Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re still left with questions, contact us.

In order for you to get the most out of your Selkirk Snowcat Skiing experience, we recommend you:
  • Be in strong physical shape
  • Have skied in advance of your tour (come early and ski Whitewater or Red locally)
  • Be comfortable skiing at a minimum black diamond resort level
  • Have previous off piste experience
  • Have prior experience and comfort skiing in trees (many runs have an alpine component combined with a treed or partially treed portion)

Yes. We have 10 single rooms and 7 double rooms. Standard accommodation at Selkirk Snowcat is double-occupancy with 2 piece bath. Private rooms, as well as a limited number of double suites, are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to a modest surcharge. Please contact our office if you would like to reserve one of these rooms.

9-11 runs per day and approximately 15,000 to 18,000 vertical feet per day.

In the absence of cell service, most communicate via wi-fi calling. Failing that call 1-800-799-3499 / 250-366-4424, or email: info@selkirksnowcatskiing.com and we will forward your message.

There is NO cell service at the office, lodge or on the mountain beyond wi-fi calling. Most of our communication between the office, lodge and on-mountain is via two-way radio. Inbound calls for family or work emergencies must come through the office at 1-800-799-3499 where the info will be forwarded to the lodge.

Yes, the lodge has limited bandwidth wifi. It is robust enough for uses like email, social media and VoiP calls. If there are videos you would like to stream, we suggest downloading them prior to your stay with us.

To ensure all guests are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with catskiing and any other wilderness activities, all guests must read and agree to the industry waiver prior to booking your trip. You must also agree to sign the waiver in person, upon arrival at our office before heading to the lodge.

Click here to read the waiver

Our lead and tail guides are fully certified according to the standards set by the Helicat Canada Association. Visit our safety page for more info on our guides and their certification.

All of our guests are provided with a digital Barryvox S transceiver and are trained in its use. Besides the avalanche safety gear that our guides carry, we provide each guest with a radio and a day pack containing a shovel and probe. Packs are carried by all guests every run.

No. Evidence is inconclusive whether airbags provide added safety while skiing in trees and may, in fact, make it more dangerous. Since 70% of our skiable terrain is below the tree line, we do not provide them.

If you want to rent an airbag, contact ROAM in Nelson.

Yes, we offer a wide range of skis and boards ideally suited to our snow conditions and terrain. Please visit our Rentals page for details. We provide complimentary poles, please leave yours at home. We'd rather you lose ours in the deep snow!

We strongly advise all guests ski with traditional downhill gear while in avalanche terrain.  Pin bindings are not allowed.

No. Pin bindings are not suitable for mechanized skiing. If guests arrive with pin bindings, they will be required to rent our skis.

No, tips are not included in the package price. Tipping is an accepted practice in the industry.

Tipping is common practice in the industry.  Each day 18 staff look after your every need and it is very much a team environment. We pool tips and divide them equally amongst all staff who worked during your stay (based on hours).  Guides and drivers receive an extra share.  Our guests typically leave $150-$200 per day.

 

Many of our US guests fly into Spokane WA, rent a car and drive to Meadow Creek. Our closest airport is Castlegar, BC and can be accessed via Calgary or Vancouver. See the full options of how to get here. It is not possible to drive directly to the lodge -  we will transport you by snowcat from our office in Meadow Creek.

For the safety of all guests and staff, our operation is limited to adults only. We welcome guests aged 19 and over (no minors). While we recognize that many younger athletes are highly skilled, cat skiing requires consistent adult judgment, decision-making, and accountability in a complex mountain environment. This policy helps ensure the highest safety standards and the best possible experience for everyone in the group.