The Season Round-up: Five things that made the 2023/24 Catski Season Remarkable at Keefer Lake Lodge

Charging through another season

1. It all started with a whole lotta love

Love as deep as Keefer snow

2. Gear up

We were super excited to add a new set of planks to the Keefer Quiver, providing our guests with yet another prime demo option for their Catskiing venture. This addition is a result of a new collaboration with Folsom Skis from Denver, Colorado. These powder sticks aren't your average skis mass-produced in a galaxy far, far away; these bad boys are handcrafted right in their very own private manufacturing facility by pro skiers, industrial designers, and powder rippers just like you! Through their personalized consulting process, the Folsom team worked with the Keefer crew to create the ultimate ride for our conditions and terrain. We think they absolutely stomped this build, and our very own Lodge Manager, Kenzie, created those steezy graphics of the mythical Ullr and Pinnacles peaks.

New skis with mythical steeze

3. Getting after it!

Sending it through fresh lines

4. The VIP treatment

Just when you think lodge life can't get any better, the crafty minds behind the resort operations elevate the guest experience to next-level status.

Wine

The wine pairing program for the evening dinner service returned for its sophomore season and was an even better success. Not only did the engaging Lachlan return, but a new sommelier, Nick, joined the team, allowing every Catski tour to get in on the action. Together, they curated a wine menu and pairing program that enriched the culinary experience while guiding guests on a palate-pleasing journey no matter where their viticulture wisdom lay. 

Pouring some elegance into the lodge experience

Dine

Not only were our tastebuds tantalized by perfectly selected vintages, but we were also delighted by the skills and imaginations of the Black Bear Kitchen's culinarians. We reached new levels of umami obsession with Chef Nick's handmade ramen appetizer bowls and relished in the array of crave-worthy canapes at après ski hour. We also appreciated the enhancement of the personalized lunch program with new sandwich and salad selections along with more variety for snacks – all hail the pocket bacon!

Dishing out tasty temptations

Feeling fine

The twilight hours at Keefer Lake Lodge got a little more tuned up with the addition of live music this year. If you were lucky enough to be on-site when our resident staff crooner, Jim, had his guitar out, you were in for a melodic treat (and a good laugh!).

We certainly appreciated his talents and vast repertoire of our favourite classics, as well as some hilarious Keefer-inspired originals. Songs such as "Cowboy Bill" and "Keefer Madness" feature the characters and stories that combine to create the famous Keefer legends.

We also got moving and shaking to the wicked guitar licks and insane energy of the band Headwall, who cruised across the Monashee's from Revelstoke to put on a show. This performance was an element of our special VIP add-on option that we promoted for the 2023-24 season, and we had so much fun that we hope many more groups take advantage of this opportunity for seasons to come!

5. Our tribe

None of this magic would have been possible without the Keefer team.

This year, we felt like we had hit the jackpot with an exceptionally talented group of humans dedicated to making Keefer's season unforgettable.

The Keefer crew blew our minds with their professionalism and commitment to elevating the guest experience at every turn, especially during a challenging snow season. Not only did they conquer the daily tasks of Catski operations, but they did it all with a smile and showed just as much excitement as the guests to be a part of the Keefer experience.

From the guides leading the charge down the terrain to the cat drivers helping us conquer mountain peaks every day, the kitchen team keeping everybody on property fueled for those long days, and the housekeeping team keeping the lodge sparkling and inviting, every person on staff was integral to our operations, and none of this could be done without the team!

Thank you to the Keefer staff for all their hard work and dedication this season!

Extraordinary Keefer Cartel

That's a wrap!

It was a season for the books, from a wedding to Ullr skis, live music, and great teams. We are looking forward to the summer season ahead (after a little spring break) and can't wait to see what next winter and our 10th Catski season brings!!

Now, everybody, start your snow dances early, and we will see you in December! 

Don't just take our word for it; check out what our guests had to say

"Can't say enough positive things. One-of-a-kind experience, more terrain than you can imagine, and amazingly supportive staff!"

"Dining was over the top, and the lodge is perfect!"

by Author

"We were blown away by the friendliness, attentiveness, and helpfulness of the staff (from surprising us with a bottle of champagne in our room for our honeymoon to allowing me the flexibility to demo both skis and snowboard during the trip). Our guides (Bryn and John) were also incredible, and we'd be so stoked to have them again next year. The food was also out of this world!"

by Author

"Great experience with staff communicating with me. Really, really, positive. Honestly, the wait staff and Kenzie are rock stars. Could all use more Kenzie in our lives."

by Author

"I'm horrible with names, but a shortish-haired brunette, lodge manager, I believe…was fantastic. Bartender Anna was super sweet. Food was great again."

by Author

"Thanks again for an awesome trip. I also really appreciated all you did for Kyle's birthday—you really went above and beyond with the MosKyle Mules, birthday banner, and dessert candle. Well done!"

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