Four Years in the Alpine: My Aurora Backcountry Pass Experience
- Amanda Butler
- Sep 13
- 3 min read
Over the past four winters, my Aurora Backcountry Pass has been my ticket to one of the most rewarding chapters of my skiing life. A friend told me about the Pass in January 2021, and I was so excited. My first day was up Mt. Rohr, off the Duffey—so it was an epic start to backcountry skiing! I had little time to prepare—in May 2021 I was off on my first heli-touring adventure, so I had to figure it out fast! I had been ski racing most of my life, but was inexperienced with touring. I fell in love immediately, with the amazing views, the incredible snow, and no lift lines!
Now I’ve had more than 25 days spent chasing powder lines, skin tracks, and travels all over the world. The pass has opened the door to a world of freedom, community, and adventure in the Coast Mountains—my favourites are the Blackcomb backcountry and in the Duffey Lake region.
A Pass That Unlocks Possibility
When I first signed up for the Aurora Backcountry Pass, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would it be worth it? Would I be able to use all my days? Would I be fit enough to keep up?
What I quickly realized is that the pass is more than access—it’s an invitation to make the backcountry part of your season, rather than just a special one-off trip. Over the years, the pass has encouraged me to get out there way more often, to push beyond the boundaries of my ability, and to expand my skill set in the mountains. Last year I even took an advanced avalanche course and it was awesome!
Behind Blackcomb: Familiar Yet Always New
Blackcomb’s backcountry terrain was where I fell in love with the sport. The pass gave me a reliable gateway into zones like Decker, Pattison, even the Spearhead in a day! Each lap out there reminded me how much variety you can find just beyond the ropes: steep couloirs one day, mellow powder fields the next. Over time, I got to know my way around more, yet the mountains always found ways to surprise me—storms, snowfalls, crevasses (!) and meeting great new people. The guides that Ben has are really something special.
Duffey Days With Aurora Backcountry: Wild and Remote
Exploring the Duffey was another level. There’s something about driving that winding road, parking at a snowy pullout, and skinning straight up into the forest. Skiing in this region is a big day, and it demanded a little more of me: better planning, more efficient touring, a stronger respect for avalanche conditions. But with that came some of the best skiing of my life—long descents into untouched valleys, moments of silence so deep you could hear snowflakes landing, and the joy of earning every single turn. I still love Mt. Rohr, Steep Creek, Heartstrings off Joffre, and Chief Pascale.
Growth Over Four Years
Looking back, the Aurora Backcountry Pass hasn’t just shaped my ski days—it’s shaped me as a skier. I’ve learned to trust my legs on big climbs, to read terrain with more confidence, and to trust the group around me more. The first time I went up Rohr, my legs were like Jello— I wasn’t even sure I could ski down! Then they wanted to do another lap! I’m proud to have come a long way from that feeling.
Why It’s Worth It
Over four seasons and 25-plus days in the backcountry, the pass has more than paid for itself in powder and adventure. It’s been a real driver for me to get out more often, to explore further, and to make the most of winter while it’s here. For anyone considering it, the Aurora Backcountry Pass is not just a pass—it’s a commitment to embracing the alpine as part of your lifestyle. You will love it!
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