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Finally stopping that crazy suffering that is ice, climbing to concentrate on great ski tours!
3509 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2011 : 3:58 PM
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This last spring (2011), we flew into the Campbell Icefields Chalet for a week of ski touring, and it was AWESOME. A 5M snow pack and 40cm of fresh per day was incredible. The only slight bummer was the 20-30 minute skin to reach north facing terrain as we were there at the end of March. Oh, boo-hoo!!
This winter is focused on other ski activities, but we're keen to book a fly-in ski trip again for the spring (or winter, but -25C is a bummer...) of 2013 at a BC destination.
We left lots of ski lines undone at Campbell, and are considering returning. The chalet is SUPERB with running water (flush toilet!), hydro power, and radiator heating.
But, it would be nice to go elsewhere.
Any "you MUST go..." type of recommendations? |
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canine loving, machete-toting bushwhacking lake seeker, Indiana Jones hat-wearing off-road 4x4 guru
Surrey Hole, BC
Canada
6792 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2011 : 4:04 PM
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John
We can across this Lodge last summer,not sure on the level/quality of skiing, but its very scenic and the people seem realy nice.
http://www.solmountain.com/ |
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Kootenay Bud
2695 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2011 : 4:08 PM
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Best to choose one with varied terrain - i.e. some north facing - particularly if you are going in March again, and also trees for white-out conditions.
I've been to many, many of these lodges and would say that Kokanee Glacier (lottery system through ACC) and Valhalla Lodge near McKean Lake both have some of the best terrain for long runs, runs on all aspects, ski ascents, big trips, etc.
There are some lodges that I would not go back to unless the price was heavily discounted as the terrain is just not that good, but I wouldn't publicize that on a web-board. Not fair to the operators.
If you want a list of absolute don't go (there are some) or these are not as good as others, pm me. |
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canine loving, machete-toting bushwhacking lake seeker, Indiana Jones hat-wearing off-road 4x4 guru
Surrey Hole, BC
Canada
6792 Posts |
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Kootenay Bud
2695 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2011 : 5:34 PM
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Yes, I've been to both of those. We got lucky and went into both on their first year of operation and got super deals. Valkyr has opened a new lodge a bit further south near Mt Hilda.
I suppose you did your north facing skiing on Diamond Ridge? Didya get up Alan Campbell or Barnard Shoulder? |
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Finally stopping that crazy suffering that is ice, climbing to concentrate on great ski tours!
3509 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2011 : 6:15 PM
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| We had low vis almost every day. Great new snow, but zip contrast, so we skied the N facing gullies in and out of the trees below The Dome. |
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canine loving, machete-toting bushwhacking lake seeker, Indiana Jones hat-wearing off-road 4x4 guru
Surrey Hole, BC
Canada
6792 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2011 : 6:37 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by sandy
Yes, I've been to both of those. We got lucky and went into both on their first year of operation and got super deals. Valkyr has opened a new lodge a bit further south near Mt Hilda.
I suppose you did your north facing skiing on Diamond Ridge? Didya get up Alan Campbell or Barnard Shoulder?
Really?
Same owners, or is someone else carrying the name further? |
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Kootenay Bud
2695 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2011 : 8:18 PM
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| Yes. Same folks. They eventually want to have three lodges. They have brushed out some trails but don't seem super willing to share beta on them. But, if you know where to find them, they make access to that area of the Valkyrs easy. |
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canine loving, machete-toting bushwhacking lake seeker, Indiana Jones hat-wearing off-road 4x4 guru
Surrey Hole, BC
Canada
6792 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2011 : 8:38 PM
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Yeah same with Namulten, they dont want to share the acess or info. I found the way in quite easily from a high logging road. Word is, they want to charge a "Fee" to "guide" you up there..even if you do not plan on using the lodge area at all.. Surprised they would open other locations, since the (seemingly limited/seasonal) income should not justify expanding into other areas.
Either they charge too much, have too much extra $ to invest or business is more brisk than it appears.
BTW, thanks for the tip on Fosthall, its was a much appreciated and highlighted trip of 2011.
SOL Lodge and area is a great basecamp. |
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
1047 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2011 : 9:06 PM
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| Sol Mountain is awesome and Cooperman is a wicked guide and great food and awesome cabin...definately put sol mountain on your list... |
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Fly in BC ski lodges...
