Unplug in BC, and win a stay with the BLBCA!
We’ve teamed up with Sol Mountain Lodge, Wells Gray Adventures, and Mount Carlyle Backcountry Lodge, so you can extend your backcountry fun and spend the summer with us.
Enter to win one of three amazing BLBCA experiences.
We’re at the Banff Mountain Film Festival from Friday, Nov. 2nd to Sunday, Nov. 4th.
Stop by our booth in the Mountain Marketplace to learn more about our backcountry network, ask a question about avalanche awareness or just to say hi!
We also have a sweet contest running for your chance to win great prizes from G3 (Genuine Guide Gear) & True Outdoors!
Mountain biking should take place in well, the mountains, and there’s something special about sharing that experience with friends and family. Unique vistas, with layers of unadulterated peaks definitely will help you put down that phone and capture real moments in time.
True Mountain biking has long been a coveted experience for the sports elitist. What I mean by this is that, as a rider you used to flip over a magazine cover and dream of being that pro, somewhere high in the mountains, exploring alpine terrain and returning to a remote lodge with scrumptious food, tasty beverages and clean, crisp sheets. These trails were often hard to find, local secrets, that took a massive amount of fitness to explore. Over the last 5 years, this scene has changed, from heli-biking to the growth of easily accessible alpine single-track, and here in Beautiful British Columbia, we’re leading the charge.
The Backcountry Lodges of BC Association has a number of lodges that provide quick and easy access to the alpine, true mountainside access, all situated around riding hand-built single-track. In this article we’ll be highlighting Sol Mountain Lodge throughout our imagery and point-of-view video footage.
ABOUT
Sol Mountain Lodge is a family friendly lodge that you can drive to! Albeit the road is suitable only for 4×4 vehicles with favourable ground clearance. Be forewarned, it definitely feels like cheating when you open your car door and set your eyes on the immaculate lodge. Since this article is mainly about the trails, I’ll skip all the general info (you can view it on their website) and cut to the goods!
THE TRAILS
Sol Mountain Lodge is a family run business, this means all hands on-deck, all-the-time! The trails here are built with the utmost care for the environment and even more impressive is that lodge owner Aaron Cooperman, has his teenage son, Seth, working full-time, hand clearing, and hand laying rocks for your riding pleasure. Seth is also an absolute shredder, so if you’re up at the lodge and he’s done working for the day, be sure to ask him to go for a pedal.
I first heard about the trails at Sol Mountain Lodge from Seth, he’s a young junior racer in my event series (the Canadian National Enduro Series), when he told me about the steep rock rolls, expansive views and technical climbs, I was hooked! One thing to be weary of here at Sol, is that it takes almost double the riding time to get anywhere, the reason, the views. It took us almost three hours to ride fifteen kilometers as we couldn’t help but stop at every opportunity to bask in the humbling glory and serenity of the alpine.
The best time for a ride, is right now, go early in the morning or late in the evening for the best light, and it’s best to book a few nights at the lodge so you can ensure that you get those Instagram shots, you’ll want to ride and re-ride the trails to claim your favourites.
Alpine trails are unique, and although the map shows many blue square trails, there are a few black diamond moves and a wee-bit of an exposure to keep you honest.
FAMILY FUN?!
Why not bring the whole family for some alpine fun in the sun!? This area boasts lots to do from hiking, biking to simply hanging out at this premier lodge, there’s something for everyone. A massive thanks to Seth Cooperman (the son) and Aaron Cooperman for showing us around the trails. I don’t want to give all their stories away, but be sure to leave a donation at the trailhead, you’ll find a pleasant surprise for you at the lake!
Excerpt from Crowfoot Media
Written by: Lynn Martel | Photo: Bruce Roberts
Bernie Schiesser calls it fate, but the cast of characters in his bio reads like a who’s who of Rockies history. Over the course of his long life, Schiesser’s positive energy and remarkable contributions to many aspects of mountain life have firmly established him on that same roster. Here’s the story behind the man – the pioneer, guide, and backcountry host – who will forever have a legacy in the Canadian Rockies.
“Bernie Schiesser,” says long-time friend Randy Heppell, “taught me how to pace myself. Working, logging, skiing or just walking in the mountains, life became a meditation. He was always trying to get me to find that focus, that energy that put me in tune with what I was doing and the environment around me.”
Read the complete article at Crowfoot Media
Note: Bernie has been a longtime and active member of the Backcountry Lodges of BC Association. We are pleased that Meghan Ward and her staff at Crowfoot Media have helped to recognize Bernie’s immense contribution to Canada’s mountaineering community with this article.
Excerpt from www.osprey.com
Written by: Kylee Toth Ohler | Photo: Robb Thompson
Posted by Kami York-Feirn | December 7, 2017
I have always loved the act of being in motion from the time I was a small girl on skis at 18 months, through my teen years as a competitive speed skater and now as a multi-sport athlete. The drive to go higher, faster, longer is never fully quenched, and neither is my love for beautiful views and natural landscapes.
