We know planning a trip like this can be daunting. To help facilitate the process we have created some pre-trip information that will tell you everything you need to know.
Our Location
Getting to our remote wilderness location can be tricky - but it's worth it!
Snowwater Lodge is located near Nelson, BC, at 5400ft (1640m) in the Bonnington Range of the Selkirk Mountains. All guests meet at the Snowwater Clubhouse, situated beside our base office, at 5:00pm the night before your skiing begins. Getting to the lodge requires a shuttle from our base by truck and snowcat. Relax with wood fired pizza and beer while your bags are tagged and you wait for everyone to show up. The entire trip up should take about 45 minutes by truck and snowcat. Be sure you have signed your ONLINE WAIVER and your CONFIRMATION FORM before coming on the trip!
ARRIVE AT OUR BASE OFFICE
987 Dogwood Dr. South Slocan BC, V0G 2G0
250-359-7665 Click for directions
When & Where
Arrival time: 5:00pm
Guests need to arrive no later than 5:00pm to sign in and prepare for the shuttle to the lodge which leaves at 5:30 pm.
Please do not be late as the shuttle leaves on time.
General Arrival Schedule:
- Arrive at our base office by 5:00 pm, park vehicle and turn in your keys to the office.
- Organize roommates and luggage for shuttle.
- Sign WAIVER if you haven't done it online already.
- At 5:30pm, you will be driven to 1/2 km from the lodge and jump in the snowcat for a short ride to the lodge.
- Arrive at winter paradise and get settled into your room.
- Join the orientation talk with a welcome drink in the main lodge at 6:30pm.
- Your first dining experience is at 7:00pm.
- Skis/boards are set up the following moring when the avalanche training takes place.
There is free parking available while you are skiing/riding with us.
Getting Here
Driving from Spokane, Wa.
Most of our guests travel to our location by flying into Spokane, WA, and take a shuttle or rental vehicle (preferably a 4x4 with winter tires) from the airport.
Border Information
Within Canada 1-800-461-9999
Nelway Border Crossing
Location: Between Metaline Falls, WA and Salmo, BC.
Hours: US and Canadian customs open 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (midnight), daily
Patterson Border CrossingM
Location: Between Northport, WA and Rossland, BC.
Hours: Canadian and US customs open 24 hours a day, daily
Do you have a criminal record?
Canadian Immigration regulations restrict anyone from entering the country who has a conviction that would be considered a criminal charge in Canada. People with DUI charges or drug convictions (anytime in recent or ancient history) have a very high probability of being denied entry into Canada. Your records in the US can be accessed by Canadian Customs & Immigration officers through cooperative agreements between the US and Canada. For those who have a record, it is recommended you pre-determine your entry status prior to arriving at the border. Snowwater Heli Skiing is not responsible, or liable, to make any compensation for guests who are denied access at the border.
Canadian and International travelers
All European flights arrive to major Canadian cities like Toronto, Calgary or Vancouver and from there you can where to fly to locally. From Canadian cities, you have two options:
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Fly Air Canada to Castlegar airport (YCG), with a local shuttle a ride to Nelson. Rental cars are also available (Budget and Practicar). Please be warned, flights are often cancelled due to stormy weather so we recommend spending a day on the slopes at Red Mountain Resort or Whitewater Resort prior to your arrival day.
Local Shuttle www.kootenayshuttle.com
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Fly Pacific Coastal Airlines to Trail, BC (YZZ), from Vancouver’s south terminal. This airport is 1 hour from our base, but it is a little more reliable than Castlegar (www.pacific-coastal.com). Book your car rental ahead and practicar will pick you up from the airport and take you to their office, where you can pick up your rental vehicle:
www.practicar.ca
Private Aircraft
Castlegar is the only airport locally that allows for international private jets. Please call for details.
24hr road info for the Kootenays
800-550-4997
Safety
The backcountry is exciting and exhilarating, but can also be unpredictable. We strongly urge our guests to act responsibly and listen attentively to their guides and the pilot. Guests are expected to follow directions and act appropriately around the heli at all times.
Avalanches are part of skiing in the backcountry. These are a normal occurrence in the mountains as nature finds a way to stabilize the strong potential energy created during storms. Many western ski areas have avalanche control programs protecting their inbound terrain, but in an area as vast and untamed as ours, this task is virtually impossible. Our guides have years of experience in evaluating people, snow stability and assessing where it’s safe...or not. While it is our goal to take you to the best available snow and terrain each day, safety is our main priority and it may dictate where and when we ski. Please listen to and follow your guide at all times. **The use of drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited before and during the ski day. IPods or other music listening devices are also not allowed during your ski day.
Your Safety is #1
Book Your Massage
After giving it all you’ve got on the slopes there is no better way to sooth your aching muscles than to indulge with a massage. Our certified therapists have extensive sports therapy experience and are guaranteed to help you relax and take the pain far, far away.
Appointment times are: 3:45, 4:45, 5:45 and 9:00pm. Please sign up on line for the times you would like, or email your request This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Snowwater Heliskiing
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1-866-722-SNOW (7669)
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Fax: 250-359-7650
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Direct: 250-359-7665
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