Prices + Booking

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, each guest must complete the following:

  • our online waiver (we encourage you to review this before signing)
  • Agree to our terms and conditions
  • Complete a Registration Form

The elevation of the lodge is 1860m. The surrounding peaks’ elevation will vary. However, for reference:

The most common high points are 2300m; The highest we generally climb is 2500m. Low points of 1600m. The highest peak in the tenure is Whitecap – 2912m, but this is not a common objective .

Average day: 1000m of elevation gain
Above average day: 1500m
Big day: 2000m
Mega: 2000m+
Elevation gain is dependent on many things, such as; travel conditions, stability, weather, group fitness and desire, daylight (time of year).

The Flexi pricing option increases the flexibility of our cancellation policy. This rate requires a Deposit of $12500 at the time of booking. Final payment at 10 weeks. Non-refundable inside of 4 weeks. 50% refundable 4-10 weeks. 10+ weeks – refund less a non-refundable booking fee of $275. No refunds for bad weather or acts of force majeure. Trip cancellation/interruption and medical insurance are advised to be purchased as soon as you book. Cancellation requests need to be received via email to winter@whitecapalpine.ca. The evacuation fund is included in the Flexi rate. 

The Advanced Purchase pricing option is non-refundable and the balance is due in full at the time of booking.  There are no refunds given for weather delays or acts of force majeure. The evacuation fund is NOT included in this rate, and we recommend that you make sure you have coverage to reduce costs of extraction in case of a medical emergency.

Yes, before payment, each guest must complete:

  • Our online waiver,
  • Agree to our terms and conditions
  • Complete a Registration Form

Whitecap and Whitecap International cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy and all cancellations must be received in writing.

Our cancellation policy will depend on whether you have taken the Flexi rate or Advanced Purchase rate. In both circumstances, there are no refunds given for weather delays or acts of force majeure. 

Flexi Purchase Rate • $2,799.00 plus GST, per person
Deposit of $1250 at the time of booking. Final payment at 10 weeks. Non-refundable inside of 4 weeks. 50% refundable 4-10 weeks. 10+ weeks – refund less a non-refundable booking fee of $275 per space booked. No refunds for bad weather or acts of force majeure.   Trip cancellation/interruption and medical insurance are advised to be purchased as soon as you book. Cancellation requests need to be received via email to winter@whitecapalpine.ca. The evacuation fund is included in the Flexi rate.
Advance purchase $2,599.00 plus GST, per person
The Advanced Purchase rate is due in full at the time of booking and is non-refundable. The evacuation fund is not included in this rate.

The lodge operates in the winter from mid December to mid April.  We may decided to extend our season pending snow conditions and interest.

All guests initially meet in Pemberton at the Pemberton Airport Terminal building for a trip briefing and helicopter orientation.

Meeting Times:
Saturday 8:15 AM
Tuesday 10:45 AM

The terminal building is just east of the Blackcomb Helicopters office and Hanger. Please park directly opposite the terminal entrance. Once the pilot is happy with the weather window and everyone is clear on the logistics for the day, we will drive in convoy to our staging area at the Red Barn, in D’Arcy. It is about 45 minutes east of the airport. Please ensure you have transport to D’Arcy organized. We encourage carpooling where possible. Vehicles can be left at Pemberton Airport if necessary.

Please arrive ready to ski. We will ask you to change into your ski boots in D’Arcy for the helicopter transfer. From here it is a short 10 minute flight into the Lodge.

Luggage allowance of 15kg (40lbs) per person including personal alcohol. This does not include skiing equipment.
Pack personal gear into a small duffel or into your daypack. Avoid large duffel bags or rigid frame travel bags.

Wear bulky and ski clothing as well as ski boots in the helicopter.

Proper equipment in good working order makes for a comfortable and worry-free outdoor adventure. Whitecap Alpine recommends that all guests have current powder skiing and mountaineering equipment to ensure the best possible experience. We also advise that all specific safety equipment be tested prior to arrival.

Comfortable feet are crucial to a successful week of skiing. If you are planning to rent boots, we suggest that you either bring a pair of liners that fit your feet from other ski boots, or bring the second pair of boots.

For the best accessibility, we suggest that skis be at least 110 mm in the shovel with properly fitting adhesive climbing skins. Our guides use and recommend G3 skis and equipment. Visit www.genuineguidegear.com for more.

