Snowwater Heliskiing - Heliskiing with snowcat backup!

When it comes to snow and terrain, we in the Selkirks have a rare home court advantage. Simply put, we supply the lightest, fluffiest, most consistent stimulant on earth - kootenay powder.

Annual accumulations can amount to 7m (23 ft) at tree line with 9m (30 ft) at higher elevations, offering remarkably deep powder skiing. This reliable snowfall often begins in October, serving up early season turns in December and fresh powder well into April. Our temperaturesare moderate throughout the season with an average winter daytime temperature at tree line of -7C (20F).

Our terrain is exceptional. We operate in three separate ranges in the Selkirk Mountains: the Bonnigtons, the Nelson Range and the Valhallas. With over 150,000 acres at our disposal, we never ski tracks or repeat a line. Runs are often well over 3000 feet in length, presenting dramatic alpine ridges, colossal bowls and countless pillow fields to choose from.  Guests can indulge in steep fall-line 800 year old trees, chutes flanked by towering granite spires, and perpetual meadows of unbroken powder.

We have quick access to both tree skiing and open alpine terrain. Many of our classic heli ski runs are less than a five-minute flight from the lodge. With only four skiers per group, we are able to handpick terrain and access lines that are best suited to the group’s specific abilities and desires.

Snowwater Lodge: Mountain Chic

Nestled high in the Selkirks at 5400ft, Snowwater lodge is a remarkable, 21-acre mountain oasis offering towering views of the Valhalla Range. Accessed only by helicopter, snowcat or snowmobile, it’s an exclusive retreat for just twelve guests at a time.

Initially established as a ski touring cabin, owner Patric Maloney and friends erected the main timber frame lodge in 1994. Handcrafted from larch and fir timbers, it's a solid structure able to withstand any storm. Add fresh flowers, local artwork, leather furniture and fine dining, and the mystique of our haven begins to take shape.

A key chapter in our story is a commitment to sustainability and reducing our footprint to help preserve the very nature that makes our wilderness experience one of the best in the world. A spring-fed micro-hydro system powers our pristine off-grid location. The hot water and outdoor hot tub are heated by a wood fired-boiler system. Bio diesel fuels our generators, as well as our snowcat, and recycling is practiced daily.

Described by guests as Mountain Chic, the six guest suites are spacious, tastefully furnished and offer impressive views in every direction. Creature comforts include slate floors, queen beds, fine linens, down duvets and pillows, Egyptian cotton robes and weatherproof slippers.  Complimentary body care products, hair dryers and fluffy towels are found in the ensuite bathrooms, while wireless internet and cell phone access keep guests connected, if need be.  There are dedicated drying rooms for boots, gloves and outerwear while sophisticated radiant in-floor heating comfortably creates and enhances a sustainable place to escape and dream.  Guests tend to rave about the high standard of accommodations, and about the genuine ‘family feeling’ hospitality at our lodge.

We strive to redefine efficient service with an effortless style and fun-loving attitude. We emphasize attentive yet unobtrusive service in order to provide you with a superior personalized experience. Being a small, intimate lodge, we are able to offer authentic hospitality, and we strive to make people feel completely at home with us.

The Prestige Mountain Resort & Conference Centre 

is located only five minutes away from some of BC's best ski terrain and two hours away from Spokane, WA. Nestled between the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges of beautiful British Columbia, Rossland is the perfect destination for the outdoor enthusiast.  Activities such as golfing, skiing, hiking, biking and fishing are all easily accessible from the resort. Guest can also enjoy a walking tour of the city’s historical landmarks or a visit to the nearby le Roi Mine and Museum.

Amenities, Services & Facilities

•     100% Smoke-Free
•     Suites Available
•     Kitchenettes Available
•     King or Queen Size Beds
•     Rooms with Sofa Bed Available
•     Mountainview Upgrade Available (Fee)
•     Turndown Service Upon Request
•     Photocopy and Fax Services Available Upon Request
•     Same day Valet Laundry (On business days only)
•     Room Service
•     Complimentary High Speed Wireless Internet Access
•     Air Conditioned Room
•     Environmentally sensitive amenities
•     42" Plasma TV
•     Cable Television
•     Iron & Ironing Board
•     Hair Dryer
•     Clock Radio
•     Telephone
•     Coffee Maker
•     Refrigerator
•     Desk
•     Special Needs Accessible Rooms
•     Fitness Centre
•     Sauna & Hot Tub
•     Goldtown Dining & Redroom Lounge
•     Rush Coffee Lounge
•     DandiLion Wellness Centre & Spa

*Note: Some amenities may be available only in select rooms. Fees on certain amenities/services may apply. 

