GET A TASTE OF KOOTENAY LIFE
Join Mint Tours on the Kootenay Explorer Tour and tick off the legendary resorts Whitewater and Red Mountain. The mountains here are the perfect playground for riders who like steep trees, fun features, and good times ripping pow.
This tour is hosted by our local Canadian guide who grew up shredding all over British Columbia and they can’t wait to show you some of their local spots. Throughout the tour, you’ll stay in modern and comfortable hotels and travel in our van that’s kitted out for road trips. With the Mint crew leading the way, all you have to do is show up and ride, we’ll take care of the rest.
Join us on this 6 night tour through the Kootenays, and ride with the locals at Red Mountain and Whitewater ski areas while staying downtown in Nelson and on mountain at Red. All guiding, accommodation, lift tickets and transport is included.
Red Mountain Located in Rossland, RED is in the ‘Top 20’ resorts, size-wise in North America. With 25 feet of annual snowfall and fewer crowds compared to major Canadian resorts, Red will have you bragging to your friends and buying the merch.
Whitewater is located just outside the vibrant city of Nelson. It’s hard to describe its true authenticity and abundance of snow. Over 40 ft of snow falls each season on 2,044 vertical feet of uncrowded slopes, groomers and remarkable steeps, top-of-the-line tree-riding and endless backcountry. Whitewater is best described by its tagline. Pure, simple and real … DEEP.
Dates
9 - 15 March, 2025
Ability
Strong Intermediate to Advanced riders
Price
USD $2,495 per person
Duration
7 days / 6 nights, Sunday to Saturday
WHY TRAVEL WITH MINT
It’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. 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. Mint Tours is a registered travel agent and a member of AFTA and IATA and conduct business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct.
Kootenay Explorer Tour
Get in touch for an itinerary and more info
ABOUT NELSON
Nestled in the Selkirk Mountains along the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, the vibrant mountain town of approximately 10,000 residents is often called North America's best ski and snowboard town.
ABOUT ROSSLAND
Rossland is located an hour from Nelson in the beautiful Kootenay Rockies Region of British Columbia, and is home of Red Mountain Resort. We stay downtown to take advantage of local bars and restaurants.
SNOW & CONDITIONS
Located in the middle of one of North America’s most consistent snow belts, the mountains here are famous for Kootenay Coldsmoke. It can snow at any point in the winter season. It gets an average of 11-15m (that’s 36-50 ft) of snow each season.
SMALL GROUPS
When we are on mountain, we keep our group size small for a more personal experience between our guests and guides. Our typical guide to guest ratio is 1 : 6. This ensures you get the most out of your time with us, and keeping the groups small means less time waiting and more time riding powder!
LODGING
We make sure all our guests stay in quality accommodation that’s in the best location. The comfortable twin share rooms are equipped with 2 Queen beds, and each room has a great heating, private ensuite bathroom, TV, and free WiFi. In Nelson you stay on the lake just steps from downtown. In Red Mountain you stay at the ski-in/ski-out The Josie Hotel.
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.
ESSENTIAL INFO
INCLUSIONS
✔ 2 guided days at Whitewater
✔ 2 day lift ticket, Whitewater
✔ 3 guided days at Red Mountain
✔ 3 day lift ticket, Red Mountain
✔ 3 nights twin share accommodation, Prestige Nelson Lakeside
✔ 3 nights twin share accommodation, ski-in/ski-out The Josie Red Mountain
✔ Private transfers from Nelson to Rossland
✔ Scheduled Airport transfers, Castlegar Airport (arrival and departure day)
✔ Private daily transfers from Nelson to Whitewater
✔ Mint guides on hand throughout tour
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
✘ Flights
✘ Travel insurance
✘ Meals
✘ Any activities, meals, drinks, snacks not listed
✘ Guide gratuities
DATES
9 March – 15 March, 2025
PRICE
USD $2,495 per person
DAY 1
Welcome to Canada! Make your way to West Kootenay Regional Airport where your guide will meet you. Load the van and make the short drive to the hotel in Nelson. Check in opens at 3:00pm, so you can store your luggage and have some time to check out town. You’ll stay in Nelson for 3 nights and get to ride the legendary resort, Whitewater – while staying in the heart of town with all the restaurants, bars and nightlife on your doorstep. Once check in opens, your guide will be on hand to check you in and help you settle in and set up your equipment if needed. In the evening, your guide will hold a ‘Welcome Session’ where they will run you through the tour, weather, equipment and answer any questions you have. After our welcome session, join your guide for dinner in town. It’s a great opportunity to get to know everyone on tour.
DAY 2
Each day will follow a similar format. You’ll spend the next two days riding the legendary resort, Whitewater. This is a big mountain playground where you’ll find every type of terrain. Here’s roughly what you can look forward to each day:
Mornings – Meet your guide in the lobby at the departure time. Load up the van and make the drive to Whitewater Resort.
