Go on the backcountry ski touring or split-board trip of a lifetime in British Columbia or Alberta. We are now taking bookings for the 2022-2023 winter season!

23 01 10 Advanced Navigation Course

Advanced Navigation & Route Finding

Develop your mountain navigation skills on this 2-3 day course. Learn to use traditional navigational tools with map, compass & altimeter.  Also learn modern techniques with GPS, smart phone app’s and internet resources.  This course will take you through a refresher & introduction to the various tools used in modern day mountain navigation while building off  the fundamentals of traditional techniques.  We will work through the pre-trip & route planning process followed by field days executing our route plans.  In the field we will practice map & compass techniques and navigating with modern GPS & smart phone apps.   From our experience as professional guides we find that the modern GPS & smart phone apps are much faster to use when navigating in the mountains.  However, having a fundamental understanding of traditional techniques is essential to safe & efficient mountain navigation.  This course is often designed custom to the groups ability and previous experience levels.

The theory & route planning components to this course take place in an indoor classroom setting.

Starting at $525 per day for private instruction 1:1 ratio learner to guide.

  • 2:1 $295 per person
  • 3:1 $218 per person
  • 4:1 $180 per person

22 12 21 Kootenay Secret Stash

The Trips:  These are generally custom trips with small groups, often 1:1 to 6:1, guest/ guide ratio.  These trips are usually 2-7 days long, venue pendant.

Huts:   We will often stay at local mountaineering cabins to base our trips from.  Many of the smaller mountaineering cabins are well off the “beaten trail” and are not well known to the general public.  These mountaineering cabins located throughout our area provide great access for day touring in some of the more remote areas of the BC Province.   These backcountry huts vary in comforts.  Some are very comfortable and well serviced while others are certainly more rustic and simple.  It is impressive how many great mountaineering cabins are located in BC and Western Canada and how many are not well known.  These backcountry cabins are generally managed by clubs and organizations such as the Alpine Club of Canada, Backcountry Lodges of BC, local mountaineering clubs, BC Parks and privately run parties.  Let us share with you some of these great venues we have been finding over the years.

Access:  Many of these smaller backcountry huts are accessed by “touring in”, while others require a short lift with a helicopter or snowmobile.

Skill Level:  This is a custom trip!  We can accommodate people who are looking to try ski touring for the first time and are unsure of how to use the gear or how big of a day they can “put-in”.  We are also very happy to accommodate seasoned skiers who want to crush some vert and target big lines.  Or maybe you have been ski touring and mountaineering for a long time and have lot’s of experience but you prefer to have a guide show you the best line and be there for your support.  Newbies, hardcore and the worn are all welcome!

Terrain:  BC and Western Canada have terrain for everyone and all skill levels.  Let us know what you may be looking for and we will suggest several venues that would fit your appetite.  Mid-winter we tend to ski more in the treed glades and sub-alpine bowls.  Come spring we typically look to higher elevations and ski more in the alpine and on the glaciers.   So whether you are looking for steep chutes, pillow lines and technical featured terrain or big open bowls, mellow glades with waist-deep hippy POW we have a zone for you!

Contact us and we will work with you to build a custom backcountry experience and explore the Kootenay Secret Stash!

22 12 11 Kootenay Secret Stash

The Trips:  These are generally custom trips with small groups, often 1:1 to 6:1, guest/ guide ratio.  These trips are usually 2-7 days long, venue pendant.

Huts:   We will often stay at local mountaineering cabins to base our trips from.  Many of the smaller mountaineering cabins are well off the “beaten trail” and are not well known to the general public.  These mountaineering cabins located throughout our area provide great access for day touring in some of the more remote areas of the BC Province.   These backcountry huts vary in comforts.  Some are very comfortable and well serviced while others are certainly more rustic and simple.  It is impressive how many great mountaineering cabins are located in BC and Western Canada and how many are not well known.  These backcountry cabins are generally managed by clubs and organizations such as the Alpine Club of Canada, Backcountry Lodges of BC, local mountaineering clubs, BC Parks and privately run parties.  Let us share with you some of these great venues we have been finding over the years.

Access:  Many of these smaller backcountry huts are accessed by “touring in”, while others require a short lift with a helicopter or snowmobile.

Skill Level:  This is a custom trip!  We can accommodate people who are looking to try ski touring for the first time and are unsure of how to use the gear or how big of a day they can “put-in”.  We are also very happy to accommodate seasoned skiers who want to crush some vert and target big lines.  Or maybe you have been ski touring and mountaineering for a long time and have lot’s of experience but you prefer to have a guide show you the best line and be there for your support.  Newbies, hardcore and the worn are all welcome!

