OUR LOCATION

Snowwater operates in a region known as the West Kootenays of British Columbia. We chose this area as the quality of snow is like few other places on earth. The unsurpassed consistency, quantity, and lightness of this ‘white gold’ is widely sought after by powder connoisseurs the world over.

The lodge and Spa are located on 21 private acres in the beautiful Bonnington Range of the Selkirk Mountains, roughly 24km southwest of Nelson. Nestled in the trees below Snowwater Peak, the lodge sits at a mile high - (5400ft/1640m) and is approximately a one-hour drive from our base office via snowcat and truck.

We aim to provide a unique mountain adventure at Snowwater, offering an exclusive wilderness experience unlike anywhere else on the planet. We know you’ve come a long way to have a ski or snowboard vacation and our goal is to keep you turning all day long. Unlike other heli operations, we have a snowcat back-up program that keeps you skiing even if the weather prevents flying. The snowcat leaves right from our doorstep and offers incredible steep, gladed tree skiing close to home.

Catering to only twelve guests at a time, we are committed to excellence in all aspects of our guest service. We combine authentic hospitality and a laid-back Kootenay attitude with professional service and a highly customized program. Additionally, our guests have private access to the entire lodge and SPA facilities, with an option to upgrade to a This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

As recipients of the renowned Wine Spectator Award, Snowwater offers an expansive list of wine and spirits, as well as delicious hand-crafted cocktails. If you like good food, some say the food alone is worth the trip.  

Get ready to lift off, relax, and enjoy!

It is now a required HeliCat Standard that all guests must agree to both our ROL(release of liability waiver) and our TERMS AND CONDITIONS prior to making the first payment on your trip.

If you have any questions about either of these please contact us!

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. treatments in advance to ensure your preferred times.
The cost is $140 per 50-minute massage. Spots are highly coveted!

Appointment times are:

• 3:45
• 4:50
• 6:00
• After dinner (8:30 - 9:00)

Guests should meet at our Snowwater Clubhouse before making the trip to the lodge. The shuttle trucks leave at 5:00 pm sharp. Feel free to arrive early!

Guests meet at our Snowwater Clubhouse 997 Dogwood Dr., South Slocan, BC, V0G 2GO before making the trip up the mountain. Our office is located at the junction of HWY 3A and HWY 6, between Castlegar and Nelson.

997 Dogwood Dr.
South Slocan, BC, V0G 2G0
T: 250-359-7669

GENERAL ARRIVAL SCHEDULE

• Arrive by 4:30 pm, park vehicle and turn in your keys to our staff at the Clubhouse.
• Get your bags tagged for your room.
• Dress warmly; you will be in a truck and a snowcat for at least an hour to the lodge.
• Pick your roommate unless you have upgraded to a private king suite. We have 4 king suites, sold on a first come first served basis - usually months ahead.
• 5:00pm transfer to the lodge via truck and snowcat. We leave on time!
• Arrive and settle into your room with your luggage.
• Welcome orientation in the main lodge at 6:30pm. Let the fun begin!
• Gourmet dinner at 7:00pm.

LATE ARRIVALS

It is the responsibility of the guest to be on time. Please let us know if you are running late: 250-359-7665. Guests who miss the scheduled departure will need an additionally organized private shuttle to the lodge and will be subject to a late fee of $250 per person, without exception. We do not transport guests past 6:00 pm to the lodge. If you arrive too late for the private shuttle, you will have to spend the night in Nelson and incur additional accommodation and food expenses. If the entire group of twelve guests is late, a group late fee will be applied, depending on how late extra staff need to work to get the group to the lodge the same night. A full dinner may not be provided in this case.

We recommend you take an extra day and come early to avoid feeling pressured by the constraints of winter weather traveling. It can be tricky to get here - but it’s worth it!

There are two main ways to get here:

• DRIVE (often from Spokane WA, and having to cross the Canadian border)
• FLY directly to Castlegar or Trail Regional airports, either in private aircraft or commercially from Vancouver.

