HOW TO GET HERE
Nelson, British Columbia, is a 3 ½-hour drive north of Spokane Washington and a 4 ½ drive southeast of Kelowna, BC. // Baldface is a 10-minute flight from Nelson.
Most of our guests travel to Nelson by flying into Spokane, WA, and taking a shuttle service or renting a car at the airport. If traveling within Canada, we recommend flying to Kelowna or Cranbrook and renting a car. Due to weather cancellations during the winter months, we don’t advise flying into Castlegar (which is the closest regional airport 25 minutes from Nelson).
SPOKANE CAR RENTALS
Information on rental agencies based near Spokane International Airport.
KOOTENAY GATEWAY SHUTTLE
Service from Spokane International Airport to Nelson BC. This options requires additional travel time. *Dec. 13 – Mar. 29 ONLY
KOOTENAY CHARTERS
Private bus charters for larger groups.
CURRENCY
Canadian bank machines will accept most ATM cards and spit out colorful Canadian bills in return. If you are concerned, check with your bank about its exchange rates before leaving home.
Once you arrive at Baldface, there is no need for cash. All expenses at the lodge will be added to your account and charged to your credit card on file. If you decide to tip, many guests prefer to tip in cash – either Canadian or US currency is fine. You may also use your credit card to tip.
After your trip to Baldface, out-of-country visitors qualify for a refund on any GST (goods and sales tax) which they paid while in Canada.
Crossing The Border
If you are coming from the United States you will need to cross the border. There are 2 border crossings to choose from: Nelway is open from 8am to 8pm and the Patterson crossing is open 24 hours/day.
When you cross the border into Canada, you will need your passport. Immigration officers will inquire about your personal history, the purpose of your visit, and what you are bringing 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. Baldface does not issue refunds or provide trip credits to registered guests who are unable to gain entry to Canada.
If you have been convicted of Driving Under the Influence, 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.
BORDER INFORMATION SERVICE
Within Canada 1-800-461-9999
Outside Canada 1-204-983-3500
NELWAY CROSSING
Location: Between Metaline Falls, WA and Salmo, BC.
Hours: US and Canadian customs open 8am – 8pm
PATTERSON CROSSING
Location: Between Northport, WA and Rossland, BC.
Hours: Canadian and US customs open 24 hours a day
ANOTHER TYPICAL DAY
A typical day at Baldface begins with locally roasted espresso and a bountiful breakfast buffet, followed by a full day on the slopes. Apres in the lodge consists of appetizers, massages, and sauna time. Enjoy a glass of wine and a gourmet meal prepared by our culinary team. Here is the full itinerary, at a glance:
ARRIVAL AT NELSON AIRPORT
Arrive at the Norman Stibbs airport in Nelson, BC at 1:30pm (before February 15); and 2:30pm (after February 15)
Check in with a Baldface staff member
Unload and tag your luggage
Park your vehicle along the fence
Watch helicopter safety video before flying up to the lodge
**If the weather is stormy (read: dumping), your transfer to the lodge may be split heli/snowcat, or boat/truck/snowcat.
ARRIVAL AT THE LODGE
Arrive at the Lodge between 2 and 6pm
Welcome tour by Baldface staff
Hot soup available in the bar
THE FIRST EVENING
Welcome orientation talk
6pm Dinner
8pm Get your boards set up in the demo room
Relax, stretch, play pool, ping pong, enjoy drinks at the bar
THE SKI / RIDE DAY
6:30am Stretch class
7am Breakfast Buffet / Pack your lunch
8:30am Gear up and meet your cat! **On the first day, you will receive hands-on safety training with the guides prior to getting out on the slopes. Don’t forget your new Baldface x Mizu water bottle!
3 – 4pm Return to the lodge for drinks, soup, hot appetizers, massages and sauna time.
5:30pm Slideshow of the day’s events on the big screen
6pm Dinner
TRANSFER DAY
Your transfer down the mountain will be by helicopter if the weather is clear or by snowcat if it’s stormy. Transfers begin at approximately 2pm and we try to have the last group in town by 5pm. If you are scheduling a flight home, you should not plan on getting to Nelson before 5pm
Parking
Long-term parking can be found along the fence line of the runway. Guests can also park in the City of Nelson Parkade located at 420 Vernon Street for $8 per 24 hours. Parking is available on the 1st floor (surveillance) or the roof (no surveillance) both are first come first serve. NO parking on the 2nd floor please. (250-354-8838)
KEEP IT TIGHT.
