Welcome to Kootenay Backcountry Guides!

We are the Kootenay's backcountry and safety experts. We can help you make the most out of your winter backcountry adventures. Our guided ski touring/splitboarding trips and avalanche skills training courses are your best way to maximize your fun and safety in the backcountry. Our certified guides and avalanche professionals will use their expertise to make your backcountry dreams a reality.

The structure of ski resorts are changing, more people are starting to tour the backcountry. We help you get beyond the boundaries and build confidence so you can go further and be safer.

Our Associations

Kootenay Backcountry Guide’s is proud to be official providers of Avalanche Canada’s courses. Our guides are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, the Canadian Avalanche Association and the Canadian Ski Guide association.

COVID-19 Updates, Plans & Policies

We understand that many of you have questions and concerns regarding the current COVID-19 situation and how this will impact your upcoming travel and backcountry ski experience. Please know that we are taking all the necessary steps to be at the forefront of operating in a manner that adheres to all local, provincial and national guidelines and we are working closely with our Backcountry Lodge Association (BLBCA), Avalanche Canada, Whitewater Ski Resort, and other local businesses.

As a result of the worldwide pandemic, we took the summer to re-evaluate how our courses are delivered, run guided tours, and still make sure you receive the same (if not better) unforgettable backcountry experiences. This has allowed us ample time to prepare a solid COVID-19 Response Plan.

January 13, 2021 Update - At this time we are only taking bookings from British Columbian Residents for AST courses and guided tours. If you are from outside the B.C. we still encourage you to register for 2022 courses/guided tours. Any questions please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ski Touring

Expert Local Knowledge

Avalanche Skills Training

Know before you go

"Pursued the AST-1 course with KBG based on recommendations from a few friends and they exceeded my expectations. The online training course was excellent preparation before two full days in the field. It allows you to learn the basics of avalanche safety at your own pace while using real-world examples of situations you may encounter in the field..."
"Judson took us on a 2 day back country adventurer which it was my first experience in over 20 years. The professionalism was world class and made us feel super safe and his coaching was exceptional. We had an amazing experience in some extraordinary terrain both in Kootenay pass and 5 Mile basin. I would recommend him and his outfit to anyone who was looking to explore the area around Nelson."
"Judson is an amazing guide and instructor. I was super nervous about getting into the backcountry and Judson's course helped me begin to feel more comfortable about where to start. He's super knowledgeable, experienced, supportive, and a lot of fun. I've also had the pleasure of having Judson as a guide and would highly recommend him. Had an amazing, safe day! Can't wait to get out again!"
"We completed the Managing Avalanche Terrain course with Judson Wright today, and it was phenomenal. Judson is highly experienced and spared no detail when sharing his knowledge with us. Doing the online learning instead of a class room was ideal. We had a huge day out in the field and although pit digging and companion rescue wasn't on the curriculum, we did it anyway. Thanks Judson!!"
"I recently took the AST-1 course with KBG. It was a very professional and informative course with lots of time in the field and a well designed online primer. Would highly recommend this outfit for anybody thinking of getting their AST-1."

Programs