The North Shoulder, Callaghan Country

There are no bad days when you're skiing in Callaghan Country. The valley is closed on three sides, and there are lots of different terrain choices at different elevations and on different aspects. On some days you may be skiing off of summits and down couloirs, while on other days you may be in the trees and following pillow lines. When you're waking up in the morning at the Journeyman Lodge, which is nestled deep in the Callaghan Valley, the choices seem endless. The closest area and the one that serves as a backcountry skier's paradise is called the North Shoulder.

Just behind the lodge at the base of Powder Mountain, this short 300-meter rise is perfect when storms are hitting and visibility is low. The lower section is full of reference points and is much safer to ride in when avalanche conditions are of concern. The terrain varies from large open areas to steep and wooded slopes. There are also cliffs and gullies to ride, but you should know the area before hucking off of anything. There is some extremely difficult terrain there. You can stick to one area or move along the slope, rotating for new terrain on each lap while finishing each run just a short skin away from the lodge.

Getting there is just as easy. Follow the cat track out toward Solitude Loop when leaving the lodge. Just past the junction is a good area to start the climb up through the forest and then around to the top of the shoulder. Climbing up will present different views and aspects of the mountain and provide you with lots of options for descent.

You can ski laps until you're exhausted without saving energy for a long hike out because the lodge is less than a kilometer away and serves apres-ski snacks at 5:30 p.m. sharp. Plan a stay at the amazing Journeyman Lodge in Callaghan Country, and make sure the North Shoulder is on your to-do-list when you're there.