We recommend that you always fly into Canada if you have ‘a prior’ (DUI) conviction of any type.

DRIVE HERE
Most of our American guests fly to Spokane and drive up from there. Canadians or Europeans tend to fly to Kelowna or Cranbrook and drive from there. Car rentals can be limited so be sure to pre-book a 4WD and request winter tires!

• Highway cams

24-hour road information for the Kootenays: 1-800-550-4997

RENTAL CAR SERVICES

• Spokane Car Rentals
  Information on rental agencies based near Spokane International Airport. Alamo Enterprise, AVIS, Hertz, Budget, National, Dollar, Thrifty available
• Kelowna airport car rentals
  Car rentals at Kelowna International airport (YLW). Enterprise, AVIS, Hertz, Budget, National, Thrifty available

SHUTTLE SERVICES
If you are coming with a larger group, or you don’t want to rent your own vehicle, you might want to consider one of the following charter/shuttle companies:

• West Kootenay Charters
  A shuttle van or rental cars are available from Castlegar regional airport but call ahead to reserve.
• Kootenay Charters
  Daily Shuttle Service between Nelson/Rossland and Spokane (6 days a week, no service Tuesdays).
  Service from International Airports to Nelson BC. *Bookings must be made 48hrs in advance.
• Ambassador Limousine Service
  Service from Spokane International Airport to Nelson BC.
  Ambassador Limousine Service is a long-time established service in Spokane and is accustomed to this trip!
• Spokane Airport Express Shuttle
  Private driving service for smaller groups (up to 6 passengers)

CROSSING THE BORDER

If you are driving from Spokane International Airport, you will need to cross the Canadian border. This is no joke. Please note: Snowwater does not issue refunds or provide trip credits to registered guests who are unable gain entry to Canada.

There are 2 local border crossings to choose from when driving from Spokane:

• Patterson/Northport crossing is open 24 hours/day. We advise taking this one!
• Nelway (Between Metaline Falls, WA and Salmo, BC) is open from 8am to 8pm. We do not recommend this border crossing (mean border guards!)

Be prepared:

• A current passport is always required to cross the Canadian border. CHECK THE DATE well before the trip date as it can take months to get renewed.
• Immigration officers may inquire about your personal history, the purpose of your visit, and what you are bringing across the border.
• DO NOT BRING DRUGS across the border!
• Among other things, alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs and large amounts of cash are all subject to import limitations — excess quantities may be taxed. You are not allowed to import fresh fruits and meats, firearms, or mace.
• They may search your vehicle, so please pack carefully. Border officials may deny you entry to Canada based on previous convictions. If you have been convicted of Driving Under the Influence, (DUI) it is considered a criminal offence, and you could be denied entry. Please contact the border you will be crossing before your arrival if you are unsure. We recommend that you should always FLY into Canada if you have ‘a prior’ conviction of any type.

FLY HERE

• Castlegar Regional Airport (YCG)
  CASTLEGAR, located 15 minutes from our base office, is our local regional airport. You can fly via Air Canada into Castlegar, only a 15-minute drive to our base office. Canadians or International guests generally drive or fly directly from Calgary or Vancouver. Please be warned, flights are often cancelled due to stormy weather, so we recommend coming at least one day early.
  
  • Private Aircraft
    Castlegar is the only local airport to accept international private aircraft. You can then arrange a heli transfer directly to the lodge for an extra fee with us or arrange your own shuttle to our base office and join the regular transfer at 5:00pm. All heli transfers to the lodge from the airport are dependent upon weather the day of travel.
• Cranbrook International Airport (YXC)
  This is another option with international landing capacity and is a 3-hour drive to our base. We recommend pre-booking a luxury shuttle van with resort tours.
• Trail Airport (YZZ)
  This airport is 1hour drive from our base office but the success rate for arrival in the winter is about 15% more than Castlegar. Trail is serviced by Pacific Coastal Airlines, which flies direct from the South Terminal of Vancouver International Airport. You can prebook a rental car and pick it up right at the Trail airport.
• Kelowna International Airport (YLW)
  Many Canadians choose to fly Kelowna when coming to the Kootenays if they can’t make it to Trail or Castlegar by air. It is roughly a 4-hour drive from here to our base.

