Island Spring Ski Tour

As low as:

$245.00 / person

(at 6:1 ratio)
  • STRENUOUSNESS
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  • TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
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Add-ons

Island Turns and Tours Guidebook $69.00

Save on postage and have this indispensable trip planning guide delivered to you at your course. With well over 500 Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale rated Island tours, this guidebook allows you to apply the learning from your IAG/HVI course to doing real trips in the mountains.

Avi Kit Rental $25.00

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. Once purchased our rentals are non-refundable.

IAG Cancellation Coverage $13.00

As per our Cancellation Policy, your trip or course is 100% non-refundable as of 30 days prior to the trip/course start date. Purchasing this add-on will allow you to cancel your trip/course within that 30 day time period for reasons of injury, illness or family emergency, and will provide you with a credit for the full value of your trip/course fee which can be used on any Island Alpine Guides or Hike Vancouver Island trip or course for up to one year from the start date of the trip/course originally booked. If needed, credits can be transferred to another person of your choice. We charge a $25 admin fee in these cases.

Ski Tak Hut Gear Rental Discount Code $0.00

25% off code for all Ski Tak Hut gear rentals (touring gear, snowshoes) for IAG course participants. We'll send you a code once signed up for your course.

About


As many islanders trade in their skis for boots and bikes, cool nights and warm days are hard at work turning the island snowpack into perfect corn. The best objective for this guided tour will be made by IAG closer to the trip date based on conditions.

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.

Logistics 


Possible objectives: Mount Arrowsmith, Mount Myra, Strathcona Park via Comox Lake Main, or the Beauforts. 

Our exact route and itinerary will depend entirely on the group and the conditions of the day. A typical day goes from 08:30 to 16:30.
We will be in touch one-week prior with exact meeting times and details.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page, or send us an email. We will send out a pre-trip email one-week prior to the trip with exact meeting details.

Requirements


To maximize your enjoyment and safety on the day, we ask that participants:

  • 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 approx 4-5 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)
  • Are age 19+ (unless accompanied by your legal 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. Your guide will carry a first aid kit as well as emergency communication and gear. 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


Avalanche Kit: We offer rental transceivers, shovels and probes as an add-on kit when you book or by request pre-trip. If you do not have your own modern, digital, three antenna transceiver, collapsible shovel, and/or probe - please request a rental kit prior to your course/trip.

Touring Gear: 'Ski Tak Hut' in Courtenay (https://www.skitakhut.com/pages/rentals) offers backcountry ski and splitboard rentals. Clients on IAG courses and trips are eligible to receive a unique 25% discount code towards their gear rentals from Ski Tak Hut - for the duration of their course/trip with us. These discount codes are distributed directly by IAG to our clients upon request. Rentals from Ski Tak Hut can be ordered online using the unique discount code. Note you will be asked to show the booking confirmation you received from us when you pick up your gear.

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

The idea was to send the 2012 ski season off with an adventure, so naturally I got in touch with IAG. Jan was keen right off the start to ski spring lines on Arrowsmith, and within a couple of days he had two other skiers lined up and a trip plan. The day on the Arrowsmith massif didn't disappoint. Under clear blue skies, we skied our chosen lines, lunched on the saddle between Arrowsmith and Cokely, then decided to climb a rocky wall up to Cokely to ski out via the Rousseau Route. The day had everything I'd hoped for: steep skiing, challenging ascents and an adventurous spirit. It was a fitting end to an epic ski season. Toby Gorman, Nanaimo, BC.
My wife trusts you more than me and she has never met you! George Woernle, Chemainus, BC.