Relaxed. Educational. Fun
Stepping out into the backcountry for the first time can be an intimidating endeavour, even for the most seasoned of skiers and outdoor adventurers. AT 101 was specifically developed to introduce alpine skiers and snowboarders into the backcountry in a fun, educational and relaxing environment. Each year we have select weeks, exclusively for new backcountry skiers/riders, where our professional and knowledgeable guides are ready to lead you each day, in a small intimate group setting with only 6 guests maximum.
Professional, Fun, Educational
Its all in the Professional Details
Creating the right experience in a fun and educational environment is essential to learning in the backcountry. All of our guides are professionally trained and certified, ready to take you into the backcountry, providing technical and practical information in a relaxed, informative and collaborative setting for you to learn.
Small group, Relaxed Environment
Group dynamics are Everything
With a maximum capacity of only 6 guests, there are no agendas and no egos. Everyone is on the same page, and its all about learning and going at your own pace.
Endless terrain, Endless options
Terrain for all levels and Abilities
Its true, its all about the terrain. From easy open meadows and cruising powder bowls, to high alpine ridges and steeps, we have terrain for every appetite and ability. More importantly its all safely accessible only a short distance from the lodge.
How it works
We start out from Valemount, British Columbia
Valemount, BC is your staging point to and from the lodge. We arrive at 8:30am at the helicopter staging area, and barring any weather delays, your flight typically leaves for the lodge approximately mid-morning. We recommend you arrive the night before so you get plenty of sleep and time to get ready.
The Adventure Begins
Your adventure starts with a 30 minute helicopter flight over some of the most remote and pristine mountains in the Canadian Rockies. With no road access, there are no signs of human activity or disturbance anywhere in sight from the lodge. Upon arrival at the lodge, we go through a thorough lodge and avalanche safety orientation before heading out for an afternoon tour.
Make Unforgettable Memories
For the rest of your trip, coffee is on at 7am, followed by a warm hearty breakfast and then out the door just after 9am. After a full day of touring and skiing, come home to a warm lodge and appetizers, take a shower or just relax, and then enjoy a delicious home cooked dinner and dessert. Repeat.
The Lodge
- Mallard Lodge, and all other buildings, were pre-built off site, and reassembled on site, minimizing the disruption associated with onsite crews and machinery.
- The Lodge was built to accommodate only 6 guests at a time, requiring a very small physical footprint.
- A grey water purification system is used to filter all grey water before discharging from the lodge
- We use a propane incinerating toilet which creates no black water discharge, and instead converts all waste to harmless ash.
- A large solar system with 9 solar panels provides electric power, and is designed to minimize generator usage year round.
- No road was built to the lodge, significantly eliminating a large physical impact on the surrounding environment
Located in one of the most pristine & remote areas of British Columbia, on the west slope of the Rocky Mountains, call the area Punch Bowl. The winter brings huge snowfalls of perfect dry powder, while in the summer the high alpine offers hiking above the tree line with incredible Rocky Mountain scenery as the backdrop. In reference to the historic “Committee Punch Bowl” at the nearby summit of Athabasca Pass, Punch Bowl brings together a vast area of five river valleys, all connecting to the Hugh Allan River, which flows into the mighty Columbia River. This area was explored by famed adventurer David Thompson of the Hudson’s Bay Company during the fur trade era.
Ready to book your adventure?
Winter Season Dates
2024: Dec 28, 2023 – Apr 28, 2024 (CLOSED)
2025: Dec 29, 2024 – Apr 27, 2025
Pricing & Packages for individuals and private groups
Individual all inclusive packages starting at $3,365 CAD per person
3 Nights:
- 2024: $3,365 CAD
- 2025: $3,570 CAD
4 Nights:
- 2024: $4,165 CAD
- 2025: $4,425 CAD
7 Nights:
- 2024: $4,850 CAD
- 2025: $5,150 CAD
- Helicopter Access ~ approx 30 minute flight each way through Canadian Rockies ~
- Lodge Accommodation
- Guide
- All Food & prepared Meals
3 Nights:
- 2024: $2,945 CAD
- 2025: $3,125 CAD
4 Nights:
- 2024: $3,650 CAD
- 2025: $3,875 CAD
7 Nights:
- 2024: $4,250 CAD
- 2025: $4,510 CAD
- Helicopter Access ~ approx 30 minute flight each way through Canadian Rockies ~
- Lodge Accommodation
- Guide
- CAC does not provide catering. Guests bring & cook their own food. Details for food weight & volume limits for helicopter transport, and for kitchen amenities, will be provided.
