THE MAGNIFICENT MONASHEES
CATSKIING
TERRAIN
Powder Ridge Catskiing is BC’s newest catskiing operation. Situated in the champagne powder capital of BC, Powder Ridge boasts some of the finest and most naturally gladed tree skiing that the legendary Monashee Mountain range has to offer. The Monashees are known for some of the deepest and softest powder runs in the world. With an average snowfall of 15 meters per year, this amount of powder is sure to please.
Our terrain starts at the only ski-in, ski-out catskiing lodge in Canada, situated at an elevation of 1800m (6000’). Our tenure extends over 15,000 acres, with all ski terrain between 4000-7900 feet elevations, with a mix of sub-alpine and tree-line skiing. We have 12 peaks full of open bowls, sustained steep forests and natural terrain features like rock pillows, log drops and gullies.
Because of our expansive and diverse terrain, Powder Ridge offers ski programs that cater to intermediate, advanced and expert level skiers and boarders. If you book a private cat, accommodation for varied levels can be provided. If you are considering joining us for the first time and are unsure if you will be comfortable on our terrain, please reach out with any questions.
Weather and ski conditions are impossible to predict, so guests must be prepared to snowboard or ski in variable conditions. We do not groom any runs. If you have never experienced powder or shy away from it at your local resort, we would recommend becoming comfortable in these environments prior to joining us. Powder Ridge has lots of glades and trees, so please be prepared for this experience. Skiing and snowboarding in powder is a workout and all guests are encouraged to arrive physically prepared. If you cannot keep up with the group, you may be asked to sit out and will not be reimbursed for any missed time in the cat.
THE BEST OF THE BEST
RUNS
FIRST DESCENT
Be the first to descend and name some of our spectacular runs. We are amid a 5-year road building and tree spacing program to open for you the best lines with the best access. You can expect new roads and new runs each year as we continue to expand!
HOME RUNS
Our home runs are magnificent. Some have described them as the best in the industry. Because our lodge is situated at 6000 feet elevation, with different aspects and angles above us, we allow for many options to get home, and they are great!
SKI-IN/SKI-OUT
Home runs cover the ski in. Ski out means waking up and after breakfast, you can ski or snowboard down to the snowcat right from our lodge when it’s complete in 2027.
AVERAGE RUN/RUNS PER DAY
Our average runs sit around 2000 vertical feet. Some are more, some are less. You can expect to get 8-15 runs per day, depending on weather and group ability.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A TYPICAL DAY
At Powder Ridge, our philosophy is all about providing the true mountain holiday experience. What does this mean? A day in the life at Powder Ridge envelopes your experience from sunup to sundown. Our provisions cater to excellent skiing, satisfying food, great company and cozy accommodations. Up here, it is life above the clouds.
UP AND AT ‘EM
Rise and Shine
Wake up and take in the scenery! Based on our lodge being at a high elevation, you will have unobstructed views of our mountain range
Before you head out for the day, enjoy a hot breakfast starting at 6:30am, complete with a choice of locally roasted espresso or freshly brewed coffee. Following breakfast, gear up and make your way to the snowcat! Because you get to custom order your lunch at dinner each night, there is no hassle deciding what you want and packing your own food in the morning. Our team will have it loaded and ready, along with beverages and snacks for the day ahead.
OFF WE GO
All Aboard
Our snowcats will be warm and ready to transport you throughout our terrain. Climb into our custom heated cabin with amenities sure to ensure a comfortable experience. Our machines are Pisten Bully 400s that provide reliable access to the best terrain. We operate with 12 guests per cat, with each group having a dedicated lead guide and tail guide.
By 8:30am, we will be out skiing or snowboarding as much as we can! The social aspect of the ride, plus carving turns in untracked powder will keep the stoke high throughout the whole day! Our typical runs consist of 2000 vertical feet and usually take 20 minutes to descend to where the cat will be waiting for you. Lunch is on the go whenever you get hungry, but we don’t stop skiing to eat. Between 3-4pm we will return to the lodge, where you’ll be ready to relax!
DINNER & DRINKS
Relax and Unwind
When you arrive back at the lodge, you will be welcomed back with hot appetizers and drinks.
Dinner is served at 6:30pm and consists of a 3-course meal, complete with a starter soup/salad, main course and dessert. We will have a selection of fine wines locally sourced from the Okanagan Valley, along with craft & domestic beers, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks. We will also provide a menu form to each guest for the next day’s lunch selection.
ENJOY THE EVENING
Sundown
After dinner, feel free to mingle or head back to your room for a good night’s sleep. We are all about a good time, just also keep in mind tomorrow morning precedes a big day on the slopes!
THE DETAILS
Your Whole Trip at a Glance
- Arrive at the Kelowna International Airport
- Shuttle departs at 1:00pm SHARP
- Shuttle arrives to staging area by 4:30pm
- Load into the mountain limousine and be taken up to the lodge
- Arrive at the lodge by 6:00pm
- Welcome tour
- Get settled in your room
- Appetizers and drinks available
- Welcome orientation talk
- 7:00pm: dinner *custom order your lunch at dinner each night*
- If renting gear or needing tuning, meet with staff to get sorted
- Relax, enjoy drinks at the bar
- 6:30am: hot breakfast
- 8:00am: gear up
- 8:30am: depart lodge in snowcat *depart lodge by 9:15 on snowcat on first day after safety brief and avalanche gear training*
- 3:00pm – 4:00pm: return to the lodge
- 3:00pm – 5:00pm: appetizers & drinks, free time!
- 7:00pm: dinner
- Have luggage packed and ready for staff to load before leaving to board the snowcat
- When the snowcat arrives back at lodge by 2:00pm – 3:00pm, load into the mountain limousine and be taken to the staging area
- Transfer into the shuttle and be taken back to Kelowna International Airport
We try to have the last group in town by 8:00pm. If you are scheduling a flight home, you should not plan to get to Kelowna before 8:00pm.
We do recommend staying in a hotel the night you return to Kelowna in case of poor weather conditions. There are several hotels across the highway from the Kelowna Airport.