DAY ONE:

Your back-country skiing holiday begins early on day one with a scenic helicopter flight from Mount Shark. We recommend arriving into nearby Canmore the day before your trip to allow sufficient time to reach the lodge. From Canmore you have the option to hire ski equipment, stock up on supplies and acclimatise to the altitude.

Depart from Mount Shark Heliport enjoying the spectacular scenery of Mount Assiniboine from the helicopter before reaching the beautiful isolation of the lodge, set 28 kilometers from any roads. Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park sits in the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa or Kootenai First Nations people, named in honour of the Assiniboine people. This translates roughly to ‘stone boiler’ which relates to the practice of heating rocks to warm pools of water in order to cook food.

Settle into your accommodation. Following your arrival there is an avalanche safety training session teaching you about how to remain safe whilst on the slopes. Now it is time to head out into the deep snow for your first back country experience. Join your guide either hitting the slopes skiing or silently wonder through the wilderness by snowshoe.

Enjoy your first freshly prepared three course meal in the historic dining room matched with a selection of beers and wines. Discuss plans for the next day in the warmth of the lodge before braving the cold to reach your private historic cabin. Keep cosy in luxury goose down duvets provided in the individually designed rooms.

DAY TWO:

Nourish yourself with a hearty breakfast consisting of homemade granola and yoghurt, whole grain hot cereal, fruit salad, freshly prepared baked goods and eggs. Prepare your personalised picnic from the varied spread available at the lodge before heading out for your first day of backcountry skiing.

Each day you head out into the snowy expanse with ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides) certified mountain guides, with your ski adventures tailored to meet all levels. A ski day at Assiniboine Lodge typically involves traversing scenic snowy meadows, climbing a peak to a spectacular viewpoint before carving through the powder back to the lodge for warming drinks and snacks. Your safety is the lodge's number one priority and they provide all the safety gear you will need.

Relax back at the lodge this evening, perhaps spending time in the warmth of the communal sauna. Don’t forget to take a (brave) roll in the snow between sauna sessions!