The prestige lakeside resort & convention centre Nelson

Situated on the shores of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, the Prestige Lakeside Resort & Convention Centre offers easy access to all of Nelson’s business, financial and recreational districts. Enjoy spectacular views of Kootenay Lake and Elephant Mountain from the private balconies of our beautifully appointed lakeside rooms. Visitors to Nelson can also enjoy a stroll on the lakeside walkway, tour historic Baker Street and the area museums or a ride on the Heritage Streetcar # 23 arriving just outside the front entrance of the resort. Outdoor activities such as mountain biking, sailing, swimming, hiking, golfing, fishing and skiing are all easily accessible from the resort.

Amenities, Services & Facilities

•     100% Smoke-free
•     Suites Available
•     Kitchenettes Available
•     King or Queen Size Beds
•     Rooms with Sofa Bed Available
•     Lakeview Upgrade Available (Fee)
•     Turndown Service (Upon Request)
•     Photocopy & Fax Services Available Upon Request
•     Same day Valet Laundry/ Dry Cleaning (On business days only)
•     Room Service
•     Complimentary High Speed Wireless Internet Access
•     Air Conditioned Rooms
•     Environmentally sensitive amenities
•     42" Plasma TV
•     Cable Television
•     Pay-Per View Movies
•     Iron & Ironing Board
•     Hair Dryer
•     Clock Radio
•     Telephone
•     Coffee Maker
•     Mini-Refrigerator
•     Desk
•     Special Needs Accessible Rooms
•     Prestige Athletic Club (Fees)
•     Indoor Pool
•     Indoor Hot Tub
•     Ric’s Lounge and Grill
•     Cappuccino Bistro
•     Hair Salon
•     Shalimar Day Spa
•     Full Service Marina
•     Fishing Charters Available

*Note: Some amenities may be available only in select rooms. Fees on certain amenities/services may apply.

SNOWWATER PACKAGES FOR 2012 - 2013

The Unlimited Vertical, All-Inclusive Heli Package
Join us for this all you can ski, powder buffet in the legendary Selkirk Mountain Range of British Columbia.

This peak season trip is unparalleled by anyone in the heli ski industry. Designed to leave you wanting for nothing, we have concocted an all-inclusive trip that is guaranteed to bring you back time, and time again.

We cater to only 12 clients a day at Snowwater. Skiing in groups of 4, we are able to maximize skiing time and avoid long waits for multiple fuel runs, which often associated with bigger helicopters.

It includes:

• UNLIMITED deep powder vertical per day
• snowcat backup - means you ski every day no matter what!
• accommodation at our deluxe timber frame mountain lodge
• innovative, delicious cuisine
• 3 glasses of wine or beer with dinner
• professionally certified guides
• use of our Rossignol powder skies and poles
• avalanche transceiver training
• helicopter safety briefing from our pilot
• use of BCA Tracker 2 digital avalanche transceiver
• personal Dakine backpack with water bottle, avalanche probe and shovel
• use of personal ABS backpack
• transfer to and from the lodge from our base office

The 2013 Kootenay Sample Package
Please join us for this progressive powder experience in the Selkirk Mountains of BC.

Your trip has you arriving in Nelson B.C. for your first evening, which is only 3 hours from Spokane, Washington. Wam up on day 1 with a real Kootenay experience at Whitewater Ski Resort. Day 2 and 3 of the trip have you snowcat skiing or riding at Valhalla Powdercats (our sister company). Day 4 offers rejuvenation at Ainsworth Hotsprings and making the transfer to Snowwater lodge. The trip culminates in 3 days of heli-skiing or heli-boarding in deep, untracked Kootenay powder. This package includes all accommodation and most meals for an unbeatable price.

