WELCOME TO MAPLE SUMMIT

Baldface lodging and food while on the mountain, Heli to lodge from Nelson Airport, snowcat, snowboards rental, lunch on the Thursday before heading up to Baldface, & event t-shirt and possible swag bag.

The Canadian border is open for fully vaccinated travelers. The following link will provide a list of vaccines approved by the Canadian government in order to enter Canada without quarantine.  Please actively monitor for Canadian boarder restrictions here and entry criteria into Canada and the province of British Columbia here.  

Seating is very limited so please let us know ASAP.   Just say “Hell yeah, I’m in!”.  You’ll be thanking us.  

Flights and Transportation to and from Nelson (usually carpool and split costs from airport, Kelowna, Spokane or Cranbrook), accommodations at Prestige hotel on Wednesday night, lift tickets to Whitewater Thursday morning but there’s a ski and stay package at Prestige and usually you bunk with another guest to split costs, Ski rental at Baldface, Massage Therapy if you want at Baldface, Drinks at Baldface, Tips for Baldface staff and guides, Avalanche ABS backpack if you want one, food before and after Baldface, Hotel on Sunday night when returning home before Monday morning flights. 

 Costs are non-refundable but in the event of a cancellation within 60 days of the event, we will try our best to replace your spot so you can get a partial refund if we're successful.  25% administration fee will be applied.  Refunds will only be paid out after the end of February.   

You may also choose to move your seat to the next year based on availability.  Same administration fees apply as well as any annual price adjustments.

No, we will reserve a block of rooms.  The package usually includes ski passes to Whitewater Resort and breakfast.  You usually bunk with another person and split the costs of the room.

Typically the Spokane crew stays at the Hilton Garden Inn Airport hotel, the Cranbrook crew stays at the St-Eugene Casino Resort, and the Kelowna crew stays at the Four Points Hotel beside the Airport.

Everyone should plan on flying out Monday morning.

For anyone who wants to carpool with others, you should plan on landing at your respective airport before 2:00 PM at the latest on the Wednesday.

For the US crew, please note that the Border Crossing closes at 8:00 PM if you arrive after, you may have to turn around, find a hotel, and drive to Nelson in the morning.

Depending on the weather, you will get back to the Nelson airport between 2:00 and 5:00 PM.

Baldface terrain is 100% backcountry riding in typically deep powder and very steep terrain.  70% of the terrain will be in the trees.  It is for advanced skills and can be very dangerous for inexperienced riders.  

 For our American and international friends, we’ve been told the Canadian border will be open for fully vaccinated travelers. The following link will provide a list of vaccines approved by the Canadian government in order to enter Canada without quarantine. 

CANADIANS:  We’re flying into Cranebrook.  Unless you have other travel plans before, I will ask that most Canadians fly into Cranebrook (YXC) and drive to Nelson (about 2.5 hours ish).  Once things get settled, we can figure out carpooling or group transportation.  The US folks have this option if they like but usually fly into Spokane (GEG).   Kelowna (YLW) is another option but 4 hours away from Nelson.

For our American friends, usually people fly into Spokane, Washington (GEG) and drive to Nelson (about 3 hours).  New last year, Baldface has a shuttle bus service.  Once we get everyone’s travel info, we’ll arrange a pick up or you can rent a vehicle and carpool.  Having a rental on Thursday is always good to get to the ski hill and back.

PLEASE NOTE:  I do NOT recommend you fly into the West Kootenay Regional Airport (YCG), also called Castlegar Airport.  Even though it looks like it’s only 30 minutes from Nelson on Google Maps, it’s also nicknamed CancelGar as we learned a few years back, then forgot, and learned again...  50% of the flights are cancelled due to fog and bad visibility.  Spare yourself the last minute changes. 

Please remember to pack for your trip heli-friendly. Because guests of Baldface are transferred to and from the lodge by helicopter, it is important to pack as light as possible, 50 lbs. or less. Soft sided luggage is preferable and absolutely NO BOARD BAGS OR SKI BAGS . Guests with excess or oversized luggage may be asked to downsize or risk an additional fee of $200. 

Please note, ski and snowboard rentals are available for $40 per day. Guiding staff will be able to assist you with your rental requests after dinner on the night of your arrival. Poles are included. Baldface does NOT rent boots. 

Here’s what I pack for Baldface in a duffel bag.  I leave the rest of my stuff in the rental at the Nelson Airport

Snowboard (only b/c it’s my backcountry board), Snowboard Boots (Note:  You can’t rent any in Nelson or Baldface.  Same for Ski boots.  Make sure you bring yours.  I’d recommend bring them via carry-on to ensure you don’t end up without.), 2 Pair of Goggles (have at least 1 low light lense), Helmet, 2 Pair of Gloves, Snow pants, 2 Pair of Ski Socks, 1 pair of Jeans, Jacket - Shell ( I personally just do base layer and shell but some add a layer in between as well), Neck warmer (multiple isn’t a bad idea), A base layer. Some use a one piece base layer with hood (Sumo Suit), Long sleeve shirt,  warm sweater / hoody / Tuxy, Tuque (winter beanie hat), Lodge loafers (optional), toiletry bag, including deodorant, toothbrush, & toothpaste, winter boots for walking outside the lodge, a few underwear, phone/watch chargers, earplugs if you’re bunkmate snores, some may consider their GoPro and accessories, extra strength Advil…a must for some of us.  

For those staying in Cranbrook, I’d recommend      you stay at the St Eugene Hotel.  The boys seemed to have had a good time there in previous years.

https://www.steugene.ca/en/home-page/ 

For those staying in Spokane, we’d recommend you stay at the Hilton Garden Inn at the Spokane Airport.

http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/washington/hilton-garden-inn-spokane-airport-GEGSPGI/index.html

If anyone decides to fly out of Kelowna, the Four      Seasons is the closest hotel to the airport.

https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ylwfp-four-points-kelowna-airport/

You can most likely bunk up with someone that      night as well if you want to share the bill.

 I would recommend starting a fitness program to strengthen your legs, core, and endurance for the trip in early November.  That’ll give you enough time to build yourself up to being able to handle the adventure.  Taking this part seriously will make a significant difference to the experience you will have.  The group is only as fast as the slowest person so your fitness may make the difference of an extra run each day. 

 We will be staying at the Prestige Lakeside      Resort in Nelson.  DON’T BOOK YOUR ROOM.  We’ve reserved a block of rooms.

Best we all stay at the same place.  You’ll have the opportunity to bunk up with someone to save on costs and get to know the group.

We will have a room only rate or a ski and stay      package rate for those wanting to lift tickets.  Rooms will be based on double occupancy so room costs will be split in two.

Also, if you show up on Tuesday, you will have to move rooms potentially on Wednesday due to the pairings.