TREW is excited to welcome ACMG Ski Guide, Owner, and Operator of the Selkirk Lodge, Kate Devine to the TREW Fam! Kate’s family built the Selkirk Backcountry Lodge near Revelstoke, BC in the late 80’s where she first started ski touring as a kid with her parents. Since then, Kate has successfully pursued ski guiding, passing her apprentice guide exam at age 24. In the spring of 2014, she earned her ski-guiding certification through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides at age 26. Kate has now taken over operations at Selkirk Lodge and she, and her adorable dog Rita, are fixtures there all winter, showing guests their favorite pow stashes and the skiing paradise just out the backdoor. Meet Kate....a.k.a. "Miss Kate" Kate is a certified shredder that spends her winter showing us mere mortals the magic of her home mountains with her dog Rita in tow. Ticking off big lines, cruising buttery pow, and creating community amongst her guests and staff at the lodge are all in a days work. Kate is also a host and facilitator for the She Jumps Alpine Finishing School every Spring, bringing a group of women together to heighten their skills and confidence in the high alpine backcountry. We love a little "get-to-know-you" Q&A! Kate Tell us more! Q: Favorite zones to ski? A: I obviously love skiing around Selkirk Lodge, anytime we can get into some of the farther away drainages, I love that. I also love skiing on my free time around Revelstoke, especially on the Monashee side of the valley. Q: Rowdiest happenings at the lodge? A: There have definitely been some good parties, fireworks, and naked skiing. Q: Favorite Day on Snow? A: A spring alpine tour through big terrain on the glaciers on a sunny day. Q: If you didn't own a backcountry lodge, what do you think you'd be doing? A: I would probably still be guiding but I did briefly consider careers in physiotherapy and law. Q: Things that fill your cup outside of Lodge Life? A: Mountain biking, horseback riding, running, music festivals, camping, surfing, traveling, reading, to name a few! The Story of Selkirk Lodge The story begins in the early 1980's when Steve and Grania Devine dreamed of building a backcountry lodge. Actually, they dreamed of backcountry skiing, but building a lodge seemed like a reasonable means to that end. Ground was broken in 1986 and the first guests showed up in 1988. Sadly, Steve died before the first guests, but Grania kept the dream alive and she and her partner Mike have welcomed countless skiers to the Selkirks over the last three decades. Grania and Mike have recently passed the lodge on to their daughter Kate (who has been gearing up for this adventure since she was a little girl) Kate is thrilled to be carrying on the Selkirk Lodge legacy and is looking forward to what the future holds. Perched at 2200m (7200 ft.) in the Albert Icefield area east of Revelstoke, Selkirk Lodge commands a backcountry skiing paradise. The lodge overlooks a valley of breathtaking beauty, with spectacular views in every direction. The lodge has indoor plumbing, a shower, solar electricity, internet access, and comfortable beds with fluffy down duvets to make your stay cozy and comfortable. In the morning, you will wake up to locally roasted coffee, a tasty breakfast, and outstanding ski touring awaiting you right outside the door. After a fun-filled day in the stunning Selkirk mountains, you can relax over après ski snacks, while the chefs concoct a delicious dinner. Access to Selkirk Lodge is by helicopter from the staging area, approximately 45 km east of Revelstoke. Like the sounds of that? Learn more about the lodge and to get some deets on booking a trip with this stellar crew, visit the Selkirk Lodge website. All photos taken by the insanely talented Bruno Long. Shop Kate's Backcountry Essentials!
