GIVE A FAQ
What is Valhalla’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 Valhalla receive annually?
Annual accumulations can amount to 7m (23 ft) at tree line with 9m (30 ft) at higher elevations.
What is the average temperature?
The average daily temperature ranging from -8ºC to -12ºC (17º-10º F).
When is Valhalla open?
Valhalla winter season is open from late 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?
Pisten Bulley 400’s.
What mountain range will we be riding?
Valhalla is located in the Selkirk range in British Columbia’s West Kootenay area. The highest peak we access tops out at 8,000 feet (2,438 meters).
What is the longest run you access?
Runs vary from 1200 – 3000 vertical feet.
What is the total acreage Valhalla has access to?
21,500 acres of terrain (twice the size of Whistler Blackcomb combined!).
What is the average daily vertical I should expect to cover?
13,000 to 18,000 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 our check-in spots to the Valhalla tenure, medical insurance while you are with us, lunch, safety equipment, and skiing / riding with our certified guides. Not included in the trip cost are: ski/snowboard rentals.
Do I have to pay for the whole trip upon booking?
To confirm your reservation a 50% booking fee is required upon making a reservation. 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 cancellation policies prior to booking.
Is it customary to leave a tip for our Valhalla 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 unless specified by the guest. There is a gratuity form distributed at the end of your shred day. Cash is accepted or you can use your credit card on file.
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.
Do you require riders to be of a certain age?
Riders must be 19 years old
What time are we on-snow in the morning?
First day of shredding with us, guests can expect the first descent around 9:45am. Multiple day shredders will start a bit earlier (9:00am) after their initial training.
Are meals included? Where do we eat?
Lunches are locally crafted by Kootenay Bakery and Chez Totoche Charcuterie. Guests can expect a variety of tasty and savory goodies with only the freshest ingredients. Please note if you have special dietary requirements or allergies, substitutions are unavailable, please come prepared.
What ability level do I need to be to ski or snowboard at Valhalla?
Skiers and snowboarders should be VERY confident on black diamond runs, in powder and tight trees!
What do I need to bring?
Your passport if crossing the border. Bring all your own outerwear including goggles, helmet, ski/snowboard boots and winter walking boots. Please leave your alcohol at home.
Can I rent skis or snowboards at Valhalla?
No. Our preferred local outfitter for rentals is Sacred Ride . Let them know you will be Cat Skiing at Baldface, and they will get you set up on some powder specific gear. Make sure all rentals are handles the DAY BEFORE heading out with us, you will not have time to do this the morning of.
Is there internet or phone service while riding?
We are off grid! No cell coverage or WIFI.
What is the best way to travel to Nelson/Valhalla?
Check out our ‘Getting here‘ page
What time should I be ready for the shuttle?
The shuttle will pick up at the following locations. Please be ready to load the shuttle with all of your gear at the following times:
Prestige Lakeside Resort- 6:20 AM
Empire Coffee- 6:35 AM
Savoy Hotel- 6:50 AM
Playmor Junction Park & Ride- 7:20AM
All guests who are late and miss the bus, will NOT be refunded. Without exception, the bus waits for no one.
Please dress appropriately as you will be spending some time outside in the elements as soon as you step off the bus.
If you are unexpectedly late, please call the office at 250-352-0006.
What if I am late?
The bus waits for nobody! If you are going to be late, call 250-352-0006. Passengers who miss the bus will not be refunded. No exceptions.
Can Valhalla help with custom travel plans?
For those who require travel arrangements outside of our regular program please call the office. 250-352-0006
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.
How many people per cat?
Our cats seat 14
How many days to explore the tenure?
3 days will give you a really great chance to check out most of our terrain. You may end up doing some of the same runs again depending on conditions, but that just means you will know where all of the features are!
How are groups separated?
We do our best to separate groups by ability based on the information provided to us. The only sure fire way to guarantee a cat full of rippers is to book the whole cat with people you know!
Is there a Mutli-day discount? Or a stand by rate?
No there is not.
Do I have to do the avalanche training every day on a multi day trip?
No! If it is within the same week you will be able to go and do a run (or two) while the rest of the group get their training.