About Arctos

Backcountry adventure is our passion

Arctos Guides has been offering guided backcountry skiing since 2017 in Slocan, British Columbia. The etymology of Arctos stems from Ancient Greece and refers to the Ursa Major constellation and the northern celestial sphere. Ursus Arctos Horibilis, the grizzly bear, reigns in forests and mountains in which we operate. It seemed reasonable to honour this majestic species by naming the company after it. Arctos Guides’ mission is to provide safe, fulfilling mountain adventures for our guests year round in BC and beyond.

About Us

Director/ Lead Guide

Conor Hurley

From Tuckerman Ravine, Conor’s first ski touring experience, to Baffin Island, Kyrgyzstan, Chile, Argentina, Norway, Rogers Pass, the Canadian Rockies, BC’s Coast Mountains and the Valhallas, Conor has chased the unturned turn. His guiding career started in 2014 as an ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide.  Over the years, he has gained knowledge both from the mountains and mentors.  He has pursued education too, from the Canadian Avalanche Association, who certified him as a Level 2 Avalanche Forecaster, and the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, who certified him as a Ski Guide and the University of New Hampshire where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in French.  If you come skiing with Arctos, he hopes to share some of that knowledge with you.

Nigel Fisher

ACMG Ski Guide

A Western Canadian with grassroots, Nigel Fisher more often than not has the wind in his hair. Previous to becoming an ACMG Guide in 2016, he was a dedicated backcountry snow enthusiast of many years and locales. Other professional pursuits include, but are not limited to; Airborne Reconnaissance Infantry, Smokejumper, Tree Faller, Ski Patroller, and Avalanche Forecaster. Nigel has been based in Golden since 2007, and now has 2 wonderful young children with his lovely wife. His passion to explore with, challenge, and elevate his clients to new heights keeps him eager for every up track and descent.

Christian Schlumpf

ACMG / IFMGA Mountain Guide

Christian loves being in the mountains any time of year, mostly
rock climbing in the summer and skiing in the winter. Originally
from Ontario, he spent 4 years living in Switzerland working as
an engineer in a solar panel lab. The time in Europe was the
beginning of a lifelong passion for the mountains. He now calls
Golden, BC home and guides year round, always stoked to share
this incredible place.

Mike Smallwood

ACMG Ski Guide

Mike has been skiing in the BC interior and Canadian Rockies since 2009 and has a great time showing visitors the mountains around Rogers Pass and his home in Revelstoke BC.

Simon Béland

ACMG Splitboard Guide

Simon is an ACMG Ski and Hiking guide based in Revelstoke, originally hailing from Quebec City. Passionate about everything outdoors, Simon is always stoked to meet new people and share unforgettable adventures in the mountains. He has a deep love for mountain travel in all forms and splitboarding is his main tool for winter travel. With a warm personality and a wealth of knowledge, Simon ensures that every guest has a safe and memorable experience in the hills.

The vertical frontier

Arctos Guides is based in Slocan and Golden, BC, and operates in the Rogers Pass,  the Valahallas, Kokanee and Goat Ranges (all sub-ranges of the Selkirk and Columbia Mountains).  Arctos Guides also offers daily services in Golden, Revelstoke, Nelson and Rogers Pass.  Arctos also offers curated trips in Norway, South America, Japan and coming soon Georgia.  Arctos Guides are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.

Arctos Guides is committed to sustainability.  All of our trips have carbon offsets built into the price.  3% of Arctos’ profits are committed to local agriculture and sustainable endeavours in the Slocan Valley.  Be the change you seek.

Affiliations

Bottomless.

Cold smoke. Heartfelt stoke.

Backcountry skiing and splitboarding are incredible ways to explore your personal boundaries while venturing deep into wilderness areas. Arctos Guides is passionate about exploring and adventuring through winter wonderland while spending long days in the mountains. Adventure should be fun, but most importantly, it should be safe. When it comes to a guest’s experience with Arctos, the primary goal is a fun, safe, enjoyable day in the mountains that will leave you plenty to talk about at apres-ski.

About Arctos