Monashee staff know how to have fun Photo: Colleen Gentemann
While shooting for Powder Guides we quickly realized no matter how many days the crew at Monashee get on the snow.. they were always keen and stoked to get more.
Your destination for everything Catskiing in Canada
Hit it @ K3 Catski / Photo: Lisa Dawn Gover
When the snow is deep.. you can just huck without too much consequence..
In Revelstoke its deep alot so subsequently there is alot of hucking.
Fernie gets dumped on! Brian @ FWA testing his skis / Photo: Leslie Prentiece
We all dig our heels in sometimes.. especially on issues that matter deeply to us.
Brain is a bit stubborn when it comes to big powder events…. With over 170cm over the week..
He is pretty much demanding he stays on the job until all the guiding work is done…
We filmed at Selkirk Wilderness Skiing for Episode 3 of Powder Guides for The Ski channel and thought we would share a quick little clip from some of our footage with lead guide Jason.
Catskiing Canada shooting Powder Guides @ Selkirk Wilderness / Photo: David Couse
Joe Hucks @ Selkirk Wilderness Skiing / Photo: David Couse
A typical day of Catskiing is usually all about powder turns. However, If you ask your guides nicely and have demonstrated a bit of skill.. they may point out a few features to “Huck your Meat”.
For the most part there is always a fairly reasonable way down to the cats.
When your with a media crew and your looking to get a few good photos it pays off to ask one of your guides to not just show you a drop.. but perhaps show you how to nail it.
Joe was our willing participant and thanks to some radio guiding with lead guide Scott he stomped the landing avoiding what he notified as a “Giant Ice Cookie” just left of his landing (just out of photo frame)
Thanks Joe!
Off the Grid and on the powder….
We caught up with Phil from Retallack Lodge with a few questions..
Phil just shredding more than paper at the office.
Phil, Can you tell us a little bit about your background & what you do (besides ski) at Retallack?
I worked in Advertising in Toronto until I was 24. Made a lifestyle change and moved to Nelson to take Ski Resort Operations and Management. Got placed at Retallack. Was GM for 4 years. Put a group together and purchased the operation 5 years ago. Still GM – Sales, marketing, PR, and Troubleshoot just about everything while operating.
Phil's marketing handywork
Where is Retallack Lodge Located?
In between Kaslo and New Denver on Hwy 31a. Heart of the Selkirks. 40ft + annually. We have a variety of terrain. Steep, falline, mostly treed, gladed. Advanced/expert, skiing and snowboarding. 10,000 acres of terrain for 24 people.
What makes Retallack Lodge unique as a Catskiing destination?
Drive to facility, state of the art lodge, known for relaxing vibe and attention to client needs. Off grid energy. 4 star eco-rating.
Tell us a little bit about the new movie with Tanner Hall?
Tanner Hall, John Spriggs, Provo Brothers, Henrik Winstaud, Phil Cassabon, and Ben Moxam. The concept is the Lodge and Tanner comeback from injury. It’s aimed at any powder hound in North America and Europe who appreciates powder and back country culture.
Tough day filming.... Photo: Chad Spector
What were some of the challenges and/or cool things that were unexpected while filming?
There weren’t challenges beyond the norm of skiing in the back country. No pressure was put on Inspired media or the athletes. We just wanted these kids to relax and do what they do best within the confines of our safety crew. It was shredding – and there happened to be cameras around to catalog the athleticism.
Photo: Chad Spector
Retallack has a strong following in the elite ski circles, how is the terrain for snowboarders?
I would consider it some of the best terrain around for advanced and expert snowboarders. The terrain is long, fall line, and heavy with features that shredders like to ride. There are no benches to get caught on and traverse. I would qualify it as a snowboarder paradise – we just happen to have a lot of Freeskiers hanging out with us. DCP and the Absynth crew ride here a lot. They don’t seem to have any problems with it.
What is new at Retallack this season?
Lot’s of new gladed terrain. New cat boxes – primo state of the art. The big move this season was dropping a new 12 person commercial hot tub in the woods. If you like to soak after a shred – we are your best bet.
Photo: Chad Sepctor
Where do you think the Catskiing Industry is heading in terms of future experience or offerings?
I would like to think there is a bright future for cat shredding. You just have to know what your looking for to find the offerings that suit you. Older operations such as Retallack have had the time to understand the experience and work towards getting that experience dialed. Cat shredding is the constant – the operations are apples and oranges.
The Future.. Photo: Chad Spector
After a day of Catskiing.. typically what does a guest experience?
When you ski down to the lodge – a fire, cold beer, appetizer’s, and a Neglin Stump confront before you step into the lodge. Once in the lodge – a drying room, an epic hot tub, sauna, massage therapy center, game’s room, media center, 3 story granite fireplace, licensed bar, gourmet meal, and beautiful hostess’ await you. Basically – ski culture at its finest slaps you in the face. It can’t be beat.
Photo: Chad Spector
In a few words.. What is Catskiing to you?
I think I can speak for the entire Retallack Team and say – that if we didn’t all work in the industry… we would be working are asses off to participate as clients to get the goods. Powder is a passion that can’t be ignored.
Photo: Chad Spector
Editors comment: I couldn’t agree more to the “Powder is a passion that cannot be ignored” We will be on site filming at Retallack and stay tuned for some photos and videos!
Moments before you drop @ K3Catski / Revelstoke, BC Photo: Colleen Gentemann
Moments before we let it all hang out.. looking down a face or planning your first few turns.. Whatever it is..
The thoughts that race thru your head and get your heart going.. take a deep breath… enjoy anticipation of what your future holds.
That pause and silence is pretty good juice.
Don’t you agree?
White Grizzly cliff feature Photo: Colleen Gentemann
When we get up to operations filming it great to see guests just “Giver” on big fluffy powder days.. At White Grizzly you could huck and never hit bottom it seems. This kid from Michigan showed his mettle on this sizable air.
Jason leading our catskiing pow adventure / Photo: David Couse
One of the aspects of Catskiing that sometimes gets less attention is the importance of great guides… The Selkrik Guides led by Jason were amazing to work with from a media perspective- and judging from the sore cheeks of the smiling guests we went with.. they felt the same way.
Catskiing Canada @ K3Catski / Photo: Colleen Gentemann
