A powder punch card featuring a skier on an adventurous expedition in the mountains.

Powder punch card

The ultimate backcountry skiing card!

Photo: Skiing deep powder near Duffey Lake, BC

2022 Travellers Choice award badge

The MSAA Guiding Powder Punch Philosophy

guide leading the way into the backcountry with group

Join a Community

Join a community of backcountry skiers and splitboarders!

Crevasse Rescue digging t-slot

Get Mentorship

Receive expert mentorship from professional ACMG guides. 

Backcountry skier skiing through powder

Ski the best snow

Always ski the best snow and find the hidden lines.

Group cheering when they find someone in Whistler Backcountry

Save Money

Because who doesn’t like saving money?

Student giving the thumbs up on an AST1 course

Have Fun!

Most importantly have fun!

A line of beer taps on a bar in Whistler, Canada.

Not to mention... discounted Beer!

Oh and did we mention discounted beer all season long!

The MSAA Guiding Powder Punch Philosophy

guide leading the way into the backcountry with group

Join a Community

Join a community of backcountry skiers and splitboarders!

Crevasse Rescue digging t-slot

Get Mentorship

Receive expert mentorship from professional ACMG guides. 

Backcountry skier skiing through powder

Ski the best snow

Always ski the best snow and find the hidden lines.

Group cheering when they find someone in Whistler Backcountry

Save Money

Because who doesn’t like saving money?

Student giving the thumbs up on an AST1 course

Have Fun!

Most importantly have fun!

A line of beer taps on a bar in Whistler, Canada.

Not to mention... discounted Beer!

Oh and did we mention discount beer all season long… 

Powder Punch Card Testimonials

PUNCH Card added value

*conditions apply see details below.

PUNCH Card added value

*conditions apply see details below.

PURCHASE YOUR CARD TO THE BACKCOUNTRY

Purchase the Powder Punch Card today and book your guided days for this winter season. We run backcountry tours every week throughout the season. Have a date that isn’t available? Join our community chat and request a date to be added. We will coordinate with the other card holders to make it possible.

Check out our current winter calendar

2023/24 PUNCH CARD

Season: December - March

5-day card:

$849.00 /per person

3-day card:

$559.00 /per person

Book Now

Photo: Backcountry Skiing in Squamish, BC

Punch Card groups

What you can expect:

With your expert MSAA, ACMG certified guide, a Foundation Group outing aims to get out into the backcountry at a relaxed pace, discover new terrain, find the best snow, and get the best runs. 

Furthermore, this program offers each participant the opportunity, should they wish to have it, to receive mentorship and to develop intermediate skills such as:

  • Trip Planning
  • Decision-making in avalanche terrain
  • Terrain selection
  • Track setting
  • Snowpack testing
  • Powder ski and board technique

You will gain insight and refine your skills as your guide shares their decision-making process and also provide mentorship opportunities, for example, by joining, with coaching, in doing the uptrack, a snowpack test, making judgement calls and much more… We vet all participants to ensure they have the ability and fitness to enjoy a Foundation Group Powder Punch day!

Advice for the Intermediate to Advanced skier/rider:

As mentioned, we will be hunting the best lines and the best snow at a relaxed pace in moderate terrain. You can sit back and enjoy getting guided by one of the industry’s leading professionals, just as you can decide to get mentorship during the day it’s up to you. Enjoy!

Advice for the Beginner to Intermediate skier/rider:

If you are a beginner, absolutely join a Foundation Group day, but first develop your skills and fitness to be able to ski a full moderate backcountry day in varied snow conditions. 

You should, at a minimum, have had several seasons of inbound experience and be able to comfortably link turns and enjoy blue to black runs in powder and various conditions. Skiers and riders should be comfortable spending all day outdoors and ascending between 2,500 – 4,000 vertical feet daily. Participants must also have some formal avalanche training such as AST 1 and know how to use their avalanche equipment (probe, shovel & transceiver).

