Welcome to winter in the Selkirk Mountains of BC, Canada. Retallack Alpine Adventures provides Cat Skiing & Boarding experiences in the remote mountain wilderness high above, and located between, the towns of New Denver and Kaslo. It's one of those out-of-the-way places that you'll never forget. Retallack Resort lodge will be your home base during your powder snow adventures. Expect friendly service and cozy surroundings in our 10,000 square foot mountain lodge. Your meals are carefully prepared by our chef and served in style in our fully licensed dining room. Non-skiers can accompany skiers by special arrangement.
Our season runs from the middle of December until early April. Our booking staff will be pleased to help you decide on a powder ski adventure that is right for your schedule, ability and price range. Bring a group of friends anytime!
Retallack Cat Skiing is best suited to seasoned powder skiers and boarders.
1. LOCATION AND LODGE
Our beautiful, remote mountain lodge is nestled into a grove of old growth cedar, on a bank overlooking the Kaslo River at 3000' (1000m) above sea level.
Retallack Lodge is accessed by vehicle on well maintained highways via a circuitous route into the heart of the Selkirks. We are approximately 5 hours north of Spokane, WA and 5 hours east of Kelowna, BC. We may be out-of-the-way, but it's worth the trip!
Retallack lodge is a craftsman timber frame structure, boasting 10,000 square feet of warm turn-of-the century tradition offset with Tibetan detailing. The impressive living room is the place to relax or read a book in front of the two story granite fireplace. For more unwinding we have a games room (pool table & table tennis), media room with satellite TV, and sauna.
Important items for your ski vacation are our drying and boot room for changing into/out of ski gear, as well as a ski tuning and waxing room. Also, we have a small gift shop stocked with souvenirs and ski accessories, such as gloves, goggles, hats and more.
The Retallack dining room can seat 42 persons at full capacity. We are fully licensed and have a cozy bar for sipping and reliving moments of your powder day. Your meals are tastefully prepared by our chef. Your package includes three meals plus snacks per skiing day. Alcoholic beverages and specialty coffees are extra.
The lodge has 11 comfortable guest rooms, and can sleep 24 guests. All rooms have private bathrooms with showers. Your skiing package is based on double or triple occupancy.

2. THE TERRAIN
We have 38 square kms (9500 acres) on three main mountain peaks These peaks and their long alpine ridge lines form perfect snowcat access drop off points at elevations between 7000' and 8500'. Our lowest pick-up in the valley floor is at 3000'. Our runs are as long as 3600', so we certainly rival helicopter skiing operations. The average run length is 1800' (600m). The runs are consistent, uninterrupted, fall line skiing.
Overall, the terrain at Retallack is steep!
About 20% is moderate/gentle, another 45% is the very FUN steep (between 20 and 35 degrees) and the other 35% is VERY steep (beyond 35 degrees). But, because of the phenomenal snow and consistent fall line, this is fantastic terrain to learn good technique and gain confidence in your powder skiing.
Open Slopes: Retallack has approximately 25% open slopes in the form of alpine ridge lines, open bowls, avalanche chutes and large, natural openings in the trees. These features tend to be moderately to extremely steep. The rest of the terrain is treed. We make the distinction in degree by calling it gladed or tree skiing.
Glades: the gladed terrain makes for skiing dreams: the snow is protected from the wind and the sun, there is enough elbow room to relax and turn and take spectacular photography. As you descend down the mountain, the trees change from spruce or fir on the upper slopes, to cedar and hemlock old growth forests in the valley bottoms.
Tree Skiing: you'll think you stepped into a Warren Miller movie. Your friendly guides will give you tips and tricks for skiing efficiently and safely in the land of giants: BC trees!
Retallack can receive as much as 100 cm (3.5 ft.) of snow in one storm cycle.
Annually, Retallack receives between 7 and 13 metres (25 - 40 ft) which leaves us with an average base of 3 to 4 metres (10 - 12 ft). The temperatures are more moderate than the Rockies to the east with nighttime lows seldom below -25 deg C, and colder than the Coast with daytime highs staying below freezing, even on northern aspects late into the spring. This allows us to almost guarantee continual powder skiing. Toward the end of March, we can find good powder skiing in the morning and and nice spring skiing in the afternoon.

