Dan Martell and Roddy Awad riding powder through the trees at Baldface
Edition 14
52° 19′ N · 116° 56′ W
January 27 – 31
Baldface Lodge, BC

Backcountry,
by invitation.

A private, invite-only retreat at Baldface Lodge in the powder-filled mountains of British Columbia. For founders who want real conversations, real terrain, and a few days away from everything else.

No keynotes. No panels. Three days, one mountain.

Register for 2027
↓   Scroll for the trip Vol. 14 / 2027
Deep powder× Real conversations× Steep terrain× No keynotes× Baldface Lodge× Deep powder× Real conversations× Steep terrain× No keynotes× Baldface Lodge×
§ 01 — The trip

This isn't a conference.
It's a few days with people you'll actually remember.

Maple Summit gathers a small, intentional group of growth-minded founders and entrepreneurs at Baldface Lodge — a slice of British Columbia accessible only by helicopter. The terrain is 100% backcountry, the food is gourmet — multi-course dinners cooked on the mountain by Baldface's chefs — and the conversations are the kind that don't happen at a conference.

You arrive Wednesday in Nelson. You leave Sunday afternoon. In between: a warm-up day at Whitewater, a helicopter flight to the lodge, and three full days on the mountain with people who get what you're building.

That's the whole format. No panels. No agenda decks. Just the trip.

5
Days with travel
3
On the mountain
70%
In the trees
100%
Backcountry
Dan Martell catching big air at Baldface
Dan Martell catching big air  ·  Photo: @markandmorrison
Plate 01
§ 02 — Schedule

Five days. Roughly.

The plan, in broad strokes. Mountain weather has its own opinions.

DAY 01
Wednesday
Jan 27, 2027
Arrive in Nelson

Everyone lands at Prestige Lakeside Resort for the Wednesday evening meet and greet. Come ready to connect — this is where the trip really starts.

4:00–10:00 PM
Prestige Lakeside
DAY 02
Thursday
Jan 28, 2027
Warm-up at Whitewater — optional

Most of the group heads to Whitewater for a few warm-up runs before Baldface. A good way to shake out the travel legs.

8:00–11:00 AM
Whitewater Resort
·
Lunch
Cantina Del Centro

Private group lunch before heading to the airport. Good food, good company.

11:30 AM–12:00 PM
·
Heli up
Helicopter transfer to Baldface

Check in with the Baldface team at Norman Stibbs Airport. Tag your luggage, park along the fence, watch the safety video, and fly up to the lodge.

1:00–2:00 PM
Norman Stibbs Airport
DAY 03 – 05
Fri – Sun
Jan 29–31, 2027
The mountain

Three days of backcountry riding with the group. Days on the mountain, evenings at the lodge — chef-cooked dinners, good conversations, and the kind of connection that doesn't happen at a conference. Return to Norman Stibbs Sunday between 2:30 and 5:00 PM.

8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Baldface Lodge
Mike Litt skiing deep powder at Baldface
Plate 02
Steep, deep,
and mostly in the trees.
Mike Litt  ·  Photo: @dustinlalikphoto
The Maple Summit group gathered outside the lodge in the morning light
Plate 03
Morning, before the first run
§ 03 — The terrain
"Baldface is 100% backcountry. Deep powder, steep terrain, 70% of runs in the trees. It's for advanced riders and can be genuinely dangerous for anyone who's not ready for it."
— Straight talk, no exceptions
§ 04 — Details

What's in, what's not.

Included
  • Baldface lodging and meals on the mountain
  • Helicopter transfer from Nelson Airport to the lodge
  • Snowcat access
  • Snowboard rental (skis also available)
  • Thursday lunch at Cantina Del Centro
  • Event t-shirt
Not included
  • ×Flights to/from Nelson (we'll coordinate carpools from Cranbrook, Spokane, or Kelowna)
  • ×Wednesday accommodations at Prestige Lakeside
  • ×Thursday lift tickets at Whitewater
  • ×Ski/snowboard boot rentals — bring your own (no rentals exist locally)
  • ×Drinks at Baldface
  • ×Tips for guides and lodge staff (please tip — they make the trip)
  • ×Massage therapy (available on request)
  • ×Avalanche ABS backpack (rent or bring)
  • ×Sunday night hotel before Monday flights
  • ×Trip cancellation insurance — buy it before you register
Cancellation & refunds

Fees are due upon confirmation. Your spot isn't reserved until payment is received. All fees are non-refundable — we follow Baldface's policy.

