Manatee Base Camp

As low as:

$2,500.00 / person

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

Avi Kit rental $90.00

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.

Mountaineering Kit Rental $90.00

Ice Axe, Crampons, Helmet, Harness, Carabiners, Cords and Sling. All these items are required to participate in the course. See the precise technical gear requirements in the 'Gear List' tab within this course information webpage. Once purchased - our rentals are non-refundable.

About


Enjoy six days of skiing and near solitude in the shadow of the massive Wahoo tower on the Manatee Glacier. We’ll seek out 1000m+ runs and explore terrain in big mountain and glacier country. Accessed with a quick flight from Pemberton, BC, our tent base camp allows us to ski in a new direction each day and return to great meals every night back in camp. 

Included in the price:

  • 6 days with an ACMG guide
  • Group technical gear
  • Meals and snacks
  • Helicopter drop-off and pick-up

Not included in the price:

  • Transportation to and from trip starting point in Pemberton
  • Personal gear (some items available for rent)
  • Avi kit

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

Logistics 


Please get in touch to discuss the logistics of this trip. Itinerary, objectives and the number of days may vary depending on the group desires and abilities as well as time of year. 

We will discuss logistics upon booking and note specifics in the booking tab. Exact meeting details will be provided in a pre-trip email sent one-week prior to your trip. 
 
Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details, or send us an email. 

Requirements


We will be putting in big days in terrain that can be demanding. To join this trip, we require that you: 

  • Feel comfortable traveling for extended days in a backcountry winter environment including winter camping and movement in adverse winter conditions
  • Are an advanced level skiers or boarders (in this case, it means that you should be able to easily ride the equivalent of black diamond runs in natural and variable conditions at a minimum)
  • Have a high level of fitness (able to cover 5-15 km a day and 1500m elevation with a 8-15kg pack)

Preparation


To prepare for this trip you should be putting in some ski touring days with around 1000m elevation gain. We also recommend some overnight ski touring trips.

Questions about the suitability of this trip? Send us an email. We’re happy to help you find or customize trips to suit your needs where possible. 

Gear List


Please be sure that all clothing and equipment is in good repair and functioning properly with boots fitted properly to bindings. 

Hardware

  • Touring ski/board, boots, skins, poles 
  • 60+ litre backpack (or something large enough to fit personal gear, group gear, and food)
  • Avalanche transceiver (modern, digital, 3-antenna), probe, shovel (available for rent as “avi kit”)

Technical Gear

The following can be provided by IAG as a “Mountaineering Kit” add-on for $15/day when you book.

  • Helmet (UIAA approved and adjustable)
  • Ice axe* (50-80cm, general mountaineering tool)
  • 3 locking carabiners (one “pear” shaped)
  • 3 non-locking carabiners (two should be matching flat stock)
  • Harness
  • 7mm accessory cord (2 x five-meter lengths)
  • Double shoulder length sewn sling (120cm length, rated to 22kn)
  • Boot and ski crampons if a spring trip

Clothing

  • Warm socks, 2 pairs
  • Base layers (top and bottom)
  • Mid-insulation layers
  • Waterproof jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or other waterproof breathable material)
  • Warm outer jacket (down or synthetic)
  • Warm toque
  • Face warmer (scarf, neck tube, face mask, buff)
  • Light gloves, 2 pairs
  • Insulated gloves or mitts, 2 pairs 

Camping gear

Some of these items can be shared between contiguous groups

  • 4-season tent
  • Winter sleeping bag (warm to -15 depending on time of year and forecast)
  • Sleeping pad (something that gets you off the ground and is rated for winter)
  • Food (please note that all lunches should be ready-to-eat, and will likely be consumed on the go). For tasty, nutritous and locally pre-made dinners check out https://wildedgeketo.com/

Other

  • Sun protection (sunscreen, glasses, and hat)
  • Goggles
  • Camp booties or shoes
  • Small general repair kit (e.g. for sleeping pad, stove, tent, any parts specific to your bindings/equipment)
  • Small personal first aid (medication, blister kit, etc.)
  • Personal toiletries (keep to minimum)
  • Bowl, cutlery, thermos
  • Water bottles (minimum 2L capacity)
  • Camera or phone
  • Headlamp
  • Water purification
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Altimetre (optional)

Group Gear Logistics

Your guide will bring along group emergency (first aid, communications device) and group technical gear. You are only required to bring the items on this list.

Rentals

 
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.

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. 

Technical Gear: Our Mountaineering Kit rental includes all the items on the technical gear list, and is available for $15/day. These can be purchased when you book or requested later as an add on. 

If you require other items from the personal gear list, perhaps check out Sports Rent based out of Victoria, Blue Toque Sports based in Courtenay, and/or on social media to name a few.

Winter 4x4 Vehicle(s): 'Far Out Wilderness' (https://faroutwilderness.com/ski-tours-winter-4x4/) is a 4x4 vehicle rental service in Victoria that offers clients access to a fleet of rugged, reliable, and fully-equipped vehicles designed to conquer the most challenging winter terrain. Their vehicles come with snow tires with the 3 peak mountain symbol, chains, and ski racks. They also provide emergency equipment, including SOS, SPOT messenger systems, GPS, tire pump, toe rope, tire pressure gauge, a map to BC's backcountry roads, and a first aid kit. Everything you need to get safely to the ski slopes! Upon request, IAG clients can receive a 5% discount code towards their rentals from 'Far Out Wilderness'.

Questions about gear? Check out our FAQ page for details or send us an email.

Testimonials

There are currently no testimonials for this trip yet.