3. A TYPICAL DAY
Check In Procedure: Our guests arrive at Retallack Lodge in time for dinner the evening before their first day of skiing. This allows for leisurely check-in, as well as an opportunity to meet your guides and the other members of your group. At this time you will be asked to sign the waiver of liability.
Breakfast: both a continental and hot breakfast are served between 6:45 and 7:30 am.
Equipment Prep: You jump into your outdoor gear and collect your powder skis (these will be set up for you by our ski techs) or snowboard and head outside for a avalanche transceiver safety briefing and orientation. Your guides will inform you of the weather forecast, snow conditions and generally what to expect as the day progresses.
Departure: from the front door of the lodge your private snowcat with a comfortable, heated passenger cab takes you up the mountain for your first run.
Warm-up Runs: your guides will choose some moderate terrain based on snow conditions, the group's ability and weather. The first run or two allows you to ease into your flow, the terrain, and learn the operating procedures and expectations from your guides.
Longer Runs, More Terrain: Get revved up for the rest of the runs between 1900 and 3600'. You can expect to ski an average of 15,000' in a day. The amount skied depends on the weather, avalanche conditions, strength and backcountry knowledge of the gorup. You will be able to ski more if you book the whole cat with a group of friends that are accustomed to skiing together. If you are staying for a number of days, you'll seldom see the same run twice.... unless it's snowing so hard all the tracks are filled in behind you!
Lunch / Breaks: the rides back up the mountains range from 15 to 40 minutes. This is sufficient time to grab bite a of lunch and a drink
Home Time: we wrap up the skiing one hour before dark. Below the lower pickups at about 4000' elevation you can ski down the cat road to the lodge OR take a ride in the snowcat to the lodge.
Relax & Unwind: Apre-ski hospitality and snacks await you. The smiles and stories go on for hours. View your video footage of the day; sip a cold one in front of the fireplace; and join your guides in the dining room for dinner at 6:30 pm.

4.SAFETY
Retallack is committed to ensuring your safety and to provide you with an exceptional adventure ski vacation. To achieve a high standard of care and friendly service to you, our guides, lodge and driving staff are carefully selected and well-trained professionals.
Our Company Memberships
Retallack Alpine Adventures Ltd. is a member of the B.C. Helicopter and Snowcat Skiing Operators Association (BCHSSOA), and is a contributor to the Canadian Avalanche Association Information Exchange. These two groups provide a broad range of communications for state-of-the-industry operating and risk management procedures, and daily updates on snow science and stability information.
Our Guides
Our guiding staff are under the direction of an Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) certified guide. Tail guides are certified in first aid and avalanche training.
Snow and Avalanches
Our guides continuously monitor the weather conditions and snow stability.
In spite of our best efforts, there are inherent risks and hazards associated with backcountry adventure skiing and riding that are beyond our control. You must share this risk with us.
Emergencies
Continuous radio contact between the guides and drivers, and the lodge base station ensures a fast response in the event of an emergency. The guides carry emergency equipment in their packs, additional equipment is carried in the snowcat, and there are extra supplies at the lodge. If necessary, two hospitals are within 20 minutes by road and 6 minutes flying in a helicopter. Please ensure that your regular medical insurance covers transport by ambulance or helicopter from our lodge to the nearest hospital.

5. EQUIPMENT
Rental Skis and Poles
We highly recommend that you rent powder skis for your Retallack adventure. Our rental shop carries special powder skis made by Volkl and Atomic. Ski poles are not available (at press time) for rent but check in with us before your trip, and we may have some poles available for rent.
Bindings
All of our skis are equipped with Salomon bindings, which have proven to be the most reliable and accommodating binding for the powder snow. Touring boots are compatible with these bindings.
Boots
The boots that you wear now and are comfortable for you are the best boots to bring.
We recommend that you take your boots as carry-on luggage so that they arrive with you for your adventures! We have no rental boots available at our lodge.
Gloves
The long gauntlet style glove is the best for keeping soft snow out of your suit. Our Guides use the type with leather or man-made leather palms and removable liners..
Clothing
The temperature and exertion factor can vary widely throughout a skiing/riding day. We recommend one piece suits OR overalls with a good bib and a jacket with drawcords that keep your garments snug and the snow out!

6. ABILITY
The southern Selkirks are not gentle, not rolling, not flat. They are consistently steep with pitches of 25 degrees or greater, and mostly treed. .
Adventure powder skiing does not require picture perfect style and technique. Physical fitness just as important as skiing ability. However, it requires a certain agility and manueuverability on skis or a snowboard in deep and wild conditions. Most of our runs have steep sections that equal "black diamond" runs at international ski resorts.
As well as providing safe skiing, our guiding team will instruct and coach you through the steps of maneauvering in the deep snow, finding your 'path' down the untracked runs, and learning how to wiggle through the trees.
Remember, powder skiing and riding is physically demanding.
Retallack now offers two group service in two different snowcats, so that we can accommodate differing experience and ability levels . Please be aware that in certain circumstances, the group you travelled to Retallack with may be split up for the ski day. On most days we can adapt the program to suit the fast and the faster.

