Ski mountaineering at our Waddington Basecamp
The Waddington Range
The Waddington Range has some of the most spectacular mountains in Canada, with huge relief, steep faces, and large broken glaciers.
In 2026 we plan to set up camp on the North East side of the Waddington Range, providing opportunities for some incredible loops on big glaciers and summits.
Prerequisites - Waddington Basecamp
- Previous ski mountaineering experience, including the use of ski crampons, boot crampons and an ice axe.
- Ability to descend (in control) steep and exposed slopes up to 40 degrees.
- Fitness to manage 1500m of climbing per day (rest days possible).
- Able to perform kick-turns while traveling uphill or downhill to avoid crevasses and other hazards.
Itinerary - Waddington Basecamp
April 30th - May 9th 2026
Day 1 (April 30th): Meet in Tatla Lake at 5pm to prepare for our flight the next morning.
Day 2: Drive to Bluff Lake and fly in a helicopter to set up basecamp. In the afternoon we'll refresh avalanche and crevasse rescue protocols then go for a quick ski tour if time permits.
Days 3-9: Ski mountaineering objectives from basecamp.
Day 10 (May 9th): Pack up camp, fly back to Bluff Lake and start the journey home.
Please note: If weather and conditions are not suitable for the above itinerary, we may have to wait for several days at Bluff Lake, or choose an alternate destination nearby. Excellent weather is required for landing on glaciers and the possibility of getting stuck at camp is real.
Waddington Basecamp Dates
April 30th - May 9th 2026
3:1 ratio
$5300 CAD + 5% GST
Please make sure you have read through the booking conditions before making a payment. This includes completing the Waiver and Registration Form.
E-Transfer to [email protected] is the preferred method of payment. Please contact us for alternate payment methods.
Included
- Return helicopter flight to basecamp
- 7 days of ski mountaineering objectives
- Breakfasts and dinners at basecamp
- One night accommodation in Tatla Lake including dinner and breakfast
- Large dining/kitchen tent
- 3:1 guiding ratio
- Group gear including ropes
Excluded
- Travel to and from Tatla/Bluff Lake
- Travel/medical/rescue insurance
- Extra nights accommodation in case of delays or an early finish
- Lunches/snacks
- Personal equipment and 4-season tent
- Extra expenses incurred due to food allergies/preferences
Getting to the Waddington Range
If you're flying to or within Canada, the closest airport is Williams Lake (500km North of Vancouver). From here you can rent a car (or catch a ride with other participants who are driving) and drive 223km West to our meeting place at Tatla Lake.
From Tatla Lake it is 23km on a dirt road to Bluff Lake where will will meet the helicopter.
There is no food, cell reception or gas at Bluff Lake, so please make sure you arrive prepared.
Equipment List - Waddington
- Shovel
- Probe
- Transceiver (3 antenna) and spare batteries
- Ski touring skis or splitboard (no ski bags)
- Skins
- Personal repair kit specific to your equipment
- Skin wax (or a candle)
- Ski touring boots/plastic snowboarding boots
- Boot crampons (compatible with your boots)
- Ski Crampons
- Ice axe
- Helmet
- Ski poles
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Sunglasses
- Goggles and/or spare sunglasses
- Personal first aid supplies
- Toque
- Sun hat
- Suncream
- Lip balm with UV protection
- 2 x 1L wide mouth water bottles or Thermos (NO bladders due to freezing, leaking and filling issues)
- Gore-tex (or equivalent) jacket
- Gore-tex (or equivalent) pants
- Puffy jacket or two depending on thickness
- Puffy pants (recommended for around camp)
- Warm layers for upper and lower body adequate for below freezing temperatures and wind
- Socks x 2-3
- Thick gloves
- Thin gloves
- Spare gloves
- Harness
- 3 locking carabiners
- 4 non-locking carabiners
- 240cm sewn sling or equivalent
- Personal prussik
- Rappel device (ATC style)
- 35-45L backpack
- 4-season tent (rentals available subject to availability)
- Cloth grocery bags (or alternative) to anchor tent in snow
- Guylines for tent
- Sleeping Bag (at least -18 degrees)
- Inflatable sleeping pad (rated for winter)
- Foam pad for sitting on (and inflatable mattress redundancy)
- Down/synthetic booties for wearing around camp
- Pee bottle (recommended)
- Lunch/snacks for 10 days (Breakfast and dinners provided)
- Fork/spoon
- Large bowl
- Drinking mug with lid
- Toiletries
We have limited space in the helicopter, so all of the above trip gear including your tent etc. must fit in your daypack plus a 90L duffle bag. Your lunches/snacks/drinks should fit within a 15L rubbermaid or equivalent. If we have extra room, there may be space for extra items such as drinks etc.