Day 1

Meet your coaches and the group at Tyax Adventures base in the morning at 7 or 8am (TBD) to start the adventure with a plane ride to the alpine. Get your cameras ready as the flight from Tyaughten Lake to Warner Lake is not only gorgeous but will showcase some of the terrain that we’ll be covering on our rides. From Warner Lake we ride rolling singletrack with some technical sections, great flowing descents and some short but challenging climbs, all the way to Spruce Camp. Once at camp there are endless activity options for you to explore. Still have energy? Try your hand at catching some fish in the lake or go explore the surrounding trails by foot.  Just want to just kick it? Have some chill time on the dock or by the bonfire…. or do it all!   We will cap off our day with an outdoor led stretch session to help you loosen up from the ride and relax even more before appies and dinner.

Approximate Daily Stats: 18kms / 3.5-5 hrs (525m climbing, 750m descending)

Day 2

Wake up in the fresh air and peaceful setting at Spruce Camp and sip coffee as you watch the sun come up and have breakfast made for you. An outdoor mobility session will limber us up for the day. Bring your packed lunch with you since today we are eating at the top of a mountain pass! Ride rolling singletrack alongside the lake then head up into the hills to reach our destination of Windy Pass. There will be some hike-a-biking up to the pass with a few breaks in the alpine meadows to catch your breath and have a snack. You’ll be treated to mindblowing views in all direction once at the pass! Perhaps we might be lucky enough to see some mountain goats along the scree slops. After lunch and some photos we had back down the same trail and hoot and holler as we enjoy the descent that we worked so hard for! Back at Camp you have the opportunity to unwind at the lake or by the campfire or if you still have energy take a wander on the trails above the lake for more amazing views. Stretch it out by the campfire in an afternoon led stretch session, enjoy some appetizers and chill out till dinner time. An evening campfire under the stars is always a great way to wrap up an awesome day in the Chilcotins.
Approximate Daily Stats: 16kms / 4-5 hrs (600m climbing, 600m descending)

Day 3

Wake up in the mountains and enjoy your last morning in camp. After breakfast and a mobility warm up, we’ll hit the trail with a short technical ride around the lake before getting out into the gorgeous Gun Meadows! Here we will have some great photo opportunities and will get to use all the skills we learned over the weekend to navigate some of the most fun flowing trail in the area. After the open Gun Meadows we get to the Gun Creek trail and follow this rolling terrain through twisty aspen trees, smooth floored pine forests, short technical climbs, and fast flowy trail following the Gun Creek. At the end of the trail our shuttle will be waiting to whisk us back up to Tyax Base. Say farewell to your group, collect some sweet swag from the sponsors and have a safe journey home!
Approximate Daily Stats: 25kms / 4-5 hrs (430m climbing, 1110m descending)

*Itinerary subject to change at any time due to weather or other unexpected circumstances. No refunds for changed itinerary.

Within 1 week of registering, you’ll be emailed a ton of information including details on pack list, bike prep, directions, and FAQ sheet.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Please read the FAQ for all kinds of info on what the trails are like, what to expect at camp, how to get there, where to stay pre/post camp, etc. FAQ Chilcotins Backcountry Camps 2023

GETTING THERE:

Tyax Adventures base is located adjacent to Tyax Lodge (look for small outbuilding on your way to the lodge front entrance). Tyax Adventures Base is located approximately 2.5 hours North of Pemberton via the Hurley FSR or about 4 hours via the Duffy Lake Road and Route 40 from Lillooet. Nestled in the South Chilcotin Mountains Park, a 72,000-hectare area boasting some of the best backcountry hiking, horseback riding and biking in BC.

Directions are available at Tyax Adventures – Location.

*Please note that Google Maps is showing an incorrect route from Lillooet to Tyax Lodge. You will be updated with exact directions. Do not follow google maps as it’s taking you on FSR’s instead of paved road.

Participants are responsible for booking their own accommodation the night before camp starts and any nights once we’re done. Tyax Adventures is in a remote area and you’ll need to travel there the day before. Meet up time is usually 7am on day 1 and we finish around 3pm on the last day. Accommodation can be booked in advance with Tyax Lodge or the Goldbridge Hotel or there are many camp spots nearby including some deluxe sites booked by Tyax Lodge.