We’re happy to provide you with the signature Jamie Lynn garbage bag to travel to-and-from the lodge, but if you prefer your own luggage, please pack in a soft-sided bag (no wheels) and keep it under 50 pounds. There are no board bags allowed in the helicopter so it’s easiest if your personal items are packed elsewhere and we’ll hang onto your board bags until you get back down to town. Oh, and our wine list has got you covered so no need to risk packing that Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Arrival Infomation
Guests of Baldface are transferred by helicopter to the lodge from the Norman Stibbs airport in Nelson, BC.
Transfer times are:
1:30pm for trips prior to February 15th
2:30pm for trips after February 15th
To ensure a smooth transfer for all of our guests, we ask you to arrive on time for the start of transfer. This allows for enough time to check, unload luggage, sign any missed paperwork, and park your vehicle in the designated parking area. Please dress appropriately as you will be landing at a higher elevation with variable weather conditions.
All guests who are late for transfer will be charged a late fee of $250 without exception. 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.
Departure Infomation
Guest transfer out of the lodge on the last day of their trip. We aim to have all guests down by 4:30 pm prior to February 15th and 5:30 pm after February 15th. Occasionally, poor weather conditions can prolong transfer times; please take this into consideration when making travel arrangments.
ACCOMODATIONS
Main Lodge: Private suites and double shared rooms
Slopeside Chalets: Megawatt views just a catwalk away
THE CHALETS
Max Occupancy: 4
2 Bdrms: 1 dbl // 1 queen each
Private Yoga Zone
Boot Drying Room
Panoramic views
Wrap-around porch
MAIN LODGE // OPTIONAL UPGRADES
SUITES: Max Occupancy: 2
1 queen bed
Private Bathroom
+$200/night
PRIVATE ROOMS: Max Occupancy: 1
1 twin bed
+$100/night
MAIN LODGE // SHARED ROOMS
Max Occupancy: 2
2 twin beds
Goose Down Duvets
Shared Bathrooms
MASSAGE
At Baldface we offer après and evening appointments with professional spa practitioners who help guests rejuvenate and re-energize after a long day on the slopes. Specific aches, pains, sore joints, and old injuries can be targeted and eased on the massage table. Our therapists are happy to advise on specific stretches so you quicken your recovery time, get the most out of your muscles for another great day in the cat.
We advise guests to book massage sessions in advance as time slots fill up quickly. If you are booked on a trip and would like to reserve a massage time, please call our office: 250-352-0006.
RENTALS
For those who would like to demo boards, Baldface has a full fleet available to take your powder experience to the next level. Fat skis are $40/day and snowboard rentals are free thanks to our awesome sponsors! Our team will help you find a setup that suits you and the conditions. We do not rent boots, nor do any shops in Nelson, so BYOBoots.
WAX & TUNING ROOM
Baldface has a fully stocked bench with everything needed for waxing, tuning or repair.
CANCELLATION POLICY
If we receive a cancellation 120 days prior to your arrival, you will get a full refund minus 25% of the trip cost 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 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 ‘Lifestyle Financial’ 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.
Baldface Refund Policy
No refunds will be provided for a trip cancellation made by either Baldface Lodge 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.
Rebooking Terms
Current year’s guests of Baldface Lodge have the option of re-booking the corresponding dates for the following year before they are made available to other guests. This option expires 2 weeks after the trip date ends. We require a 25% non-refundable deposit at the time of booking, an additional 25% on May 15th, and the remaining 50% on October 1st. We cannot hold your reservation without a deposit.
Tipping Policy
Our staff work hard to make your trip the best it can be and gratuities are one way of letting them know how well they are doing. Our policy is to distribute gratuities equally amongst the staff unless otherwise specified by the guests.
BOOKING POLICY
All prices are in Canadian dollars and require a 25% deposit to reserve the space, 25% on May 15 with the remaining 50% due on October 1. For bookings made after October 1, the full amount is due. We accept American Express, MasterCard, VISA, or wire transfers. 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, 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.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL INSURANCE
Baldface Lodge now 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.
Online Forms
All guests are responsible for completing the confirmation details form and waiver prior to arrival. Completing these forms online and ahead of time ensures the kitchen and house staff can prepare for any dietary requests and/or allergies or other requests you may have. The online forms also increase efficiency at transfer making for a much smoother check in process.
Alcohol
Please consider the safety of our guests and staff at transfer. Drinking prior to arrival or during transfer can compromise safety. Alcohol purchased prior to arrival is not permitted at the lodge. Alcohol or non-prescription drugs are not permitted while snowboarding/skiing.
Terms and Conditions
Guests of Baldface Lodge must agree to the following terms and conditions: all guests are required to sign a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement prior to arrival. By signing this document, guests will waive certain legal rights, including the right to sue. Please read this document carefully.
Baldface Lodge is not responsible for the weather and/or snow conditions.
Airport Policy
Guests are not permitted outside designated areas of the airport unless accompanied by a Baldface staff member.