Terrain:  BC and Western Canada have terrain for everyone and all skill levels.  Let us know what you may be looking for and we will suggest several venues that would fit your appetite.  Mid-winter we tend to ski more in the treed glades and sub-alpine bowls.  Come spring we typically look to higher elevations and ski more in the alpine and on the glaciers.   So whether you are looking for steep chutes, pillow lines and technical featured terrain or big open bowls, mellow glades with waist-deep hippy POW we have a zone for you!

Contact us and we will work with you to build a custom backcountry experience and explore the Kootenay Secret Stash!

22 12 01 Secret Stash

KOOTENAY SECRET STASH

All winter long we will be organizing trips to some of the best ski and split-board touring venues the Kootenays and Western Canada has to offer!

 

The Trips:  These are generally custom trips with small groups, often 1:1 to 6:1, guest/ guide ratio.  These trips are usually 2-7 days long, venue pendant.

Huts:   We will often stay at local mountaineering cabins to base our trips from.  Many of the smaller mountaineering cabins are well off the “beaten trail” and are not well known to the general public.  These mountaineering cabins located throughout our area provide great access for day touring in some of the more remote areas of the BC Province.   These backcountry huts vary in comforts.  Some are very comfortable and well serviced while others are certainly more rustic and simple.  It is impressive how many great mountaineering cabins are located in BC and Western Canada and how many are not well known.  These backcountry cabins are generally managed by clubs and organizations such as the Alpine Club of Canada, Backcountry Lodges of BC, local mountaineering clubs, BC Parks and privately run parties.  Let us share with you some of these great venues we have been finding over the years.

Access:  Many of these smaller backcountry huts are accessed by “touring in”, while others require a short lift with a helicopter or snowmobile.

Skill Level:  This is a custom trip!  We can accommodate people who are looking to try ski touring for the first time and are unsure of how to use the gear or how big of a day they can “put-in”.  We are also very happy to accommodate seasoned skiers who want to crush some vert and target big lines.  Or maybe you have been ski touring and mountaineering for a long time and have lot’s of experience but you prefer to have a guide show you the best line and be there for your support.  Newbies, hardcore and the worn are all welcome!

Terrain:  BC and Western Canada have terrain for everyone and all skill levels.  Let us know what you may be looking for and we will suggest several venues that would fit your appetite.  Mid-winter we tend to ski more in the treed glades and sub-alpine bowls.  Come spring we typically look to higher elevations and ski more in the alpine and on the glaciers.   So whether you are looking for steep chutes, pillow lines and technical featured terrain or big open bowls, mellow glades with waist-deep hippy POW we have a zone for you!

Contact us and we will work with you to build a custom backcountry experience and explore the Kootenay Secret Stash!

22 11 01 AST1 +

Avalanche Safety Training Level 1 (AST 1)

This course will provide an entry-level decision-making framework that is based on the most advanced knowledge available. It is suitable for use by people with basic training and little experience.

In addition, the course will:

  • Provide the prerequisite knowledge required for further avalanche training.
  • Introduce and promote the Avalanche Skills Training Level 2 Course as the logical next step for gaining intermediate-level decision-making skills.

Objectives

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

  • Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release.
  • Identify avalanche terrain.
  • Know the steps required to plan and carry out a trip.
  • Use the Avaluator™ as a decision-making tool in areas where trips are rated using the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) and where Avalanche Danger Ratings and Avalanche Bulletins are available.
  • Find resources for obtaining ATES terrain ratings if their trip is not rated.
  • Find resources for obtaining Avalanche Danger Ratings and Avalanche Bulletins if these are not available.
  • Use appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain.
  • Carry out a companion rescue.
  • Understand the limits of their training.

Minimum Classroom Time Requirement
A minimum of seven hours classroom time is required.

Minimum Field Time Requirement
A minimum of one day in the field is required.

We offer custom AST L1 & L2 courses to small groups (2-6 peeps) throughout the winter season.  Please contact us for course availability & details.

23 04 22 Battle Abbey

Battle Abbey April 22-29, 2023

  • A legendary venue for spring tours in BC
  • Big alpine tours with incredible scenery and very long runs!
  • Numerous peaks over 3000m!
  • Glacier skiing in close proximity to the lodge.
  • Beautiful lodge with a significant history in Canadian Ski Touring & Mountaineering
  • A “To Do” on any checklist for exploring Planet Earth by ski!

