Trip Reports

From July 20–25, the Braille Mountain Initiative team ventured into the Doctor Creek drainage of the Purcell Mountains for our annual backcountry hiking trip. This year’s expedition gathered a group of blind and partially sighted hikers to build independence, resilience, and camaraderie in one of British Columbia’s most rugged and beautiful mountain ranges.

The trip began under heavy skies with several days of near-constant rain— or “liquid sunshine” as we were calling it. While torrential downpours challenged our ability to stay dry and warm, they also created the perfect training ground. Participants learned about techniques for starting fires in adverse weather, tarp hanging, and how to dress appropriately for wet conditions. We also took the time to learn about water filtration & treatment techniques, wildlife awareness (eith participants even getting to experience deploying a can of inert bear spray). Participants also got to practice backcountry cooking, and learning how to light the MSR Dragonfly stove which is notoriously challenging to light. At the end of the day, we were deeply grateful to the Windermere Valley Snowmobile Society, whose Doctor Creek Recreation Site Cabin provided a much-needed dry refuge to gather, share meals, and warm spirits.

Participants used Garmin’s EarthMate app, with their assistive technology (screen readers or magnification), to learn about digital navigation. After setting waypoints throughout the trail, the participants independently navigated their way back to camp. While using VoiceOver for certain tasks can be tedious, this was a rewarding and empowering achievement to learn to way find in the backcountry.

When the skies cleared midweek, the group pushed higher into the alpine reaching a crystal-blue, unnamed lake— where a few folks were brave enough to dip in the frigid alpine waters. After learning about tent site selection for safety and comfort (e.g. how far from the cooking area should you pitch your tent), and hanging bear caches; the group had an early night in preparation for an “alpine start” the following day.

That next day, participants ascended up a boulder field which turned into a steep scree slope, with some of the group cresting a 2,700-meter ridgeline. From the top, hikers were treated to a panoramic experience stretching across the Rocky Mountains to the east and the Purcell Mountains to the north and south. The descent offered its own adventure: “scree skiing.” For many, this was a brand-new experience—an exhilarating and efficient way to lose elevation, though it required strong balance and plenty of trust. The mix of challenge, fun, and laughter on the way down captured the spirit of the trip.

Beyond the physical challenges, the trip was equally about peer support and community building. Around campfires and under tarps, participants shared stories of vision loss, daily struggles, and triumphs. These moments of connection created bonds of understanding and solidarity that are just as important as the backcountry skills themselves. The camaraderie built throughout the week showed that the mountains are not only a classroom but also a place of healing, empowerment, and belonging.

This unforgettable week would not have been possible without Playwest Mountain Experience, led by Chris Skinner, who provided expert guiding and an unwavering commitment to our vision of creating challenging, rewarding, and impactful adventures for blind and partially sighted individuals. We also extend a huge shoutout to Toby Creek Adventures who have been a loyal supporter of Braille Mountain Initiative from the very beginning, and continue to lend their 16-seater van to us to transport our participants from Calgary to the trailhead, and back. This saves us a huge amount in transportation costs! Cheers to Toby Creek!

By the end of the week, participants left the Purcells not only with new skills but with new friends, greater confidence, and lasting memories. From learning to light a fire in the rain to standing atop a windswept ridge at 2,700 meters, the 2025 Braille Mountain Initiative Backcountry Hiking Trip proved once again that with preparation, resilience, and community, the backcountry is truly for everyone.

The Braille Mountain Initiative team has once again returned from the slopes of Sorcerer Lodge after a week of alpine adventure, avalanche education, and personal growth. This year’s trip brought together a new group of visually impaired skiers, volunteer guides, and ACMG-certified professionals for what many described as a “life-changing” experience—one filled with powder turns, excitement, and deep sense of community.

For many participants, this was far more than just a ski trip—it was a powerful return to the mountains. Beyond the powder turns and glacier descents, the experience offered a chance to build self-worth, rebuild confidence, and rediscover a sense of freedom. Whether it was overcoming physical setbacks, regaining trust in their abilities, or simply finding belonging in a new community, each person left the trip changed. The backcountry became more than terrain—it became a catalyst for growth, reflection, and renewed purpose.

Throughout the week, participants tackled steep descents (including one 1,100 meter descent down Nordic Glacier!), skied technical terrain, and shared deep conversations around the woodstove. Avalanche safety skills, navigation exercises, and backcountry travel techniques were woven into daily routines. The support from volunteer sighted guides and certified mountain professionals ensured a safe and empowering environment for all.

