HOW TO GET HERE
Nelson, BC, is a 3 ½-hour drive north of Spokane Washington, is a 4 ½ drive southeast of Kelowna, BC, a 3-hour drive southwest of Cranbrook, BC, a 7-hour drive southwest of Calgary, Alberta, and an 8-hour drive northeast of Vancouver, BC. // *All drive times are contingent on winter weather conditions.
We recommend flying to Spokane, Kelowna or Cranbrook and taking a shuttle or renting a car. Car rentals can be limited so be sure to pre-book a 4WD and request winter tires! 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).
CHARTER SERVICES
Kootenay Charters
Spokane Winter shuttle service; mid-December to the end of March 6 days per week.
Allows single-seat bookings online for travel to and from the Spokane Airport 6 days a week.
Please check their website to verify your travel dates & times before booking flights if you plan on using this shuttle.
Kootenay Charters also provides charter bus service to and from all airports in the West Kootenay region. This service is available for groups from 1 to over 100 year-round. Email for a quote when planning your trip – info@kootenaycharters.com.
Spokane Car Rentals
Information on rental agencies based near Spokane International Airport.
Alamo Enterprise, AVIS, Hertz, Budget, National, Dollar, Thrifty available.
Kelowna Airport Car Rentals
Car rentals at Kelowna International airport (YLW)
Enterprise, AVIS, Hertz, Budget, National, Thrifty available.
Cranbrook Airport Car Rentals
Car rentals at Cranbrook International airport (YXC)
Alamo Enterprise, AVIS, Hertz, Budget, National, Dollar, Thrifty available.
Kootenay Gateway Shuttle
Service from International Airports to Nelson BC.
*Bookings must be made 48hrs in advance.
Ambassador Limousine Service
Private driving service from Spokane to Nelson BC.
Ambassador limousine Service is a long time established driving service in Spokane and has been driving our guests for years!
NELSON, BC
Nelson is one of the hippest towns in BC and has been rated Canada’s #1 small-town arts community — overflowing with boutiques, galleries, and great restaurants. Be sure to hit our local mountain, Whitewater Ski Resort, an easy 20-minute drive from town. Visit Kootenay Lake Travel for more information.
Accommodation
Prestige lakeside resort
Prestige Lakeside Resort is our preferred accommodation in nelson. Baldface/Valhalla guests get 15% off during winter months. Simply call the Resort directly at 250-352-7222 and ask for the “Baldface Client Discount” or use the promo code “BALD” when booking on their website. Guests will also benefit from complimentary on-site parking (even when you’re on the ski trip) as well as on-site amenities including a pool and hot tub, three restaurants, spa, cozy lobby with fireplace, and beautiful lake and mountain views. The Resort is located within minutes of downtown Nelson, close to breweries, shops, dining, and more.
The Adventure Hotel
Baldface/Valhalla guests get a 10% Baldface Client Discount when you use the code “Baldface”.
Nestled deep in the Selkirk mountains, and centrally located in the heart of downtown Nelson. The Adventure Hotel brings a modern, European style to the heritage capital of British Columbia. Whether it’s upscale casual dining in Louie’s Steakhouse & Bar, catching the game with friends in The Uptown Sportsbar or a morning pick me up at Empire Coffee, The Adventure Hotel has it all under one roof.
The Savoy Hotel
The Savoy Hotel is a boutique 12 room hotel in Nelson, British Columbia. Receive a 10% Baldface Client Discount when you use “BALDSAVOY”.
While the historic Savoy hotel is over 100 years old, making it a heritage hotel, it has undergone extensive renovations that see the hotel combine modern finishings with a mountain vibe, designed and built by local architects and craftsmen. If you are looking for accommodation, or where to stay in Nelson BC, look no further than The Savoy Hotel.
The Ravencourt Lodge
Passmore BC. vacation home with 14 luxurious beds, a new 7-person hot tub, spacious dining and living rooms, meal services, and all the comforts you’d desire; Ravencourt is ready to deliver maximum good times and is located as close as possible to the Baldface Valhalla terrain.
Rural Luxury Studio
Luxury Boutique Studio with Cedar Sauna
15 minutes from town and right on the way to Baldface Valhalla.
WELCOME TO CANADA
If you are coming from the United States you will need to cross the border. There are 2 border crossings to choose from: The Nelway/Metaline Falls border crossing hours are 8 AM to 8 PM coming into Canada and 8 AM to 4 PM going into the USA 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 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.
FORTH TO THE NORTH
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.
Coming to Canada hours: 8am – 8pm
Leaving Canada hours: 8am – 4pm
PATTERSON CROSSING
Location: Between Northport, WA and Rossland, BC.
Hours: Canadian and US customs open 24 hours a day
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.
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 may qualify for a refund on any GST (goods and sales tax) which they paid while in Canada.
SKI & SNOWBOARD RENTALS
The best gear is always what you are already familiar with. However, if you don’t have powder specific skis or snowboards, it might be worth renting gear that can handle our deep kootenay snow. 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. Baldface Valhalla does not have ski & snowboard rentals.
Make sure all rentals are handled the DAY BEFORE heading out with us, you will not have time to do this the morning of.
What to Pack
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Ski/Snowboard boots. – Always bring your boots as carry-on items on airplanes. We DO NOT rent boots.
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Personal medications.
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Fat skis/snowboard/poles – unless you are renting in town. We DO NOT rent skis/snowboards. See rental section above.
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Warm, weather resistant clothes. Layering works best – no cotton. Our average temperature is about – 8C or 25F.
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Goggles and Helmet.
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If you are prone to motion sickness you may want a motion patch, Dramamine or similar.
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Sunscreen and Sunglasses.
- Water bottle.
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You can bring your own pack and avy gear, but you will need to use our beacon in the field.