GEAR NEEDED:

All-mountain or xc bike (130-150mm travel) – there will be lots of pedalling! (see itinerary for ride stats) Lightweight knee pads, all bike gear/clothing/tools, 20L pack. You will be carrying with you your lunch, minimal tools, and minimal change of clothes for the 3 days. A comprehensive packing list is emailed upon registration. Sorry no ebikes (Provincial Park, charging and flying restrictions)

THE CAMPS & ROOMS:

During the Explorer Camp we’ll be based out of Spruce Camp for both nights. Spruce Camp is located just a short walk from Spruce Lake and offers a cook cabin with dining area, wood stove, hot shower, and outhouse with great views. Lots of outdoor covered seating is offered with a campfire zone. There are 5 cozy canvas walled tents on platforms with raised beds, thick mattresses, warm sleeping bag, and pillow that sleep 2 people each (2 single beds). You will also receive crocs for your feet and a fleece jacket to wear at camp.

There are no facilities, stores or cell coverage at Tyax Adventures Base. Please come prepared with your own food and a full tank of gas in your car. There is a washroom only at Tyax Adventures Base as it’s adjacent to Tyax Lodge.

WAIVERS:

Each guest will be required to sign a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement at time of registration, prior to start of trip. Click here to view and fill in the online waiver at time of booking.  Participants are required to inform Sweet Skills of any allergies, medical conditions or injuries that might affect their riding or health and any medications taken.

AGE:

Minimum required age is 18 for our camps and clinics. Requests can be made on a case-by-case basis. It’s recommended for youth between the ages of 14 and 18 to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Guest Cancellation

Outside of 60 days:

Payments made for any camp cancelled outside of 60 days before the start date of your reservation will be refunded less $75. Or $50 fee to either transfer balance to another camp during the current season or carry over for 12 months. After which time it is non-refundable. Please note any credit card processing fees are non-refundable.

Within 59-30 days:

Payments made for any camp cancelled between 59-30 days of the start date of your reservation will be refunded less 50% of the total fees paid. Or transfer balance less $75 admin fee to another camp during the current season or carry over for 12 months. After which time it is non-refundable. Please note any credit card processing fees are non-refundable. (Sol Mountain cancellation transfer fee is $150)

29-0 days:

Payments made for any camp cancelled within 29 days of the start date of your reservation are non-refundable and no credit is available for future camp. Your camp entry can be transferred to your friend (of similar ability) for no cost. If Sweet Skills is able to fill your spot you will receive a refund less 50% of fees paid. Please note any credit card processing fees are non-refundable.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Our guest cancellation policy is firm and we recommend you purchase a trip interruption/cancellation

insurance policy to avoid disappointment should you need to cancel your trip last minute. Travel insurance can be purchased through World Nomads, or your travel agent. Ensure your travel insurance covers you and your equipment and that your current health insurance covers the unforeseen like medical flights and back-country emergency rescue.

Sweet Skills Cancellation

Sweet Skills reserves the right to cancel or adjust a reservation at any time due to minimum participation requirements not being met, or any other circumstance that arises. Should Sweet Skills need to cancel or reschedule your reservation you will be offered 100% credit toreschedule for another date, or option of a full refund less credit card fees.

Cancellations due to a 3rd Party/Unforeseen Circumstances:

Should your booking need to be cancelled due to extenuating circumstances beyond our control, including

(but not limited to): border closures, cancellations of any sort from Lodges or other 3^rd party operators, government-initiated shutdowns due to a pandemic or wildfire, extreme weather which is deemed by Sweet Skills to be a safety issue. Sweet Skills may offer you a 100% credit to reschedule for another date, or give you the option of a full refund minus 10% of the deposit paid (for Sol Mountain Camp, fee is $175).

Should any necessary changes affect your pre and/or post-tour travel plans, Sweet Skills will not be responsible for additional expenses incurred by guests (non-refundable airline tickets, rental cars, hotel reservations, etc.) Again, we recommend you have purchased your own trip insurance policy.

ITINERARY CHANGES & WEATHER:

Every attempt will be made to adhere to our scheduled itinerary, we do not plan to make changes ahead of time. However, participants acknowledge and willingly accept the possibility of unexpected changes to our route, timings and itinerary. Safety issues, weather and/or any extenuating circumstances beyond our control may contribute to this possibility. Should these changes affect your pre and/or post-tour travel plans, Sweet Skills will not be responsible for additional expenses incurred by guests (non-refundable airline tickets, rental cars, hotel reservations, etc.). No refunds will be given for itinerary changes. We ride rain or shine! Riding in the mountains means we can encounter variable weather at any time and participants must be prepared for this. Weather can also change very last minute, therefore we do not cancel trips with forecasted rain or smoke unless our accommodation and transportation partners are shut down.