Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all guests are required to have read and agreed to the Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement. Please visit our Safety section on The Experience page to learn more.

For skiers, guests must be at minimum, a strong intermediate level capable of dealing with deep powder snow in the backcountry. Less skilled or less fit guests may be asked to sit out some of the steeper runs and/or take some rest breaks by riding down in the snowcat with the driver. Snowboarders and telemark skiers MUST be experts and able to handle all backcountry conditions including narrow traverses and steep treed terrain. There may be times when traversing, and even climbing uphill, will be necessary. Collapsible poles that can be stored in a small pack are recommended for snowboarders. We do not provide snowboard/split board rentals.

We normally ski 10 to 15 runs per day and typically ski between 12,000 and 15,000 vertical feet per day. Well-planned snow roads maximize the number of ski runs per day and minimize wait times. In early winter we leave at first light and ski till an hour before dark. By mid-February and into March the days are long, so we get even longer skiing.

We receive nearly the same amount of snow during all the winter months of December to March. January and February are the coldest periods. March and early April are snowy and unsettled with longer daylight hours – meaning long days of great skiing.

In December you can expect the daytime temperatures to be in the -5 to -15 Celsius range (5 to 23 degrees Fahrenheit); in January and February you can expect -10 to -20 Celsius (-4 to 14 degrees Fahrenheit), and in March you can expect 0 to -10 Celsius (14 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit). However, prior to mid-February, we can potentially get brief periods of very cold arctic air with temperatures in the range of -20 to -30 Celsius (-4 to -22 degrees Fahrenheit).

Please accept the fact that we cannot control the weather, and no refunds or rain checks will be given for bad weather or snow conditions.

Skeena Tenure terrain consists of wide-open alpine bowls and beautifully naturally gladed tree runs with a large variety of slopes. If the weather is clear and the visibility good, we are almost always at tree line and above in the alpine. If it is snowing and cloudy, we usually drop off at the tree line and ski down through the forest. Over a whole season, we typically would ski half the time in the alpine, and half in the trees.

Skeena Cat Skiing Base Camp is warm and cozy, located up at the tree line. The large main lodge tent, where dining and lounging happens, has a propane furnace (new for 2024/25) and upgraded wood-burning stove that gives its atmosphere the perfect touch. Guest bedrooms are heated, double occupancy, insulated Quonset tents. There are a limited number of single occupancy tents prioritized for solo travellers. The high elevation of BaseCamp (1200m) offers spectacular views from pretty much everywhere in camp and often the northern lights come out to dance! The shower house is a wood-framed, heated building with shower stalls, sinks and flush toilets. It has been newly upgraded for the 2024/25 season.

The high elevation of Base Camp (1200m) offers spectacular views from pretty much everywhere in camp and often the northern lights come out to dance!

Skeena Cat Skiing is very fortunate to have our outstanding chefs return this season. Each evening they prepare exceptional gourmet dinners. We use premium local ingredients like wild B.C. salmon, halibut and organically raised lamb, chicken, and beef. To complement the cuisine, our fully licensed lounge serves a good selection of British Columbia wines—we have about 20 choices on our wine list! In the morning we serve a selection of hot and cold breakfasts. Lunches are laid out by the chef in the morning to prepare your own and include a variety of tasty snacks. To allow more time for skiing, lunch is eaten in the snowcat between runs. For après ski there is always a delicious appetizer to tide you over until dinner is served.

Our chefs can accommodate any special dietary requirements or food allergies. Please be sure to list any of your special dietary needs when you complete your guest registration form at least 4 weeks prior to your trip, and we will ensure that we have your requirements addressed. Last minute requests may not be met, due to our remote location.

Skeena Cat Skiing Base Camp has a wireless router to cover the common tent area. We recommend that you leave your work at home and enjoy your vacation, but if you do need to stay in touch you will be able to connect to the outside world with your personal device. We do not have computers available for guests to use. Cell service is not available at our Base Camp. Please know that the wireless at the Base Camp is slower than you are likely used to in town.

No. There is no cell phone coverage at Base Camp. We strongly encourage guests to reserve their device time after dinner to allow for time to connect with your group and guides.

A new sauna has been installed at our Base Camp, offering the perfect way to unwind and relax after a day on the slopes. A variety of high-quality ski wear, including hoodies, fleece pullovers, base layers, toques, Stanley's, hats, and a selection of stylish casual wear for men and women will be available for purchase at the bar.