We strive to redefine efficient service with an effortless style and fun-loving attitude that ensures a truly unforgettable experience.

** You will need your own vehicle for this trip as there is a lot of travelling between places.

Itinerary 7 Day Kootenay Package:
FIRST NIGHT (before Day 1 of Skiing)

• Your trip starts with a night at Nelson's Lakeside Prestige Resort and Convention Centre

DAY 1

• 1 night accommodation at Nelson's Lakeside Prestige Resort and Convention Centre
• Day pass at Whitewater Ski Area
• Hot Breakfast (no lunch or dinner)

DAY 2, 3

• accommodation at Nelson's Lakeside Prestige Resort and Convention Centre
• Hot Breakfast Prestige Resort in Nelson (no dinner)
• 2 days snowcat at our sister company, Valhalla Powdercats, lunch and morning snacks included
• Lunch and snacks are included

DAY 4

• Hot Breakfast Prestige Resort in Nelson (no lunch included)
• pass for Ainsworth Hot Springs Caves and Mineral Baths. You will need to be at our base for a cat transfer by 4:30 pm.
• Gourmet dinner included and fist night accommodation at Snowwater Lodge!

DAY 5, 6 and 7

• 2 days of heli skiing with Snowwater Heli Skiing (includes) UNLIMITED VERTICAL!
• 2 nights accommodation at Snowwater Lodge ( you will leave on the afternoon of day 7).
• 3 delicious meals a day for the length of your Snowwater stay
• personal safety backpack with avalanche probe, shovel and water bottle or BCA airbag for heli ski portion
• use of digital TRACKER 2 avalanche transceiver
• helicopter safety briefing
• specially selected poles and fat powder skis
• transfer to and from the lodge from our base office

SNOWWATER HELISKIING 2012 - 2013 PRICES

The Unlimited Vertical, All-inclusive Heli Ski Package
PEAK SEASON (Jan 16 - Mar 15) / SHOULDER SEASON (Before Jan 16) / SHOULDER SEASON (After March 15)
3 DAY UNLIMITED, ALL INCLUSIVE HELI $5050 / $3750 / $4500
4 DAY UNLIMITED, ALL INCLUSIVE HELI $6550 / $4600 / $5800
5 DAY UNLIMITED, ALL INCLUSIVE HELI $8100 / NOT OFFERED / NOT OFFERED
7 DAY UNLIMITED, ALL INCLUSIVE HELI $10850 / $8050 / $9700

Alumni Rates Unlimited Vertical, All-inclusive Heli Ski Package
All Alumni guests receive special pricing at Snowwater. To qualify, you need to have come on any trip with us in the past.
PEAK SEASON (Jan 16 - Mar 15) / SHOULDER SEASON (Before Jan 16) / SHOULDER SEASON (After March 15)
3 DAY UNLIMITED, ALL INCLUSIVE HELI $4650 / $3450 / $42500
4 DAY UNLIMITED, ALL INCLUSIVE HELI $6100 / $4200 / $5600
5 DAY UNLIMITED, ALL INCLUSIVE HELI $7600 / NOT OFFERED / NOT OFFERED
7 DAY UNLIMITED, ALL INCLUSIVE HELI $9850 / $7350 / $9400

The 2013 Kootenay 7 Day Sample Package
Peak season (Jan 16 - Mar 15): $5900
Shoulder season (Before Jan 16): $4800
Shoulder season (After Mar 15): $5500

Notes:

• All prices are quoted per person and in Canadian dollars.
• Prices do not include 12% HST tax (or 6% to international guests)and a $4 /person/ day Crown Land Fee, medical evacuation insurance, massages, or gratuities (10% recommended).
• All accommodation is double occupancy.

