This is an advanced powder camp program. The strong, experienced skier will enjoy and be challenged by this camp. Previous backcountry ski experience is required. An advanced level of fitness and high-intermediate to advanced downhill ski abilities are essential. This means being comfortable skiing black diamond runs with a 7-9 kg (15-20 lb) pack in backcountry snow conditions (read: deep powder!). For those individuals who live at lower elevations (less than 1000m/3300’), we recommend that you arrive in the mountains a few days before the camp to do some skiing on your own and acclimatize to the altitude. This camp involves living at and above 2050m/6800’ for the week. If you are unsure about whether this camp is right for you, please contact the office.
Before registering, please review our Trip Waivers and Liability, and Cancellation Policies.
Camps are subject to minimum enrollment in order to run.
This is your chance to spend a once-in-a-lifetime week skiing at the ACC’s renowned Fairy Meadow Hut. Situated in the Adamant Range of the Selkirk Mountains, this destination was named “THE backcountry ski destination in Canada” by none other than legendary backcountry skier Chic Scott and was recently ranked the fourth best ski hut in all of North America by this blog.
If spectacular scenery, long glacier runs, and abundant ski-mountaineering opportunities weren’t enough, you’ll also be treated to a wood-fired sauna and hot drinks and delicious meals prepared by your own group chef.
Our highly experienced guiding team know the region intimately and will be able to divide the group based on abilities, keeping the camp safe and the skiing satisfying for everybody.
The only catch? This camp sells out every year so grab your spot early to avoid disappointment!
The ever-popular Conrad Janzen leads our team of three ACMG certified guides who will ensure your time at Fairy Meadow is both safe and enjoyable. All our guides come back year after year so are super knowledgeable about the area and welcome your questions. Our low guiding ratios (maximum 16 participants to 3 guides) allow us to form groups based on abilities and ambition, making sure the pace and difficulty is right for you.
The ACC hires guides certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG). Visit the ACMG website to learn more about what they do!
*Guiding Staff for a trip sometimes have to be swapped out due to unavoidable circumstances. In this event ACC staff with contact you as soon as possible to update you on any changes to trip staffingThe clue is in the name – the primary objective of this camp is to ski great powder in a stunning alpine setting! The high cols between the Adamants offer world-famous skiing, accessing the Gothic Glacier and the Granite Glacier.
But this camp is geared toward climbing peaks as well as skiing great powder (often in the same day). There are plenty of exciting ski mountaineering objectives available including:
Due to the superb location and accessibility of the hut, participants will be able to take each day at their own speed and get in as much skiing as conditions permit. Choose between short days, long days or days of complete relaxation in the hut.
Unbelievable spot, well taken care of, will keep going back year after year. Thank you!
Unbelievable spot, well taken care of, will keep going back year after year. Thank you!
Evenings will be spent enjoying great food, socializing in cozy hut surroundings and resetting for the next day’s skiing. Food supplies will be flown in by helicopter (no dehydrated stuff here) and cooked up by our dedicated chef. All meals are designed to be healthy, sumptuous and plentiful and special dietary needs can be accommodated. Because we want you to be able to focus on the powder not the cooking!
The Fairy Meadow Hut is truly one of the jewels in the crown of the ACC's hut network. Perched on a bench deep in the Selkirks and surrounded by granite spires, glaciers and powder slopes, it is the quintessential base for a week of ski touring. The hut is very comfortable with a wood stove, propane lighting, ever-popular sauna and comfortable outhouses located just outside the hut - the perfect setting for apres-ski relaxation!
If you don't have everything on the gear list and aren't ready to invest in your own, there are many awesome local businesses that rent out all of the equipment you will need. Be sure to reserve your rentals ahead of time to make sure everything you need is available for you when you need it.
Coming from the Bow Valley? Check out Gear Up in Canmore. ACC members get 10% off all gear rentals!Cornices and crevasses. Trees, tree wells, and tree stumps. Cliffs, creeks, rocks and boulders. Holes and depressions below the snow surface. Variable and difficult snow conditions. Snowcat roads and road ranks. Fences and other man-made structures. Impact or collision with other persons, vehicles or objects. Encounters with domestic or wild animals. Loss of balance or control. Becoming lost or separated from the group. Slips, trips, and falls.
Mitigated by Trained and experienced Guide.
The use of Radios.
Slips trips and falls indoor or outdoor. Equipment failure. Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact. Negligence of other persons, including other guests. Negligent first aid. Negligence of the guide Including failure to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from, or warn you of risk, dangers, hazards, on participating in ACC activities
Developed safety plans and procedures with decades of experience managing risk.
Avalanches can occur in the terrain you will be entering. Caused by natural forces, or by people travelling through the terrain (skiing/snowboarding). Anyone caught in an avalanche is at risk of personal injury, death, and/or property damage or loss.
Certified Guides with experience and training to manage this risk.
Daily risk assessment processes.
Guest training
Communication can be difficult and in the event of an accident, rescue and treatment may not be available. Adverse weather may also delay the arrival of treatment and transport out of the field. If an Injury occurs in challenging terrain movement to an evacuation point may be slow.
First Aid / Rescue Training.
Satellite Communications
Even when set up correctly, a ski binding might not release during every fall or may release unexpectedly. The ski boot/binding system is no guarantee that the skier will not be injured. Non-DIN-certified bindings, such as pin/tech bindings, present a higher risk of pre-release and/or injury as they are not designed to the same safety standards as a DIN-certified alpine binding.
Unlike alpine ski boot/binding systems, snowboard and some telemark boot/binding systems are not designed or intended to release and will not release under normal circumstances. Using such a system increases the risk of injury and/or death when caught in an avalanche.
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We appreciate that the lands known today as Canada are home to the enduring presence of all First Nations and Métis people, and the Inuit and we acknowledge the past, present, and future generations of these Nations who continue to lead us in stewarding this land, as well as honour their knowledge and cultural ties to this place. The Alpine Club of Canada’s head office is located in the traditional lands of Treaty 7, which is comprised of the Stoney Nakoda Nations of Wesley, Chiniki, and Bearspaw; three Nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy: the Piikani, Kainai, and Siksika; the Mountain Cree; and the Tsuu T’ina of the Dene people. This territory is also shared with the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. Before the signing of Treaty 7, and prior to the establishment of provincial boundaries, this region was also used by the Ktunaxa and the Maskwacis people.
General Inquiries
Phone: 403-678-3200
Email: [email protected]
201 Indian Flats Rd.
PO Box 8040 Main St, Canmore, AB, T1W 2T8, Canada
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
The Alpine Club of Canada is a registered Amateur Athletic Association and a registered Canadian charity (Registration No: 10670 4182 RR0001). The ACC’s US ACC Foundation can accept charitable donations from donors living in the United States. We will issue a charitable tax receipt for eligible donations of $20 or more.