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Overview
The Selkirk Mountains near Nelson are a perfect snowcat skiing and snowboarding area. With 36,000 acres of powder terrain in the heart of British Columbia, it is the world's largest snowcat operation. Escorted by certified guides, guests experience untracked bowls, peaks, and trees in an area that receives an average seasonal snowfall of 42 feet!
Skiers and snowboarders can expect up to 18,000 vertical feet of deep powder turns each day, with the final run leading to the cozy high-alpine timber frame lodge. The lodge is a quick 5-minute helicopter flight from the charming town of Nelson where quaint shops, fine restaurants, friendly pubs, and local ski areas round out the perfect vacation. The snow-cats leave the lodge after breakfast at 8:30 a.m. On an average day, skiers and snowboarders make 7 to 12 runs, covering 12,000 to 18,000 vertical feet. Two certified guides accompany each group of 12 skiers. We operate from mid-December to mid-April. Although high season rates apply from mid-January to mid-March, some of our biggest snowfalls occur during the shoulder season — early January and late March. All of our guides are certified with ACMG or CSGA and wilderness first aid. Our lead guide has been teaching avalanche awareness classes for over a decade.
Guests must be advanced-intermediate to expert level skiers and snowboarders. Note that an expert skier on groomed slopes may be an intermediate skier in the powder. Every group is different and our terrain and conditions will vary depending upon the time of your trip. We recommend that all guests be in good physical condition. Fat skis, which make powder skiing much more effortless and enjoyable, are available for a small fee.
Weather
Winter temperatures range between -15 and +15 degrees Celsius (5 - 59 degrees Fahrenheit). Our average daily temperature is between -5 and -1 degrees Celsius (in the 20s Fahrenheit). As with any outdoor pursuit, weather and snow conditions are unpredictable. We ask our guests to expect the best, but to be prepared for anything. Although champagne powder is the norm in the Kootenays, it is not guaranteed. We sometimes find wind-buffed ridges, corn snow in the spring, and the occasional heavy-snow section.
Accommodation
At an elevation of 6,700 feet, the lodge is a warm, comfortable, hand-crafted timber frame gem nestled in a spectacular sub-alpine forest. Our fly-in, fly-out, on-mountain location is a 5-minute helicopter flight from Nelson. The high alpine lodge houses 12 warm double-occupancy guest rooms with shared bathrooms. The hand crafted timber frame includes a dining area, bar, and plenty of space to stretch out and relax. Two outdoor hot tubs and a massage therapist will help loosen your sore muscles at the end of the day.
Meals
All meals are included in the price of your trip. A breakfast buffet and gourmet dinner are served daily in the lodge, as well as hot soup and hearty appetizers when you return from skiing. An abundant lunch is provided in the cats where guests help themselves between runs. Special dietary requirements are accommodated with ease.
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