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Trip

Journeyman Lodge, Whistler

Women's Ski & Splitboard

Trip British Columbia, Women's Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding
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Questions? Let us help! Call us at 1-866-386-1590

“I want to get people outside because I know how important it is, growing up here, to access the Land that’s around us. It is very healing in every aspect of your life.”
- Sandy Ward (Kelkeláokik)

Join evoTrip and Arc’teryx for a women's, all-levels backcountry adventure in the incredible terrain of the Callaghan, just 20 minutes from Whistler. Revel in the supportive, inspiring company of other women and be led by Arc’teryx ambassador, guide, and Indigenous Women Outdoors co-founder, Sandy Ward (Kelkeláokik). Sharpen your ski touring & splitboarding skills, enjoy fun freebies from Arc’teryx, and feel worlds away from it all at the cozy, off-grid Journeyman Lodge.

Hop on a snowcat and enter a winter wonderland. Arrive at the Journeyman lodge nestled 8.4 miles in the Callaghan wilderness and take in the exquisite warmth of the handcrafted Lodge.

You know those legendary snowstorms that dump feet of powder on Whistler and Blackcomb each winter?  They all hit Callaghan Country first, and harder.  Nestled at 4500 feet with an average winter snowfall of 20 feet, Journeyman Lodge offers authentic, unique, and customizable backcountry adventures that begin right outside our front door. Spend the days with your guides exploring untracked Coast Mountain powder on skis or splitboard, with a wide variety of terrain your opportunities will be endless. 

This turn-key experience includes lodging, guiding, and meals and is open to all levels – previous touring experience, while useful, is not required. Whether you’re new to the backcountry or a seasoned tourer, your professional guides will meet you where you are and tailor the experience on-snow to meet your needs.

Looking for a similar adventure, but one that’s open to all genders? Check out this trip.

Multiple package rates and room options available. Base package rate based on double occupancy twin rooms, single rooms available to upgrade to for addtional cost.  Please see FAQ for addtional details.

Select Your Trip

Itinerary
Itinerary
Note: Choice of location and itin­er­ary are sub­ject to change due to weath­er, unsafe route con­di­tions, or oth­er rea­sons beyond our con­trol and in the guide’s best judgment.
  • 1
    Day number 1
    Arrival Day:

    Meet at the Journeyman Lodge staging area at 8:15am to load up your gear and take the snowcat ride to the lodge. Unload your luggage into one of the cozy lodge rooms and then head out the door for a day of splitboard and ski touring. Your guides will work with the group and make a plan to ensure everyone is in a group that suits their abilities and skiing/riding awesome terrain. Common skills focus, whether you’re a newbie or more seasoned, will include avalanche safety training and companion rescue, how to use your touring equipment, efficient transitions, uphill track-setting, kick turns, boot packing, mountain hazards (cornices, tree wells, etc.), and basic mountain navigation. Downhill specific skills building (or reinforcement) will include powder skiing, ski line assessment, and entering a ski line.

    Finish your day around 4:30 and arrive back at the lodge for après, enjoy a good read from our library in front of the fireplace, or cozy up on one of the day beds and relax. Now is the perfect time to sneak off on a five-minute hike down to the secluded traditional Finnish sauna nestled in by Solitude Creek. Bathing suits optional. It is Finnish! End your day with a delicious 3-course dinner.
  • 2
    Day number 2
    Day 2:

    Fuel up for your day’s adventure with some coffee and breakfast (ready at 7:30AM). Plan the day with your guides and let them know any lines you were scoping out the previous day. Grab your bagged lunch and head out the door for another full day of touring! Again, your group will end the day at the lodge around 4:30PM with après and another amazing dinner.
  • 3
    Day number 3
    Day 3:

    This day is yours to enjoy! Relax at the lodge, hit the sauna, or head into the backcountry again with your guides. The staff and guides will be pleased to help you plan your day’s splitboard or ski tour to one of the many legendary slopes or secret stashes of majestic natural wonder that abound outside the front door. We have detailed maps for sale and several years of personal experience in the area to help you choose the best destination for the day, be it short and picturesque to strenuous and rewarding.
  • 4
    Day number 4
    Departure Day:

    Sleep in or wake up early and head out for a quick splitboard or ski tour with your guides. Catch a ride back to the parking lot by 2PM on the snowcat and say goodbye to your guides and new friends! Plan on arriving back to the parking lot at approximately 4PM.
Trip Package Includes
  • 4 days of fully ACMG guided touring in the pristine Solitude Valley with a 6:1 guest to guide ratio. Your guides will all be female. 
  • Leadership by Arc’teryx ambassador and tail guide, Sandy Ward.  
  • Transfer to and from lodge by snowcat (luggage transfer included, maximum 40lbs per a guest + ski/board equipment)
  • 3 nights lodge accommodation (based on double occupancy room) See FAQ for rooming details.
  • All meals (continental breakfast, bagged lunches, 3-course dinner, apres-ski appetizers, hot & cold non-alcoholic beverages)
  • Use of lodge amenities including sauna, guest toboggans and snowshoes
  • Arc'teryx Proton LT Hoody and other goodies
  • 20% off code to evo.com (exclusions apply)
Trip Package Does Not Include
  • Transport to and from meeting point for transfer to lodge
  • Lodging prior to your arrival
  • Alcoholic drinks (BYOB, see FAQ)
  • Guide gratuities
  • Personal ski equipment
  • Rentals (can be arranged via evo Whistler stores
  • Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads)

Questions? Call or email us!
Area Information

Callaghan Country


Whistler, BC, is justifiably known for its abundance of snow, thanks to warm moist maritime air masses that move unobstructed up the valley from neighboring Howe Sound to elevations that are sufficiently cold enough to produce snow. Callaghan Country is sandwiched on the Lee side of the aptly named Powder Mountain. The difference in micro-climate is astounding. That same warm, moist Howe Sound air mass that rolls along the valley to Whistler now needs to climb 7710 feet of elevation and cross 4.5 miles of permanent snowfield before dropping its now, super cooled, fluffy, abundance down on the wind protected Upper Callaghan Valley.

The result is an average annual snowpack of 22 ft and an assured long ski season with colder snow, ideal conditions for both x-country skiers and backcountry tourers alike.  Not to mention, an everyday pristine visual landscape for guests at Journeyman Lodge.

