There’s no denying that British Columbia is the place for backcountry skiing in North America. And while there are incredible options all throughout BC, the Kootenays really have it all—deep powder, easy access, and terrain options both above and below treeline. Heading out with a guide to the Kootenays for a day of tailored skiing is sure to meet your ambitions, as its ridges provide a perfect ground for crafting your touring skills. With its narrow chutes, steep slopes, and dense alpine forests, the area has more than enough to keep your adrenaline pumping for days on end!
A short drive from the city takes you to remote, off-piste areas
Set your tracks in the deep, pillowy powder of British Columbia
Incredible terrain options, ranging from daunting chutes to mellow slopes
As does the whole of BC, so do the Kootenays have a reputation for its amazing snowpack. It can be difficult zooming in on the best runs, though, so having an expert guide by your side is your lifeline for a day of backcountry skiing in the Kootenays’ wilderness. Possibilities here are endless, so it’s best not to waste your time on getting here—luckily, you’re just a short drive from the city away. Carve big turns on challenging terrain both above and below treeline, meander through alpine forests, or take it easy on some gentle slopes and glades—and don’t forget your guide is helping you become more confident and safe out in the backcountry!
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
This one-day backcountry skiing in the Kootenays is ideal for intermediate to advanced backcountry skiers. You’ll be on your feet for a full day and you’ll gain up to 1,000 m of altitude (3,280 ft). You will need to manage controlled descents in variable conditions. All participants should feel comfortable on challenging blue or black-level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain.
To participate in Kootenays tour, you need to have previous backcountry skiing experience. You will be skiing, touring, and summiting on glaciated terrain for a whole day. Your guide will take care of the planning, oversee your technique, and teach you how to better manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training necessary to keep you safe. If you’ve never backcountry skied before, we suggest joining a guide for a day of backcountry skiing in Revelstoke.
For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:
You can rent it from The Sacred Ride or the Roam Shop in Nelson, BC. They should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.
Group sizes and prices:
Backcountry skiing in the Kootenays can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your adventure depends on the chosen date and exact location of backcountry skiing. However, you can expect it to be near Slocan, which is one hour away from Nelson. To get there, most people fly into Calgary International Airport or Vancouver International Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to Nelson or Slocan.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Kootenays, BC, please refer to BC Centre for Disease Control or the official website of Government of Canada.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