If you cancel more than 60 days out, we'll do our best to fill your spot. If we succeed, you'll receive a 50% refund, paid after February. You may also apply 50% of your fee toward the following year (subject to availability).

Cancelling doesn't guarantee future-year placement, and spots are not transferable. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended — buy it before registering.

Maple Summit group in front of Baldface Lodge at golden hour
The crew at the lodge  ·  Photo: @markandmorrison
Plate 04
§ 05 — FAQ

Things people actually ask.

Do I have to stay at Prestige on Wednesday? +
It's highly recommended that if you're in Nelson on Wednesday, you plan for the Prestige Lakeside Resort — it's where Wednesday evening happens, and you don't want to miss it. Book your own room and reference "Maple Summit" (or use the Baldface promo code BALD) for the group rate. If you'd like to split a room with another guest, note it in your registration form and Kristi will coordinate.
Where do I stay on Sunday night? +
Depends where you're flying out from:
  • Spokane: Hilton Garden Inn at Spokane Airport
  • Cranbrook: St. Eugene Casino Resort
  • Kelowna: Four Points Hotel beside the airport

Plan on flying out Monday morning.

What time should I land for carpooling? +
Land at your respective airport by 2:00 PM on Wednesday. For US guests: the border crossing closes at 5:00 PM — if you arrive late, you may have to overnight and drive to Nelson in the morning.
When do we get off the mountain on Sunday? +
Between 2:30 and 5:00 PM, depending on the weather. We can't control the weather. If conditions aren't safe for helicopter transfer, departure will be later — plan accordingly and don't book a tight Sunday flight.
How strong do I need to be on a board or skis? +
Baldface is 100% backcountry. Deep powder, steep terrain, 70% in the trees. It's for advanced riders and can be genuinely dangerous for anyone who's not ready for it. If you don't have the skills or fitness for the terrain, you'll stay at the lodge. No refunds or credits. This is how we keep everyone safe.
Do I need to be in shape? +
Yes — get to the gym. Start a fitness program in early November — that gives you about 12 weeks to build up legs, core, and endurance before the trip. Take this seriously. The group moves at a pace set by everyone on it, and your fitness affects everyone's run count. We've asked guests to stay at the lodge before — it's not a great situation for anyone. If you're unsure whether you're ready, reach out before you register. We'd rather have that conversation now than on the mountain.
Where do I fly into? +

Canadians: Most fly into Cranbrook (YXC) and drive to Nelson — about 2.5 hours. We'll coordinate carpools once everyone's travel plans are in.

US guests: Most fly into Spokane (GEG) and drive — about 3 hours. The border crossing closes at 5:00 PM, so land in the morning. A rental on Thursday is useful for getting to Whitewater and back.

A word on Castlegar (YCG): Don't. It's nicknamed "CancelGar" — roughly 50% of flights are cancelled due to fog. Not worth the risk.

What to pack +
Pack light. You're flying in by helicopter, so keep bags at 50 lbs. or under. Soft-sided bags only — no board bags or ski bags. Oversized luggage gets a $200 fee. Ski/snowboard rentals at Baldface are $40/day with poles. Boots aren't available for rent anywhere in the area — bring your own. No outside alcohol at Baldface.
What Roddy packs +
Here's the actual list — refined over years of trial and error. I leave everything else in the rental at Nelson Airport and only bring this up to the lodge:
  • · Snowboard + boots (boots on the plane)
  • · Two pairs of goggles (bright + low-light)
  • · Helmet
  • · Two pairs of gloves
  • · Snow pants + shell jacket
  • · Two pairs of ski socks
  • · Two neck warmers (they get wet)
  • · Base layer (one-piece if you like)
  • · One long-sleeve shirt
  • · Evening sweater/hoodie/onesie
  • · Tuque + winter boots for the lodge
  • · One pair of jeans
  • · Toiletries, chargers
  • · Earplugs (your bunkmate might snore)
  • · Extra-strength Advil
  • · Optional: GoPro
§ 06 — Registration

Already in?
Lock your spot.

Maple Summit is referral-based and attendance is intentionally small — that's what makes the experience what it is. If you've been accepted, register below. Spots go quickly, so don't sit on it.

Register for 2027

Haven't heard from us yet? This page won't do much for you — reach out to whoever referred you and they'll sort it out.