Zoya Lynch and her family got hooked on Golden’s backcountry lifestyle in the early 1990s.
Her parents took a leap of faith and invested in the Amiskwi lodge in the back of the Blaeberry Valley.
As long time residents of Calgary, and with four young children, becoming a part of the backcountry lodge was quite the change for the family.
Now, Lynch and her sister Izzy are producing a short documentary to show how the little lodge in the backcountry changed their lives. They also received a $40,000 grant from STORYHIVE to create a virtual reality 360 degree immersive look at a typical backcountry winter trip.
The sisters have been working with Lululemon film creative Andrea Wing to create the virtual reality experience part of the two pieces they are creating.
In 1994, the Lynch family had an opportunity to invest and build the Amiskwi Lodge, and they quickly jumped on it.
“We ended up having this really cool side life in the mountains. It really shaped our lives now in a big way,” Lynch said, adding that her sister is now a professional skier and she is a professional adventure photographer. “Our path now has definitely been shaped by that split decision of my parents to take on the Amiskwi Lodge.”
The family’s story will be told in a video documentary that is less than 10 minutes long.
“2018 marks the 90th Anniversary of Assiniboine Lodge!
It is a very special time for the iconic mountain pioneers and the many guests who remain such an integral part of Assiniboine’s history.”
“As we hiked the 7½ miles to Purcell Mountain Lodge, we skipped straight over the small talk. With our phones tucked discreetly in our packs, we got to know each other on the kind of deep level that’s unique to the backcountry, where time slows and an hour feels like a day.”
The BLBCA is excited to be participating in the Plaid Goat Mountain Bike Fest this June 23 -25 in Canmore, AB!
Plaid Goat Mountain Bike Fest is a three-day festival with a buffet of for-fun activities.
2017 Bike to Work & School Week is May 29 to June 4!
Bike to Work Week started 23 years ago in Victoria! From humble beginnings it has grown to include more than 52 communities and 37,000 participants BC-wide in 2016 and it continues to grow. In 2016, more than 52 regions/communities across BC participated with the following stats:
Discover British Columbia’s Story with BC Journeys, featuring Google Maps Street View
BC is place where raw wilderness thrives, and culture is shaped by nature. It’s time to share these stories. Over 4 months, our crew captured stunning scenery and local narratives from across the province. Nearly 1,000 km were trekked, to add wilderness terrain to Google Maps Street View, and to highlight BC’s expansive and pristine nature. Through video profiles, 360˚ footage and Google Street View technology, we want travellers to discover the diverse landscapes and intimate stories of BC locals.
Ever wondered why every single backcountry lodge has a special feel to it? I’ve visited many of them and am trying to get to more because they are always carefully placed by people who understand a human desire for wilderness. They are remote, beautiful and welcoming and they encourage a relationship with the people we play with and the land we are privileged to visit.
4 Ways to Experience BC’s Backcountry Lodges in Summer
Explore BC blog
March 8, 2017
It’s been an incredible winter season in BC, and before long, the snow will melt and thoughts will shift from winter to summer. That doesn’t mean BC’s backcountry lodges should be forgotten. There are plenty of other ways to experience these alpine retreats in summer.
Nestled in the Monashee Mountains, 2.5 hours south of Revelstoke, there is a growing network of alpine single-track trails right out the door of Sol Mountain Lodge. Primarily operating as a ski touring lodge since 2005, Sol has expanded its summer offerings. There are 20 kilometres (12 miles) of flowy, single-track trails that run through meadows and forests, along alpine ridges, and over rock slabs that wind in and out of Monashee Provincial Park. The lodge opens in August for mountain biking, with options to book an overnight stay or just a day trip. Access to the lodge and terrain is via the 1.9-kilometre (1.1-mile) “Park N Ride” trail from the parking lot.
https://vimeo.com/151686035
Another lodge just outside Revelstoke is also offering mountain biking this summer. Marty Schaffer, owner and guide at Blanket Glacier Chalet, explored the terrain surrounding the lodge last summer and found a biking paradise. Plans are in the works to offer 3- and 4-day mountain biking trips with access by helicopter. Keep an eye on the Blanket Glacier Chalet website for upcoming details on new summer operations.
After all that hiking, stretching is a must. A few backcountry lodges in BC are beginning to offer special yoga retreats. At Sol Mountain Lodge, daily hiking, yoga classes, vegetarian meals, and interactive workshops are all offered over four days this August. The program is hosted by Beth Purser, an ACMG (Association of Certified Mountain Guides) guide, natural health practitioner, and registered yoga instructor. Beth is also hosting a yoga retreat at Purcell Mountain Lodge, which will include a helicopter transfer to the lodge, accommodation, and meals. More details on that experience to follow on the lodge’s website.