If you are not there yet, don’t worry; we have your back. Consider taking our Intro to Backcountry Skiing. Be sure to tell your instructor you are getting your skills up to par to join the Foundation Group, and with their advice and a few outings of practice, you’ll be good to go in no time!

 

The intent is clear and simple: The Best Powder….The Best Lines….Rad Terrain.

The Advanced group will seek to utilize and maximize some of the best terrain that the Sea to Sky has to offer with endless powder stashes. Get away from the crowds on Big Glaciers, Ski off Summits, Endless Steep Glades. It’s about Boot Packs and Yahoos!

You have arrived! Your skills and fitness are at the level where you can get further out and ski just about any reasonable slope, and you can handle variable snow conditions. So, let’s go get the goods, shall we? Furthermore, this program offers each participant the opportunity, should they wish, to receive mentorship and develop advanced skills such as:

  • Advanced Trip Planning 
  • Making informed decisions in complex terrain and snowpack conditions
  • Mitigating alpine hazards such as crevasses, cornices and more
  • Advanced terrain selection and track setting –  efficiency is key 
  • Advanced snowpack tests, the when, the how, the where and interpretation
  • Advanced ski & ride techniques such as ski cutting, boot packing, dropping in 

You will gain insight and refine your skills as your guide shares their decision-making process and provides

Advice for the Intermediate to Advanced skier/rider:

Now you know what to expect it’s up to you. Either sit back in the up-track and watch the magic as you’re expertly guided to the goods. Or take part or do a bit of both. Challenge yourself and break some trail, investigate a start zone, slash a ski cut, and cut out an extended column test. 

The following arsenal of skills though not mandatory, are obviously an asset for any Advanced skier or rider:

Don’t have these skills yet? No worries, you’ve got the secret weapon, your ACMG guide. Develop these skills as you go, and ask your guide for their advice and the best next steps for you. No matter what, we got your back. Just one thing though, for heaven’s sake, don’t ski down in old tracks! Enjoy! 

Your Guides

Eric Dumerac Profile Picture

Eric Dumerac

IFMGA/ACMG Mountain Guide

Eric is the owner and chief guide. He is a certified IFMGA/ACMG Mountain Guide, CAA Level II & Professional Member as well as CSIA Level II.

Eric brings high enthusiasm, a lifetime of mountain passion, and a great depth and breadth of experience and expertise to Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures.

As a professional Mountain Guide, Eric has been enjoying a very successful career. This is a high-end multi-faceted guide with expert level in Rock, Ice, Mountain and Ski guiding. He has worked in all the great ranges of the world, spending a great deal of time in the Alps but chooses Canada as his base and favourite place to live and work.

Eric Vezeau Profile Picture

Eric Vezeau

ACMG Ski Guide

Eric is a ski guide and a hiking guide with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG). a Professional Member of the Canadian Avalanche Association (Level 2), a mountain bike instructor PMBIA (level 1),

Eric arrived in the Whistler area almost 30 years ago and began exploring the local mountains. involved in outdoor retail stores and alpine clubs. He began teaching and guiding in the late 1990 for the company.

Eric guides year round, involved in mountaineering, hiking and mountain biking during the summer, provides guiding services for various high school programs, and local outdoor club. on is spare time Eric also enjoy sea kayaking, and various outdoor endeavours in winter and summers.

Kurt Withers Profile Picture

Kurt Withers

ACMG Apprentice Ski Guide

Kurt Withers is a ACMG Apprentice Ski Guide Candidate, Canadian Ski Guide Association Level 1, an Active member of the Canadian Avalanche Association and CSIA Level 2 Ski instructor.

For more than a decade Kurt has been exploring the mountains of British Columbia seeking out remote objectives. Gaining a deep understanding of the mountains in places that few have travelled. When not skiing Kurt can be found running ultra marathons and pursuing a passion for mountain biking. He has been in the outdoor industry for over 20 years and brings a well rounded and unique perspective to the outdoors.

