GIVE A FAQ
How does the lodge waitlist work?
Our current season’s guests get 2 weeks post their trip, to rebook their same seats for the following year. Because our rebooking rate is so high, we ask all interested parties to submit a waitlist form at the beginning of each season.
The waitlist for each season is posted on December 1st, 9:00 am PST, the year prior. For example, if you would like to try to book for the Dec 25/Mar26 season you will be able to submit a waitlist form on Dec. 1, 2024. When seats become available, we reach out to the waitlist based on a first come first serve basis and who has been waiting the longest. Please note that waitlist entries must be submitted annually and do not carry over from previous years.
It can take a few years of submitting for our waitlist before you receive the invite to book the lodge. We thank you in advance for your patience.
What is Baldface’s cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policies can be found further down on this page
Do I need to sign a waiver?
Yes. All guests must agree to our waiver before booking a trip with us and provide a wet signature at first point of check-in.
How much snow does Baldface receive annually?
Approximately 500 inches (1,270 centimeters) of snow.
What is the average temperature?
The average daily temperature ranging from -5ºC to -1ºC (in the 20ºs F).
When is Baldface open?
Baldface winter season is open from December to mid-April. High season rates apply from January to mid-March. Some of our biggest snowfalls occur during the shoulder season (early January and late March).
What kind of snowcats do you have?
We have seven Pisten Bulley 400’s.
What mountain range will we be riding?
Baldface is located in the Selkirk range in British Columbia’s West Kootenay area. The highest peak we access tops out at 7,678 feet (2,340 meters).
What elevation does the lodge sit at?
6,750 feet (2,057 meters).
What is the longest run you access?
Nocturnal Mission: 3,100 vertical feet.
What is the total acreage Baldface has access to?
32,000 acres.
What is the average daily vertical I should expect to cover?
12,000-20,000 feet/day.
What certifications do your guides have?
All of our guides are certified with ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides) or CSGA (Canadian Ski Guide Association), and Wilderness First Responder, CAA (Canadian Avalanche Association).
What does pricing include?
Prices include transportation from Nelson, BC to the lodge, accommodations, medical insurance while at the lodge, all meals, safety equipment, skiing and snowboarding with our certified guides, and professional photos! Not included in the trip cost are: massage, ski rentals, retail purchases or alcoholic beverages. Any additional purchases will be added to your final invoice and paid for upon check-out.
Do I have to pay for the whole trip upon booking?
To confirm your reservation a 25% deposit is required before May 15th, 50% by May 15th and the balance is due on October 1st. Trips booked after October 1st must be paid in full. We accept MasterCard, Visa and American Express.
Are there refunds for cancellations?
If you must cancel less than 120 days prior to your trip, we cannot provide a refund. We recommend guests research travel insurance options before arriving. Please review our fine print cancellation policies prior to booking.
Is it customary to leave a tip for our Baldface guides and staff?
If you have been well taken care of on your trip, tipping is customary in this industry and greatly appreciated by our staff. Our policy is to distribute all tips equally among staff unless specified by the guest. There is a tip box in the lodge for cash, or you can use your on-file credit card.
Does Baldface have a photography program?
Yes, a photographer will join your group in the snowcat. Each night a slideshow will showcase your powder day. All guests receive complimentary shots of their trip via e-mail at the end of their trip.
Do I need to bring my own safety equipment?
We supply all the safety equipment you need. Every guest carries a radio and wears a guest pack with probe and shovel in addition to an avalanche transceiver.
Aside from skiing, what do guests do?
Once at the lodge guests spend their days skiing and riding powder and their evenings enjoying gourmet meals, our full-service bar, massages, a wood-fired sauna and the company of old and new friends.
What time are we on-snow in the morning?
Skiers and snowboarders leave the lodge via twelve-person snowcats at 8:30 every morning. Depending on group abilities, guests should expect six to twelve + runs per day covering 12,000 to 20,000 vertical feet. Two certified guides accompany each group.
Where do we stay?
Our timber-frame lodge houses the dining room, bar, massage and lounge areas plus 10 double-occupancy guest rooms with a shared bathroom. Seven timber-frame chalets, a short walk from the lodge, accommodate four guests. Each chalet has two bedrooms with a queen and long twin bed and one bathroom. All beds at Baldface have goose-down comforters and high-quality cotton sheets.
Are meals included? Where do we eat?
