Terrain
Just one hour north of Nelson, our base in Kaslo is surrounded by the famous Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges, an area revered for having some of the best skiing in the world.
Seeing over 18 meters (60ft) of snowfall each year, the snow we ski is some of the deepest and driest in the world. With terrain rising to over 3,000 meters, our guests are able to ski/ride open bowls, high alpine peaks, and magnificent old growth forests that are suited for everyone, whether you are a first time backcountry skier or expert powder rider. All of this terrain is just a short helicopter ride away!
All our zones offer a unique backcountry experience.
Zone A – Milford (Selkirk Mountains)
Just a short flight from our base in Kaslo, Milford is our go-to area when the weather gets stormy. The forested runs border the west side of Kootenay lake, and the five peaks in this zone cover elevation gains of 1,350m – 2,300m. If rolling, playful terrain and open tree lines are your type of skiing, this is the zone for you.
Favourite Runs: Lake Run, Snuggler’s, and Repeater
Zone B – Davis / Rossiter (Selkirk Mountains)
This zone is truly a mecca for skiing/riding and features a wide variety of terrain for all types. Ski through towering old growth forests, perfectly spaced so you can still maintain speed while arcing around their trunks. If the weather permits, soar to the top of Mt. Brennon for an alpine descent of the aesthetic peak. Every season we discover new hidden gems in this zone.
Favourite Runs: Glade Runner, Jardine Trees, West Ross, Mt. Brennon
Zone C – Glacier / Howser (Purcell Mountains)
This is the zone to ski if you’re looking for big, wild, and untouched alpine terrain. Nicknamed the Star Wars Zone, the Glacier/Howser area is relatively unexplored, with new runs ripe for the picking by guests. With elevations of 1200m – 2900m, you can ski from high alpine bowls, chutes, and glaciers into wide open tree lines in one single, continuous epic run.
Favourite Runs: Chewbacca, X Wing, Ewok and Hans Solo.
Zone D – Lavina (Purcell Mountains)
The Lavina zone is one of our newer ski areas, and there is much exploring left to do here. Composed of two main drainages, the terrain features great north facing runs in moderate alpine terrain with beautiful vistas of Duncan and Kootenay Lakes.
Favourite Runs: B-Flat, Emperor, but only because they are the only 2 we have tried!
Zone E – Cascade (Selkirk Mountains)
Named for its continuous alpine descents that seem to never end, the Cascade zone is the northernmost part of our Selkirk Area. Situated in breathtaking alpine peaks, the runs here feature alpine terrain to keep even the most experienced skiers coming back for more, as well as more moderate open bowls and slopes that lead into playful tree skiing.
Favourite Runs: Cascade Headquarters, Over & Over
Zone F – Campbell / Clute (Purcell Mountains)
Directly east of Kaslo, Campbell Creek features amazing high alpine terrain, vast bowls, and steep chutes. This terrain is more distinct than some of our other areas, with unique rock formations and topography that form pillow fields and other playful features – perfect for the skiers that like to pop, slash, and launch off of terrain features. If you’re more inclined to keeping both skis firmly planted on the snow, the open bowls, steep chutes, and larch forests are suited for all riding styles.
Favourite Runs: Rock & Roll, Omaha, with many more runs to be explored
Zone H – Holmes / keen (selkirk Mountains)
This is a new zone, located west of Kaslo and south of Hwy 31A. The south boundary of this zone abut Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park and is estimated at 12,887 ha.
Favourite Runs: All new but so far we love the burninator