Welcome to Braille Mountain Initiative
We are a registered charity organization with an aim to empower blind and visually impaired individuals to overcome barriers and unlock new potential through backcountry experiences. We are located in the Columbia Valley of British Columbia and run trips in the Purcell, Selkirk and Rocky Mountains.
Our Story
In the fall of 2018, I was preparing for the upcoming guiding season and my work at Great Canadian Heliskiing. I had also recently entered a new role as a rookie instructor with the Canadian Ski Guide Association. While teaching my first course, I noticed I was struggling to read a map. Shortly after this, I lost nearly all my vision in my right eye.
I adjusted to using only my left eye and continued to guide full-time at Great Canadian Heliskiing. Shortly after the end of the ski season, I noticed the vision in my left eye was starting to change, and just four short weeks later, I would be legally blind.
I was diagnosed with a mitochondrial disease. The news was devastating, as I would not be able to continue my career as a ski guide. However this diagnosis would not prevent me from skiing in the backcountry.
Over the course of the next winter, I would learn to ski again. At first, it was a slow and exhausting experience. After months of relearning the basics, I was back to skiing fast in big terrain. With the help of a couple friends, I skied the 1700m descent from the summit of Mt. Jumbo to Commander Creek. It was truly a best day ever. I felt the best I had since losing my vision, and I knew I had to share this feeling with other blind skiers.
The following week Braille Mountain Initiative was founded. There are many adaptive sports organizations that do a great job teaching blind people how to ski, while providing a great resort-based experience. However, at this point in time, nobody was taking these people into the backcountry and providing a next level experience. That’s how we would be different—with untouched powder snow and no other people on the slope, we could give blind people the freeing experience of backcountry skiing.
Tyson Rettie,
Founder
Our Current Project
In late July 2026, we will lead a six-day, five-night backcountry hiking expedition in the Canadian Rockies. This immersive experience builds on the success of previous trips, combining structured skill development with meaningful time in remote wilderness. Participants will begin by developing foundational skills before venturing deeper into the backcountry, where they will travel through rugged terrain and fully engage with the physical and mental demands of multi-day backpacking.
Throughout the trip, hikers will develop practical backcountry competencies that foster independence and confidence. Training includes water filtration and treatment, backcountry cooking, tent setup and site selection, and strategies for staying nourished and hydrated in remote environments. Participants will also gain experience with bear awareness and safe bear spray deployment, fire-starting in adverse weather, and the use of screen reader–accessible digital navigation tools. These skills are intentionally designed not only to support personal safety but also to prepare participants to assist others in backcountry scenarios.
This trip is as much about personal growth as it is about technical skill. Expect long hiking days, elevation gain, and challenging terrain that will push participants physically and mentally. In doing so, hikers develop resilience, problem solving ability, and mental fortitude, qualities that extend far beyond the mountains. Just as importantly, the shared experience fosters strong connections within the group, creating a supportive and empowering environment where participants build lasting confidence and a deeper sense of capability in the outdoors and in everyday life.
To registe or learn more, fill out the contact form at the bottom of our webpage.
Are you legally blind, fit and interested in exploring Canada’s vast backcountry? Are you interested in supporting our mission or volunteering? Just want to know more about Braille Mountain Initiative? Please fill out the form below and we will get back to you in 24 to 48 hours.