All meals are included in the price of your trip. A breakfast buffet and gourmet dinner are served daily in the lodge, as well as hot soup and hearty appetizers when you return from skiing. Sandwiches, snacks, and cold drinks are provided in the snowcats. We are happy to accommodate any special dietary requirements.
What ability level do I need to be to ski or snowboard at Baldface?
Skiers and snowboarders should be comfortable on black diamond runs and also have experience in powder and trees.
What do I need to bring?
Your passport if crossing the border. Bring all your own outerwear including goggles, helmet, and winter walking boots. You may also want slippers and a bathing suit for the sauna. Water bottles are provided. Please leave your alcohol at home.
What do I wear on arrival day?
A warm jacket, snow boots, hat and gloves.
Is there a size or weight limit on my bags since we fly in on a helicopter?
Guests are restricted to a 50-pound (22 Kg) soft-sided duffle bag so that the helicopter isn’t too heavy and can fly safely to the lodge. Please be sure that all of your clothing and equipment fits into your duffel. Ski and snowboard bags are NOT allowed on the helicopter.
Can I rent skis or snowboards at Baldface?
Fat powder skis are available for $60/day and snowboards are free. We do not rent ski or snowboard boots; please bring your own.
Is there internet or phone service at the lodge?
We have WIFI and intermittent cell service depending on your service provider. Please respect the vacation vibes.
What is the best way to travel to Baldface?
Guests out of driving range arriving from the United States usually fly to Spokane, Washington and take a shuttle to Nelson. Canadian and European guests find it easier to fly through Cranbrook, BC or Kelowna, BC. A variety of alternative travel options are available in our travel section.
What time should I arrive at the Nelson airport?
1:30 p.m. for trips before February 15 and 2:30 p.m. for trips after February 15.
How do I get to Nelson for our helicopter transfer?
Once you have arrived in Nelson and found your way to Front Street, turn north – towards the lake – onto Hall Street then cross the railway tracks and turn left at the first stop sign onto Lakeside Drive. Continue for 1/2 mile and before you cross the bridge, you will see to your right the Norman Stibbs Airport (grey building with red roof). Pull into the parking lot, unload your gear, then park on either side of the road along the chain-link fence. Note: If you have extra gear or valuables, you may leave these at our town office for safekeeping.
At the Nelson airport, where do I park?
Once you have dropped off your bags, you may leave your vehicle in the overnight parking along the curved fence on the road just before the airport (Lakeside Dr.). Please note there is a height limit of 7ft for vehicles parked here.
How will I get up to the lodge?
On clear, sunny days, a 10-minute helicopter flight transports guests right to the lodge. If it is stormy, cloudy, or foggy, guests will travel across Kootenay Lake then up to the lodge by ground.
What if I am late?
Passengers who miss their scheduled departure times from Nelson will be charged a $250 late fee without exception. If you are going to be late, call 250-352-0006. In addition to the late fee, late guests may be responsible for an additional helicopter charter to the lodge. The helicopter flight will be scheduled at the earliest convenience of Baldface lodge and High Terrain Helicopters. if you are unexpectedly late, please call the office at 250-352-0006.
When will I be back in Nelson?
Guests will return to Nelson after the final day of skiing. December 15 – February 14: In Nelson by 4:30 p.m. February 15 – April 15: In Nelson by 5:30 p.m.
Can Baldface help with custom travel plans?
For those who require travel arrangements outside of our regular program please call the office.
250-352-0006
When was Baldface Lodge’s first season?
The idea of Baldface was conceived in 1998, with its 1st exploratory season and media release in 1999-2000. First official season: 2000-2001.
Are there any local ski areas worth checking out while I’m in the area?
Yes! Try Whitewater (20 minutes) or Red Mountain (1 hour) from Nelson.
POLICIES
CANCELLATION POLICY
If we receive a cancellation 120 days prior to your arrival, you will get a full refund minus a 25% booking fee per seat cancelled. Cancellations within 120 days of your trip date are 100% non-refundable. This includes trips cancelled due to any issues you encounter crossing the border. Please also note that most trip cancellation insurance policies do not cover this type of situation.
Guests who cancel have the option of finding a replacement to fill their seat. We will accommodate this at no charge if the guests transfer funds among themselves. If we have to charge the new guest and refund the old guest, there will be a $100 administration fee deducted from each seat refunded.