Journeyman Lodge is nestled high in the Upper Callaghan Valley basin. This makes it an ideal place to access an assortment of peaks or various tree skiing spots all with different slope aspects and powder conditions. The vast amount of terrain means that there is likely always a location with some decent snow or visibility conditions.
FAQ
FAQ
  • Can I secure my spot by placing a deposit?
    Yes, you can book your spot by placing a $750 per person deposit. To place this deposit, please call into evo customer care at 1-866-386-1590 to book. Full payment will be due at least 60 days before trip departure.
  • Is my departure guaranteed?
    No, as the trip requires a minimum number of guests in order to run, please wait to make travel arrangements and book flights until you have received confirmation from evoTrip that your departure has been confirmed.
  • What ability level do I need to be and what is the terrain like?
    Surrounded by peaks and glaciers, Callaghan Lodge is an ideal venue for backcountry ski touring (also known as alpine ski touring, randonnée skiing, ski mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and ski hiking). The area features an incredible variety of terrain including high alpine bowls, glaciers, glades, pillow drops and gently rolling hills. To be enjoyed to the fullest, guests should be of intermediate skiing ability or better, have a fitness level that allows them to actively ski for at least 4 hours per day, and be capable of handling the challenges of ascending and descending in a variety of snow conditions. It is helpful to have some previous experience skiing powder. No previous backcountry experience or AST/AIARE certification is required, though previous experience and/or certification will certainly be useful. Rest assured you’ll be placed in a touring group that suits your ability level. You can rent or buy many backcountry gear items at evo Backcountry in Whistler Village. Please know that backcountry ski touring is not without risk.
  • How do I meet up with the group?
    You will be sent more detailed instructions for meeting with the group after booking. The meeting place will be the Callaghan Country staging area. To get there from Whistler: From Whistler, head south-west on Highway 99 towards Vancouver. Approximately 13km (8 miles) from Whistler Village, turn right off Highway 99 onto the Callaghan Valley Access Road. Follow the main route for about 8.5 km. Immediately before the entrance to Whistler Olympic Park, you will see our banner on your left. Turn left, cross over a bridge and follow the signs into our base facility.
  • What is the maximum number of guests on each trip?
    Our capacity on this trip is 12 guests.
  • What are the accommodations like?
    The 2nd floor of the lodge houses suite style room. These suites can be upgraded to for an additional cost if desired, on a first come first served basis, based on double occupancy. Single rooms are available to book, pricing details in separate FAQ. The Solitude Suite is a spacious corner suite features a bedroom (with a queen bed), en-suite bathroom, private living room (with pull-out sofa), cozy gas fireplace, and a large private balcony. The views from the suite span the Solitude Glacier and Mount Callaghan highlighting the breathtaking backdrop that is “Callaghan Country”. The Solitude Suite can be booked for up to 4 guests. The cost to upgrade to this suite is $210 per a person (double occupancy required for this rate) for the duration of the trip. This supplement fee can be waived if you have a party of 3 or 4 who would like to occupy this suite. There are two Superior Suites on the 2nd floor as well. Considered ‘hotel-style’ suites, each Superior Suite features a comfortable queen bed, an en-suite bathroom and private balcony. These suites can be upgraded into for an additional $100 per a person (double occupancy required for this rate) for the duration of the trip. The 3rd floor of the lodge is patterned on a Scandinavian design, featuring a few simple, yet comfortable and private sleeping quarters for single or double occupancy. All guests accommodated in these rooms share a walk-out balcony and common area, two bathrooms and a shower room (found down the hall). The room types available are categorized as “standard” or “nook”. (Please note, nook rooms do not have windows but do have an air vent). Please visit https://www.callaghancountry.com/suites-and-rooms.html to see details on room types.
  • How will rooms be assigned?
    Rooms will be assigned on a first-come first served basis. Rooms with 2 separate beds are limited and are subject to availability at time of booking. Standard rooms will be issued first, followed by sleeping nooks. Suite style rooms can be booked with an additional fee, on a first come first served basis. If you would like to know the current availability of rooms prior to booking, please email [email protected] and we will be happy to help you.
  • What if I am a solo traveler?
    Please note if you are a solo traveler, rooms with 2 separate beds are limited. If you are open to rooming with another solo traveler, note that at the time of booking. If you prefer a single room, that can be arranged for an additional fee (see below).
  • Are single rooms available, and what is the upgrade cost?
    Single rooms upgrades are available on a first come first served basis, and are available to purchase at the time of booking by selecting the date and room option at the top of the page. Additional supplement fee pricing for a single room is as follows: Queen Nook single: $480 supplement fee. Queen Standard single: $510 supplement fee. Superior Suite single: $685 supplement fee. Solitude Suite single: $900 supplement fee.
  • What if I'm a solo traveler who wants a roommate but none are available?
    We will do our best to pair solo travelers of the same gender together in a room with two beds. If no roommates are available, or all rooms with separate beds are full, solo travelers will be "forced" into a single room. You will be asked to pay 50% of the single supplement to cover the cost of your room. In this case, as the single supplement varies between room types, cost will vary. Please note roommates are paired on a first come, first served basis, so the earlier you book the less likely you will be "forced" into a single room!
