Guests who choose this option will be able to fully relax and enjoy their backcountry skiing experience. They will be provided with the services of guides and a caterer and all meals will be provided. These services are described in more detail in the following sections.

The terrain at Powder Creek is relatively complex and could be potentially hazardous under some conditions. Employing the services of guides allows guests to fully and safely enjoy their skiing experience without having to break trail, make decisions about safe travel, or assess snow stability and avalanche hazard. The guides who work with us know the terrain well and do their best to find terrain and snow to suit the needs of each group. We strongly recommend that all first time guests or those with minimal backcountry experience use our guides.

Groups who choose guiding services will be provided with one or two guides depending on the group size (see note). The first will be a Lead Guide, a highly experienced, professional 'Ski Guide', certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (A.C.M.G). The second will be an Assistant Guide, usually someone who is a guide-in-training working on gaining their certification as a Ski Guide. They are accredited 'Assistant Ski Guides' through the A.C.M.G. They can guide guests on their own under the supervision of the Lead Guide if the Lead Guide determines it's safe to do so. Please note that weather and snow stability conditions dictate when it is safe to split up a group, and it may not always be appropriate.

Note: For groups of 8 or less only one guide, a Lead Guide, will be provided. For groups of 9 - 12, both a Lead Guide and an Assistant Guide will be provided.

We are lucky to have the services of some wonderful talented chefs who can make even the most discerning diner hurry at the end of the day in anticipation of dinner. Our menu is changed annually and contains a delectable mixture of 'comfort', 'world', and 'nouveau' foods. Several of the meals feature local organic meats and foods. Accommodations can be made for those with special dietary requirements or food allergies. All breakfasts have a hot item such as Breakfast Burritos or French Toast, and a selection of cold items like cereal, fruit, and yogurt. For lunches our chef will lay out a selection of food, including fresh baked goods, for guests to make their own bag lunches. When guests return to the lodge at the end of a long ski day they will find mouthwatering appetizers awaiting them, followed by a delectable dinner and homemade desert.

Although we do offer a full range of hot and cold non-alcoholic refreshments we are not licensed to sell liquor. Guests wishing to drink alcohol are welcome to bring their own.

This option includes our basic accommodation package. This includes helicopter transportation to and from the lodge, the use of all facilities provided in the general use area of the lodge and bathhouse, a fully outfitted kitchen, and bedding. For the comfort and safety of our guests we also provide a lodge custodian for every group. The custodian coordinates loading and unloading gear from the helicopter, orienting guests, maintaining all the facilities and equipment at the lodge, maintaining a record of the weather and snowpack conditions, and will assist in any emergencies.

Guests must provide their own transportation to Nelson and Kaslo, their own ski gear, personal safety gear (avalanche transceivers, shovels, probes etc.), toiletries, food and beverages. For guests requiring information on lodging, restaurants, and renting gear locally we suggest exploring our 'Links' page for options. Information can also be found there about tour companies that may be able to help with transport between airports and Nelson and Kaslo.

Although there will always be an employee of Powder Creek on-site, all those booking as self-guided will be fully responsible for their own safety and that of all their group members. They will need to educate themselves about the type of terrain found in Powder Creek, and ensure all members of their group possess sufficient training and experience to be fully responsible for their own safety. They will need to have current and adequate training in using rescue equipment and conducting backcountry rescues, in snow stability analysis, first aid training, and backcountry travel and route finding skills.