AlpX Yurt
The Sea to Sky’s newest backcountry accommodation nestled in the Whistler backcountry
Private backcountry accommodation in the Coast Mountains
Take a trip to the remote alpine and get away from the rest of the world for a breather. With a comfortable home in the hills, you’ll have a private space to make some great meals, spend time in the alpine meadows with friends or family in the Summer or ski tour the incredible terrain in the Winter, and wander the beautiful backyard of Pemberton BC. Just a quick helicopter flight from Whistler heliport sits the private AlpX Yurt which has 6 bunks, a comfortable living space and kitchen, and the best patio in town. Make great food, enjoy morning coffee on the deck, and explore a plethora of beautiful terrain.
*Although there are 6 bunks, a typical flight in an Astar helicopter will seat 5 passengers.
Stocked with propane heating and cookstove, bunks with mattresses & pillows, a kitchen and dining area, and plenty of space to dry out your gear at night, the AlpX Yurt offers a premium backcountry shelter for your ski touring explorations or summer getaways.
Summer Bookings
Spend some time secluded in the mountains where you can enjoy the alpine meadows high above the Pemberton valley. While there are no dedicated hiking trails in the area, the AlpX Yurt provides a peaceful alpine getaway during the Summer to enjoy some time away eating delicious meals with a spectacular view and wandering the beautiful Whistler & Pemberton backyard.
Winter Bookings
The ski touring terrain around the hut is mostly large high alpine terrain with varying difficulties of slopes, and most suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers. The terrain is generally challenging to complex but there are some simple terrain options. Ski touring is generally best during periods of greater snow stability.
What’s included at the Yurt
Private backcountry accommodation
2-burner propane cooktop, complete with supplies and equipment, such as pots, plates, utensils, mugs, glasses, coffee press, and teapots. Personal cookstoves are not to be used within the hut - if you would prefer to bring your own equipment to minimize cleaning requirements, you are welcome to do so.
Propane Heater for a comfortable temperature indoors.
Mattress + Pillow in twin-sized bunks.
Bunk beds, dining area & kitchen area - open concept with curtains to separate your sleeping space.
LED lighting
Urine diverting toilet - located in an outbuilding w/o heating
Water for cooking
Important Information
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Food & beverage
A 20L jug of water will be provided, but best to also bring additional.Food and beverages must be packed in sealed luggage or coolers (not grocery bags). Coolers must not exceed 23” wide or 22” high. Length is not a concern.
3 Season Sleeping Bag (Internal temp can be regulated by the available heater)
Pillowcase (to place over existing vinyl pillow cover for sanitary reasons)
Hut Slippers
Outerwear
Portable battery bank for personal devices (optional) - Charging is not possible at the Yurt.
Devices: Speaker, inReach, Cameras etc.
Winter Bookings:
Skis/Splitboard & skins
Avalanche safety gear - Airbag packs are at the discretion of the guest, and allowed in the basket of our aircraft.
Save list for later
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We advise guests to bring two separate bags so that they are ready to ski immediately after dropping their overnight bag.
Two bags maximum per person:
1x Day pack for skiing. Max 30lbs/40L
1x Overnight BagMax. 45lbs/70L
(ie. Duffel) No loose items, pack everything inside.1x Cooler per group:
Max dimensions: 22” W x 23” H. Length is not a concern.1x Ski/Board equipment per person Please have skis/poles strapped together.
We require guests to have have all of their gear packed in a tight efficient manner. No loose items so that unloading and loading is easier. We advise against grocery bags or tote bags or any bags without proper zippered closures.
Space is limited inside the aircraft, so please be selective on what you need to bring.
We advise guests to wear their ski gear and ski boots for the initial flight in.
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Is the Yurt in a safe place?
The yurt is positioned in accordance with the Canadian Avalanche Association’s recommended definitions for occupied structures. This system is used to define areas of low (white), moderate (blue), and high (red) hazard for such structures. It is similar to avalanche hazard zone classification schemes in other alpine countries. The yurt is within what is professionally assessed as a white zone, which means that construction of occupied structures is normally permitted because the risk of minor damage to such structures is considered acceptable due to low likelihoods.
Where is it?
