Kootenay Cat Ski Tour
The Kootenay Cat Ski Tour from Mint Tours is about getting steep and deep in the Kootenays. Ride more vertical, more terrain and more powder snow than you ever imagined. The Kootenay Cat Ski Tour includes 3 days of private cat skiing at
White Grizzly plus you’ll get to ride the legendary resort of
Whitewater as a 'warm-up'.
Arrive at Spokane Airport where your guides will meet you and drive you to the famous ski town of Nelson, BC. Here you’ll spend the first few days riding at Whitewater Resort. While staying in Nelson, all guiding, private transport, accommodation and lift tickets are included.
Then you’ll head off-the-beaten track for 3 days cat skiing at White Grizzly, a remote cat ski operation and backcountry lodge. Your private mountain playground is right in the middle of one of North America’s most consistent snow belts. The zone faces northeast, keeping it largely protected from the sun and wind and is well-supported for riding in nearly all conditions. There’s expertly gladed tree corridors as well as pillow lines and open spaces. Think black diamond runs at your favorite resort but with fresh pow. You can expect to do between six and nine runs each day.
If you have any questions, please
make a booking request.
Terrain and Snow Conditions
January is the ideal time of year to ride in Canada. What you can expect is light dry, snow, perfect for riding powder. Nelson scores some of the biggest storms in BC so you never need to worry about lack of snow. On this tour you will ride a mix of terrain from resort to backcountry. Expect powder snow, soft landings and lots of fun features. There is terrain ranging from open bowls, sustained steep forests, mid-alpine tree sections and natural terrain features like log drops and mini-pipe gullies. Temperatures typically ranging from -10 to -30°C / 14 to -22°F. Days will be short, with an average of 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Group Type
This tour is based on a mixed group so solo travellers, couples and small groups are welcome to join.
This tour has a maximum of 10 guests and 2 guides. This allows the guides to split into two smaller groups if needed during the resort riding days to better manage any splits in ability or pace.
Required Ski Level
White Grizzly terrain requires strong advanced to expert level powder skills in tight trees and variable natural snow conditions. Many of the runs feature technical entrances, with features such as pillows, drops and chutes. If you’re not sure about your ability level,
please contact us.
Guests will be riding up to 15,000 feet per day and need to be in good physical condition. Consider a conditioning program to prepare for your trip. If you are unable to keep up with the group you may be asked to sit out and will not be reimbursed for any missed time in the cat. Weather and ski conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride or ski anything. If you have never boarded powder or shy away from it at your local resort, this is not the place to learn. The terrain has lots of glades and trees – please be prepared to ride and ski in the trees!
Alcohol or non-prescription drugs are not permitted while skiing or snowboarding. All participants must be 19 years of age or older.