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When the powder is super deep, we take to the trees!

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A culturally modified tree along the trail from lake to lodge.

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A backcountry lodge in Canada that offers all the charm of a European mountain hut - all to yourself!

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Burnie Glacier Chalet is easy to get to - leave Vancouver in the morning and ski in the afternoon!

Bear Mountaineering

Welcome to the Burnie Glacier Chalet. Far north and west of all other British Columbia lodges, we have been a hot tip for years. And we intend to stay so! We are happy to announce that in 2022 we did a major renovation and upgrade to the lodge. We have a beautiful new and larger dining area. The kitchen is all new and bigger. There will be only two guests to a room now. And the boot dryer works like a charm.

As of this coming winter, my friends Tom Wolfe IFMGA and his partner Deb Lantz will be in charge of the lodge. Many of you have skied with Tom. He has been around Burnie for many years and knows the place well. And you haven't met many nicer (and more capable) people than Deb.

This place that you and I love will be in good hands.

I will stay involved and keep guiding when I can.

Winter  2026

To book your weeks (yes there are a few open yet, but not many) go to sawback. com. If you write me or fill in my webform, I'll still reply and forward your inquiry to Tom and his team.

Galleries

We loved our course and the entire trip. Sensational views, excellent chalet, highly trained and informative guides, Molly's superb cooking and all that powder.

We have lived in Smithers for 14 years, have travelled the world, and all this time, since 2001, this gem of an experience was right on our doorstep. We will be back a lot more often. We enjoyed the chalet and really appreciated the course, patience and tips we received from Christoph and Lucas. The last time we had someone preparing food for us that was this good was nearly 30 years ago, in a camp where Molly's mother was the cook. Thank you for an amazing experience.

Sandy M and Karin B, Smithers