3 Nights:
- 2024: $2,950 CAD
- 2025: $3,130 CAD
4 Nights:
- 2024: $3,655 CAD
- 2025: $3,880 CAD
7 Nights:
- 2024: $4,255 CAD
- 2025: $4,520 CAD
- Helicopter Access ~ approx 30 minute flight each way through Canadian Rockies ~
- Lodge Accommodation
- All Food & Prepared Meals
- CAC does not provide Guide. Instead, guiding is by either: Option A, guests bring and pay for their own Certified Guide; or Option B, guests confirm, with supportive detail, that they have the skills and experience needed to guide themselves responsibly & with a focus on safety.
- If Option A, the price for the helicopter flights, accommodation, and catering provided for the guide, is $825 in 2024, and $875 in 2025.
3 Nights:
- 2024: $2,530 CAD
- 2025: $2,690 CAD
4 Nights:
- 2024: $3,135 CAD
- 2025: $3,330 CAD
7 Nights:
- 2024: $3,650 CAD
- 2025: $3,880 CAD
- Helicopter Access ~ approx 30 minute flight each way through Canadian Rockies ~
- Lodge Accommodation
- CAC does not provide catering. Instead, guests bring & cook their own food. Details for food weight & volume helicopter limits, & for kitchen amenities, will be provided.
- CAC does not provide Guide. Instead, guiding is by either: Option A, guests bring and pay for their own Certified Guide; or Option B, guests confirm, with supportive detail, that they have the skills and experience needed to guide themselves responsibly & with a focus on safety.
- If Option A, the price for the helicopter flights, accommodation, and catering provided for the Certified Guide, is $825 in 2024, and $875 in 2025.
Packages do not include : rental gear (available by request & additional fees apply), alcohol, personal expenses, taxes, or gratuities.
Private Lodge Buyouts
All inclusive private lodge packages starting at $20,175 CAD
Book the whole lodge with less than a full group.
Any regular booking of a full group automatically has private use of the lodge. Less than full groups can still have private use of the lodge by selecting the full lodge buy-out option. All inclusive, self-catered and self-guided skiing and hiking packages available.
3 Nights:
- 2024: $20,175 CAD
- 2025: $21,425 CAD
4 Nights:
- 2024: $24,995 CAD
- 2025: $26,540 CAD
7 Nights:
- 2024: $29,100 CAD
- 2025: $30,900 CAD
- Helicopter Access
- Private Use of the Lodge
- Guide
- All Food & prepared Meals
3 Nights:
- 2024: $20,610 CAD
- 2025: $21,885 CAD
4 Nights:
- 2024: $25,540 CAD
- 2025: $27,120 CAD
7 Nights:
- 2024: $29,735 CAD
- 2025: $31,570 CAD
- Helicopter Access
- Lodge Accommodation
- Guide
- CAC does not provide catering. Instead, guests bring & cook their own food. Details for food weight & volume limits for helicopter transport, and for kitchen amenities, will be provided.
3 Nights:
- 2024: $17,695 CAD
- 2025: $18,790 CAD
4 Nights:
- 2024: $21,920 CAD
- 2025: $23,280 CAD
7 Nights:
- 2024: $25,525 CAD
- 2025: $27,105 CAD
- Helicopter Access
- Lodge Accommodation
- All Food & Prepared Meals
- CAC does not provide a Guide. Instead, guiding is by either: Option A, guests bring and pay for their own Certified Guide; or Option B, guests confirm, with supportive detail, that they have the skills and experience needed to guide themselves responsibly & with a focus on safety.
- If Option A, the price for the helicopter flights, accommodation, and catering provided for the Certified Guide, is $825 in 2024, and $875 in 2025.