Braille Mountain Initiative extends its sincere thanks to Sorcerer Lodge for the incredible hospitality, to Toby Creek Adventures for generously providing transportation, and to all our donors, volunteers, and gear sponsors who make these trips possible.

In mid-August 2024, seven visually impaired hikers, five volunteer sighted guides, and two ACMG hiking guides from Playwest Mountain Experience set off on a memorable five-night adventure in the Purcell and Rocky Mountains. The trip commenced with a night of front-country camping, designed to help participants become familiar with essential skills such as pitching a tent, setting up a sleeping pad and sleeping bag, and effectively packing and adjusting a 65-liter backpack. This first night also included an introduction to backcountry etiquette, covering leave- no-trace principles, bear awareness, backcountry toilet protocols, and basic safety information. It was an opportunity for participants to get to know each other and prepare for the days ahead. We warmed up our hiking legs with a short 2km walk to the Radium Hot Springs for a soak in the mineral pools.

Early the next morning, the group loaded into three trucks and traveled to the Chalice Creek trailhead outside Brisco. The first day of hiking involved approximately 300 meters of elevation gain, technical trail sections, and two challenging creek crossings, including one with a rope/pulley system for safety. We set up camp in a scenic open meadow.

On the second day, we continued our ascent toward Chalice Ridge on a steep but less technical trail. We treated ourselves to bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon for lunch—fuel for our hardworking bodies! That evening, we camped beside the beautiful Elsay Lake, where we enjoyed an evening of storytelling and raucous laughter. During the night, a dramatic thunder and lightning storm reverberated through the valleys and illuminated the insides of our tents.

The following morning, after checking a weather forecast via an Inreach device, which predicted significant precipitation over the next couple days, we decided to turn back to allow extra time for potentially slippery trail conditions. Prioritizing safety, we chose to exit the backcountry and spend the remainder of the trip hiking on the Rockies side of the Columbia Valley.

Despite the change in plans, the group remained adaptable and enjoyed two day hikes during the trip’s final days. Our first day hike took us to Pedley Pass. We navigated through dense clouds, fog, and heavy rainfall.

On the final day, we drove up Mount Swansea to the upper parking area and hiked the switchback trail to reach the summit. At the top, we enjoyed PlayWest’s famous cheese fondue and participants shared their favorite (and least favorite) memories from the trip. We celebrated each other’s accomplishments, reminisced about the highlights, and laughed about the challenges. Finally, we said our goodbyes as the participants loaded onto a bus to the Calgary airport. The success of this adventure was a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and sense of humour of everyone involved!

It was unfortunate that this year’s trip was cut a few days short due to an illness amongst the group.

We were able to provide the opportunity for blind and visually impaired skiers to ski fast and independently, which is rarely possible in a resort environment.

Many thanks to Great Canadian Heli-Skiing for making this event possible and to all of you who contributed!

On January 14, 2022, the Braille Mountain Initiative team, blind skiers and guides returned from a week of backcountry skiing at Purcell Mountain Lodge.

The week was filled with new learning opportunities and challenges for our participants and volunteers. As the week progressed our participants began moving efficiently up the mountain, asking great questions about backcountry safety and skiing a few hundred meters with minimal guidance or crashing.

At the end of the week we were proud to say that Peter, Donavon and Spencer are the first blind and visually impaired skiers to receive the Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 certification.

The feedback we received from all of our participants on the trip was that this was a life-changing experience. 

We couldn’t have hoped for a better week and none of this would have been possible without the knowledge and dedication of our guides: Greg Hill and Carey Austerman, as well as our Volunteers: Harry Bolger, Kate Johnson, Garret Lindquist and Steve Mellor.

This photo shows Mark, Spencer and Tyson with all their ski gear on their back heading up for an exciting day of summer glacier skiing. The Braille Mountain Initiative team gave them a serious work out that day! 

The following day we rounded out the trip with some sport climbing. We put Mark and Spencer on some challenging routes for their first time and they both learned quickly and topped out on their first climb. Pictured is Spencer hanging in his harness taking a break and enjoying the scenery.

Our first year of operation was a challenging one with all the obstacles that Covid created with fundraising or simply trying to get people into the mountains.

That being said, we were still able to get a couple of people out there. In mid-January with the help of Toby Creek Adventures, Render Digital Media House and some friends, Mark and Tyson were able to do some exciting but challenging backcountry skiing in the Purcells.

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.