a professional backcountry cook. Great pride and care is taken in preparing high quality, delicious meals. Breakfast, lunch, après ski, supper and desert are prepared using only the finest and freshest ingredients. The cook will also prepare food for those with intolerances, allergies and special dietary needs. Alcohol remains the responsibility of the guests and they are encouraged to bring plenty! Accommodation Logistics top of this page Icefall Lodge: 2 buildings plus the sauna building. A total of 9 bedrooms and 2 lofts can comfortably accommodate 18 guests in double or single rooms. Wood stoves, 120 volt AC power, satellite phone, satellite internet, hut shoes, ipod speakers, yoga mats and plenty of room to stretch, drying room with propane heater, shower, large kitchen, indoor pee toilets, comfortable living rooms and beautiful views all around.
Lyell and Mons Huts: The Huts both sleep 12 dorm style, have a propane oven, heater, hut shoes and solar powered lights. Full kitchen set ups, mattresses and blankets. Guests will need to bring a sleeping bag liner and food. Transportation Logistics top of this page Lodge access is by helicopter from the Golden heliport. Precise location and departure logistics information will be sent to you upon booking.
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