7. PACKAGES AND RATES
RETALLACK offers customized snowcat skiing packages which can be designed to suit individuals and groups. You can choose any number of days for your skiing adventure. As we operate two snowcats, this allows us the flexibility to accommodate various abilities of skiers and riders from intermediate to expert. Each group has its own snowcat and is guided by two Retallack ski guides for your enjoyment and safety.
CURRENT RATE of $475 per Day INCLUDES: guided snowcat skiing, accommodations at Retallack Resort based on double or triple occupancy, three meals plus snacks per day and the use of an avalanche transceiver. Packages start with dinner and accommodation on the first package date and end with skiing on the last date. Some guests stay for dinner on the last date of their package, for an additional Cdn. $20.00.
RETALLACK Package Prices DO NOT INCLUDE: transportation to or from Retallack Lodge, gratuities or taxes. Taxes added are 7% GST on all services and PST (room tax) in the amount of $6.40 per day booked.
FAT SKI RENTAL: $20 / day (plus taxes)
If you are renting fat skis, this will be added to your final bill at checkout from the lodge.
DISCOUNTS: 10% discount for groups of 10 or more
All rates are quoted in Canadian Dollars.

8. BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Registration and Payment
The space available in our remote lodge is limited. To avoid disappointment we recommend that you make your reservation early. All prices are quoted in Canadian dollars. A deposit of 30% is required with your reservation (see trip cancellation section). The balance of payment is due 90 days prior to the beginning of the snowcat skiing package. If the payment balance required is not received by Retallack Administration / Payments Office on time, the reservation will be cancelled without notice to the skier and will be treated as a cancellation. For bookings of packages made less than 90 days prior to their beginning, the full package price is due immediately.
Payment can be made by Mastercard, VISA, money order, certified cheque or bank wire.
Cancellations
Retallack cannot make exceptions for any reason, including personal emergencies and weather. There is no refund for leaving early or arriving late. If a cancellation is necessary for any reason, it must be made in writing and sent to the Retallack Head Office. For cancellations received more than 90 days prior to the starting date:
If you find an available alternative date during the same season, then we are happy to rebook your reservation and transfer all the money paid less a $50 CDN service fee per person.
Full refund, less non-refundable deposit payment.
For cancellation notices received less than 90 days prior to the starting date, no money will be refunded. No cancellation fee has to be paid if the skier cancelling his package finds himself a suitable person as his substitute to take over the contractual obligations.
Retallack reserves the right to cancel ski packages prior to arrival. If prior cancellation is the result of hazardous conditions, three options are available:
Rebook for alternate dates within the current season;
Apply the payments made toward a future trip to Retallack;
Receive a 70% refund on fully paid packages..
Refunds of the ski portion only of the package payment will be issued in the form of future ski credits for down time which result from mechanical failure, staff illness or other avoidable circumstances. NO REFUND IS MADE FOR DOWN DAYS DUE TO WEATHER OR SNOW CONDITIONS.
Booking Conditions
Retallack accepts no responsibility for the actions or persons and/or companies supplying goods and/or services as part of these packages, nor for any additional costs arising from the cancellation, complication or prolongation of any program for any reason.
The participation of any person during the skiing day is subject to the discretion of Retallack ski guides.
Health problems which may affect your participation in any program must be cleared by your physician.
No alcohol or drugs (other than prescription) are allowed while skiing or boarding. Smoking is not permitted inside the Retallack Resort Lodge.
Liability
By registering for a Retallack Snowcat Skiing package you acknowledge the risks of mountainous areas in winter weather conditions. You are aware of the fact that even a highly qualified ski guide is not infallible and that, under these circumstances, he sees himself confronted with extreme situations which are not fully controllable. Therefore, his duty will only consist in limiting the risk to a minimum. Each participant will be required to sign a RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT before being allowed to ski with us. A sample of this waiver will be sent in your confirmation package. All claims - irrespective of the nationality of the participants - shall be governed in all respects by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia. Skiers must be 19 years of age or older.
Insurance
We strongly recommend you purchase cancellation insurance.
If you have difficulty finding this insurance please contact our agent for trip cancellation insurance, Uniglobe Glacier Travel, 1-800-900-9228 or (250)352-2200. This insurance must be purchased simulataneously to booking your snowcat skiing adventure with Retallack. Other types of travel insurance we recommend are
Medical insurance to cover hospital costs and ambulance expenses;
Helicopter evacuation insurance which covers evacuation from the field to our lodge and/or definitive care;
Personal insurance to cover loss of baggage, skis and personal belongings;
Liability insurance