COMPANY president, expert avalanche forecaster and mountain rescue guide Bob Shafto is a man of many skills. Accompanied at all times by his trained search and rescue dog, Big Eddie, the head of start-up operator Revelstoke Alpine Adventure Company has a passion for doing things differently.
In his first attempt to woo international sellers at the recent Canada’s West Marketplace, his stand was adorned with climbing gear of every description to give an eye-catching glimpse of what his company was all about.
He leads mountain expeditions, ski-touring trips, rock climbing and trekking, as well as other pursuits which all begin with a helicopter journey. This takes clients up to 8,000ft over dense forest into the alpine meadows of the Selkirk and Monashee Mountains from his base town of Revelstoke. But Shafto is adamant that his product is not the exclusive domain of the experienced adventurer, although it remains quite highly priced.
He said: “People think that when we add the flights it becomes an extreme venture but that’s not the case. Without the helicopter, clients would have to be very fit to reach the alpine area from the base of the mountains. But with the flights it means we can open up the tours to families and other individuals. We have had clients over 80 helihiking and it gives people later on in life the chance to experience these beautiful alpine meadows and stunning glaciers.”
The company also uses helicopters to transfer visitors into the interior for fishing, and even picnic trips high above the glaciers.
Shafto said he intends to keep the company a small operation led by a team who are all affiliated to the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.
He said there had been some encouraging response from UK operators at the show but admits it’s early days yet. Initial business has come through the Internet because of limited marketing lead-time, but Shafto is keen to build up trade bookings.
REVELstoke alpine adventure company
Location: Revelstoke, BC, with transfers from Vancouver and Kelowna in British Columbia or Calgary in Alberta. From Banff, 3hrs 30mins.
Activities: hiking, rock-climbing, fishing, skiing, outdoor photography workshop.
Period of operation: April-October 30.
Packages include: four-star hotel accommodation, meals, all transport, flights, guides.
Sample price: from about £1,000 for a three-day package.
Contact address: Box 3315, Revelstoke, British Columbia V0E 2S0. Tel: 001 250 837 5417. Fax: 001 250 837 5416.
Web site: www.raamountainguides.com
E-mail: guides@raamountainguides. com