Kurt has been part of the Avalanche Skills Training Instructor team since 2015 and has spent several winters guiding in the Heli Ski industry in the interior of British Columbia. This season he is working toward his Apprentice Ski Guide (ACMG) certificate as he works towards his goal of becoming a Ski Guide.

A man wearing a ski helmet and sunglasses, enjoying skiing in front of a snowy mountain in Canada.

Tim Ross

ACMG Ski Guide

Tim is a West Coast local, who grew up skiing Whistler and Blackcomb.  15 years ago, Tim took an AST 1 course from MSAA and it began a process of channeling his passion for the mountains into a career choice.

Tim has been working for MSAA since 2011. His current certifications are: ACMG Ski Guide, Hiking Guide, Apprentice Rock Guide and Canadian Avalanche Association: Professional Member.  Tim is also a professional educator with over twenty years experience teaching high school. 

Sharing the mountains with stoked people is his definition of a great day.  Combining guiding with a touch of learning is how Tim likes to bring people of all abilities into the incredible natural environment of Western Canada.  

Atsu MSAA guide

Atsu Kimura

ACMG Ski Guide

Atsu is a ACMG Ski Guide and a Professional Member of the Canadian Avalanche Association (Level 2).

Atsu has been living in Whistler since 1989 so he knows the mountain like the back of his hand to say the least! Atsu originally started working for Whistler Mountain ski patrol. Then followed 22 years as a full time heliski guiding.

Atsu also has seasonal guiding experience in Mt Cook, New Zealand and Hakuba, Japan.

Your Guides

Eric Dumerac Profile Picture

Eric Dumerac

IFMGA/ACMG Mountain Guide

Eric is the owner and chief guide. He is a certified IFMGA/ACMG Mountain Guide, CAA Level II & Professional Member as well as CSIA Level II.

Eric brings high enthusiasm, a lifetime of mountain passion, and a great depth and breadth of experience and expertise to Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures.

As a professional Mountain Guide, Eric has been enjoying a very successful career. This is a high-end multi-faceted guide with expert level in Rock, Ice, Mountain and Ski guiding. He has worked in all the great ranges of the world, spending a great deal of time in the Alps but chooses Canada as his base and favourite place to live and work.

Eric Vezeau Profile Picture

Eric Vezeau

ACMG Ski Guide

Eric is a ski guide and a hiking guide with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG). a Professional Member of the Canadian Avalanche Association (Level 2), a mountain bike instructor PMBIA (level 1),

Eric arrived in the Whistler area almost 30 years ago and began exploring the local mountains. involved in outdoor retail stores and alpine clubs. He began teaching and guiding in the late 1990 for the company.

Eric guides year round, involved in mountaineering, hiking and mountain biking during the summer, provides guiding services for various high school programs, and local outdoor club. on is spare time Eric also enjoy sea kayaking, and various outdoor endeavours in winter and summers.

Kurt Withers Profile Picture

Kurt Withers

ACMG Apprentice Ski Guide

Kurt Withers is a ACMG Apprentice Ski Guide Candidate, Canadian Ski Guide Association Level 1, an Active member of the Canadian Avalanche Association and CSIA Level 2 Ski instructor.

For more than a decade Kurt has been exploring the mountains of British Columbia seeking out remote objectives. Gaining a deep understanding of the mountains in places that few have travelled. When not skiing Kurt can be found running ultra marathons and pursuing a passion for mountain biking. He has been in the outdoor industry for over 20 years and brings a well rounded and unique perspective to the outdoors.

Kurt has been part of the Avalanche Skills Training Instructor team since 2015 and has spent several winters guiding in the Heli Ski industry in the interior of British Columbia. This season he is working toward his Apprentice Ski Guide (ACMG) certificate as he works towards his goal of becoming a Ski Guide.

