Guests must be, at minimum, strong intermediate skiers or expert snow boarders capable of dealing with deep powder snow in the backcountry. A visit to Mustang Powder will usually entail skiing both open bowls and steep tree runs. Powder skis make skiing deep snow much easier for any skier; however, you will still need a certain level of expertise. Should guests arrive who are not able to keep up with the group, we reserve the right to restrict them from skiing/boarding. No refunds will be available for these guests.
Within our ski area we have a lot of both steep and moderate terrain. During a typical day you will likely do a variety of runs - working our way to the far reaches of our area, and then working our way home again. Rarely do we do more than just a few laps in the same area. We try to organize groups that have similar abilities, but this is not always easy or possible. The best way to ensure that you are with compatible skiers is to organize a whole group. Please be aware that the stability of the snow sometimes dictates the terrain that we can ski.
We normally ski 8-14 runs per day. On the first day of your ski holiday you will likely ski approximately 12,000 ft. vertical (due to the morning safety briefing, beacon search and snow cat safety talk). On subsequent days you will ski between 12,000 and 20,000 vertical feet. At Mustang Powder we have higher speed snowcats - and several times last year got over 20,000 vertical in one day. We have a philosophy of giving our guests full ski days. (about 8 hours) If you are not sufficiently fit, it is no problem for you to sit-out some runs (and ride down in the front of the cat with the driver).
This depends on your fitness and budget. We mainly schedule 3,4 and 5 day trips. Due to our remoteness, anything shorter is just too short! We do however recommend that you arrive in the area a day or so early and ski one of the local resorts. (Silver Star, Big White or Sun Peaks). This is prudent since cancelled/late flights, closed highways and lost luggage are unfortunately a reality of winter travel. Guests travelling from the East should be aware that occasional highway closures due to avalanche control work could prevent you from arriving at our meeting place on time.
We welcome everyone to come and enjoy snowcat skiing and boarding with us. Snowboarders and telemark skiers need to be accomplished, experienced and able to handle all backcountry conditions including treed terrain. In short, you need to be an expert. Our guides do their best to accommodate all our guests. There will, however, be times when traversing and even climbing uphill, will be necessary. Collapsible poles that can be stowed in a small pack are recommended for snow boarders.
Mustang Powder Lodge is located in the Monashee Mountain Range - a very snowy location - we receive an average of about 60 feet of snowfall per year. In December and January you can expect the daytime temperatures to be in the -5 to -15 Celsius range; in February and March you can expect 0 to -10 Celsius. However, prior to mid February we potentially can get brief periods of very cold arctic air with temperatures in the range of -20 to -30 Celsius. Please be prepared for all mountain weather conditions. Well over 90% of the time you will encounter good or excellent snow and weather conditions. Occasionally, due to warm weather and/or rain, the conditions are not that great – or just plan BAD. Our policy is to keep snow cat skiing and try to have fun no matter what the conditions. Please accept the fact that we cannot control the weather, and no refunds/rain checks are given for bad weather. For historic climatic data at a location quite similar to Mustang lodge please go to the Weather Links section of our Guest Downloads and Links page.
Please note that this location is to the east of Mustang Lodge in the Selkirk mountains near Revelstoke and the Monashees will usually get more volume of snow than the Selkirks.
Mustang Powder has a selection of 'fat' powder skis; Atomic and Volkl are our mainstays. These are available for guests at a cost of $25.00 per day. Poles are provided along with rental skis. Guests must bring their own ski boots. The majority of our guides and guests use the wider powder skis. For maximum enjoyment of your snowcat skiing holiday we recommend that you also use them.
We recommend that guests bring a small backpack containing a collaspible avalanche shovel and probe. This is not mandatory – and we do have ‘guest packs’ which are shared around by the ski group.
We recommend that you do not bring a briefcase full of business/office or homework. However, if you must keep working, we do have wireless internet available at no charge throughout the lodge – so you can bring your laptop.
From the initial snowcat ride to the last run of your holiday, your safety is paramount. Prior to the first day in the mountains, all guests are instructed in techniques for traveling in our terrain. Current techniques for conducting beacon searches are demonstrated and practiced.All lead guides are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG), one of the most respected institutions of its kind. This process ensures that guides are experienced and meet current professional standards. Certifications are also held in advanced first aid and as avalanche forecasters through the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA). Guides meet every morning and evening to review field and lodge weather and snowpack information. This information is used to analyze hazards, up-to-the-minute snowpack stability assessments, and ultimately, to select appropriate terrain for each new day.
Mustang Powder is also a member of the HeliCat Canada, ensuring that we meet a comprehensive set of operating guidelines.
Mustang Powder is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience. Nevertheless, skiing and boarding in a backcountry mountain environment exposes participants to inherent risks. Guests must be prepared to accept these risks. All guests must read and sign a Release of Liability and Waiver of Claims Agreement before the start of a holiday at Mustang Powder. Be sure to review the waiver prior to your holiday and contact us if you have any questions.
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