Ah, the backcountry. Where we make alpine escapes, traverse powder-filled meadows and weave through forested winterlands. Where a trackless trail leads straight off the grid. Find solitude in the stillness of nature. Or the complete opposite: feel your adrenaline rush while clinging to a wall of ice or while barreling through chutes on the back of a sled. At the end of the day, take refuge in a backcountry hut, making fast friends with those who wander in.

We picked the brain of British Columbia Magazine contributing editor and Explore magazine editor, David Webb for his top backcountry snow adventures. Here are the twenty that made the shortlist. 

6. Wapta Traverse Just east of Golden BC
About: Straddle the Continental Divide on this hut-to-hut traverse that weaves between Banff and Yoho National Park. It involves multiple ski-mountaineering objectives, hulking glaciers and excellent snow. This is backcountry ski rivals classic European traverses. The best time of year to attempt it is in late spring when daylight extends later into the evening. 

10. Ice Climbing the Kicking Horse Canyon
Pretty Nuts: Grading -WI4 Length - 180 metres
Essondale Left: Grading - WI3 Length - 140 metres
Riverview: Grading - WI3/WI4+ Length - 100 metres

15. Snowmobiling Golden, BC

With over 240 kilometres of trails, Golden is a sled mecca. Enveloped by the Purcell, Rocky and Selkirk Mountains, it's almost trite to describe the views as simply scenic. They stunning, if not ethereal. Light and dry snow conditions also make Golden a favourite. It consistently receives top SnoRiders Rider's Choice awards. 

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