Kootenays Guided Backcountry Tour: New for 2020
This backcountry tour for ski tourers and splitboarders from Fresh Adventures covers the premier zones of the southern part of the British Columbia Powder Highway near Nelson, the capital of the
Powder Highway. Well it’s not really the powder highway because you won’t be on a highway. You’ll get off the beaten path and the only track you’ll be on is the skin track created by your backcountry guide.
This Kootenays backcountry tour includes 7 nights and 6 days of riding with 2 days of resort based skiing (likely at
Whitewater and
Red Mountain) and riding and 4 days of backcountry touring, some of which could incorporate some lift assistance. Backcountry zones could include Kootenay Pass, around Whitewater, the Rossland Range, and Goat Mountains, but your guide will keep it pretty flexible to get the best conditions.
Logistics
The trip includes pick up at 2pm on the first day at the Kelowna Airport or from any Kelowna hotel. On the final day, drop off is at approximately 2pm at Kelowna Airport or bus station or any hotel.
The tour has a maximum of 12 guests and includes a Fresh Adventures trip leader and one to two backcountry ski guides depending on group numbers.
Lodging
Lodging for the tour is at hand picked 3-4 star hotels that include a hot tub and exercise room.
For one tour date, the lodging is at the Prestige Lakeside Resort in Nelson. You can find
information regarding this hotel here.
For the other tour, there will be 2 nights in Rossland at the
Prestige Rossland Mountain Resort, and the other nights at the Prestige Lakeside Resort in Nelson.
Rooms have 2 queen beds, and included is double occupancy. A single share upgrade can be requested.
Ability & Experience
Tour participants must have advanced to expert ability. As a minimum you must be able to ski black diamond on-piste runs and have some experience in powder. A reasonable levels of fitness is highly recommended considering the degree of uphill skinning involved.
Touring experience is not essential, and if required, instruction and coaching on the use of backcountry touring equipment can be provided.
Equipment
Skiers must have skis with a touring set up and skins. Snowboarders must have a split-board and skins (ie not snowshoes) to enhance efficiency with the rest of the group and to preserve the skin tracks. Touring rental equipment can be provided.
Meals
Meals are not included as part of the tour so that you have the freedom to fuel yourself according to your palate and appetite. In the mornings, the guides will take you to the best cafés in town to ensure you can get a good feed and coffee.
You can partake in après ski drinks on the mountain or back in town. For dinner, you can dine as a group at a restaurant recommended by the guides, or head out on your own.