  • Is there internet?
    There is no internet or wifi available at the lodge.
  • How should I pack for my trip?
    Please pack light. All guest luggage must be transported in a snowmobile trailer to the lodge. Everything you bring should fit into one small duffel bag (or backpack) and a ski equipment bag. Please see our Winter Packing List web page for a list of recommended gear. In addition to your ski clothes and equipment, don’t forget to bring warm and cozy lodge clothes – there’s nothing like a hot shower, a pair of fleece pajamas and warm down booties or slippers at the end of an exhilarating winter day of playing outside in the mountains!
  • Do I need to bring any bedding?
    No. All of the rooms in the lodge feature cozy goose down comforters, and come with pillows and sheets. We also provide towels and face cloths, but you will want to bring your own toiletries.
  • Is there indoor plumbing and electricity?
    Yes! Unlike most other remote lodges, Callaghan Lodge has running water, indoor plumbing, and electricity. That being said, because the electricity is provided by a generator, it is only available when the generator is running: Generator Times Morning...Approximately 7:30am – 9:30am Evening...Approximately 4:00pm – 10:00pm Please note: 1. Our water pump is powered by the generator. Accordingly, showers, flushing the toilet and using the taps is only possible when the generator is on. Showers should be planned accordingly. When the generator is not on, each toilet will only have one flush. Use it wisely. 2. Please conserve water as much as possible. Our holding tank is quite small. 3. Please bring a headlamp or flashlight in case you need to get up in the night. 4. Please leave your hairdryers and other devices requiring electricity at home.
  • Is alcohol available at the lodge?
    As we are not licensed to serve alcohol, we instead welcome you to bring your own. Packing your own mix is also a great idea, if you want to be sure to have it on hand. Please be aware that anything you bring has to be transported to the lodge in a snowmobile trailer or snowcat; therefore, cans are better than bottles (although, they should still be separated from each other to prevent impact punctures). Any glass bottles should be wrapped in plastic (just in case) and then well-packed to protect from breakage. We cannot accept responsibility for alcohol that gets damaged along the way, so please use due care.
  • What will the food be like?
    Journeyman Lodge’s resident chef is eager to delight your palate and regale you of your previous day's adventures in one of the most isolated and picturesque dining rooms in the Whistler area! Our menu is 'Chef Select' and changes daily and seasonally. If you wish to know the day’s entrees, please ask upon your arrival at the Lodge.
  • I am gluten-free / vegetarian / halal/kosher… will there be food options available for me?
    ​We are pleased to welcome guests with dietary restrictions and food allergies; however, due to our remote location, advance notice is required at time of booking to ensure enough time for our chef to coordinate their meal plans. By substituting different ingredients and approaches our chef can accommodate the following common food allergies/restrictions: Vegetarian | Vegan | *Gluten/wheat | Eggs | Fish | Milk/lactose | Peanuts/tree nuts | Shellfish | Soy | Corn *We ask that guests with gluten or wheat restrictions bring their own bread and crackers to supplement their meals.
  • Should I purchase travel insurance?
    YES! While it is not required, we always recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, theft and/or accidental damage while traveling. We recommend World Nomads.
  • What if I need to change or cancel my trip?
    If you need to cancel, the $750 deposit for the trip is non-refundable and cancellations will be subject to a cancellation fee (see policy below). For this reason, we recommend purchasing travelers insurance, which will cover the cost of your trip in extenuating circumstances. All cancellations must be submitted to evo in writing, are effective as of the date we receive them according to our internal records, and will be subject to a cancellation fee as follows (amounts are per person and only apply to amount paid after the non-refundable deposit amount): Cancellation 90 days or more prior to trip departure - Non-Refundable Deposit. Cancellation between 45 and 89 days prior to trip departure - 50% of total booking cost. Cancellation less than 45 days prior to departure - 100% of total booking cost. Cancellation policy for custom trips may differ from these terms and will be communicated prior to booking. No refunds will be made if you voluntarily leave a trip for any reason after the trip has begun. The same applies if you leave a trip or cannot fully participate in a trip due to injury or illness. Refunds will be at the discretion of the Company if you are involuntarily forced to leave a trip for any reason. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals or services not utilized.
Testimonials
Just got back after an awesome stay at Journeyman Lodge! We spent 3 days skiing, eating amazing food and having some much needed R&R after a crazy year. We are always impressed with the cleanliness, quality of meals and overall experience at the lodge. If you're looking to book your next adventure - this is the place! Thank you to everyone that creates a magical escape for us”
Sarah B
Lodge Guest
Bottom Line... Visiting the Journeyman Lodge felt like visiting a good friend with a house that just happened to be nestled in the snowy mountains of the Callaghan Valley where we could ski right from the front door.
Spring
Lodge Guest
“This is one of our favorite places in Canada. The lodge is perfect with all kinds of facilities, great food and better service. But the outdoors is a huge playground for ski touring, you have many options and great snow. We will come back for sure!”
Mazandrero
Lodge Guest

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