Snowboarders should be using split boards. There are great options available for rent and purchase. Please contact us or check out the new splitboards from G3. www.genuineguidegear.com

It is mandatory that all guests have in their possession at-all-times in the field: Shovel, Probe and Digital Transceiver (457 Khz single frequency).

Ski Gear

• Ski touring boots or Snowboard boots
• Skis or splitboard snowboard
• Ski poles
• Adhesive climbing skins (Fitted to width and length of your skis/board)
• Ski crampons*
• Backpack capacity: 30-40 litre (2000-2400 cubic Inches)
• Avalanche probe
• Snow Shovel
• Digital Avalanche Transceiver
• Spare transceiver batteries (purchase new ones & check for correct size)
• Ski goggles
• Glacier glasses/sunglasses
• Insulated water bottle 2 litres  (Camelback or other hydration system)
• Small thermos (optional)

*  Optional but advised for when conditions warrant.

Ski Clothing

• Ski pants
• Long underwear, shirt and bottoms (poly-pro/wool blends)
• Mid Layer for insulation and wind while being active
• Warm socks (3 Pair)
• Ski gloves / Mitts / Waterproof Outers (2 pair)
• Gore-tex outer jacket / parka (with hood)
• Down/Synthetic jacket (warm, “puffy” type jacket)
• Toque (ski hat) • Sun hat (baseball cap or sombrero) & bandana/Buff

Lodge Clothing

• Lightweight casual pants (denim jeans / chinos)
• T-shirt
• Socks & underwear (spares and extras)
• Sweater or lightweight fleece shirt
• Light runners or sandals
• Towel
• Swim suit
• Personal toiletries

Other Critical and Important Stuff

•SLEEPING BAG (light personal sleeping bag) The lodge provides a fitted sheet, blanket and pillows with pillow cases

Personal first-Aid & blister Kit (second skin, compeed, athletic tape, personal medications, Ibuprofen, etc.)
• Earplugs
• Sun block (high SPF rated or zinc-type ointment)
• Camera & film (spare camera batteries and/or charger for digital cameras, plus USB connector)
• Repairs & spares kit (for own model of A/T, telemark, or snowboard binding Systems)
• Wine and Spirits, We have a selection of Phillips and Red Truck beer at the lodge
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Reading materials

On a Saturday exchange day, skiing generally commences after the emergency training session, roughly between 11:00AM and noon.

On a regular day, breakfast is at 7:30AM, skiing commences afterwards between 8:30AM and 9AM. Skiing for the day or as you desire. Back home for apres and a sauna at dusk and dinner is between 6:30 and 7PM.

We are very flexible, it’s about you and what you want. Groups are managed based on individual desires, interest and ability. We generally run two main groups based on the number of guests who are interested in skiing and their ability levels. There is usually one stronger group, one moderate paced group and at times a third group focused on a specific speed, which could be ultra fast or completely mellow. We are more than happy to cater to novice backcountry users all the way up to the hammerheads. We generally have two guides and one assistant. Private guides are available upon request.  Email us for more information.

The chefs at Whitecap take allergies seriously and most can be accommodated. Allergies such as shellfish, peanuts, and lactose intolerance can be managed with advanced notice. Celiac disease can also be managed depending on severity, we use a lot of flour and wheat products making contact difficult to eliminate completely. Please contact us for your personal needs cooks@whitecapalpine.ca

 

Heli Drops are based on flight time starting at $1699+gst per 30 minutes.  Depending on how many people are doing the drop you can expect to spend anywhere between $400 and $600 plus tax.  The program runs as a value added program and we generally use it when the weather and conditions are conducive.

Guests ski a half day on Tuesday, generally skiing from 8:30 to 11:30AM

A light pair or running shoes or snow boots work well. The pathways are kept well packed down and mostly clear of fresh snow. Slippers or flip flops are a good option for the lodge.

We ask you bring a light sleeping bag or duvet to sleep in. We provide a fitted sheet, wool blanket and pillows with pillow cases.

We keep the yurts at room temperature, they are very comfortable, warm, heated and well insulated.

We have charging stations at the lodge for all your electronic devices.

There is wifi available at the lodge. We charge $15/trip to access it. It is only available in the main lodge.

Yes, airbags are an excellent way to decrease your chance of being buried in an avalanche. They are not mandatory, but if you do own one, please feel free to bring it with you.

