Brian Waddington Hut

Notes

Known to everyone as Phelix, this is the VOC's flagship ski hut and the one that actually fills up. It flew in by helicopter in 1998 onto the shore of Long Lake under Gandalf, Shadowfax and Aragorn, and the skiing is why people come: dry interior snow, Cabin Hill glades when the weather is bad, and the Aragorn Glacier as an intermediate run. Access is the whole negotiation. Phelix Creek FSR is rated 4WD high clearance, is never plowed, and loses a section to a landslide most springs, so plan on the winter figure of 9.9 km and 1,090 m from the lot at the bottom. A capable 4x4 that clears the slide can park at the second bridge in summer and cut that to 5.5 km and 600 m, though through 2026 Foresters and CR-Vs kept getting stopped low and walking the road anyway. The road is legally shut to vehicles April 1 to June 15 for grizzlies, and the VOC asks you to stay out of the whole area August 15 to October 15. No reservations and no lock, 15 CAD a head in the blue drop box or online. Firewood is carried up on volunteers' backs so bring your own, and hang your food because the mice are relentless.