Start your day up high with fresh legs…
Enjoy walking on ridges or in alpine meadows, while soaking in unending mountain views. Discover the signs of wildlife and unique flowers that exist in the high alpine zone.
Skip the grueling ascent from the valley and enjoy the scenic tour from Nelson and the excitement of being dropped off on an alpine ridge with your hiking guide. Enjoy a full day adventure, with scenic views of Kokanee Glacier or Valhalla Park.
Choose one of our popular helicopter trips or create a unique multi-day tour around the West Kootenays. Be the first one to book a hike and you determine the level of challenge and location with the guidance from Summit Mountain Guide staff.
We offer day programs that drop off near the pristine wilderness of Valhalla Provincial Park, Kokanee Provincial Park, ridges near Baldface Lodge or peaks close to Whitewater Ski Resort. Our multi-day programs can involve one or two nights at a rustic hut or backcountry lodges like Valhalla Lodge or Mt. Carlye Lodge.
Programs are intermediate 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.
Most of our day hiking programs are based in the West Kootenays in Southeastern British Columbia. Depending on where you wish to hike the ideal towns to base from are Nelson, New Denver and Kaslo. There are dozens of excellent hikes available with-in and hours drive from each of these towns.
Contact us with your ideas and we will create a program that suits your needs together.
Kootenay weather can vary drastically. In summer you expect temperatures to be from 8C to 28C in the day while overnight temperature can drop dramatically in the high alpine, even below zero. Visibility could be poor or whiteout conditions when raining heavily or snowing or clear on bluebird days. Ensure you are dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind, precipitation can change within the day.
How experienced do I need to be?
On this guided hiking program, prior hiking experience is an asset. Good physical fitness is important as it will give us the ability to move safely and efficiently in the mountains.
The difficulty of the hikes we attempt will be based on your personal goals, interests and previous experience. Previous hiking experience for long periods with a day pack is beneficial.
Is it safe?
On all our programs, SMG provides you with fully certified ACMG guides. This guarantees you the highest safety standards in the industry. Wilderness hiking remains hazardous and while it is impossible to eliminate all the hazards, our guides will maximize your experience and greatly minimize the risks involved.
Can I rent some of the equipment needed during the programs?
On this program, guests should have their own hiking boots and day packs. We do have some equipment available for rental. Please review the equipment list and let us know if you have any questions.
Where can I rent/buy outdoor equipment?
Here are a few outdoor stores in the West Kootenays that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment and gear rental, please ensure you rent gear well in advance.
Rivers Oceans and Mountains www.roamshop.com
Valhalla Pure Outfitters www.shop.vpo.ca