Purchasing insurance for your trip is a crucial piece of the heli-ski puzzle. You have invested in an expensive adventure, and we HIGHLY recommend getting the appropriate coverage so that you are completely reimbursed should something go awry either before or during your trip.

There are three main types of insurance you should have for a trip like this:

• EMERGENCY MEDICAL INSURANCE – Your trip now covers you for acute, sudden, and unexpected sickness or injury during trip! This coverage includes ambulance evacuation to a hospital as well as hospital and physician charges. This coverage is only in place while you are our guest and in Canada. All claims require that you be seen by a physician at the time of injury. Hospitals in BC may require a credit card deposit upon admission. If you do not see a local doctor, coverage for heli flights out of the field will not be available and you will be responsible for any extra applicable fees.
  
  
• TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE – NOT INCLUDED reimburses you for travel costs if the travel plans are cancelled prior to departure, or on the way to the destination. Airline tickets are excluded from this.
  
  
• TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE - NOT INCLUDED. This covers your trip and unexpected out of pocket expenses if your plans are disrupted after the trip has begun.

• Passport/ID – make sure it is current!
• ALWAYS bring your ski boots or snowboard boots as carry-on items on airplanes. Gripwalk combo touring/alpine boots are compatible with our bindings. TOURING boots are NOT compatible. You will need to bring your own skis if you bring these types of boots.
• Personal medications, ibprofin, etc.
• Outdoor gear – layering works best. No cotton! Base layer, mid layer, High-quality outerwear (Gore-TEX or similar). Our average temp is -8C or 25F.
• Gloves, Ski Socks, Helmet /hat, Buff/face protection.
• Goggles (extra goggles can be a very good idea as well in case yours get fogged with tons of powder snow (common!)). We also sell some in our retail area if you’re in need!
• Lodge clothing (comfy).
• Slippers (or you can use our lodge shoes).
• Swimsuit.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm.
• Basic toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste…
• Laptop.
• Cell phone and charger. We have reception at the lodge for Telus, Verizon and Bell cell phones.
• Do you snore? We have king suite upgrades available!

WHAT NOT TO BRING

• Airbag and associated rescue gear. TSA will confiscate your canister if you try to bring it on a plane.
• Touring Boots. Rossignol rental bindings can only accommodate GRIPWALK soles. If you plan to bring touring boots to heli ski in, please bring your own skis.
• Alcohol! We have a full bar at Snowwater and do not permit guests to bring their own alcohol. If you have any special requests, please let us know and we will be happy to make sure that your expectations are met. If you really need to bring some unique wine, we do allow 2 bottles max per person with a corkage fee of $75 each. We have over 2000 bottles of unique and wonderful wine to choose from.
• Drugs over the border!

WHAT WE SUPPLY

• High Speed WIFI.
• Rossignol Powder skis and poles or snowboard. If you want to bring your own gear, please only bring one set.
• House wine with dinner and Draft Beer on tap! Wines from the cellar, or delicious cocktails are extra.
• BCA 22L airbag backpack containing your personal shovel and probe.
• Mammut avalanche beacon. You are responsible for its intact return to your guide.
• Personal ICOM radio with external mic. You will be trained on its use and are responsible for its intact return to your guide.
• Luxurious Bath robes – makes travel between hot tub and bedroom warm and cozy!
• Rossignol slippers for lodge life – or bring your own slippers to feel really at home.
• Natural and organic EO bath products.
• Dryshod winter boots. The snow is deep up here! We have boots for you!
• Boot and glove dryers in each guest lodge.
• EMERGENCY MEDICAL INSURANCE is provided with your trip! See our details for more info.
• Retail products, medical supplies and gifts!
• Snowwater Water Bottle – for you to keep at the end of your vacation.
• Unlimited fun.

