Winter Backcountry Delights in British Columbia's Callaghan Country

Spend a few days enjoying the deep powder of British Columbia's Coast Mountain Range. Revel in the pleasure of groomed cross-country trails that you'll have almost all to yourself. Relax in a quiet mountain sauna after a day spent outside. All this and more awaits visitors to Callaghan Country and guests who stay at the Journeyman Lodge. And even better, getting here means a 13.8-kilometer ski in via the Mainline Trail from the nearest road (a snowmobile ride is another option).

Callaghan Country is reached from the base at Alexander Falls ski center. Lodge staff will transport your bags, meaning you can bring all the gear you want and enjoy the few hours of skiing through the woods to reach your home base for the next few days. Journeyman Lodge sits at the center of Callaghan Country and offers what they appropriately refer to as "Rustic-Luxe" accommodations. The lodge is intimate, offering just eight private rooms. And the wood-burning, suits-optional Finnish sauna is the perfect place to relax your muscles after a long day of doing loops in the backcountry powder.

As far as things to do, there is no shortage of backcountry and groomed terrain accessible from the lodge. Head out cross-country skiing on the Meadows + Solitude Loops or snowshoe on the trails around the lodge. Some of the most accessible backcountry skiing terrain leaves right from the lodge to access Journeyman Peak and the North Shoulder. Snowcat service is available to reach other terrain in Callaghan Country, like that found at Callaghan Lake.

You don't have to stay the night at the lodge to enjoy Callaghan Country. For those wishing for a fun, relaxing day and who are staying at nearby Whistler, Squamish or even in Vancouver, a snowcat shuttle services the Alexander Falls Base. The lot closes at 4:30 p.m., however, so day-trippers need to make the most of their time and get an early start.