What people say about your guide
Detail-oriented and relentlessly committed to improvement and excellence, he brings extensive experience and deep terrain knowledge to every mission. His approach to risk management goes beyond avalanche danger; he’s dedicated to addressing all aspects of mountain safety. Empathetic and attuned to each individual's experience, he combines technical skill with emotional intelligence. A tireless powder hound, he's always on the hunt for the best snow. His skin track reflects his character: thoughtful, conscientious, and driven by curiosity.
Just like the trips, this website comes straight from me to you.
Hello, I’m Will Mackaness, founder and lead guide at Backcountry Alchemist. I’m a certified ski and rock climbing guide with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. See bio below.
I designed this site with transparency in mind,
so you’ll find all the information you need to make a confident, informed decision. Every word here is written by me, based on years of guiding in these locations. I’ve also included details I find especially interesting or that highlight what makes each place unique. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out, I'm always happy to help.
I personally guide most of the trips I offer.
When possible, I run two trips simultaneously, which allows me to bring in trusted guides with complementary skill sets and perspectives. This not only helps me see the terrain through a different lens, but also creates real benefits for guests: the flexibility to swap groups or objectives, in-field team guiding on highly technical objectives, and an added layer of safety. When trips are run in tandem with another guide, it will be noted on the trip page.
I handle all trip planning and logistics,
and I'll be your direct contact from your first inquiry right up until we meet at the start of the trip. It just makes sense, I know the trip inside and out and can give you the most accurate advice on what to expect, what to pack, and which gear works best. It also gives me the chance to get to know you and the group, so I can tailor the experience to your skills, goals, and needs.
My Guiding Style
This is a blend of comments I've received over the years through testimonials and references. Together, they highlight many of the qualities people have appreciated in my guiding.
Detail-oriented and relentlessly committed to improvement and excellence, he brings extensive experience and deep terrain knowledge to every mission. His approach to risk management goes beyond avalanche danger; he’s dedicated to addressing all aspects of mountain safety. Empathetic and attuned to each individual's experience, he combines technical skill with emotional intelligence. A tireless powder hound, he's always on the hunt for the best snow. His skin track reflects his character: thoughtful, conscientious, and driven by curiosity.
I'd describe my guiding style as:
Open to questions and discussion about conditions and my decision-making process.
Client-focused
After safety, my top priority is you and your experience. That starts with a clear briefing to help you mentally prepare for the day. From there, it’s all about the subtle adjustments you may not notice, pacing, terrain choices, and even stopping to take off a layer. I’m constantly observing you and the group. Are you moving comfortably? Is your temperature regulated? Are your skins holding well? Do we need to stop for a snack? Do you look hesitant on your skis? Could a few powder tips help?
These details might seem small, but they make a big difference. By staying tuned in, I help you perform at your best, and get the most out of every run.
Informative
I enjoy sharing insights and context about the environment we're in or the culture we're experiencing. As a keen observer, I find these details genuinely interesting, and I believe that understanding a place naturally leads to greater respect for it. Along the way, I also like to share tips and tricks that help make your ski touring or climbing day easier and more enjoyable.
Flexible
I usually start the day with a few plan variations in mind, then adapt based on what we find in the field. I'm not rigid with the plan—I'm always open to opportunities and discoveries as they arise. If conditions are feeling good, we step out; if not, we step back. On standout days, with excellent skiing and stable avalanche conditions—and if the group’s energy is there—we’ll make the most of it. And when things aren’t ideal, we keep it mellow with a smaller day and more rest. Remember, I’m stoked to ski too!
Generally easy-going and light-hearted. I like a good bit of banter and consider myself to have a good sense of humour.
What I’m not
I’m not the kind of guide you follow blindly, and I don’t charge ahead at my own pace expecting everyone else to figure it out behind me. And more than anything, I’m not that too-cool, arrogant guide who acts like they’re the best thing to hit the mountains since wrap-around sunglasses. Arrogance has no place out here—I genuinely detest it. I know you're on this trip because you're skilled, experienced, and most likely exceptional at something far more important than ski touring. That deserves respect.
Risk Management
For me, risk management is the top priority. My goal is to send you home in better shape, mentally and physically, than when you arrived. It goes well beyond avalanche safety; it’s about anticipating potential hazards and actively minimizing the risk of injury throughout the day. First and foremost, that means keeping you in high-quality powder, choosing a tour that matches the group’s ability, or adjusting the plan based on changing conditions. It can be as simple as managing the group’s pace, making sure you’ve got the legs for the next pitch, or slowing things down with longer regroups toward the end of the day. Each trip has a more in-depth section on risk management in the FAQ’s section.
Grounded in Experience. Driven by Curiosity.
I’m an Association of Canadian Mountain Guides specialty guide, specializing in ski touring & multi-pitch rock climbing. I’m based in Squamish, B.C, although I spend significant time guiding and recreating in the Selkirk Mountains, Revelstoke, B.C and Hakuba, Japan, each season.
My unofficial guiding career began at a very young age. I was always the one dragging friends out to explore the natural world. I grew up in a boat-access-only community on the shores of Pittwater, a large harbor 40 minutes north of Sydney, on the edge of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Those early years were shaped by endless exploration: climbing trees, hills, and escarpments; soloing rock faces; sailing; scuba diving; and generally messing around in boats.
A working holiday to Banff and Canmore in the Canadian Rockies in 2002 set my path toward real mountains and more technical movement—rock climbing, ice climbing, splitboarding, ski touring, and route finding in alpine terrain.
My formal guiding career began in 2006 on the granite bluffs of Mt. Buffalo in Victoria, Australia, when I returned for one last go at Australia, and to pursue a “proper” education.