Our fully licensed lounge serves a variety of beers as well as a full range of spirits. We also stock a wide variety of British Columbian wines. Please do not bring beer with you since it is heavy and often breaks on the trip up (usually on someone else’s luggage!). We do not recommend guests bring in their own liquor, but if you do you will be charged a corkage fee of $30.00 per bottle of wine and $40.00 per bottle of spirits. Please also keep in mind that you can only bring a total 35 lbs of luggage on the helicopter and any booze you bring is included in this weight (and we are fully stocked, so you don’t need to waste the weight!). Furthermore, we do not mark up our booze to ridiculous prices — meaning, don’t bring your own booze — drink ours.

We have a large selection of powder skis from Armada, Kastle, and Salomon. Our selection of powder skis ranges in length from 165 cm up to 190 cm. We do not rent snowboards or split boards. Rental skis are available for guests at a cost of $40/day. Poles are available for everyone free of charge – so whether you are renting or not, do not bring ski poles. Bring your own ski boots and take them as carry-on luggage if you travel by plane. Please make sure ski boots are in a bag of some sort. Loose boots can get wet on the trip up to the Base Camp. There is no need to book rental skis ahead of time. Upon your arrival at the main lodge tent, you may fill out a rental form and come to the ski room to discuss what type of skis you will use.

It is strongly recommended not to bring touring boots if you are renting skis, if you do, your ski selection may be limited.

You MUST pack light: • For the helicopter there is a 35 lb weight limit per guest. • Weight limit includes ski/snowboard boots, but NOT Skis/boards. • Use a soft duffel style bag (stiff or hard case bags are not permitted) for it to pack easily into the helicopter. A medium or large duffel, half filled, is ideal since it can be flexible when loading. • Ski/snowboard boots can be in a separate bag, but not loose or they risk getting wet. Remember they are included in the 35 lb weight limit. • Bring only one set of skis OR snowboard loose – NOT in a ski bag (these are NOT included in your 35 lb limit). • Do NOT bring ski poles, these will be supplied free of charge to all guests. • Please weigh your luggage at home. Bags over the 35 lb weight limit may need to be reduced and you may be asked to repack and leave some gear behind in your vehicle or in the Suskwa Lodge storage. • Any booze must be in your luggage and will be included in your 35 lb limit. (but you don't need to bring booze - we are well stocked!)

1. A water bottle 2. Helmet and ski clothes that are suitable for all conditions and temperatures. Extra gloves and goggles recommended 3. Casual clothes and slippers for the lodge. 4. Please be wearing tall waterproof winter boots for the trip up to Skeena Base Camp. 5. Flashlight (headlamp is best) 6. Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses 7. Bathing suit for the sauna 8. Ski/Snowboard Boots – we recommend that you take them on the airplane with you as carry-on luggage. Do not carry them loose–make sure they are in a boot bag. 9. Powder skis/board if you own them, remember you are welcome to rent skis from us. We do not rent boards or split-boards. Ski poles are provided for all guests. 10. If you have your skis/board in a ski-bag, upon arrival you should pull them out for the helicopter trip to Base Camp. 11. All guests are provided with an avalanche transceiver, an avalanche airbag pack with a shovel and probe, as well as a radio, so there is no need to bring your own pack. 12. Gravol (if needed) 13. Bring maximum 35lbs. of luggage – no more! 14. Don’t bring booze!

While we’d love to welcome the young ones on the slopes at Skeena Cat Skiing, the minimum age to ski with us is 14 years of age. Guests aged 14-18 will sign their waiver with a parent or legal guardian’s co-signature and they must also be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian while cat skiing.

Your trip is non-refundable. However, we may be able to fill your spot with another guest and then give you a refund. Please review our Terms & Conditions for details on our cancellation policy. We strongly recommend all guests purchase trip cancellation insurance, in case of any unforeseen changes to your travel plans.

Your ski trip package includes guided cat skiing, accommodation, all meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, the use of an avalanche air bag, probe, shovel and transceiver and the training for the proper use of these including an avalanche rescue lesson on the first ski day.

It is customary in the Heli and Cat industry for guests to leave a tip for the staff, if you feel that you have had good service. The standard tip when Cat skiing is 10% of your trip cost (So between $125-145/day) – however, this is not mandatory and some guests tip more, some tip less. Every tip is appreciated. The tips are spread evenly among all staff. Tips can be given in cash, or on your credit card at the end of your stay. There are many people behind the scenes making your holiday fun and pleasant, such as the mechanic, dishwasher, and the housekeeper.