SWS FAQs what our guests want to know

Below you will find a list of questions we’re commonly asked.  Feel free to contact us if you’ve got any more!

Why choose Selkirk Wilderness Skiing?

We are the original cat skiing company. We welcome only 24 guests per week with 15 staff to attend to their every need. Our terrain varies from short, steep cliff riddled tree runs to open faces and perfectly spaced gladed runs.

With 2 snowcats running and a back up cat on standby, you will never miss a day of skiing or snowboarding. Our remote lodge on Meadow Mountain is comfortable, warm and inviting. You can expect 3 home cooked meals a day and are guaranteed of a good night’s sleep.

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Where are you located?

We are in the Southeast corner of B.C. in the West Kootenay Region. Our office and meeting place are located in Meadow Creek, just 100km north of Nelson on Highway 31.

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How do I get there?

You can drive right to our base station in Meadow Creek. We will then transport you up to our lodge by snowcat. Many of our US guests fly into Spokane WA and then rent a car and drive up to Meadow Creek. Our closest airport is Castlegar BC and can be accessed via Calgary, Alta or Vancouver, B.C. There is a shuttle service from Castlegar Airport to Nelson BC. Reservations are recommended. Pick up can be arranged from Nelson with notice.

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How do I book?

Please contact our office to make a reservation:

Phone 1-800-799-3499
Fax 250-366-4419
Email info@selkirkwilderness.com

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What is included in the cat skiing package?

*Five days of skiing
*Six nights accommodation
*All meals
*Guide service: 2 or 3 guides per group of 12
*Package begins Sunday evening with dinner and ends Saturday morning with breakfast

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What is the elevation of the lodge?

1280m (4200’).  What is the elevation at the peak? 2500m (8200’).

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How many runs do you average in a day?

8-12 runs per day varying in length from 1000 to 4000 vertical feet, totaling approximately 12,000 to 18,000 vertical feet per day.

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What is the annual snowfall?

Over 10 metres (400 inches) annual snowfall. Average Feb. daytime    
temperature is -6 deg. C (21 deg. F)

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What is your terrain like?

We have a collection of terrain that is as varied as it is spectacular. The towering summit of Mt. Cooper stands guard over it all and the adrenaline can’t help but run full throttle. From short, steep, cliff riddled tree runs to 3,500 foot descents that start at a peak and dive down through open faces and into perfectly spaced glades, then towering cedar and hemlock trees older than Canada itself.

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Are snowboarders welcome?

Yes. We welcome snowboarders. They should be strong intermediates, in good physical condition with some tree skiing experience.

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Do you have to be an expert skier?

You do not have to be an expert powder skier. We do recommend that you are a strong intermediate skier in good physical condition able to ski down most Black Diamond runs in control. Powder instruction is available.

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Do you have private rooms?

Yes. We have 10 single rooms and 7 double rooms.

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Do you have ski rentals?

Yes. We have a wide range of powder skis available, as well as a few snowboards, in our rental shop. We do not have rental boots. We highly recommend that if you are flying you bring your boots as carry on luggage.

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Do you provide avalanche safety gear?

All of our guests are provided with a digital Barryvox Pulse transceiver and are trained in their use. Besides the avalanche safety gear that our guides carry, we provide each guest with sleek Dakine packs that contain a shovel and a probe, as well as a radio for emergency use.  These packs must be carried by guests every run.

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How can the lodge be contacted?

Phone 1-800-799-3499
Fax 250-366-4419Email info@selkirkwilderness.com.

Our lodge can be contacted via our office in the valley. All messages and faxes are sent to the lodge daily.

In the case of an emergency our guests can be contacted via radio on the mountain.

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What kind of certification do your guides have?

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

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