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, 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 may be unavailable, please come prepared.
What ability level do I need to be to ski or snowboard at Valhalla?
Skiers and snowboarders should be EXPERTS. These shredders have lots of experience on the most advanced terrain choices. The most challenging terrain are typically off-piste, which requires expert technique, such as vertical drops, mandatory cutes, narrow tight turns and navigating unpredictable changes to terrain and conditions.
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 handled 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
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.
POLICIES
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. If the guest or Baldface is able to fill the seat, the cancelling guest will be refunded in full minus a $105 cancellation fee deducted from each refund made.
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 shred 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 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.
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.
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.
COVID Protocols: What to expect
For guests traveling from the USA or other international locations, check out the Canadian Government website’s list of approved vaccines and protocols that will allow you to travel to our funky little mountain town.
We anticipate regulations and best practices evolving as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds and we will adapt as necessary. We will keep you informed of these changes along the way and appreciate your patience as we all negotiate the challenges ahead.
If you are ill, please stay home!
Safety Operations
When booking with Baldface, you are agreeing to comply with all safety measures we have in place. This also applies to recently developed COVID measures. If you are unable to comply with these new procedures, we kindly ask you to contact our office. Any guest not in compliance with our COVID procedures will not be permitted to participate in our programs. As a business operator in BC, we are under the regulation and direction of the Provincial Health Authority and WorkSafe BC to ensure the health and safety of all guests and staff. In collaboration with our trade association, HeliCat Canada, and other backcountry operators we will continue to go above and beyond standards to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 at our operations.
In the backcountry we function as a unit and we rely on one another to establish a safe and fun mountain experience. We welcome you to review our new procedures and protocols that have been designed with all of our communities in mind. If you have any questions please let us know.
Lastly, please note that harassment or violence of any kind towards staff or other guests will not be tolerated, especially in regard to any of our safety or operations policies and protocols.
Know before you go
It is important to understand that an outbreak of COVID-19 will end your trip and impact the livelihood of the staff providing your experience. It could also have serious impacts on the small communities that service our operation. Please be diligent in following our practices and protocols.
The following steps should be practiced when traveling to and from our location to limit the spread of COVID-19:
- Practice physical distancing,
- Use a face covering or mask when you’re close to others outside of your travel unit,
- Avoid crowded places like restaurants & bars,
- Stay at home and away from others if you feel sick
- Do not travel at all if you have symptoms
- Drive to our location instead of flying, if possible
For more information on preventing the spread of COVID-19 please refer to: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html#p
Pre Check-in
If you are feeling unwell or experiencing any of the following cold-like or gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, PLEASE DO NOT PLAN TO SHOW UP AT CHECK IN. Our main priority is for the safety of our guests, staff and community. Please contact our Guest Services team if you are unable to make your reservation. A guest who does not clear our in-person health screenings will not be permitted to participate that day. Do not travel or show up for check-in if you are experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms:
- Fever and/or chills
- A body temperature in excess of 37.99°C
- A new or recent cough (or worsening chronic cough)
- Headache
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.Anybody who has experienced these symptoms must be symptom-free for at least 72 hrs prior to arrival for their trip.
- Recent diminished sense of smell and/or taste
- Fatigue, malaise, weakness and/or body aches
- Nasal congestion and/or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Generally feeling unwell
Check-in
With new protocols and procedures in place, it’s more important than ever to arrive promptly. Please note that “the bus/boat/heli waits for no one”.
It is required that guests and staff sanitize and/or wash their hands prior to undergoing health screening and/or entering any of our buildings, locations and vehicles. There will be plenty of sanitizer and wipes available to disinfect surfaces and items at any time during your trip.
Guests will be required to complete both health screening and safety training upon arrival at the staging area. Any guest who refuses to follow our protocols and procedures, will be asked to leave the area immediately. Absolutely no trip credits or refunds will be given in this situation. Under no circumstances will we compensate anyone for any inconvenience as a result of being asked to leave for non-compliance with our policies ,vehicles or property for failing to comply
If you or someone in your party begins to feel unwell or develop any of the above symptoms it is crucial you let one of our staff know immediately.
Health Screening
All guests will also be required to undergo further health screening when they arrive at the check-in for their trip. No one will be allowed to begin their trip without successfully passing our in-person health screening. Additional screenings and checks may also be required at any time during a trip and are at the discretion of our staff. Our health screenings will include one or more of the following:
1) Signs and symptoms checklist
2) Travel history
3) Contact tracing and/or cohort information
4) Temperature assessment
5) Pulse oximetry (SpO2)
Our Cat Skiing Procedures
- Whenever possible, maintaining a physical distance of at least six feet (2 meters) from people who are not part of your travel cohort
- Monitoring your health daily and watching for symptoms (see above), as well as wearing a cloth or surgical mask and sanitizing hands when asked to do so
- Should you or any member of your travel cohort develop symptoms:
-
- Immediately report the onset of symptoms to a BALDFACE staff member; and
- Immediately isolate in your room
In such circumstances, BALDFACE will assess the next steps, including the need for isolation and possible transportation out of the lodge and testing.
- Generally, when at least six feet (2 meters) of distance from people who are not part of your travel cohort is not possible, a properly worn cloth or surgical mask will be required. This includes, but is not limited to, the helicopter safety briefing, heli-huddle, in the helicopter, in a snow cat and in any BALDFACE vehicle.
- There are specific locations in the lodge where mask use will be mandatory, such as when receiving a massage or attending the morning stretch class.
- There will be capacity limits in some areas of the lodge, such as the sauna.
Optimum ventilation will be maintained by keeping windows in the bus and snow cats open. Please dress accordingly as this could lower temperatures and make things considerably more chilly.
Packed lunches provided by Baldface will be handled by the guides and hand sanitation will be performed before and after all handling of food and containers.
Guests must bring their own water bottle and the guides will handle refilling in a safe manner.
Our Cleaning Procedures
To reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 from contaminated surfaces, we have the following measures in place:
- Our staff are trained to use safe disinfectants that kill infectious diseases including COVID-19.
- We have increased the frequency of disinfecting high-touch surfaces.
- All persons will be asked to sanitize or wash their hands before entering any common areas.
We appreciate your help in assisting us in keeping high touch surfaces clean by frequently washing your hands, covering your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing, and not touching common surfaces when possible.
We’ll continue to review and update our policies to adhere to the most up-to-date practices to keep our guests and staff safe.
If you have any questions, please call (250) 352-0006 or email us at info@baldface.com anytime.