A Gourmet Christmas Dinner at the Kees
Story and photos by Gabrielle Toupin and Esteban Sanchez for the 2025 ACC Gazette
When I arrived in Squamish and joined the ACC, I quickly realized I had stumbled into one of the most amazing communities I’d ever been a part of. Many people come here for the mountains and adventures, and many end up sticking around for the holidays, away from their families. It made me think—what better way to spend the season than organizing something special? A cozy gathering, but with a twist…
Instead of just a dinner, why not make it a 3-day, 2-night holiday getaway to the Kees & Claire Hut in Whistler’s backcountry? Of course, it would have to include a three-course homemade dinner with wine pairings! The idea sparked, and before we knew it, 13 of us were ready to gather for a holiday adventure that would be anything but ordinary.
It kicked off early Friday morning in the parking lot. Everyone got their share of food to carry—about 1.5 kilos each. Eager participants took more than their share of weight to carry, leaving latecomers with lighter loads—a testament to the group’s enthusiasm! The most nerve-wracking item? A delicate chocolate cake, which survived the journey intact (and would later steal the show).
That night, we pulled off a feast that felt downright luxurious, considering we were far away from civilization. We started with a spread of cheeses, dips, nuts, pickled goodies, and homemade sourdough focaccia. For the main course, there were two options: a rich pork cheek ragout or a fragrant wild mushroom ragout. And dessert? That vegan chocolate cake—with chocolate buttercream and honeycomb—had everyone in awe. We even had enough to share with other groups at the hut, making instant friends.
The dinner wasn’t just about the food, though. It broke the ice between strangers and sparked the kind of camaraderie you don’t often find with people you’ve just met. We played games, swapped stories, and even had some yoga sessions. By the end of the night, everyone felt like old friends. Saturday was what dreams are made of. Fresh, fluffy powder covered the slopes, and we were out there all day, carving through the snow. We split into three ski groups but kept in touch via radio, sharing avalanche conditions and lunch spots. It felt like we were all part of one big, connected team, even as we explored different runs. Honestly, it had been a while since we’d experienced a pow-day like that, and it left everyone grinning from ear to ear.
Back at the hut, we warmed up with shared stories and a simple dinner. Two participants who’d helped build the hut shared tales of its construction, adding a beautiful sense of connection to the place we were calling home for the weekend.
As Sunday rolled around and we packed up to leave, I felt a mix of satisfaction and gratitude. This trip had been everything I had hoped for—a perfect blend of adventure, laughter, and incredible food. More than just an outdoor escape, it was a reminder of the power of community. I left with a sense of belonging and a head full of memories that’ll keep me smiling until next time.
Regional ACC Sections are the Alpine Club of Canada’s strength. Membership in an ACC Section enables members to participate in numerous summer and winter mountaineering, rock climbing, and skiing activities, coordinated by experienced amateur leaders in their local area. The majority of activities offered by sections are either free or are offered on a break-even basis to their members. Through ACC Section trips you’ll learn all the basics you need to travel safely in the mountains, while meeting new friends to enjoy your experiences with.
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