Learn more about BC’s backcountry lodges and find the an alpine retreat that offers your favourite summer and winter activities.
Article written by Destination British Columbia with collaboration from the BLBCA.
More from the BLBCA:
It was another gorgeous summer at Purcell Mountain Lodge, filled with long hikes and stunning backcountry. There’s over 3,000 acres of rolling alpine meadows, endless fields of wildflowers and countless peaks and ridges, set against a backdrop of tumbling glaciers and alpine vistas.
Take a peek at the past summer season
It was a beauty-filled summer in the backcountry at Valhalla Mountain Touring.
In summer, guests can stroll on paths and trails to access flower filled ridges with big mountain views, peaks and alpine lakes. It’s perfect for hikers, photographers, wildlife and wildflower viewing.
The backcountry beckons! Perhaps your guests are rock climbing, upgrading skills in a course or hiking the Alpine. As a backcountry enthusiast, they’re prepared and probably have several backup plans. Those plans should include travel medical insurance and evacuation coverage.
Mountain history is alive and well at Assiniboine Lodge. Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park is a place of pristine wilderness with its shimmering lakes, glacier clad mountains and flower-filled alpine meadows.
Summer is always a beautiful time of year at Selkirk Mountain Experience.
Featuring amazing hikes, wildlife, swimming, beautiful sunsets and more, there’s something for everyone.
Riding BC’s alpine singletrack is the coveted jewel of all mountain riding – but its not great all of the time.
The fine folks at Talus Lodge have been busy this spring and summer.
Gain insight into the story of Canadian Adventure Company in this great look at Mallard Mountain Lodge.
Wildflowers are in full bloom at Sorcerer Lodge!
Purcell Mountain Lodge was recently featured in Mountain Flyer Magazine.
The saying that a day in the mountains isn’t counted on your life’s timeline must be true because where did the time go?
Up at Valkyr Adventures, they have had some great hiking trips so far this summer, and they are not done yet.
Mount Carlyle Lodge has been doing a lot of work at this summer!
They’ve been busy putting the finishing touches on their remote campsites. Beautiful cedar tent platforms and outdoor-kitchen platforms, plus more trail building (over 15km so far this year). Whew! Just wait until you see what they have planned next!
Happy 30th birthday Dezaiko Lodge!
Check out their gallery of archival images as they go back in time to celebrate.
Our friends at Selkirk Lodge have been doing some amazing climbing this summer.
First they climbed the amazing summit of Mt. Moloch via its South Face – East Ridge route last week. During the climb they observed a huge rock slide, more likely from June 2015, that covered the entire Moloch Glacier below the failed Mt. Moloch East Face. Start zone 2850 m. elev, lowest point of avalanche deposit 1900 m. elev, distance ran 2.6 km, width of avalanche deposit 650 m. (entire glacier).
Summer 2015 has been spectacular so far at Canadian Adventure Company’s Mallard Mountain Lodge. The scenery has been dazzling for guests.
A few beautiful images of the recent summertime at Mistaya Lodge.
Assiniboine Lodge on Facebook
~Aug. 10
Who wouldn’t want to snuggle up in this cabin after a day out hiking in these magnificent mountains? Check it out at Assiniboine Lodge!
Update to original post:
Trail Update — Monashee Provincial Park – New Alpine Singletrack
Deep in the Monashee Mountains, south of Revelstoke, BC sits one of the fastest growing alpine singletrack hotspots in North America.
Discover summer hiking around Mistaya Lodge in the Rocky Mountains by Golden, BC.
My first real test with my Glidecam out backcountry hiking at Mistaya Lodge in the Rocky Mountains by Golden, BC. Shot on a Canon EOS 650D (Rebel T4i), with a Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 USM L-series lens, mounted on a Glidecam XR-1000.
Summer is in full swing and the folks at Sorcerer Lodge are taking full advantage of the breathtakingly rugged Selkirk Mountains.
If you’re a strong mountaineer or hiker looking for a unique lodge-based adventure this is the place for you.
Ice Creek Lodge on Facebook
~July 25~
Ice Creek Lodge just completed their first annual ladies-only SUP expedition through Valhalla Provincial Park!
Sol Mountain Lodge on Facebook
~July 23 ·
The crew is laying fresh singletrack – top of the Bunny Slope. It’s a fun place to ride bikes.
If you’re lucky enough to be in the mountains, you’re lucky enough. Even luckier if you’re at one of our 29 lodges!
How Walking in Nature Prevents Depression
A study finds that wild environments boost well-being by reducing obsessive, negative thoughts.
Goliath the mountain goat is ready to welcome guests at Durrand Glacier – Selkirk Mountain Experience!
Have you planned your trip to one of our lodges?
A new season is upon us at the BLBCA. Both in terms of the weather and our website.
The summer season is nearly here and our BLBCA lodges offering summer amenities are getting ready for another great year.