THE UNLIMITED VERTICAL, ALL- INCLUSIVE HELI SKI PACKAGE

Included

• UNLIMITED deep powder vertical per day
• All - inclusive beer and selected wines
• Snowcat backup - means no down days!
• Rossignol powder skies and poles
• Accommodation at our chic mountain lodge (double occupancy)
• Only 12 guests per day
• Small group heli skiing– each group of 4 skis with a private guide
• Sophisticated and innovative cuisine
• Certified, professional guides
• Avalanche transceiver training
• Helicopter safety briefing
• Use of The Tracker 2 digital avalanche transceiver
• Personal Dakine or BCA airbag backpack with water bottle, avalanche probe
• and shovel
• Fireworks show!
• Transfer from our base office to the lodge and back

Not included:

• 12% HST tax (only 6% if non - Canadian)
• Medical evacuation insurance
• Massages
• Gratuities (10% recommended)

THE KOOTENAY SAMPLER PEAK SEASON

Included

• 1 night at the Prestige Resort in Rossland
• Breakfast voucher for ski hill in the 1st morning
• A day pass for Red Resort ski area
• 3 nights accommodation at Nelson's Lakeside Prestige Resort and Convention Centre including breakfast
• 2 days snowcat at Valhalla Powdercats
• Lunch and morning snacks when catskiing
• Breakfast at Prestige Resort in Nelson
• Pass for Ainsworth Hot Springs Caves and Mineral Baths
• 3 days of heli skiing with Snowwater Heli Skiing with snowcat backup and unlimited vertical!
• 3 nights accommodation at Snowwater Lodge
• 3 delicious meals a day for the length of your Snowwater stay
• All beverages (except cellared wine and premium liquor)
• personal safety backpack with avalanche probe, shovel and water bottle or BCA airbag for heli ski portion
• use of digital TRACKER 2 avalanche transceiver
• Avalanche safety and transceiver training
• Helicopter safety briefing
• specially selected poles and fat powder skis
• transfer to and from the lodge from our base office

Not included:

• 12% HST tax (only 6% if non - Canadian)
• Medical evacuation insurance
• Massages
• Gratuities (10% recommended)

SHOULDER SEASON

Shoulder season package includes the same things as the peak season except the following:

• Snowwater Heli Skiing includes 13,500 vertical ft per day
• 2 or 3 nights accommodation at the Snowwater Lodge does only include non-alcoholic beverages
• Extra runs are available at $90 each / 4 people per heli load
• Fat skis are available for $30/day. Poles are and additional $5/day

Hot Springs

The Hot Springs feature a unique horseshoe cave, where the Hot Water first comes in. It comes into our systems at about 117 F degrees and we have to cool it to average 42 C, 114 F before it enters our caves. The mineral waters fall from the caves roof and forms into a pool about waist deep, providing a natural steam bath. Stalagmites and Stalactites form everywhere. The main lounging pool temperatures average about 35 C / 96 F. Gallons of Hot Mineral Water flows through our pools, changing the water naturally about 6 times a day. For the brave we also offer a streamfed cold plunge which temperature varies with the seasons. For a first hand view of the horseshoe cave

Snowwater Cuisine

Dining at Snowwater is a delicious departure from the ordinary. Our philosophy is to design innovative cuisine that never fails to dazzle even the most sophisticated palate. The unique combination of impeccably sourced organic ingredients, featuring in-house smoked, cured or roasted wild game, indigenous berries, and an infusion of the freshest local flavors are assembled and professionally served to provide a culinary experience that is both vibrant and expansive. Wholesome bread, pastries and ice creams are prepared in-house daily by our Red Seal chefs.

We have taken great care in our selection of wines and continually strive to add substance and something "new and surprising" to the wine list.

Special dietary needs can be easily accommodated. Please make sure you specify these at the time of booking.

Snowwater Heli Skiing is owned and operated by the husband - and - wife team, Patric Maloney and Mariah Grant.  The pair manages the business with a fervent gusto akin only to those truly obsessed with powder skiing, mountain living and the constant desire to have fun. Their goal has always been to live an active, healthy lifestyle while being continually challenged and inspired well into old age.  Having the lodge allows them to meet interesting and extraordinary people from around the world who share similar philosophies in life.

It was Patric’s vision that initially conceived of and designed what has evolved into Snowwater.  Having played in the mountains since he was fifteen, ‘bagging any peak’ he could find, he spent all his time in time outdoors, eventually becoming a forester and arborist. He bought the lodge property in 1993, built the main timber frame structure in 1994, and began offering snowmobile ski touring trips soon after that. Thus, Snowwater was born.

