Keefer Madness | The North Face
We ripped up the Coquihalla Pass in a Subaru running on a half tank but brimming with caffeine and anticipation. Loose boards clattered in the back, coffee in hand, our hearts stopped for a few seconds as we came unglued from the road, flying without control at 110km/h, hydroplaning on slush puddles toward the highway shoulder. Jesus took the wheel, and when we regained control, we laughed it off, nervously—but alive. If we didn’t feel present before, we certainly did now. Brushing disaster was only a blip, but when a wake-up hits that hard, it reminds you that life is dangerous without exception. Snow kept falling in fat flakes that stuck to the windshield for a breath before being whisked away by the steady metronome of the wipers. I caught a glimpse of Zoa Peak out the passenger window as we pushed over the pass, from Squamish to Cherryville, barreling closer to our destination: Keefer Lake Lodge.
Words by Jesse Fox, Photos by Ben Girardi
As long as the cats run, we will mob. Keenan Filmer, Mateo Massitti, and Ben Poechman enjoying their tenth party lap of the day.
After seven-plus hours of blurry-eyed winter roads, Keefer Lake Lodge appeared like a mirage—cedar-wrapped, blanketed by the deep endless white of the Monashees. A myth realized by Ben Poechman and I as we pulled in around the same time as our frothing friends: photographer Ben Girardi, videographer Finlay Woods, and the other North Face riders Mateo Massitti and Keenan Filmer.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by name, our bags were magically whisked to our rooms, and our favourite drinks were placed in our hands. The woodstove crackled across from a first-rate charcuterie spread. Behind the scenes in the Black Bear Kitchen, the chefs weren’t just making dinner; they were preparing a culinary journey for the senses. Pinch me—this place is a dream.
Despite the five-star comforts, we were here for something more than luxury. We had four days to explore and stack in the Keefer Lake Lodge tenure. None of us had experienced riding here before, so expectations were wide open. To be honest, we didn’t have a clue what to expect, but the hope of sunbeams on cold, untouched snow and featured terrain lingered in everyone’s mind.
Afternoon light at Keefer Lake Lodge.
FLEETING DAYLIGHT
It was winter solstice, the shortest days of the year. Eight hours short of daylight compared to summer meant we had to make every second count. It was a welcome sight to see so many snowboarders among the staff. Guides, pros, desk-jockey media—we were all here for the same thing: wide-open nowhere powder of the Monashees, light and dry, where every turn feels like a pair of new socks. And we found it here.
Owners, operators, and guides Jeff and Dave Gostling built this place with intention. After 26 years of guiding at half-a-dozen cat and heli ops in BC, Jeff took everything he loved about those experiences. Then he expanded on it, detailing every aspect of the experience, including accessible terrain, minimal traverses, and perfectly featured slopes for capable riders. It was clear why the snowboard-strapped guides loved it here. They brought us to zones and runs they knew we’d enjoy, and The North Face team riders feasted on every opportunity. Ample spots to build wedges, hit stepdowns, and poppers that lined up perfectly to let creative lines take shape.
Keenan Filmer lofting a perfectly tweaked method.
Each day felt different yet familiar. We’d wake to crisp morning air, sunlight bouncing off a snow-covered frozen lake. Climbing into snow cats that became portals to 86,500 acres where steep slopes and spaced trees waited for us to slash through. Music blasted and banter flowed between laps until the daylight gave way to dusk.
Mateo, Ben, and Keenan each approached the terrain differently, their natural talents and unique styles shining through with every turn and every air. The days were balanced with epic stunts and soul-feeding laps, each run feeling like Christmas came early. We were certain, at the time, that no one in BC was getting it as good as we were, and the privilege of being in this magical spot with phenomenal guides and hosts was never lost on us. The ongoing vocal thread among the crew was, “This is too good to be real.”
THE LODGE
When the cat rolled us back to the lodge, a warm towel was handed to wipe the powder and shit-eating grin off our faces. A cold beer marks the transition to fireside après, while platters of pizza and wings make their rounds. From outside to in, steam rises off your shoulders as you peel off layers and damp boots in the heated locker room.
" Trips like this are special, man—the connections you make with the guides, the staff, and the friendships that carry down the road. These quick glimpses in these special locations hold deep memories. I just feel super privileged to have been up there with an all-time crew." — Mateo Massitti
The place smells like cedar and comfort. The hot tub and sauna heal jelly legs as stories spill out in bursts of laughter about lines hit, drops sent, and moments when pow buried you mid-turn. The bartender drops a two-way radio next to the tub, telling us to call when we need a refill. Evening dinners aren’t just nourishment; they’re celebrations. Old friends and new, learning about each other, grateful for it all.
There’s no rush here. No real-world clawing at your back. One of the cat operators straps on a guitar and harmonica, and is belting out Neil Young’s "Heart of Gold" by the bar. You can hear it from the games room as we race around the pool table playing Crud. Close your eyes and picture your happy place. This is it.
As the night seeps in and you hit the pillow, it feels like you’ve earned rest. There’s nothing more to explore today. Just dreams muffled by the hush of snow on the roof and the promise that tomorrow, you’ll do it all again. This is the place and feeling you’ve been trying to find your whole goddamn life.
Need to Know: Keefer Lake Lodge
Ride Local
No passport, no stress—Keefer Lake is easily drivable from anywhere in the West. Pull up right to the lodge door and unload every morning directly into A-grade Monashee powder.
Rider Approved
They want snowboarders here! The lead guides and managers ride. They understand how to pace days for boarders, and pick lines that let you surf, slash, and send.
Featured Terrain
86,500 acres of steep, featured terrain with minimal traverses and plenty of natural hits, pillows, and open pow fields that let you get creative. If you want something mellow, no problem. You wanna get sendy? Yep, they got that, too.
Mateo Massitti pops a natty frontside 360.
Cats Matter
You’ll spend time in these machines. The crew at Keefer have constructed the best cat cabins in the country. Leather seats, heated cubbies for helmets and gloves, extended windows/skylights, elevated seating to soak up the magic of the mountains.
Lap Until You Drop
Fresh tracks all day. Ride as many runs as your legs can handle, with cats running efficiently and stacked with snacks.
Lodge Life is Nice
Après, hot tubs, sauna, fireside beers, and chef-prepped meals that'll turn you into a foodie. It all hits differently after your best day of riding. Treat yo' self!