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Here's your chance to ride at the legendary Baldface Valhalla

This tour is about getting steep and deep in the Kootenays. Join our Baldface Valhalla Tour for 2 days of private cat skiing at Baldface Valhalla plus you’ll get to ride the legendary resorts, Whitewater and Red Mountain.

The Valhalla Range is a brand new cat-ski tenure in the very next valley from Baldface. It’s their rugged neighbour with the same deep-snow quality. We’ve lined up a private snowcat just for our group and and you can be sure there’s plenty of untracked powder to go around with over 21,000 acres to roam. If you’ve been to Baldface before, you can expect the same good vibes and professional service that Baldface has offered for 20 years.

Be one of the first to join us as we explore this awe-inspiring, high alpine terrain. 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 also check out two of our favourite BC ski areas; Red Mountain and Whitewater. These resorts play host to an enormous amount of freeride terrain with bowls, cliffs, pillows and tree runs all located in-bounds. 

Dates

29 January - 4 February, 2023

Ability

For advanced snowboarders

Price

CAD $5,990
per person single share

Tour Type

Freeride - Steep and deep

Why Travel With Mint

In a rapidly changing travel industry it’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. We are a registered member of AFTA and IATA and conduct business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. When you travel with Mint you can have peace of mind that you are booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. And as a full-service travel agent, we are able to take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre or post tour arrangements.

Highlights

Ride Baldface Valhalla

Be one of the first to join us as we explore this awe-inspiring, high alpine terrain at Baldface Valhalla.

Highlights

Peak Powder Season

You'll get to spend 5 full days riding in the Kootenays during the PEAK of the pow season.

Highlights

Seats are limited

Baldface Valhalla is easily the most well known backcountry operation in the world and getting a seat on the cat is high on every snowboarders bucket list.

Highlights

Whitewater

Warm-up the legs at Whitewater located just outside Nelson. Here we ride everything from open bowls and steep tree runs with our local guides who know this place better than most.

Highlights

Red Mountain

Red offers up steeps, open trees, powder meadows and groomers on 360-degrees of exposure and our local guides can find good powder snow on all aspects.

Baldface Valhalla Tour

Get in touch for an itinerary and more info

ABOUT BALDFACE VALHALLA

The Valhalla Range is huge, 21,500 acres to be exact. To put that into perspective that's twice the size of Whistler Blackcomb combined! Valhalla is located in the Selkirk range in British Columbia’s West Kootenay area. The highest peak tops out at 8,000 feet (2,438 meters). Annual snowfall accumulation can amount to 23 feet within the tree line with 30 feet at higher elevations.

TYPICAL CAT SKI DAY

Days begin with an early morning coffee and then a drive to the Staging Area where you'll transition into the snowcat for a full day of deep mountain riding. Expect the first descent around 10:30am and then non-stop fun while with the crew while you clock up on average 13,000 to 18,000 feet per day. In the cat you've got plenty of hand-made snacks, tasty lunches, and bevvies to help you stay energized all day long.

ABOUT WHITEWATER

This mountain gets rave reviews around the world for it’s terrain and snow. With the highest lift topping out at 2045 metres and consistent storms cycles slamming into BC from the Pacific it’s no surprise that this place scores over 12 metres of blower pow each season. It’s common to get deep turns throughout the season and for this reason we keep coming back to Whitewater.

ABOUT RED MOUNTAIN

Red offers steeps, open trees, powder meadows and groomers on 360-degrees of exposure, so you’ll be able to find good snow regardless of the time of year. One of the main reasons to ride at Red is the backcountry access. The resort operates 16 square kilometres of touring-accessed, uncontrolled backcountry. The resort has a long tradition of allowing people to ride where they want.

SNOW & CONDITIONS

The tour is scheduled in peak season for consistent, cold and deep snowfall with temperatures around -15 to -3 celsius. Expect terrain ranging from open bowls, sustained steep forests, mid-alpine tree sections, and natural terrain features like log drops and mini-pipe gullies.

PRE-TOUR SUPPORT

After you sign up for a tour, you will receive pre-trip emails with specific information about your tour, the arrival and departure day process, information about the destination, packing suggestions, and other relevant information to help you prepare for your trip. In addition to this, you have access to our customer care team who are just a phone-call away. And as a full-service travel agent, we are able to take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre or post tour arrangements.

Meet your expert team

LOCAL GUIDES & PARTNERSHIPS

Mint opens doors around the globe. Our long-standing relationships with local guides, local legends, professional athletes, local businesses and resorts allow us special access to places and people. Travelling with us, you go behind the scenes to get a close-up view of each destination. You’re enriched by the knowledge of our experts and local guides.

