Trip Dates
Available on demand
December to April
Price
$125/person/day (based on a group of 4) reduced rates groups larger than 4
Group Size
Maximum 6 guests/guides
Skill Level
Beginner to Advanced
Related Trips
Intro to Backcountry Ski Touring
Ski Traverses
Nelson Drop’n Tour
Kaslo Drop’n Tour
Nelson Classics
Selkirk, Monashee and Purcell Mountains, B.C. Backcountry Day Ski Touring
Discover the legendary powder, diverse terrain and consistently deep snow found in the mountains around Nelson, Rossland and Kaslo. Expand your avalanche and mountain knowledge while skiing with a seasoned local guide. Our day trips take place in the stunning backcountry of the Monashee, Selkirk and Purcell Mountains. Whether you are a beginner or advanced skier we offer trips based on your skiing background. Our low guest to guide ratio maximize a safe and personal backcountry ski touring experience. Individuals and groups welcome!
Here are a few local classics.
Whitewater Backcountry
The backcountry near Whitewater ski resort is stunning, deep and accessible. There are many options to explore, using lifts or road access, including Ymir Peak, Five mile basin and Evening ridge.
Kootenay Pass
At 1780m, perched between the snowy little towns of Salmo and Creston, Kootenay Pass is the highest road accessible mountain pass in British Columbia. Here we will ski some of the best tree skiing in the southern Selkirks along with fantastic sub-alpine ridges boasting a great variety of open terrain. This destination is a must to all visiting ski tourers.
Mount Brennan or London Ridge
The Kaslo-New Denver highway gives quick access to some of the bigger alpine ski tours in the area. Both Mt Brennan and London Ridge offer vast and exposed alpine terrain, fantastically long ski descents and some of the most impressive local mountain scenery. To optimize your experience, these tours are best done in the Spring when the days longer, the snowpack deeper and temperatures warmer.
Rossland and Red Mountain area
The Rossland area offers fantastic lift and road access backcountry powder ski touring. It is infamous for outstanding tree skiing along with a consistently deep snowpack. The area offers a variety of possible tours, ridges and peaks for the keen ski tourer visiting the area.
Itinerary
- Meet your guide at 8:00 am at predetermined location, sign waivers and check gear
- Drive up to ski touring destinations (either skin up from the car or take the ski resort lift)
- Back from last run one hour before sunset.
Prerequisites
Programs are beginner to advanced. Guests are responsible to self evaluate their skills as groups need to be matched together based on prior experience and ability. Please contact us to discuss your background and what kind of tour would suit you best.
Equipment
Weather
Kootenay weather can vary drastically. In winter you expect temperatures to be from -15C to –5C in the day while in spring daily temperatures could rise well above zero. Visibility may be poor or whiteout conditions when snowing heavily or clear on bluebird days. Ensure you are dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind and precipitation can change within the day.
Location
All the ski touring venues in this section are located with-in an hour drive from Nelson. Depending on your preferences and the ski touring area you are interested-in, suitable accommodation can be found in Nelson, Rossland, Kaslo & New Denver.
You will be meeting with your guide the evening before the trip starts for a final gear check. We will go over last minute changes (weather & avalanche conditions) and logistic for the following day(s). We will also sign a liability waiver.
Services Included
- Pre-trip planning support
- Fully certified IFMGA guide service
- Group safety equipment (communication device, rescue kit, first aid supplies, GPS, maps)
Not included in price:
- Lunch, snacks
- Personal ski and avalanche safety equipment
- Transportation or lift fee if applicable
- Trip cancellation, adventure travel insurance, medical insurance
FAQ
Where can I rent Ski touring and safety equipment?
Summit Mountain Guides has a limited amount of winter safety equipment available for rental. Contact us for availability. Here are a few outdoor stores in Nelson that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment and gear rental, please ensure you rent gear well in advance.
Rivers Oceans and Mountains 354-2056 www.roamshop.com
Valhalla Pure Outfitters 354-1006 www.shop.vpo.ca
Gericks 354-4622 www.gericks.com
Skis, Telemark or Split Boards?
Which should you use? If you are a downhill skier then you should use Alpine Touring gear. Only if you are already an advanced Telemark skier or Snowboarder should you bring Telemark or Split Board gear. All types of gear can be rented in Nelson prior to your day trip. There are three types of backcountry systems you can use:
Alpine Touring skis are essentially downhill skis with a special touring binding which allows the heel to lift whilst going uphill or across the flats and then ‘locks down’ to become a regular downhill safety binding. We recommend this system to anyone with a background of downhill skiing who is not already an advanced telemark skier.
Telemark skis. These should only be used for this program if you are at least an advanced-intermediate telemark skier with some backcountry experience. This system is more difficult and less forgiving than the others.
Snowboarding with a Split Board is the most effective way to snowboard in the back country. We recommend this system to advanced snowboarder over snowshoeing.