Then along came Maria. An ardent powder fiend with a feisty attitude from eastern Canada, she seemed destined to join him on his edgy path. Now together for twelve years, both professionally certified ski guides, they have created a paradise suited to the most discerning powder enthusiast. Keen travelers, they constantly pursue adventure of all kinds searching for new ideas to add to the diversity of the lodge. Summer programs are soon to include horseback riding, yoga retreats, fly fishing and hiking. As passionate ‘foodies’, it is their ever-vigilant quest to promote international flavours at Snowwater, and to indulge in fine wine.

Each year they continually refine the services and amenities of the company to remain at the forefront of the heli-skiing experience in British Columbia. Underlying everything is a commitment to providing exceptional service to our customers, excellent training for our employees and an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

The transfer to Snowwater Lodge takes place at 4:20 pm via snowcat. This gives you enough time to get here in one day from almost anywhere in North America (breakfast at home; dinner at Snowwater!).

We are are only a 3 - 3 1/2 hour drive north of Spokane International Airport, WA. Many clients fly to Spokane, then rent a car and drive up to Canada. Others fly directly into Castlegar, a 15 minute drive from our office.

Our joint Snowwater/Valhalla base is located at the junction of Highway 3A (between Castlegar and Nelson) and Highway 6. Our office is also conveniently positioned between two great ski areas. Whitewater Resort and Red Resort Ski Area are within a hour from our base.  We are a 20-minute drive from Nelson or 50 minutes from Rossland. There is free parking available while you are skiing/riding with us.

Snowwater holds the safety of all guests and staff as our main priority. We strictly adhere to industry standards, and hire only competent, certified, professionals with years of specific helicopter experience. All of our heli  guides and pilots undergo rigorous annual training procedures. As a result, our safety record is impeccable.

Our guides are AMCG, CAA, and CSGA certified, trained and current in methods of snow safety, weather analysis, emergency medical techniques and mechanized ski guiding.  Early each morning, our guides meet to evaluate weather conditions, snow stability and terrain based on field observations and external industry data.  Daily decisions are made and often reassessed in the field to ensure optimal safety and fun.

At the beginning of each trip, all guests are briefed by our pilot in helicopter safety procedures. Snowwater uses only the B2 A Star helicopter, a high performance, comfortable machine that maneuvers with great agility in big mountains. All Snowwater guests are trained in the use of our digital beacons and avalanche rescue scenarios. We supply each skier or rider with new Tracker digital beacons and individual safety backpacks including shovel, probe and water bottle, as well as a group radio for added communication. The small group set up, with only four guests per guide, allows for a maximum margin of safety and added attention in the field.

As stewards of this land, we have taken necessary precautions to help protect the areas that surround our fuel tanks. We use double-walled Enviro Tanks, essentially a tank within a tank. In case of a rupture from the inside or out, the ultimate integrity of the fuel remains intact. Anti-siphon valves prevent accidental drainage or tampering.

Offering access to the mountains for domestic and international guests, this supernatural interaction with nature has motivated Snowwater to implement comprehensive practices in order to conserve and preserve the surrounding beauty.  Consistent efforts are made by the Snowwater Team to instill a more meaningful approach to environmental stewardship, social and economic responsibility. We are committed to sustainability and reducing our footprint to help preserve the very nature that makes our wilderness experience one of the best in the world.

Carbon Credits? We collect them! Our other business is in forestry where we have collected millions of seedlings every year for the past 20 years. These go towards replanting the forests of BC in the summer, while in the winter we help people appreciate the importance of preserving our spectacular backcountry terrain, and enjoying nature in its pristine form.

Our snowcats are powered by bio diesel and we have a micro-hydro plant onsite. We also participate in a governing recycling program in place for food and beverage and an ongoing seed collection program dedicated to reforestation in the surrounding areas. We have an ongoing recycling program and the Snowwater’s ‘Eye in the Sky’ where no operating occurs in western conservancy land (in protection of endangered cariboo). We have locally employed guides, and land conservation efforts (in donation form) are encouraged while staying at the property.

Our Environmental Legacy Program: A resort-wide commitment to research, conservation and enhancement invites guest participation in initiatives focused on preserving the habitat of endangered Woodland Caribou.

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