Kees and Claire Hut - Hut Based Ski Touring

The Kees and Claire Hut is located behind Whistler Ski Resort in the Fitzsimmons range on the edge of Russet Lake. It's the first of 3 huts that will eventually create a hut system along the popular Spearhead Traverse. However, as a stand-alone backcountry ski destination the 36-person Kees and Claire hut is ideally situated at 1950m on the border of excellent tree skiing and big alpine peaks like Mount Fissile.

This year we're excited to be offering a 3-day, backcountry ski touring trip out of the Kees and Claire hut. Let us arrange your hut booking, lift tickets (if you need some) and of course some amazing backcountry guides for an amazing trip into the snowy paradise!

The Terrain Around the Kees and Claire Hut:

The area around the hut has a ton of easily accessible ski touring right out the door. It's a great zone for storm days as there's lots of open tree skiing in the sub-alpine glades with amazing terrain and powder! But when the sky breaks blue there are a ton of amazing high alpine lines to explore. Let us show you the secret backcountry powder stashes and amazing big mountain lines that only the locals know about!

Who’s this trip for:

The Whistler backcountry has a range of terrain for anyone from beginner to advanced, both skiers and splitboarders. This particular trip is low-ratio and will be ideal for anyone who has a reasonable level of fitness (can walk uphill for a few hours) and some backcountry experience.

The Kees and Claire Hut Amenities:

The Kees and Claire Hut is a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient backcountry hut with about 36 sleeping spaces divided into 6 bedrooms and even a USB charging station. Here are a few more details to give you a feel for the place:

• The hut's well heated making sitting around the various tables comfortable.
• Hut shoes are provided.
• There are 6 bedrooms, each with 6 sleeping spaces, complete with mats so you'll just need a light sleeping bag and maybe a small pillow.
• The large kitchen is fully equipped with propane stoves, cooking equipment, pots, plates, utensils, etc. Only food needs to be carried in.
• There's an indoor composting toilet for your comfort and to minimize environmental impact.
• It also has electricity, lights and, as mentioned, USB ports for charging phones, etc.
• Cell service is good to intermittent depending on your service provider.
• A large lounge area with a fireplace has games, yoga mats and some rollers

Waiver & Risk Management:

As you know, outdoor activities involve numerous hazards including, but not limited to, avalanches, crevasses, rockfall, slips and falls, equipment failure, poor weather, etc. And while we do our best to anticipate and mitigate these hazards we cannot completely eliminate them. So, as with anything fun, you will be required to sign our Participant Release to take part in one of our courses or trips.