3 Nights:
- 2024: $17,725 CAD
- 2025: $18,820 CAD
4 Nights:
- 2024: $21,955 CAD
- 2025: $23,310 CAD
7 Nights:
- 2024: $25,565 CAD
- 2025: $27,145 CAD
- Helicopter Access
- Lodge Accommodation
- CAC does not provide catering. Instead, guests bring & cook their own food. Details for food weight & volume limits for helicopter transport, and for kitchen amenities, will be provided.
- CAC does not provide a Guide. Instead, guiding is by either: Option A, guests bring and pay for their own Certified Guide; or Option B, guests confirm, with supportive detail, that they have the skills and experience needed to guide themselves responsibly & with a focus on safety.
- If Option A, the price for the helicopter flights and accommodation provided for the guide, is $825 in 2024 and $875 in 2025.
Packages do not include : rental gear (available by request & additional fees apply), alcohol, personal expenses, taxes, or gratuities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the group is made up of different ability levels?
This is one of the most common questions that we get.
With our small group size of only 6 guests, along with a huge variety of terrain and route options readily accessible from the lodge, it is very easy to manage different skier abilities and desires. CAC staff will often join guests as well to assist the guide, giving even more options to the group.
CAC also runs introductory weeks at the lodge throughout the season, dedicated specifically to guests that are new to backcountry ski touring. Please click here for more details.
What amenities are at the Lodge? Can I charge my batteries?
Electricity at the Lodge is from our solar power system, with generator backup. The Lodge is fully powered and has plenty of areas for charging batteries or other electronic devices. The Lodge also has wifi internet for guests that would like it.
The second floor has a separate room for changing, counter and sink for wash-up etc, and a mountain shower. The shower is a full size stall and curtain, with a hot water in an elevated container. All water drains to our grey water purification system.
Learn more about the lodge & amenities here.
Does CAC arrange for rentals?
Unfortunately, no. Although we don't rent equipment, we can help you get set up for your trip. When we set up your reservation we can help decide what will work best for you.
Here are some extra considerations in the meantime.
- The availability of rental equipment from retail shops has declined. It is best to plan well in advance to make sure you can get the necessary equipment for your trip.
- It is essential that your boots fit properly. This should be your first purchase if possible and best to break in the boots beforehand, or at least wear around the house for a few days before heading into the backcountry.
- It is helpful to be able to familiarize yourself with all of your equipment before you leave home if possible.
- Flying with ski or snowboard gear is easy and commonplace, however flying with avalanche bags always requires some care and planning relative to commercial airline regulations. Bags that use battery vs canister type technology are usually easier, however it is best to check with your specific airline carrier beforehand if plan on bringing an avalanche airbag pack (not a requirement). All styles are ok on the helicopter flight to the lodge.
What fitness level do I need to go on an adventure with CAC?
One of the biggest misconceptions we come across is that backcountry ski touring and hiking is only for the super fit. This is simply not true. Yes, you must be at a reasonable fitness level as most days will be out skiing or hiking for most of the day.
That said, our goal is first and foremost to provide our guests with the most enjoyable experience possible, not to test their limits of physical exertion!
As well, a huge variety of terrain and route options, and a small guest group size of 8, allows guests of all fitness levels and abilities to get the most out of every trip.
I have dietary restrictions. Is that OK?
Yes. CAC is very used to accommodating different dietary restrictions and needs.
As part of setting up your reservation, CAC will gather all dietary information needed.
What are the sleeping arrangements like in the Lodge?
The second floor of the Lodge has sleeping bays along the outside walls, divided by interior walls. The beds (one upper & lower in each bay) are custom made oversize twins for lots of space, each fronted by individual black-out privacy curtains, as well as an individually controlled solar light in every bed. All bedding linen is supplied, including duvets filled with llama & alpaca wool. All of this creates a warm, comfortable and private experience.
Click here to learn more & view a gallery of photos.
Your Unforgettable Journey Starts Here
From the moment your arrive to the moment you depart, every aspect of your stay is designed to create truly life-lasting memories. Experience the thrill of true isolation and the remote ruggedness of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, all from the safety and comfort of your private mountain lodge