About Arctos

passion. adventure. vert.

Arctos Guides has been offering guided backcountry skiing since 2017 in Slocan, British Columbia. It’s name is derived from the ancient Greek word Arktos, which referred to bears. Ursus Arctos Horibilis, the grizzly bear also inhabits the northern forests and mountains in which we operate. It seemed reasonable to honour our furry neighbours by naming the company after them. Arctos Guides’ mission is to provide safe, fulfilling mountain adventures to our guests year round in BC and beyond.

Director/ Lead Guide

Conor Hurley

From Tuckerman’s 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. 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.

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.