Mount Cain Backcountry Tour

As low as:

$250.00 / person

(at 4:1 ratio)
  • STRENUOUSNESS
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  • TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
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Add-ons

Avi Kit rental $15.00

Avalanche kit rental includes transceiver, shovel and probe. If you are bringing your own avi kit, this must include a modern, digital, 3-antenna transceiver, and a solid shovel and probe. If you do not have all three of these things then you must rent a kit from us to take part. Avi Kits once rented are non-refundable.

About
Mount Cain offers some of the quickest access to excellent backcountry skiing on Vancouver Island. Epic north island powder, stunning mountain scenery and the friendly culture of Mount Cain will ensure an unforgettable day. Seek out the best lines the area has to offer under the wing of an ACMG-Ski Guide.
 
Included in the price:

  • 1 day with an ACMG guide

Not included in the price:

  • Transportation
  • Food
  • Accommodation
  • Personal equipment
  • Avi kit (available as an add-on)

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details about our booking and cancellation policy, and other commonly asked questions.

Location

 
Mount Cain is a volunteer-run ski hill located about 20km from Woss on Northern Vancouver Island. 
The T-bar can be used to increase the amount of vertical skied or you can choose a more traditional backcountry day. Please let us know if you have a preference when you book. 

About Mount Cain & Amenities

  • Volunteer-run ski hill located 20 km from Woss - see driving directions here
  • The road to Mount Cain is a serious mountain road and requires chains and winter tires 
  • Washroom facilities available
  • To use the lifts or rent accommodation at Mount Cain, you must be a MCAPS member - membership can be purchased for $20 and goes towards supporting the hill
  • There is no potable water (rental cabins supplied with water jugs, otherwise please bring what you require)
  • Parking lot is often used for car camping (there may be other groups using this area, so please be respectful of others by keeping the noise to a minimum and packing out what you pack in)
  • Check out Mount Cain’s accommodation rental page for accommodation details. 

If you enjoy using these facilities, please consider donating or volunteering for this volunteer run operation. Learn more about Mount Cain here, and read driving directions to Mount Cain here.

Itinerary


A typical day begins at 08:30 and finishes around 16:00. Where we explore will depend on the conditions of the day, and the group in question. The west, east and north bowls, Dream Chute, Mounts Able and Hapush are all possible destinations as part of a fun-filled day of ski touring. 

Exact meeting details will be provided one-week prior in a pre-trip email. 

Questions? Check out our FAQ page, or send us an email. 

Requirements


To maximize your enjoyment of the day and ensure the safety of our participants, we ask that you: 

  • Are an advanced skier or boarder (able to ride black diamond-equivalent runs comfortably and safely in natural conditions)
  • Have moderate fitness (able to hike for 2-3 hours/day)
  • Have a basic understanding of your gear, and any limitations 
  • Are prepared to spend the day outside in variable conditions (please see gear list)
  • 19+ (or accompanied by a parent or guardian)

The choice between alpine touring skis, telemark skis or a splitboard is up to you. Choose a mode of transport you are most comfortable and competent with.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page, or send us an email. If you do not feel you meet these requirements, feel free to reach out – we are happy to set up private trips whenever possible.  

Gear List


The equipment list provided aims to prepare you to be comfortable in the field regardless of the weather. Please ensure that all your gear is functioning and in proper repair. If you have any questions, please send us an email (link). 

Avalanche Safety Gear

These items are available as an add on “avalanche kit” when you book, or by request for $15

  • Avalanche Transceiver (must be a modern, digital three-antenna)*
  • Shovel: Collapsible aluminum shovel*
  • Probe: Normal length probe somewhere from 220cm to 320cm*

Hardware

  • Ski touring skis/board
  • Skins
  • Poles
  • Ski touring/snowboard boots
  • Day pack (30 - 40L, or whatever will fit your gear)

Clothing

  • Waterproof/breathable jacket and pants
  • Lightweight, breathable jacket and pants (for uphill skinning/climbing)
  • Insulated jacket (synthetic insulated jacket is strongly recommended)
  • Lightweight gloves for climbing/skinning 
  • Warm gloves
  • Warm hat
  • Balaclava or another type of neck warmer
  • Baselayers (top and bottom)

Other

  • Water
  • Lunch and snacks (prepared ahead of time and consumable on the go) 
  • Sunglasses
  • Goggles
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun hat
  • Ski strap
  • Personal first aid (e.g. blister kit, medication)
  • Camera (optional)

Rentals


  • Touring Gear: Ski Tak Hut offers 25% off backcountry rentals (skins, boots, and skis or a splitboard) for clients on IAG trips and courses. These can be ordered online using a discount code. Contact us after you have booked to receive your unique code. Note you will be asked to show the booking confirmation you received from us when you pick up your gear.
  • Avalanche Kit: We offer transceivers, shovels and probes for $10 as an add on kit when you book.  If you do not have your own gear, please request prior to your trip.  

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for information about gear fitting, rentals, add ons, and other commonly asked questions, or send us an email.

Testimonials

Great day. Insanely DEEP day. Joe was professional, knowledgable and on-it, as per usual (...). The day was epic. Would highly recommend to anyone, and everyone in our group was really happy with it. My hip-flexors however have never been so fried. Marc B.,
I really enjoyed this and will do it again with you. Thanks for your wonderful stories, intimate knowledge of the terrain and relaxed way of getting everything to work like clockwork. Wayne Shtybal, Saanich, BC
My wife and I had a spectacular time ski touring on Vancouver Island, thanks to IAG. We will (and have already) highly recommend IAG to our friends. Jan and IAG helped maximize our vacation time by finding safe routes and untracked lines all day. Vancouver Island has so much to offer, and IAG helped us enjoy the skiing, touring, and culture that are there! Brian McNamara, Portland, Oregon.