If final payment has not been received by October 1st, Baldface/Valhalla reserves the right to cancel the booking without notice and re-sell the space. There are no exceptions to this policy. All cancellations must be received in writing. Reservations will not be held until payment is received.
We understand that occasionally events occur that prevent you from joining us on your ski vacation. Please pay special attention to our Cancellation and Refunds Terms above. To avoid any financial hardship that an unexpected cancellation and interruption could cause, we strongly recommend purchasing Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance to protect your trip investment. Trip Cancellation/Interruption costs about 5% of your trip cost and it’s well worth the peace of mind. Contact our preferred provider ‘Acera Insurance’ and they can provide you with a quote for Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance.
There are no exceptions to our policies so we strongly suggest that all guests purchase trip cancellation insurance.
BOOKING POLICY
All prices are in Canadian dollars. Baldface Lodge trips require a 25% booking fee to secure the spot, 25% on May 15 with the remaining 50% due on October 1. Valhalla Day trips require a 50% booking fee to secure the spot, with the remaining 50% due on October 1. For both Baldface and Valhalla bookings made after October 1, the full amount is due. We accept American Express, MasterCard, VISA, or wire transfers. Baldface Lodge trips: If you combine trips for a longer stay, you will be credited the transportation cost on the second portion of your trip.
Upon making a reservation at Baldface/Valhalla, all guests agree to these terms and conditions:
All guests are required to sign a waiver before being allowed to ski with us. By signing this document, guests will waive certain legal rights, including the right to sue. Please read this form carefully before signing. If you do not have access to the Internet and would like to see a copy of this waiver prior to arrival, please contact us by phone at (250) 352-0006, or by email at info@baldface.com, and we will be happy to send one to you.
Alcohol or non-prescription drugs are not permitted while skiing or snowboarding.
All participants must be 19 years of age or older.
REFUND POLICY
No refunds will be provided for a trip cancellation made by either Baldface Lodge/Valhalla or a guest for any of the following circumstances: weather and/or snow conditions, family or workplace obligations/
We may, at any time, and at our sole discretion, modify these Terms and Conditions, including our Cancellation Policy, Booking Policy, and Refund Policy, with or without notice to you. Any such modification will be effective immediately upon public posting. It is your responsibility to review the Terms and Conditions for updates or changes. Your use of our services following any such modification constitutes your acceptance of these modified Terms.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL INSURANCE
Baldface Lodge/Valhalla provides Emergency Medical Coverage including Ambulance/Evacuation insurance as part of your package. 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.
Shop Return Policy:
Items can be returned for refund or exchange within 30 days of date of purchase. Items must be new, unworn goods with tags or packaging still attached. Shipping charges and duties are not refundable. Customers pay return shipping and any applicable duty charges incurred will be deducted from the refund amount. Email us at shop@baldface.com for Return Authorization before sending.
Shipping Information:
We are a backcountry lodge with restricted ability to get product off the mountain (via helis, sleds and boats!). Orders are shipped out as quickly as possible, generally within 1 week.
Any applicable duty for shipments outside of Canada is payable by the customer.
For guests who will be visiting the lodge, we can hold your order for pickup during your trip. You may return or exchange items during your trip but we cannot guarantee stock availability.
Required Skill Level
Baldface Lodge’s terrain requires intermediate/advanced-level powder skills in tight trees. If you’re not sure, give us a call. The only way to guarantee the speed/ability levels of your group is to book an entire snowcat with like-minded friends.
Guests will be riding up to 15,000 feet per day for three or four days straight and need to be in good physical condition. Consider a conditioning program to prepare for your trip. If you are unable to keep up with the group you may be asked to sit out and will not be reimbursed for any missed time in the cat.
The Valhalla Range — our rugged neighbour with the same deep snow quality — offers a huge variety of high alpine terrain where guests can expect consistent fall-line descents with big-mountain terrain features including chutes, cliffs, exposed lines, and just general gnar to take your riding to the next level! We will offer a same-day, in-and-out cat-shredding experience FOR ADVANCED AND EXPERT SHREDDERS, guided through the backcountry of the Valhallas.
Weather and ski conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride or ski anything. We do not groom any runs! If you have never shredded powder or shy away from it at you local resort, this is not the place to learn. Baldface and Valhalla terrain has lots of glades and trees – please be prepared to ride and ski in the trees!