Canada won easily in the end, and I began my Canadian guiding career in the far less forgiving terrain of the Canadian Rockies. Since then, I’ve guided extensively across all three of Canada’s major mountain ranges—from the Rockies to the Interior Ranges and the Coast Mountains.
In 2015, I made a conscious decision to focus on ski touring rather than heliskiing. Ski touring aligns more closely with my values: respect for the mountains, environmental consciousness, and the quiet, deliberate pace of human-powered movement. That said, I still enjoy the occasional heli bump!
I’ve guided in many of B.C.’s premier backcountry lodges, throughout Rogers Pass, around Revelstoke, in the Whistler Blackcomb backcountry, and abroad in Hakuba and Mt. Myoko, Japan.
When I’m not guiding, you’ll find me skiing, climbing, mountain biking, or sail racing on the Squamish Harbour, and always dreaming up the next great guided adventure, often in some far-flung corner of the globe.
I hope to see you there!
My Qualifications
- Ski Guide - Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG)
- Rock Guide - Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG)
- Wilderness First Responder 80hrs – Wilderness Medical Associates
- Avalanche Operations Level 2 - Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA)
- Rope Rescue, Team Leader, Justice Institute of British Columbia
- Search and Rescue Incident Command training, Justice Institute of British Columbia
- Adventure Guide Diploma - Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, B.C, Canada
- Adventure Eco Tourism (Bachelor of Applied Science), Charles Sturt University, New South Wales, Australia
- Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation, Wodonga TAFE, Victoria, Australia
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General Terms of Service
Below is a general overview of the standard terms of service that apply to trips offered through this website. Please note that individual trips may have their own specific terms or booking conditions, which will be outlined on the relevant trip page. Be sure to refer to those details for the most accurate and applicable information. Please contact me if you have any questions regarding these Terms of Service.
Cancellation Policy – Flexible, Case-by-Case Basis
I don’t follow a strict, fixed cancellation policy because I understand that unexpected circumstances can arise. My aim is always to be as fair and flexible as possible. Each trip is unique, with varying levels of complexity and third-party booking terms. In most cases, accommodation, transport, and other services are booked and paid for well in advance.
If you need to cancel, the first step is to see if you, or the group, can find a replacement from your own network. If that’s not possible, I’ll do my best to fill the spot using my own contacts and client list, which has worked well in the past. However, if no replacement can be found, you will be responsible for covering your share of the fixed, pre-booked costs associated with the trip.
Deposit & Payments
Secure your spot with a 50% deposit. The remaining 50% of the trip price must be paid 3 months before your trip start date. If you are booking within this 3 month period the total amount is due.
Payments
You can make payments in your local currency via a bank-to-bank transfer. I use WISE, a secure international currency transfer system to receive payments in multiple currencies, including USD, CAD, EUR, AUD, NZD, and many others. This makes the process simple and convenient and keeps both our fees to a minimum. You will receive instructions and bank account details to make your deposit.
Do I need to sign a Waiver?
Standard ACMG Release of Liability
On this trip you will be skiing in avalanche terrain that is uncontrolled backcountry mountains. Please understand that while your guide is an excellent risk manager, not all risks can be controlled. All participants will have to read, agree, and electronically sign a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, and Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement before their trip. By signing this waiver, you agree to accept and assume these potential risks as well as waive certain legal rights, including the right to sue for negligence, breach of contract or breach of the Occupiers liability act or claim compensation following an accident.
A version of this Waiver can be found here: ACMG Waiver (2024-06-24) (Category 1,2,3)
Safety in Canada, ACMG Guides & Rescue Insurance
Safety is the top priority on all of my guided trips. I always select the terrain to match both the current avalanche hazard and the skiing or riding ability of the group. As an ACMG-certified guide, my primary role is that of a risk manager. This means not only assessing avalanche danger but also identifying and mitigating any other potential hazards that could lead to injury.
Each trip begins with a refresher on avalanche companion rescue, a hands-on practice session, and an orientation that highlights the unique risks of the Rogers Pass backcountry ski environment. Every day, I choose the most suitable skiing option based on current weather, snowpack, and avalanche conditions.
Throughout the trip, I’m always happy to discuss avalanche conditions, explain how I assess and choose terrain, or talk through any other aspects of my risk management approach.
ACMG Guides & Information sharing
The Selkirk mountains could be one of the most data rich areas in Canada. The avalanche control team that protect the Trans-Canada highway and the National Parks visitor safety specialists make detailed observations of the snowpack, avalanche activity and weather on a daily basis, Glacier national park is also surrounded by several large Heli Ski operations, as well as Heli access backcountry lodges.
All these observations are shared within the guiding industry for better decision making for everyone, and for the purposes of writing the Public Avalanche Bulletin. Originally developed in Canada, this information-sharing and professional meeting platform has become the global standard in avalanche safety.
In short, I operate within a professional community of mountain colleges, collaborating closely and relying on one another to ensure we have the best possible information to support decisions related to your safety and enjoyment in the mountains.
Rescue evacuations
Rescue evacuation of a none mobile patient is handled by Parks Canada Visitor Safety specialists, who are full time ACMG ski or mountain guides who are practiced in responding to this type of incident.
Travel Insurance Recommendation
We strongly recommend that all trip participants purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes:
- Guided backcountry skiing
- Emergency rescue (including helicopter evacuation)
- Medical coverage in case of injury
Please note that many standard travel insurance policies do not cover these types of activities. Be sure to confirm that your policy includes all necessary coverage before your trip.
Larger Groups & Age Requirements
Larger Groups
Larger private groups can be accommodated for ski touring in Rogers Pass. If you're interested, please contact me in advance. Early notice is essential so I can arrange for an additional certified guide who is familiar with the terrain.
Minimum Age Requirement
Participants must typically be 18 years or older to join this trip.
In some cases, we may consider allowing participants under 18, provided they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.