SOTS is coming to Vancouver island - Welcome island community

State of the Snowpack is growing across BC, and we’re excited to announce that Vancouver Island will have three events during the 2026/2027 winter season. 

SOTS events are possible thanks to the dedicated volunteers who offer their time to put these events together. The Vancouver Island Chapter will be led by Joe Schwartz, owner and Lead Guide of Island Alpine Guides, CAA Professional Member and ACMG Ski Guide, alongside a team of local mountain professionals and community members.

“Vancouver Island has a small, but steadily growing, group of core winter backcountry enthusiasts. I'm excited for the potential of the State of the Snowpack events to help build knowledge and community among these folks, and introduce more people to this little island's winter backcountry potential.” — Joe Schwartz

This winter, the local team will host three free State of the Snowpack events — two in Courtenay and one in Victoria — creating a space for Vancouver Island’s backcountry community to connect, learn and share knowledge throughout the season. The first event will be December 3 to kick off Courtenay’s Stoke Fest.

Each event will centre around what’s happening in the mountains locally. Island Alpine Guides and other local avalanche professionals will share observations and experience related to the evolving snowpack, avalanche conditions, terrain and decision-making, while creating space for conversation and connection within the community.

Vancouver Island has a unique mountain environment and a growing backcountry community. The new chapter will provide a place for local backcountry users and professionals to come together around relevant, local information and build a stronger, more connected backcountry community.

That’s what State of the Snowpack is all about: providing communities with the framework, tools and support to create their own ongoing conversations about the mountains they travel in.

Event dates, times and locations will be announced soon. Stay tuned and subscribe to the SOTS newsletter for updates from the Vancouver Island Chapter.

Come for the snowpack, stay for the community.