Catskiing FAQs

You should be an advanced/expert rider as we do not have beginner terrain. You should have some experience off-piste, be able to handle deep, backcountry powder, and be comfortable skiing and traversing amongst trees. GKLL reserves the right to restrict guests from skiing or snowboarding if they are not able to safely keep up with the group. No refunds are available for these guests. All efforts are made to group guests with similar abilities. The best way to ensure that you get the best experience is to organize a whole group of friends and fill a snowcat with compatible skiers. Your trip can include wide open bowls of deep snow, steep tree runs, and everything in between. 

As many as you can. We try to ski as much as the ability of the group will allow.

A typical day might have you ski 7 to 12 runs per day and about 15,000 to 20,000 vertical feet. We try to give our guests a full ski day—about 7 to 8 hours.

If you want to carve super-fast, clock the most laps, or shred the really big stuff, we can help you. In this case, we recommend bringing a group of friends with expert ability and filling a whole snowcat.

You'll be skiing deep in the Monashee’s—there’s a lot of variety such as moderate, steep terrain, big open bowls, rolling meadows, steep trees, cliffs, chutes, open tree burns, rock gardens, fluffy pillows, and long, soft, endlessly falling tree lines. Most days you’ll do a variety of runs.

Weather and snow conditions rule, as well as the riding ability of the group. On the day, the guides will lead you to the best runs for the best possible skiing.

If you want to carve super-fast, clock the most laps, or shred the really big stuff, Keefer Lake Lodge Catskiing can help you. In this case, GKLL recommends bringing a group of friends with expert ability and filling a whole snowcat.

As many as you can. It really depends on your fitness and budget.

Every week Keefer Lake Lodge offer 3-day and 4-day tours. For longer tours just call the Guest Relations team and they will build a custom itinerary for your group. Day skiing is also offered but please call to check availability.

It’s a great idea to arrive in the Okanagan a day or two early and ski at a local resort like Big White or Silver Star. This helps mitigate winter travel realities – cancelled or late flights, luggage delays, and highway closures. Arriving a few days early ensures you get your gear and your legs ready for your big Catski trip.

Keefer Lake Lodge is located in the Monashee Mountain Range—a very snowy location all winter! The alpine elevations see about 60 feet of snow each year from October and June. The lodge gets about 30 feet of snow from early December to early April.

December and January daytime temperatures are usually in the -5 to -15 Celsius range. February and March see typical temperatures from 0 to -10 Celsius. Between December and February, it can briefly reach -20 to -30 Celsius when the arctic air sweeps through—usually bringing big dumps of snow with it. March and April can have bright, sunny days with temperatures above zero. With longer days and more daylight, the snow continues to change and soften throughout the day.

This is a rough guide only. Mountain weather can change rapidly and vary significantly year to year.

Be prepared for all mountain weather conditions no matter what time of year you book with us.

Good and bad conditions can happen at any time during the season. We try to ski as much as the conditions allow and have fun no matter what. GKLL cannot tell you when to book or guarantee fantastic waist-deep snow on a particular date. It just happens here most of the time because the Monashee Mountains are magnets for snow. Click here for more information on current weather conditions. No refunds or credits are given for any reason.

GKLL highly recommends all guests purchase a Trip Interruption and Cancellation Insurance policy. Please spend a few moments to review our recommended Trip Interruption and Cancellation Insurance. 

It is always best to be prepared for the unexpected and this is your only option to obtain a refund if something happens.

All packages include emergency medical and evacuation insurance, which is separate from trip insurance. 

Yes. All guests must acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with backcountry skiing. All guests must also read and sign a Release of Liability and Waiver of Claims Agreement prior to their booking being confirmed. A second copy will be signed at the lodge at the start of the trip.

Yes! We encourage our guests to arrive a day or two early to get warm up day in at Silver Star Mountain Resort or Big White so your legs are ready for the shred days at Keefer Lake Lodge.

We encourage you to arrive a day early as noted above, but if that is not an option, day-of arrival flights need to land before 1pm on the first day of your tour to make the shuttle times (3 & 4pm). Departing flights cannot be booked earlier than 9pm on your departure day. We have partner hotels across from the airport to accommodate if you need to spend the night in Kelowna before or after your trip to align flight times. 

Yes. Skiers should have big fat powder skis and boarders should have a wide all-mountain board. Skis with waist widths above 110mm are perfect for the terrain.

Keefer Lake Lodge carries a selection of high-performance rental and demo skis and snowboards available on a first come first served basis and encourage guests to bring their own equipment, especially if they would be uncomfortable skiing their 2^nd or 3^rd choice of ski.

Please note that you are responsible for any loss, damage, or breakage of demo/rental equipment. In the event of loss or damage you will be responsible for repair or replacement charges.

No. Your guides will provide you with an avalanche air bag, transceiver, probe, shovel, and radio and go through the proper procedures on how to operate the gear.

Yes, you can! Everyone is welcome to enjoy Keefer on their favourite plank(s).

The rules are the same—all guests must be able to handle all backcountry conditions including steep treed terrain, deep snow, and an occasional traverse. Telemark skiers should be expert ability and capable or experienced at skiing dense glades. Telemark skiers should also bring an alpine set-up if they have both.

Snowboarders should be strong-intermediate to expert and be able to comfortably navigate traverses and low-angle ski outs. We suggest snowboarders carry collapsible poles that can be stored in a backpack.

No, massages can be booked when you arrive at the lodge or anytime during your stay. Please note that not all Keefer's spa practitioners are registered massage therapists (RMT), although your massage session will still be full of relaxation.

In the general service industry of Canada, it is normal to tip if you feel that you had good service. Most heliski and Catski guests leave a tip. It is customary, not mandatory.

Kind words and tips are always gratefully received. As there are a lot of people behind the scenes making your Catski trip special and your stay memorable, GKLL operates with a tip pool that delivers gratuities to all of the staff members.

Industry standards for gratuities is anywhere between 15% – 25% of your tour total and can be paid in cash or added to your credit card. Based on the feedback of former guests, GKLL will add the standard 15% onto your final lodge invoice. You can change this amount however you see fit!

If you enjoyed your stay at Keefer Lake Lodge please tell a friend. If your trip did not meet your expectations, please call so Keefer Lake Lodge can fully understand.

Yes. Unlike many backcountry lodges, Keefer Lake Lodge is easily accessible by car and is closer to an international airport than any other Catski operator in Canada.

If you need to leave early, simply speak to one of the staff and they can help you arrange a private transfer at the time you require.