Backcountry cat skiing

Backcountry Cat Skiing Experience

For skiers and boarders who live for untouched lines, storm cycles, and soul-satisfying turns, White Grizzly offers something rare a backcountry skiing experience that’s as authentic as it is unforgettable. As one of the longest-running snowcat skiing operations in British Columbia, White Grizzly has been delivering legendary powder skiing adventures since 1998.

Unlike high-traffic operations or resort-based experiences, White Grizzly is all about small groups, steep terrain, and deep Kootenay snow  the kind that stays cold, dry, and ready to rip. It’s what makes us a favorite for riders who’ve already explored zones like Skeena cat skiing or cat skiing Mustang and are now looking for the next level of backcountry magic.

Rooted in the Kootenays Since 1998

When a passionate group of Nelson-based backcountry skiers took over White Grizzly in 2020, their goal was simple: preserve the operation’s legacy while enhancing every aspect of the guest experience. With a laser focus on safety, terrain management, and guest stoke, they’ve taken an already respected operation and raised the bar even higher.

Your Base in the Koots: A Lodge That Feels Like Home

Set near the remote northern tip of Kootenay Lake and tucked deep in the Selkirk Mountains, our timber-frame lodge is more than just a place to sleep  it’s a part of the experience. Though easily accessible by car, the lodge feels far from the noise of modern life and right in the heart of BC’s backcountry skiing paradise.

With room for just a dozen guests, White Grizzly keeps it intimate. The laid-back vibe is enhanced by rustic touches, a roaring fireplace, and those classic Canadian mountain lodge feels. Evenings are spent swapping stories around the fire, listening to music, playing board games, or enjoying the nightly photo slideshow from the day’s turns.

The Food: Local, Hearty & Seriously Delicious

When you ski hard all day, you need to eat really well  and we’ve got you covered. Our culinary team prepares meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, turning hearty comfort food into gourmet backcountry cuisine. Think: braised short ribs, cedar-plank salmon, and farm-fresh chicken  all served with the mountain soul of the Kootenays.

Why White Grizzly?

For riders who have explored epic zones like cat skiing Mustang, Powder Mountain, or Skeena cat skiing, White Grizzly is a must-experience destination. It’s cat skiing in its purest form steep terrain, deep snow, and authentic vibes.