Please let the Whitecap staff know you have an airbag upon your arrival at the airport as it will have to go in the basket of the helicopter.

In all scenarios, Whitecap still highly recommends that all guests purchase trip cancellation, trip interruption, and medical insurance. If we can provide direction or guidance in regards to insurance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Cancellation insurance can be purchased from your local travel insurance company. For residents of BC, cancellation insurance can be difficult to purchase. We recommend Acera Insurancehttps://capricmw.ca/lifestyle-financial/lifestyle-travel/quote

Yes! We encourage guests to bring in wine and spirits if you so choose.

We offer a premium selection of local craft beers. There is a small selection of hard liquor as well.

PLEASE NOTE: We do not sell wine up at the lodge.  If you are a wine drinker please bring in your own if you weight limit allows.

Saturday departure is approximately 9:00AM, arriving back in Pemberton by 11:30AM.

Tuesday departure is approximately 12:00PM, arriving back in Pemberton by 2:00PM.

All times are conditional to current flying conditions.

We have 6 toilets total; 4 number 1 toilets; 1 inside Woodhall, 1 inside Rivendell and two outhouses near the main lodge and 2 two heated composting toilets for all your toilet needs.

Yes, we have one on demand hot water shower system and a sauna.

All yurts and out buildings are plumbed with running water and sinks.

Signing up for the Evacuation Fund covers the cost of the helicopter evacuation in an emergency if you fall ill or get injured and need to immediately be taken to a higher level of care.

$50 per person, per trip, to be paid prior to the start of your trip date. Depending on the trip package you book, the evacuation fund could be included in the price of the trip. Please ask if you are unsure.
The evacuation fund is only available for McGillivray Pass Lodge and Peaks of Pemberton trips.  Without it you could be left to pay the bill for the helicopter if you are not otherwise insured. The cost of the flight will depend on flight time. You should expect this to be somewhere in the realm of $2000.

If you buy trip insurance make sure the provider knows that you will be backcountry ski touring and ask them if helicopter evacuation is covered.
For those with MSP, helicopter evacuation may be included in some cases, but the process will need to go through the proper chain of command via a 911 call and then be passed on to Search and Rescue. Having access to the evacuation fund allows us to bypass a potentially lengthy process and not take up the volunteer SAR resource. We go directly to our helicopter provider for the quickest possible extraction from the field. All our guides are certified Wilderness first responders and the decision to fly comes under the guidance of our Medical Directors.

At Whitecap we only work with the best fully certified ACMG Ski Guides in the winter and hiking guides in the summer. All of our guides are knowledgeable about the terrain and the snow conditions they will be taking you in. Assessing snow stability and evaluating avalanche hazard is always our first priority.

The lodge can hold a maximum of 15 guests. If you would like to bring more please email winter@whitecapalpine.ca and we will do our best to accommodate your group.

We make sure to fly in fresh, locally sourced ingredients to serve our guests the best possible meals. Our chefs are known for creating amazing spreads for breakfast, lunch, apres and dinner. We are happy to cater to your dietary needs if you give us a heads up before you arrive!

We proudly partner with Blackcomb Helicopters,  who as of January 1st, 2019 became the first full-service helicopter operator in the world to offset 100% of its carbon footprint.

Through a significant contribution to a forest conservation project on Quadra Island, as well as local green tech and travel initiatives, BH is offsetting its carbon footprint through the sequestration of greenhouses gases by preserving forests, encouraging greener travel for commuters, and incorporating energy savings and lower emissions in new building design. You can learn more about Blackcomb Helicopters’ ‘Fly Carbon Neutral’ program here: https://blackcombhelicopters.com/carbon-offset-program

 

Smoking is not permitted at the lodge, staging areas or anywhere within the Whitecap Tenure.

COVID-19: As we learn to live post pandemic let’s please be smart and respectful and if you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

You can check the upcoming weather and snow condition at this link prior for your trip up to the lodge.

McGillivray Pass Weather Forecast (click here)

All tips are split equally between all staff.  At the end of your trip the Lodge caretake will draft you up an invoice with your addition items such as merchandise and alcohol.  At this time you can request that they add a tip onto your invoice.  This invoice will be emailed to you for you to pay online.

We do not take any payment at the lodge unless it is cash.