Meet your expert team

Chad Otterstrom

Originally from Minnesota, Chad grew up in the competitive snowboard scene including multiple X-Games and US Open appearances along with filming classic snowboard video parts. Now a Summit County local, Chad is the founder of Academy Snowboards and spends his time coaching the new breed of snowboarders at his regular camps and doesn't mind getting out in the Colorado backcountry either. Chad will be judging at the Natural Selection event in Jackson.

Meet your expert team

Scott Anfang

Scott is our lead guide and coaching director who brings over 20 years industry experience to his role. He is a three-term AASI National Snowboard Team Member and the current coach of American Association of Snowboard Instructors National snowboard team. Scott is also Co-founder of GoSnow industries, the first on-demand booking platform for snowsport instructors. Sponsors: Burton Snowboards, Smith optics, Hestra Gloves, Patagonia outerwear, Anon helmets, Purl Wax.

Meet your expert team

Hayden Manwell

Hayden is born and bred in the Kootenays and grew up riding both Red and Whitewater, so it's fair to say he knows this region like the back of his hand. If he's not guiding at Baldface Valhalla, he's either guiding with Mint in Japan or mountain bike touring in summer.

ESSENTIAL INFO

Tour Inclusions

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES

 

  • 2 days of back-country shredding at Baldface Valhalla
  • Guide services and avalanche safety course for cat ski days
  • Transfers from Nelson to Baldface Valhalla
  • Lunches, snacks and use of backcountry safety equipment for cat ski days
  • 6 nights single share accommodation in a private lodge, private ensuite room
  • Breakfast daily
  • Spokane Airport Transfers, arrival and departure day
  • 2 days resort transfers, Nelson to Whitewater
  • 1 day resort transfer, Nelson to RED Mountain
  • 2 guided days at Whitewater
  • 1 guided days at RED Mountain
  • 2 day lift ticket, Whitewater
  • 1 day lift ticket, RED Mountain
  • Mint guides on hand throughout tour
Tour Dates

The Baldface Valhalla Tour is 7 days. If this isn’t enough, then book one of our multi-tour combo’s.

DATES    29 January – 4 February, 2023

 

Important information from Baldface

SAFETY

Wilderness skiing is not inherently safe and there are risks, dangers and hazards skiers must accept. Safety is our number one priority. Our guides strictly follow snowcat skiing industry standards for safety. All of our guides are ACMG, CAA, or CSGA certified and are wilderness first-aid caregivers.

Once at the lodge, every guest will be given a transceiver and hands-on personal instruction on how to use it. We strongly urge our guests to listen carefully to their trained guides.

Furthermore, all skiers are required to sign a comprehensive release of liability and waiver prior to participating in wilderness skiing with us. It is recommended that all skiers purchase travel or accident insurance. Your insurance broker can advise you as to what other types of insurance you may require, such as disability insurance and life insurance.

 

baldface.com/waiver

 

REQUIRED SKILL LEVEL

Baldface Valhalla’s terrain requires advanced to expert level powder skills in tight trees and variable natural snow conditions. Many of our runs feature technical entrances, with features such as pillows, drops and chutes. 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 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. 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 boarded powder or shy away from it at your local resort, this is not the place to learn. Baldface terrain has lots of glades and trees – please be prepared to ride and ski in the trees!

Alcohol or non-prescription drugs are not permitted while skiing or snowboarding.
All participants must be 19 years of age or older.

FAQ

WHY TRAVEL WITH MINT?
In a rapidly changing travel industry it’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. Mint is a registered member of AFTA and IATA and conducts business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. When you travel with Mint you can have peace of mind that you are booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. And as a full-service travel agent, we can take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre-or post tour arrangements.


WHAT IS THE BALDFACE TOUR?
Our Baldface Valhalla Tour is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get yourself a rare seat on the cat because this operation books out years in advance. We include warm-up days riding with local guides at Whitewater and Red Mountain who have an in-depth knowledge of the resort which gives you the ultimate advantage when chasing untracked snow in-bounds. Be prepared to ride in the trees for multiple days straight. Of course weather and conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride anything.


WHAT HAPPENS ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DAY?
Once you’ve signed up for the tour we will send you through a comprehensive guide with details about the tour including the arrival and departure day process, a map of where we meet, recommended arrival and departure times, flight options, Visa requirements and transportation information.


