If you’ve ever yearned to relax and enjoy the big-mountain experience, you owe it to yourself to book a week of touring. More and more resort skiers are discovering that a guided lodge-based trip is both a physical challenge and a mental reset, but being pampered at the end of each day with luxe accommodations and home-cooked meals is another reward all unto itself. The Backcountry Lodges of British Columbia Association has 28 members and you could build a really sweet bucket list just by picking and choosing from its offerings. Here are five varied examples of what the backcountry lodge experience offers. Start your dreaming at backcountrylodgesofbc.com. PURCELL MOUNTAIN LODGE Where: Purcell Range, north of Golden, BC Best reasons for going: Mellow terrain is ideal for telemark skiing and getting used to practising sometimes awkward kick turns. To take a first-time backcountry trip that does not mean “roughing it” in any way. (Hot showers in the backcountry? Yes, really.) A luxe, self-contained out cabin is ideal for couples celebrating a honeymoon or other special occasions. New Lake to Peak program aimed at Nordic skiers combines three different lodge experiences in one: a night at Emerald Lake Lodge in Yoho National Park, four nights at Purcell Mountain Lodge, and a final night at Buffalo Mountain Lodge in Banff National Park. Insider tip: Spouse or significant other doesn’t ski? The flat plateau that the lodge sits on is ideal for both snowshoeing and cross-country shuffling. Read the full article - http://skicanadamag.com/away/