At the Resort – Your guide has an in-depth knowledge of the resort and will show you around and let you in on some of the locals only secret spots. Your guide has spent many seasons working in Nelson, and he can’t wait to show you why this BC resort is renowned as world-class snowboarding destination. Each day you’ll ride to the conditions. If conditions are good, we’ll aim to spend a full day on mountain. Typically we’ll break for lunch on mountain and you’ll get to sample some of the local Canadian specialties.
Afternoons – The perfect way to top off a big day riding is to head to apres at Coal Oil Johnny’s Pub at the base of Whitewater. It’s the place where smiling, powder-weary riders enjoy their last run of the day. Then head back to the hotel where you’ve got some free time. Our recommendation is to hit the hotel hot tub. The perfect way to relax the muscles after a big day riding.
Evenings – Your guide will make a dinner reservation each evening. You’re welcome to join or head out independently to explore. Nelson has many lively restaurants and pubs to explore, all within easy walking distance from the hotel.
DAY 4
Check out of the hotel early and load your gear into the van. Today you’ll drive to Red Mountain Resort, your base for the next 3 nights. At Red you have plenty of time to relax, as you’re staying in slope-side accommodation, just steps away from the main chairlift. On arrival to Red, you’ll spend the day riding there with your guide. In the afternoon, you can check in to the hotel, then meet the crew for dinner and drinks.
DAY 5 & 6
For the next 2 days you’ll be shredding at ‘Red’ with the group. Red is one of those hidden-in-plain-sight gems. It’s been a stop on our road trips for the past 10 years for a very good reason. The terrain ranges from perfect corduroy groomers to backcountry style runs. You can typically expect to find pockets of powder, long after a storm has passed. Here’s roughly what you can look forward to each day:
Mornings – Meet your guide in the lobby at the departure time, then walk out the door and load the chairlift.
At the Resort – Your guide has an in-depth knowledge of the resort and will show you around and let you in on some of the locals only secret spots. Each day you’ll ride to the conditions. If conditions are good, we’ll aim to spend a full day on mountain. Typically we’ll break for lunch on mountain and you’ll get to sample some of the local Canadian specialties.
Afternoons – The perfect way to top off a big day riding is to head to apres at Rafters at the base. Then head back to the hotel where you’ve got some free time. Our recommendation is to hit the hotel’s slopeside sauna. The perfect way to rejuvenate after a long day riding.
Evenings – Your guide will make a dinner reservation each evening. You’re welcome to join or head out independently to explore. Rossland has many lively restaurants and pubs to explore.
DAY 7
This morning is your final day. Check out of the hotel and your guide will transfer you to West Kootenay Regional Airport for your return home or we can organise for you to extend your trip to another destination.
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.
WHAT TYPE OF TOUR IS THIS?
This is a freeride tour, which offers you the best chance to ride powder, plus on this tour you’ll get to experience a variety of different ski areas in the one trip. Our experienced guides have an in-depth knowledge of the resorts we visit, which gives you the ultimate advantage when your chasing deep, un-tracked snow. We’ll aim to ride and ski a lot of powder, glades and trees so please be prepared to ride and ski in the trees. Of course weather and conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride or ski 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. If you are travelling solo, you will be paired with another guest to room with. The accommodation for this tour is twin share i.e. 2 people and 2 beds per room.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON THIS TOUR?
There is a maximum of 6 people on this tour. This ensures you get the most out of your time with us, and keeping the groups small means less time waiting and more time riding powder.
IS THIS TOUR RIGHT FOR ME?
This tour is best suited to strong intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders who can link turns in 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 or ski anything.
WHICH RESORTS WILL WE VISIT?
On this tour you will ride at Red Mountain and Whitewater.
CAN I ARRIVE EARLY OR STAY ON AFTER THE TOUR?
Yes! Mint 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.
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. Prior to the tour commencing we will invite you to a group chat which is managed by your tour manager and guides.
CAN I BRING MY PARTNER WHO DOESN’T SKI OR SNOWBOARD?
Due to limited space in the transport, this tour is not suitable for non-skiing 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 THE MEETING POINT?
We’ll provide you with airport meet and greet times for Castlegar 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. This tour is led by snowboard guides.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT?
We recommend that all guests bring their own equipment for this tour.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
Temperatures range from 0C to -25C (32F to -13F) but usually it hovers somewhere in between. It snows a lot, so make sure your equipment is suitable. 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 ski or snowboarding equipment for the tour (board, boots, bindings & outerwear).
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 all lift tickets are included.
HOW TO BOOK
To reserve your spot, email info@minttours.com and one of our travel managers will send you a quote, availability and further information for the tour.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
To confirm your reservation we require a non-refundable 50% deposit. Reservations will not be held until payment is received. The balance is due by 09 December, 2024.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Mint Tours terms and conditions HERE