About us

Established in 2003 as a State of Idaho registered and certified outfitting/guiding service*, Selkirk Powder Company (SPC) provides snowcat alpine ski excursions, avalanche education classes, and guided snowmobile tours. Additionally, SPC is an AIARE avalanche education Provider, runs a Professional Division (Q57) of the National Ski Patrol, and a GOLD-certified outfitter of Polaris Adventures.

With license* and permits that cover most of the western slopes of the rugged and beautiful Selkirk Mountain Range, SPC operated at Schweitzer in Sandpoint, Idaho until April 2024 as a independent concessionaire using 1,200 acres of upper ridgeline property owned by the ski area and 3,300 acres of Idaho Department of Lands under lease. After receiving a quick “No” to our concession contract renewal request, we pivoted to the IDL and obtained a new permit. We negotiated terms with Schweitzer and agreed to exchange our summit building and our IDL lease rights for adequate consideration.

In January 2025, SPC will commence cat skiing and ski touring the new permit zone which was created from one of their heli permit areas and is seamlessly tied into the snowmobile permit. This unique backcountry cat skiing area is labled “Atlasta-Casey Project” and comprsies of 6,250 acres featuring 3 aspects and peaks reaching 6,700 ft. The snowcat perimeter road is primarily established, but it will take some seasons to recreate the wickedly efficient catroad system we created at Schweitzer. We appreciate your business and support as we endevour to make the next best cat skiing and powder riding experience.

Guides & staff

Ken Barrett

Alpine Ski Guide(II) - ski, Chief Guide, President & Co‑Founder
- IOGLB Level 2 Alpine Ski Guide, Designated Agent
- AAA Level 1
- CAA Ski Operations Level 1
- AIARE Level 2
- LFN Safe Utilization of Air Medical Helicopters Landing Zones, Communications & Operations
- NSP Outdoor Emergency Care
Ronnie Smith

Reservations Manager
- Four Seasons, Vail – Guest services
- Lodge Tower, Vail – Guest services
- Concierge on Wheels, Vail – Past-owner
Jill Fried

Alpine Ski Guide(I) -ski & Snowcat Operator
Brenda Walsh Hollon

Alpine Ski Guide(II) - ski and AIARE Course Leader
- IOGLB Level 2 Alpine Ski Guide
- AIARE Pro 1
- AIARE Pro 2
- AIARE Avalanche Rescue
- AIARE Course Leader
- AMGA Apprentice Alpine Guide
- AMGA Apprentice Ski Guide
- LNT Trainer
- Wilderness First Responder
Jason Keen

Alpine Ski Guide(II) - snowboard
- IOGLB Level 2 Alpine Ski Guide
- AAA Level 1
- AIARE Level 2
- AIARE Avalanche Rescue
- AIARE Pro 1
- AIARE Course Instructor
- Firefighter (Lieutenant), City of Spokane
- Emergency Medical Technician
Micah Krmptich

Alpine Ski Guide(II) - ski, AIARE Instructor
- AIARE Level 1
- AIARE Level 2
- AIARE Avalanche Rescue
- AIARE Pro 1
- AIARE Course Instructor
- Wilderness First Responder
- Firefighter (Incident Commander Type 5), Idaho Panhandle National Forest
- Emergency Medical Technician
Ben Price

Alpine Ski Guide(II) - ski
- IOGLB Level 1 Alpine Ski Guide
- AIARE Level 1
- AIARE Level 2
- AIARE Avalanche Rescue
- AIARE Pro 1
- AIARE Course Instructor
- Emergency Medical Technician
John Reese

Alpine Ski Guide(II) - snowboard, AIARE Course Instructor
- IOGLB Level 2 Alpine Ski Guide
- AAA Level 1
- AIARE Level 2
- AIARE Avalanche Rescue
- AIARE Pro 1
- AIARE Course Instructor
- NSP Outdoor Emergency Care
Tyler Salvage

Snowcat Operator
Tristan Schwab

Alpine Ski Guide(II)-snowboard