Exciting terrain in the Valhalla Range of the Selkirks…
It’s no myth, the Valhalla Lodge terrain is legendary. Just mere hours from the hamlet of Nelson, BC – in the world famous powder fields of the West Kootenays. Those that venture here swear to keep the secret of this alpine paradise, but the legend grows deeper each passing year. The terrain here boasts a unique blend of steep tree skiing and alpine terrain.
The Lodge is located at treeline and surrounded by no fewer than 10 stellar alpine basins. Deep powder lines, crystalline mountain air, enticing terrain – something for everyone just out the front door. Here you will find a variety of great ski-touring options including long steep tree runs along with open alpine terrain.
This week is a Saturday to Saturday program. The group will be meeting at a helicopter staging area 30minutes drive south of Nakusp along HWY 6. We will fly-in with a helicopter early in the morning. All guests are responsible for getting to/from staging before/after the trip.
Once at the lodge, our daily routine will be to explore the diverse terrain while skiing with a small day pack. We will enjoy spectacular scenery and quality skiing before return to the comforts of the Lodge by mid to late afternoon.
This ski week is suitable for advanced skill levels, ideally we will match people into similar skill groups. You must have prior day ski touring experience and be able to link turn in variable snow conditions.
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 or equipment would suit you best.
The lodge is located in the Southwestern Selkirk Mountains near the Village of Nakusp in Southeastern BC. We will access the lodge by helicopter from a staging area 30minutes drive along HWY 6 South of Nakusp.
Nakusp is a 1.5hrs drive South of Revelstoke along HWY 23 or a 2.5hrs drive North of Nelson along HWY 6. All guests are responsible for their own transportation before and after the trip.
Mountain weather can vary drastically. In winter you can expect temperatures to be from -15C to –5C in the day while in spring daily temperatures could rise above freezing.
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, precipitation can change within the day.
What’s included:
- Pre-trip planning support
- Certified IFMGA and/or ACMG guide service
- Group safety equipment (communication device, rescue kit, first aid supplies, GPS, maps)
- 7 nights accommodation
- Helicopter flight in/out of the lodge
- Cook & Gourmet Breakfasts and Dinners
Not included in price:
- Personal ski and avalanche safety equipment
- Accommodation or transport prior to meeting location
- 5% GST
- Gratuities
- Trip cancellation, rescue insurance, medical insurance
Where can I rent Ski touring and safety equipment?
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 phone 250-354-2056
Valhalla Pure Outfitters phone 250-354-1006
Gericks phone 250-354-4622
Sacred Ride phone 250-354-3831
What transceiver should I use?
What kind of transceiver can I use? If you are interested in touring in the back country with friends or take one of our courses, it is very important to get a modern “triple antenna digital beacon” with a marking function. For recreational skiers and boarders, we suggest the following beacons: Mammut-Baryvox “Element”, Ortovox “Zoom”, Peeps “DSP tour” or the Tracker “2”. For people that moving towards working in the ski industry a more professional “more advanced” beacons is recommended, such as Mammut-Baryvox “Pulse”, Ortovox “3+” or Peeps “regular DSP”.
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.
