Congratulations to Selkirk Snowcat Skiing who are celebrating their 50th year of operation in 2025.
Founded in 1975 as the world’s first cat ski operation, Selkirk is world renown as a go to powder paradise for skiers and snowboarders who come to enjoy a mountain playground with almost double the amount of terrain at Whistler Blackcomb with just 24 guests at a time.
Here’s a quick look back at the pioneering years of their 50 year journey all the way to present day. Read more about Selkirk’s history below.
Selkirk Snowcat Skiing History:
Snowcat skiing was pioneered at Selkirk Snowcat Skiing in 1975 by our founder, Allan Drury.
Over the past 50 years, Selkirk Snowcat Skiing has developed a deep and loyal following amongst powder and backcountry enthusiasts looking for an alternative to traditional lift-serviced and helicopter skiing.
In the late 1960s, Allan Drury was one of the first skiers to venture into the BC mountains with the iconic Hans Gmoser and his then “upstart” Canadian Mountain Holidays. A life-long skier (he even grew up with the legendary McConkey ski family) Allan’s early heli-ski experience, coupled with his kamikaze spirit, led him to ask, “Why can’t I do this?” As always, he knew he could. He remembered as a ski instructor in Aspen, seeing snowcats ferrying skiers to areas soon to be open via lifts.
Back then, skiers rode on benches in the back of the cat with umbrellas to shield them from the flying snow. So Drury contacted Bombardier and helped them design a 12-passenger snowcat with an enclosed cab on the back. Now all he needed was a great place to go skiing.
When Allan and his wife, Brenda, decided to pursue opening a backcountry ski operation back in the early 70s, they had first dibs on one of the most spectacular, snow-drenched, vertically-blessed parcels of land anywhere in the world. By happenstance, they stumbled upon Meadow Mountain, an area already serviced by mining and forest roads. Spectacular peaks surround Selkirk’s tenure, framing what is often cited as the best cat serviced terrain in the world. With cat roads that reach a staggering 2,530 metres (8,300 feet) which access wide open alpine bowls, mellow glades and challenging steeps and chutes, powder enthusiasts the world over soon became enamoured with the place.
Today, Selkirk Snowcat Skiing is known throughout the world as one of the finest commercial backcountry operators in the snow sports industry. Its family atmosphere; genuine commitment to staff, guests, and surrounding community; respect for the environment; and high operational standards are all reflections of Allan Drury. Sadly, Allan passed away in January of 2008. He is deeply missed by his family, friends and guests of Selkirk Snowcat Skiing.
In 2001, along with their two young children, Shannon and Liam, Paul and Megan Osak left the corporate world in Toronto to carve out a new life for themselves in Nelson BC. An adventurous spirit and a desire not to settle were the main drivers behind their move. The family bought a local business and quickly found themselves part of the fabric of small town living. In 2007, and in what would turn out to be a prophetic move, Paul stepped in to save the floundering Whitewater Ski Team.
His energy and enthusiasm was instrumental in rebuilding the club and attracted many new families. While the kids raced, Paul and Megan could always be found volunteering somewhere on or off the course. In December 2013, Paul and Megan became only the second owners of Selkirk Snowcat Skiing in its now 50 year history. They attribute the company’s success to Allan’s vision and the thoughtful stewardship of the dedicated staff. They continue to upgrade and improve the operation both on and off the mountain to enhance the overall guest experience. Paul and Megan are proud to carry on on the long standing traditions which make Selkirk such a magical place and continue to set it apart from its competitors.
