Q and A…..eh?

OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What’s the ski terrain like?

A: Some of the best . I know , everyone says their terrain is the best.Valhalla Mountain Lodge was one of the first backcountry lodges in the province (over 30yrs ) . As we were one of the first commercial backcountry lodges in British Columbia (1986) we like to think we had the “Pick of best terrain”.

Our terrain is varied and accessible, something for everyone, from close to lodge and casual, long and short descents (300m to over 1000m), steep and deep, long tours, and an unlimited number of chutes to shred! Many guides(and guests) ,say the terrain at VML “flows so nice”..

VML was well established long before the provincial Goverment opened the “Flood gates”, and everyone and their dog rushed in to find a spot to claim as their own. Now a days it’s everything from  large and small Heli, Cat, and backcountry touring operators. It’s getting crowded out there, but we’re lucky enough (or maybe foresight?),  to have created a large enough tenure that we have no mechanized industry “neighbours”, breathing down our necks.

British Columbia now has the highest ratio of non and mechanized ski operations in the world .    Valhalla lodge with it’s large  tenure , is not crowded in by competition. No having to share terrain with other operators. As far as you can travel, it’s yours alone to explore!

Q: When is the best skiing ?

A: You can find great skiing most of the winter months.    December the days are short and snowpack is thinnest, and thus limits where you can ski and how you can travel.  Alpine and ridge lines usually have the least amount of snow, with lots of “Early season obstacles”.  January you can find some of the coldest Pow. Feb and March are most POPULAR with our guests , and first weeks to be booked.By mid April you can get 24 types of wx in 24hrs. Could be great spring skiing, OR ??? The snowpack is the deepest ,and you could have cold temps and big snowfalls one day , the next day the temps can jump into the high teens. Gotta be keen , up at the break of dawn home by noon. head for the north alpine slopes, no skiing below 2100m elev.  Those Steep chutes are prime at this time. Most locals are done touring in our region by mid April.

Q: HOW MANY PEOPLE DOES THE LODGE HOLD?

A: It’s small (850 sq feet) , but “comfy” sleeps a dozen, but living space reflects 8-10 as a more realistic number . If your more than 10 you won’t find much privacy. The Lodge has two floors with sleeping upstairs. When the lodge was built in the mid 80’s it was luxury. Most folks at that time were winter camping,staying in old trappers/miners cabin( rat infested), etc.  Now a days most modern lodges are much larger than Valhalla Mountain Lodge and with many more amenities.  Valhalla Mountain Lodge is simple,clean,and tight, but it works. All the basic comforts you need. Hey it’s the skiing ya come for first and foremost anyways, Right?

Q: WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN HIRING A GUIDE

A: Certification. What organization? ACMG (association of Canadian mountain guides), is a reputable Canadian one.

Ask about experience. Have they done much guiding for touring, or just mechanized industry guiding

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY…. ASK FOR A “COI”; Certificate of Insurance. If they have no Insurance , they ain’t professional !

MOTEL ACCOMMODATION ON NIGHT BEFORE HEADING INTO LODGE?

NAKUSP

    • Selkirk Inn1-800-661-8007 or 1-250- 265-3666
    • Canyon Court Inn 1-888-509-4499 or 1-250-265-3737

             Leland Hotel 1-250-265-3314    

  •      Halcyon Hot Springs Resort 1-250-265-3554

there also numerous B&B’s , vacation cabins, etc.