WHAT IF I’M TRAVELLING SOLO?
About 99% of our guests are travelling solo, so you’ll be in good company. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snow sports and an eagerness to explore all that Canada has to offer. The accommodation for this tour is single share i.e. 1 bed / 1 guests per room.


HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON THIS TOUR?
There’s just 10 spots up for grabs on this tour. We’ve secured a private cat just for the use of our group, so expect good times with a like minded group.


IS THIS TOUR RIGHT FOR ME?
This tour is best suited to advanced snowboarders who can ride powder snow, can make a variety of turn shapes and can traverse and hold speed. If you’re not sure, give us a call. Weather and ski conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride anything. If you have never ridden in powder or shy away from it at your local resort, this is not the tour to learn. Canadian terrain has lots of glades and trees – please be prepared to ride in the trees.


WHICH RESORTS WILL WE VISIT?
This is a set itinerary that includes in-bounds guiding at Red Mountain and Whitewater along with cat skiing at Baldface Valhalla.


CAN I ARRIVE EARLY OR STAY ON AFTER THE TOUR?
For most tours you can arrive earlier or stay later. We can tailor the trip to suit your travel plans. Speak with one of our tour specialists when you are booking and they will be more than happy to assist.


WHO ARE THE GUIDES?
All of our tours are guided by friendly, knowledgeable and expertly trained guides who are passionate about the mountains.


CAN YOU BOOK FLIGHTS?
Yes. Let us take the hassle out of selecting the right flights for the tour. We can book you the best flight options for the tour, with no booking fees.


ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
No, flights are not included. If you need assistance booking flights, we can book you the best flight options for the tour, with no booking fees.


DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes. All guests on tour need to be covered by comprehensive travel insurance. Once you have booked on the tour, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. We offer all of our tour guests discounted snow specific travel insurance.


WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I’VE BOOKED?
Once you’ve booked your spot on tour, we will send you through a booking confirmation and provide updates about the tour including the arrival and departure day process, a map of where we meet, recommended arrival and departure times, flight options, Visa requirements and transportation information. We will send out a Pre Departure Guide 30 days prior to departure.


CAN I BRING MY PARTNER WHO DOESN’T SKI OR SNOWBOARD?
This tour is not recommended for non-ski or snowboard partners.


HOW DO I CHECK MY ABILITY LEVEL?
The best way to check if a tour is suited to your ability is by speaking with one of our tour specialists. They will be able to determine if the tour you have selected is a good fit for your ability, as well as suggesting other tour options.


HOW DO I GET TO BALDFACE VALHALLA?
We’ll provide you with airport meet & greet times for Spokane Airport and recommended departure times. If it’s your fist time to Canada or if you’re unsure about travel arrangements, often we can link you up with other tour guests to travel with.


HOW DO I CHECK AVAILABILITY?
Speak with one of our tour specialists. As this is a small group tour with limited availability, it’s best to get in touch early to avoid disappointment.


DO YOU TAKE SKIERS & SNOWBOARDERS?
We are ski and snowboard friendly. Please note that the majority of our tours are led by snowboard guides.


CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT?
We can arrange rental equipment for most destinations, however we do recommend bringing your own equipment. We do recommend bringing powder boards for this tour.


WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
Canada can be a cold place in winter, with temperatures typically ranging from -2 to -17. We strongly recommend that guests dress in clothing specific for traveling in backcountry areas. We recommend that guests have a good quality waterproof jacket and pants, lightweight insulated layer, merino base layers, merino gloves and waterproof gloves, goggles with low light & high light lenses, sunglasses, balaclava, beanie, and helmet. We recommend that all guests bring their own snowboarding equipment for the tour (board, boots, bindings & outerwear). Powder boards are recommended.


WHO WILL BE ON MY TOUR?
Your group will be made up of travellers from diverse backgrounds and will be varied in age. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snow sports and an eagerness to explore all that the tour has to offer.


ARE LIFT TICKETS INCLUDED?
Yes. 3 days of lift tickets are included for Whitewater and Red Mountain.

Price and Payment

PRICE PER PERSON
The Baldface Valhalla Tour is CAD $5,990  per person


RESERVATION AND PAYMENT
Full payment is required at time of booking.

Enquiries and Bookings

If you would like some more information or a quote for the tour you can contact us by:

1. ONLINE
Enquire below. Once we receive your request one of our Canadian Tour Specialists will be in touch with a with a quote, availability and further details about the tour.

Enquire


2. OVER THE PHONE 
Call us and follow the prompts to speak to one of our Canadian Tour Specialists.

Within Australia (03) 5296 0314

Enquire

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