Background

For the 2011-2012 season, Whistler Olympic Park and Callaghan Country are operating independently.  Callaghan Country runs the western trails the go towards Callaghan Lake.  Whistler Olympic Park runs the eastern trails in the Madeley Creek valley.  For an overview of several backcountry trips in the Callaghan Valley, see the VOC Wiki ski guide.

Fees

Backcountry user fees for 2011-2012 are:

• $10 per person for a backcountry access ticket at Whistler Olympic Park.  Includes day and overnight parking
  
• $8 per person for a backcountry access ticket at Callaghan Country (mainline trail only - for other trails you have to but a $15 full XC ticket).  Includes day use parking but not overnight parking.
  
• $20 per vehicle for overnight parking at Callaghan Country
  

Parking

1. Whistler Olympic Park Day Lodge is a good place to park for access to Hanging Lake.  Washrooms, showers and food are all available at the day lodge.  Overnight parking is not permitted and you must leave before the main gate closes (5pm in winter, 6pm in spring)
2. Whistler Olympic Park Biathlon Range provides access to both Hanging Lake and Beverley Creek trailheads.  Overnight parking is not permitted and you must leave before the main gate closes (5pm in winter, 6pm in spring).
3. Whistler Olympic Park backcountry overnight parking lot is located near the main gate by Alexander Falls.  You can park here early in the morning, leave your car for a late return, or leave you car overnight.  A valid parking pass is required (but may be purchased online for an early start).  A parking pass is free when you also purchase a backcountry access pass.  This lot is accessible 24/7 and is never locked.
4. Callaghan Country parking lot provides parking for Callaghan Lake and Telemagique Ridge.  This lot is accessible 24/7 and is never locked.  There is a $20 per vehicle fee for overnight parking.

Rules

1. The ski jumps and adjacent slopes are permanently closed. This includes the service road north of the ski jump (recommended in John Baldwin's "Exploring the Coast Mountains on skis"). Do not use this route. Instead, access Hanging Lake from the Biathlon Parking Lot, or from the day lodge using the XC trails.
2. Don't ever ski behind the biathlon range. Some of the kids (biathletes in training) can be poor shots.
3. Observe the nordic skier responsibility code on all XC trails.
4. Dogs are not permitted on many XC ski trails or in the 21 mile creek watershed (Rainbow Lake).  Good places to go with your dog are Beverley Creek, Puma Peak or Telemagique Ridge.  Gin Peak and Rainbow Mountain are in the watershed area.