A man wearing a ski helmet and sunglasses, enjoying skiing in front of a snowy mountain in Canada.

Tim Ross

ACMG Ski Guide

Tim is a West Coast local, who grew up skiing Whistler and Blackcomb.  15 years ago, Tim took an AST 1 course from MSAA and it began a process of channeling his passion for the mountains into a career choice.

Tim has been working for MSAA since 2011. His current certifications are: ACMG Ski Guide, Hiking Guide, Apprentice Rock Guide and Canadian Avalanche Association: Professional Member.  Tim is also a professional educator with over twenty years experience teaching high school. 

Sharing the mountains with stoked people is his definition of a great day.  Combining guiding with a touch of learning is how Tim likes to bring people of all abilities into the incredible natural environment of Western Canada.  

FAQ

Group sizes will be a maximum of 6 skiers & snowboarders to 1 ACMG Guide for backcountry tours. Clinics will have a max ratio of 10 skiers & snowboarders depending on which clinic you choose. 

Each Powder Punch Card holder receives one free pre-season refresher. The pre-season refreshers are designed to refresh your skills and learn new ones before the season starts. Several additional technical clinics will then be added throughout the season for you to choose from to level up your skills.  Topics covered by the tech clinics could include: 

  • Track setting
  • Steep and deep clinic
  • Advanced Crevasse Rescue
  • Advanced snow pit testing
  • Advanced trip planning
  • First Aid Clinic

Dates will be released soon!

The ability groups we will decided using a set of questions asked at the checkout experience. Our highly trained staff will then place skiers & snowboarders in the correct group depending on their ability, fitness level & goals. 

Yes, we require at least three people for a tour to go ahead. If we do not reach this number, we will reach out to the group with alternative options including a small fee or rescheduling. 

We run tours every week throughout the season, with extra days added depending on guide availability and demand. 

The details

  • Each Powder Card is valid between Dec 10th – Mar 31st: Outside of this period you can purchase additional days for $189.00+tax.
  • Meeting your Powder Card guide at any three of our backcountry guiding destinations: We run tours in Whistler, Squamish & the Duffey Lake Area. Trailheads can be accessed using ski lifts, helicopters, 4×4 shuttle or road. Any additional transportation method is not included within the cost of the punch card. 
  • MSAA Course Discount: The Powder Punch Card 15% Course discount can only be used by the original Punch Card purchaser. If MSAA staff find that the code has been miss-used by a Punch Card user all remaining tours will be revoked from their punch card with refund. 
  • Guided days must be used within the guiding period of Dec 10th 2023 – Mar 31st 2024: No Refunds will be issued for unused days/credits may not be carried over to the following season.
    • All reservations must be made before 48-hour cutoff period: To allow us to plan the tours MSAA asks that all reservations are made at least 48 hours in advanced. However, we will do our best to accommodate bookings within this period. 
    • None transferrable: the Powder Punch Card cannot be transferred or redeemed by another user. 
    • Prior to 48-hour window: Punch Card members can reschedule free of charge.
    • Reservations canceled within 48 hours: will not be rescheduled nor refunded 
  • Buddy Day Pass: Punch Card holders may extend a ski day to a friend or family member for $189+tax per day. Punch card holders can only redeem two additional buddy passes during the season. 
  • Additional Days: can be purchased for a rate of $189+tax per day which can be used throughout the 2023/24 ski season. Additional days cannot be transferred or redeem by another person.
  • MSAA reserves the right to reschedule guided ski touring days: During the season your guide might decide to not ski due to undesirable conditions such as high avalanche conditions, rain, icy slopes or any conditions involving client and guide safety. If we make the hard decision to cancel a guiding day we will make this up later in the season. 
  • Discount Disclaimer: Discounts may not be combined with other discounts, offers, coupons or promotions. Offers may not be combined with any online purchase before offer expiry and with discount codes if any.