LQ Outpost Backcountry Ski Lodge in British Columbia

The LQ Outpost guided backcountry ski lodge in British Columbia is one of the most comfortable lodges in BC

Skiers returning to the LQ Outpost after a glorious day of human-powered backcountry skiing in the Selkirk range of British Columbia. Photo by Zeb Blais.

LQ Outpost Backcountry Lodge

If you know, you know. And those who've been to LQ Outpost in British Columbia know that it is one of the most spectacular lodges in the province. While the name might imply a rough-around-the-edges, rustic and primitive hut, the LQ Outpost is nothing of the sort.

LQ Outpost guided backcountry ski lodge in British Columbia is next door to Hilda Hut in the Valkyr Range

The LQ Outpost perched at the top of the Burton Creek drainage in British Columbia. Photo by Zeb Blais.

Anything but an outpost, the LQ Outpost is a comfortable, modern lodge with all the amenities of home. It features running water with hot showers and indoor flush toilets, a grand dining room and lounge, and plenty of space for drying gear. It also has a satellite building that features a wood-fired sauna.

Sunset at the LQ Outpost Backcountry Ski Lodge in British Columbia. Photo by Zeb Blais.

The beautiful dining room, kitchen, drying area and living room/lounge (in the back) at the LQ Outpost Backcountry Ski Lodge in British Columbia. Photo by Zeb Blais.

Even better than the comforts of the lodge is the ski terrain it opens access to. LQ Outpost is arguably one of the comfiest lodges out there, but steep trees, open bowls and featured couloirs are really what makes this lodge shine. The variety makes for incredible skiing in a variety of weather and avalanche hazard. The terrain is accessed literally from the front door - just ski right past the sauna and dropping off the Sauna Chutes into a 1,400' open powder run!

Mellow powder skiing at the LQ Outpost Backcountry Ski Lodge in British Columbia. Photo by Mike Stender.

Deep powder skiing at the LQ Outpost Backcountry Ski Lodge in British Columbia. Photo by Mike Stender.

Skinning a narrow ridge on Windy Peak at LQ Outpost Backcountry Ski Lodge in British Columbia with Lequreux Peak (left) and Unnamed Peak (right) in the background. Photo by Matt Geltzeiler.

Open bowl powder skiing at LQ Outpost Backcountry Ski Lodge in British Columbia. Photo by Andy Lindblade.

Unnamed Peak with Hilda Peak in the background. Photo: Zeb Blais

The Selkirk Mountains with Lequeruex Peak on the right as seen from the flanks of Unnamed Peak. Photo: Zeb Blais

LQ Outpost Backcountry Lodge Stats

Lodge Elevation: 7,200' / 2,200m
Acres of Skiable Terrain (Tenure): 5600 acres (23 sq km)
Capacity: 12 Guests + 2 Guides + Cook + Custodian
Glaciated Terrain? No Glaciated terrain.
Number of Named Runs: 33
Max Elevation: 8264' / 2500m Lequereux Peak
Low Elevation of Typical Runs: 4900'/1500m
Running Water: Yes
Flush Toilets: Yes
Electricity: Yes (Micro hydropower with generator backup)
Guest WiFi: For a fee
Access to Lodge: Helicopter

About the Author

Zeb Blais is an IFMGA Mountain Guide and AIARE Avalanche Course Leader based in Truckee California. He loves all the disciplines of mountain guiding - ski, rock and alpine climbing - but skiing is his first love. In the winter he enjoys backcountry skiing, guiding local and international ski trips, and teaching avalanche courses across the west coast, from Bishop, California to Mt Baker, Washington.