Your first day is a little different than a regular day due to the extra training, gear set up and group organization.

• Fill out ski/snowboard waiver so we can set you up with your gear while you train. Please bring one boot to breakfast so that we set up your skis.
• 8:00am: Lead guide talk and introduction to personal safety gear assigned to you.
• Sign the paper waiver after hearing the lead guide talk. This is a new industry standard, even after having signed the on-line waiver before booking your trip.
• Everyone is weighed for the helicopter, and daily groups list are selected.
• 8:30: Avalanche training is given by our professional guides to ensure you are ready and equipped to enter the backcountry. Our pilot will also brief you on the helicopter. While this is happening, your skis will be set up for you, ready to go when you are.
• Once you are fully trained, gather in your group of 4 on the heli pad and prepare to lift off!

• Welcome your powder day with stretch class, a steaming hot tub, or a brisk COLD PLUNGE!
• Fresh coffee is on at 6:30am, or choose from a variety of espresso coffee options, all made with locally roasted OSO coffee.
• Help yourself to our hearty buffet breakfast beginning at 7:30am. A wide variety of delicious and healthy options await you- all made in-house.
• At 8:30, all guests meet to prepare to lift off for another day in our incredible heli terrain.
• Shred pow, buckle up, enjoy the ride. Repeat.
• We eat lunch in the field when the heli needs to refuel. Occasionally we return to the lodge for a hot lunch, if conditions permit.
• Hit the slopes again for more mind-bending pow. The last group is back by 3:30 - 1 hour before dark.
• Massages start at 3:45pm. There are 4 daily time slots unless you come home early and would like an earlier time. Pre-booking is recommended to ensure you get your favorite time slot.
• Après hour is 4:00-5:00pm! Don’t forget our tasty snacks in the main lodge before you disappear into the la-la land of the Evergreen SPA.
• Side note: you can pre-order cocktails or canned beverages so they are ready to go for you when you get back from skiing!
• 7:00 pm is a 4-course gourmet dinner in the main lodge. Regale the day while enjoying our house wine or draft beer- included in your trip. Or if you really like wine - enhance your dining experience with a trip to our Cellars.
• 9:00pm is the after-dinner massage time slot. Or indulge in various other evening festivities.

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 their guide’s instructions and act appropriately around the helicopter.

Avalanches are part of skiing in the backcountry. They 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 and where it is 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’s instructions.

**The use of drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited before and during the ski day. Music listening devices are not allowed during your ski day.

• Please note that cell phones must be in airplane mode when carried in the backcountry as they
  interfere with your beacon signal when turned on. They must be carried at least 30cm away from your beacon and your radio.
• Go-pros cannot be mounted to your chest.

You can expect to be back from skiing by 2:30, with time to shower in the spa, enjoy a frosty beverage, sign the guest book, and say goodbye. Before leaving the lodge you can purchase extra retail items and finalize your bill. You should be back to the base by 4:30pm.

If you are skiing the Valhallas on your last day, you will be driven directly to the office and your luggage will be brought down for you. A post-ski shower will not be available in this case and you will check out at the base.

If you are flying via private aircraft, you will finalize your lodge bill at the lodge before being flown back to Castlegar airport for your flight home.

A Gratuity has not been included in your trip. If you feel you received exceptional service and your trip made memorable by the efforts of those who work at the lodge, a 10% gratuity is recommended. All staff members will be made aware of your contribution and very much appreciate this extra gesture.

Thank you again for choosing to spend your holiday with us.  If there is anything we can do to make your trip more enjoyable, please don't hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to seeing you in the mountains!

Patric, Maria and the entire Snowwater Team