The location is about a 10 minute flight from the Pemberton Airport. See the bottom of the page for a visual of the yurt in its surrounding terrain.Can you ski in/out of the location?
The choice to ski in and/or out is via complex, below treeline terrain and is not recommended. -
The terrain around the Yurt is suitable for Intermediate to Expert skiers/boarders.
If your ability level is not suitable for the terrain and helicopter transportation is required, any additional costs will be the responsibility of the client.
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This trip is subject to all AlpX’s Booking Policies / Terms & Conditions:
Late Arrival or Departures - Flights are booked within a tight schedule, and guests arriving late to their flights may miss their opportunity to fly out on that given date. No refund will be given for missed flights. If a day is cut short due to weather, there will be a discussion in advance of the day for options. If the guest participates in all flights then no refund will be given.
Payment & Confirmation - All rates are quoted in Canadian currency and are subject to 5% GST taxes. Confirmation is made by email. A 25% deposit will be taken at time of booking.
Weather Conditions - All tours and adventures are subject to weather, availability of aircraft, and civil emergencies.
Refunds - Guests must cancel outside of 14 days of the anticipated activity to receive a full refund. If there is a cancellation by Blackcomb Helicopters as a result of inclement weather, the guest will not be responsible for the helicopter rate. If the day is able to proceed, the rate will remain the same as initially advertised. (More info in FAQ). See Additional Fee Guidelines.
Cancellation Policy - Cancellations must be made to Blackcomb Helicopter directly. Email or phone and are not considered cancelled until acknowledged by return email or phone call by Blackcomb Helicopters staff. Inside of 14 days, no refund will be given for accommodation books (medical reasons may be an exception). The cost of the helicopter flight time may be refunded up until 48hrs prior to the trip.
Insurance - We do not request proof of insurance coverage, but please ensure that you have appropriate coverage to ensure that you are adequately covered for any eventuality. We highly suggest that you purchase trip cancellation insurance to avoid penalties related to a change in plans.
Waiver - You will be required to sign and return an electronic waiver and release of liability.
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Tenure & Sustainability
In the tourism sector, a tenure exists to help balance the interest of commercial operators with the interests of public use, wildlife use, environmental presence, and first nations support. AlpX has the title to a wide variety of tenured terrain in the Sea to Sky with several different activities permitted in each area. We are responsible for staying within the limitations outlined in our Tenure Management Plan. This includes using the correct regions exclusively for the activities permitted, and operating in a safe and sustainable manner. Tenure holders must abide by the provincial Backcountry Recreation/Tourism Wildlife Guidelines.
Carbon Offsetting
As a 100% Carbon Offset company since 2018, Blackcomb Helicopters//AlpX offsets the emissions from your trip. This includes emissions created by your flight, shuttle, and our base of operations. If you would like to further reduce your footprint by doubling your contribution, we invite you to do so during checkout. Donations will go towards the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Learn more about our carbon offsetting here.
Pricing
Expectations:
This is a remote location accessible only by helicopter. As such, there are certain requests and expectations we have from our guests.
Guests will be responsible for cleaning up after themselves. A damage/cleaning deposit will be taken in advance of your stay, and if the Yurt is not left as it was found, there will be an appropriate penalty towards your group. A full cleaning checklist will be available in the yurt upon arrival as well as other check-out requirements.
AlpX will provide mattresses and pillows for our guests, but we expect all guests to bring their own sleeping bags and a pillow case. This is not only for your own comfort, but also for the cleanliness and sanitary benefit of future guests.
The terrain surrounding the yurt is committing avalanche terrain. This is not a place for beginners skiers/boarders, and we require all riders to have previous backcountry ski touring/splitboarding experience.
There are runs for intermediate to expert skiers available in complex terrain. Open bowls, chutes, tree skiing and more. However, as the yurt is located at tree line, most of the skiing is in high alpine bowls and below tree line terrain is more limited.
Cell Service is limited but available at the Yurt with most providers. We would recommend not relying on this, but typically “a few bars” are available. There is NO Wifi available.
Guests understand that if they are booking the Yurt Accommodation Only, they are self-sufficient in the backcountry and are required to go through the regular emergency services channels should they require assistance.
