Trip Info

Winter Trip Info

Travel Details

We primarily stage from Cherryville, British Columbia, 45 min east of Vernon, easily reached by flying into Kelowna International Airport.   Because we fly to the lodge via helicopter early in the morning, most guests arrive in Kelowna the day before.

We meet the morning of your trip at the Roadhouse Cafe (250.547.9660) in Cherryville at 7:30 am to sign waivers and have breakfast if you like.  To reach our meeting area from Kelowna International Airport, drive 45 minutes north on Highway 97 to Vernon. Then travel 45 minutes east on Highway 6 through the town of Lumby to Cherryville. Look for our sign at the Roadhouse Cafe on your left.  

After breakfast we drive to Cherryville and turn left at the Tempo Gas and go 20 minutes north to our helicopter staging area. You will see our Sol Mountain sign on your right. The 15-minute flight to the lodge is included in the cost of your trip to Sol Mountain. In the event it is unsafe to fly due to bad weather the exchange will be postponed to the following day. (If this occurs, you will be responsible for your own overnight accommodations.)

Shuttle Service

For guests flying into the Kelowna International Airport, the Lets Go Transportation at 1-778-821-0101 provides shuttle service to Kelowna, Vernon, and Silver Star. For groups of 3 or more A1 Bus Ltd provides full transfer from the airport, to a hotel, and to our staging area the next morning.

Pre-trip Accommodation

For local accommodations in Vernon our guest receive a discounted rate at the Vernon Lodge and Fairfield Inn and Suites. For accommodations in Revelstoke try the Revelstoke Gateway Inn, 1-877-837-8337, they offer reduced rates to our guests, or the Samesun Hostel, 1-250-837-4050. If you want a more personal stay, try the Mustang B&B, 1-866-837-4665, they have a great stay and ski package.

What to Pack

Sol Mountain is a helicopter - accessed backcountry lodge so all food and supplies must be flown in and out. It is essential that all guests pack light – please bring only what you need. The lodge is well outfitted for entertainment needs, so you only need to bring what is important – skis!

Guided and catered guests may pack up to 20 pounds of personal items in a small duffle bag in addition to ski gear and day pack, and self-catered guests up to 60 pounds per person in addition to ski gear and day pack. Wear your ski gear and boots for the flight in.
 All bedding and towels are provided. 
Guests can do laundry at the lodge.

1. Personal Gear (30 L duffle bag - no hardshell luggage please)

• lodge clothes

• lodge slippers or shoes

• spare ski layers

• toiletries

2. Day Pack (25 - 40 L)

• skins

• beacon, probe, shovel

• personal repair kit (splitboarders bring spare parts!)

• blister kit

• spare warm mitts or gloves

• spare warm layer (down jacket)

• 1L water bottle

• headlamp

• sunscreen / lip balm

• sun hat / baseball cap

• sunglasses

• goggles

3. What to Wear
Layering is best for managing body temperature.  We need to stay cool on the climb, and warm on the descent. Guests often over dress for the climb. Avoid bulky, insulated outer layers.

• Hardshell with venting side zips over base layers works well

• Softshell outer layers are very effective at venting

• Always carry a spare layer such as down

4. Good Vibes

• Bring your dance game and a good play list !

Backcountry Touring Gear

Skis (fat - minimum 105 mm at waist) with AT or telemark touring bindings (inserts are not suitable) or split board, poles, boots, skins, ski clothing. Be sure to give new equipment a test run prior to your trip.

BOOTS, boots, boots!  Foot comfort is priority one. Be sure you have comfortable touring boots.  New boots should be used and broken in prior to your trip.  If you are renting bring along your alpine boots in case.

We do not recommend the Salomon Shift binding or G3 skins.

If you are shopping for new gear feel free to contact us before you buy.

Backcountry Safety Gear

Guests bring their own digital avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe, shovel, and pack. We do have 5 sets of safety gear at the lodge available for guests to use at no charge – just reserve in advance. You can also rent gear at True Outdoors in Kamloops or Skookum in Revelstoke.

Rentals

Rockered skis with slightly raised tips and tails are the new standard in powder skis, providing better flotation in deep snow conditions - improving the ride up and down. 

We have four sets of  DPS Wailer 112 rockered skis on Dynafit Rotation tech bindings to demo at the lodge. Lengths are 168, 178, and 184 cm.  Available by the day or for the trip - best to reserve in advance.
 For kids we have three sets of AT gear (105, 140, and 160 cm) available to rent at the lodge.  Best to reserve in advance.
 
Rentals include skins and poles.

Rentals are also available at your local MEC, True Outdoors in Kamloops, Powder Rentals in Revelstoke, and in Calgary at the U of C Outdoor Centre at 403-220-5038

Summer Trip Info

Travel Details

Summer guests access the lodge by 55 km of forest road from Revelstoke or Nakusp. Four wheel drive vehicle with good tires recommended.

Mountain bikes need to be well secured.   Some roof and hitch type racks are not suitable – inside the vehicle may be better.

Detailed road directions are provided in your trip info package. We have signs at all major junctions from Shelter Bay.  Car pool if you can. Guest vehicles are parked at start of our access road.  There are many interesting stops (Pingston canyon) and rec sites along the way (Eagle Bay at 10.2 km on Shelter Bay is great for swimming). 

Pre-trip Accommodation

For local accommodations in Revelstoke try the Revelstoke Gateway Inn, 1-877-837-8337, they offer reduced rates to our guests, or the Samesun Hostel, 1-250-837-4050. If you want a more personal stay, try the Mustang B&B, 1-866-837-4665 .

What to Bring

All bedding and towels are provided, there are 3 queen and 6 double beds for couples along with the twins in each room.  Bring lodge shoes, we do have a supply of rubber boots for going outside.  A headlamp can be handy – but the lodge does have full electricity.  The lodge is well stocked with books, games, stereo system (bring your MP3 or CD’s), two guitars, box drum, and mandolin.

Bring you personal toiletries, outdoor gear, and lodge clothes. We do provide soap, shampoo, and hand cream.

HIKING GEAR

Hiking groups should be prepared for mountain weather and emergency situations.  Here is a basic list:

• Personal day pack with water bottle, sunscreen, sunhat, extra warm clothing, rain gear, blister repair kit

• Outdoor clothing, boots, hat for extremes in mountain weather conditions (it can snow any month of the year) and bugs

• Group basic first aid equipment (we have complete first aid including oxygen at the lodge)

MOUNTAIN BIKING GEAR

You are a long ways from a bike shop! In addition to your bike, helmet, and basic tools bring:

• Another spare tube

• More spare parts than normal !

• You are in the mountains - think about having a bike pack with basic first aid and spare warm layers

Mountain Bike Rentals

Skookum Bike and Ski in Revelstoke has a great fleet of mountain bikes for rent.