Contact us for details.

23 03 25 Valhalla Lodge

Valhalla Lodge   Dec 31- Jan 7, 2023

Located deep in the Selkirk Mountains above Slocan, Valhalla Lodge is where the gods go to ski!

This is an all inclusive trip to a remote backcountry lodge with helicopter access, all meals & guide service.   Enjoy healthy & tasty meals provided by our awesome chefs.  Climb peaks, ski from summits, ride steep tree’s, pillow lines, chutes & alpine bowls!  Your ACMG & CAA certified local guides will take you to the goods, setting priority to safety, good times & fun skiing!

  • Catered & guided  (Excellent Chef, 2 ACMG Guides & hut keeper)
  • Helicopter accessed ski touring lodge
  • Private guest bedrooms
  • Famous Sauna
  • Indoor plumbing
  • Wood heat
  • Open cruisey bowls, with hippy pow
  • gentle & steep open glades
  • Long chutes, mellow & technical lines oh wow…
  • Closest major town Nakusp or Nelson BC

Contact us for trip details.

23 02 19 Valkyr Lodge

VALKYR LODGE   Feb 19-26, 2023

  • Catered & guided  (Excellent Chef, 2 ACMG Guides & hut keeper)
  • Helicopter accessed ski touring lodge
  • Lodge is located at 2200m A.S.L
  • Private guest bedrooms
  • Famous Sauna
  • Indoor plumbing
  • Wood heat
  • Open cruisey bowls, with hippy pow
  • gentle & steep open glades
  • Long chutes, mellow & technical lines oh wow…
  • Closest town Nakusp or Nelson BC

Contact us for Detail

23 02 12 Valkyr Lodge

VALKYR LODGE   Feb 12-19, 2023

  • Catered & guided  (Excellent Chef, 2 ACMG Guides & hut keeper)
  • Helicopter accessed ski touring lodge
  • Lodge is located at 2200m A.S.L
  • Private guest bedrooms
  • Famous Sauna
  • Indoor plumbing
  • Wood heat
  • Open cruisey bowls, with hippy pow
  • gentle & steep open glades
  • Long chutes, mellow & technical lines oh wow…
  • Closest town Nakusp or Nelson BC

Contact us for Detail

 

23 01 29 Secret Stash

KOOTENAY SECRET STASH

All winter long we will be organizing trips to some of the best ski and split-board touring venues the Kootenays and Western Canada has to offer!

 

The Trips:  These are generally custom trips with small groups, often 1:1 to 6:1, guest/ guide ratio.  These trips are usually 2-7 days long, venue pendant.

Huts:   We will often stay at local mountaineering cabins to base our trips from.  Many of the smaller mountaineering cabins are well off the “beaten trail” and are not well known to the general public.  These mountaineering cabins located throughout our area provide great access for day touring in some of the more remote areas of the BC Province.   These backcountry huts vary in comforts.  Some are very comfortable and well serviced while others are certainly more rustic and simple.  It is impressive how many great mountaineering cabins are located in BC and Western Canada and how many are not well known.  These backcountry cabins are generally managed by clubs and organizations such as the Alpine Club of Canada, Backcountry Lodges of BC, local mountaineering clubs, BC Parks and privately run parties.  Let us share with you some of these great venues we have been finding over the years.

Access:  Many of these smaller backcountry huts are accessed by “touring in”, while others require a short lift with a helicopter or snowmobile.

Skill Level:  This is a custom trip!  We can accommodate people who are looking to try ski touring for the first time and are unsure of how to use the gear or how big of a day they can “put-in”.  We are also very happy to accommodate seasoned skiers who want to crush some vert and target big lines.  Or maybe you have been ski touring and mountaineering for a long time and have lot’s of experience but you prefer to have a guide show you the best line and be there for your support.  Newbies, hardcore and the worn are all welcome!

Terrain:  BC and Western Canada have terrain for everyone and all skill levels.  Let us know what you may be looking for and we will suggest several venues that would fit your appetite.  Mid-winter we tend to ski more in the treed glades and sub-alpine bowls.  Come spring we typically look to higher elevations and ski more in the alpine and on the glaciers.   So whether you are looking for steep chutes, pillow lines and technical featured terrain or big open bowls, mellow glades with waist-deep hippy POW we have a zone for you!

Contact us and we will work with you to build a custom backcountry experience and explore the Kootenay Secret Stash!