While Kaslo is kilometers/miles from the nearest ski resort, dedicated skiers are not denied the area's steep and deep mountain landscape. For more than 30 years, cat skiing has allowed access to some of the most amazing ski terrain in the Kootenay Rockies region.
Selkirk Wilderness Skiing
In 1975, Allan Drury realized his vision of using a snowcat to charter small groups of skiers to the amazing powdered slopes of the Selkirk Mountains. This marked the beginning of what is today Selkirk Wilderness Skiing. Selkirk's mountain lodge, situated at an elevation of1280m/4200ft, provides a hoe base for up to 24 skiers. The company's tenure covers 8000ha/20,000ac of open bowls, glades, and chutes, with runs of up to 1200m/4000ft. Skiers can expect 3658m/12000ft to 5486m/18000ft of vertical per day. Selkirk Wilderness Skiing's mountain terrain is located 40km/25mi plus a half hour snowcat ride north of Kaslo.
Retallack Cat Skiing
The timber-frame lodge operated by Retallack Cat Skiing is located between New Denver and Kaslo. From here bio-diesel powered snowcats transport skiers up the mountain for single runs of up to 1280m/4200ft. The terrain is steep, the powder dry, and the après ski food and hospitality is second to none.
More Meadow Creek Cat Skiing
White Grizzly Cat Skiing is not for the weak of heart, priding itself on its hard riding, steep, northeast facing mountain terrain. A classic log cabin down at Meadow Creek, one hour from Kaslo, provides accommodation. Also based in Meadow Creek, Highland Powder Skiing operates in the same mountain range as White Grizzly Cat Skiing, offering three- to six-day packages. Accommodation is provided at the company's lodge in the valley.
Stop by the Kaslo Visitor Centre for more information about cat skiing in the area.