About Us — Our Guides
Brent McCorquodale, owner and operator of Great Northern Snowcat Skiing, has been leading visitors through the Selkirk Mountains since the company's inception in 1979. His extensive background of mountain experience, deep powder ski instruction, and understanding of weather and snow conditions comes from many years of working and playing in these mountains. All that expertise ensures the best possible wilderness skiing experience for our guests. It has been said that his humour is “as dry as the legendary Selkirk powder”, but that is just folklore…
“Brent McCorquodale was a hot young skier from Western Canada who had made his reputation on the hills
around Banff. He was looking for something to do — “I'd hidden out in school for as long as I could,” he says.
Now 31 years later, Mr. McCorquodale's resort is recognized by powder hounds as one of the finest.”
National Post, February 2005
We are pleased to introduce you to the other members of our guiding team:
Dan Nelson still can’t imagine a better place to spend the winter months, and this year marks 8 seasons hanging around the snowy environs of Great Northern. His many hats include guide, avalanche forecaster, professional snow shoveller, and general grease monkey.
Dan cranked the fun meter to high in 2011, a year that included moving to Revelstoke (FINALLY!), a snowcat-powered wedding, and mountain bike epics from the high passes of the Chilcotin to the Swiss Alps. One thing that hasn’t changed is Dan’s appetite for deep snow, and he is excited as ever for another winter of big mountains, deep turns, and epic tree skiing in the Selkirks.
Dan is a certified Ski Guide (Canadian Ski Guide Association Level 2), and a Professional Member of the Canadian Avalanche Association. Dan holds a Level 3 certification with the CAA, and also maintains a current OFA 3 advanced first aid certificate.
Brett Melvin was first introduced to skiing at a very young age on Silver Star Mountain in the Okanagan Valley. After completing his formal training in 2006, Brett has continued to enjoy the best of winter through ski touring and mountaineering, always seeking the best terrain that BC has to offer. Brett is certified as a level 3 OEC first aid technician, and holds his level 1 with the Canadian Avalanche Association.
From coastal waters to alpine meadows, Brett has traveled and worked in some of BC’s most pristine locations. He now calls Cortes Island home during the summer months, and it is here that he began to share his experiences and passion for life with others. This past summer (2011) he opened a sea kayaking outfit called Crossing Borders - The Adventure Travel Company, which offers a range of experiences that include multi-sport expeditions in Desolation Sound and luxurious lodge based retreats on Cortes Island.
At this time last year Brett was lacing up his boots for his first season with Great Northern. Now with a season under his belt, he has a better idea of what adventures lie ahead. With these thoughts in mind Brett is stoked for another epic winter in some of the best conditions British Columbia has to offer.
Natalie Weir - After growing up racing in Ontario on the regional and provincial teams, Natalie quickly moved west to Whistler where she spent 6 seasons as a ski instructor and never looked back. Then an economics and business degree, high school teaching diploma and several years living, working and travelling overseas in places such as Taiwan, China, India, Nepal, Mongolia, Africa and New Zealand, she has come full circle and is back sharing her passion for skiing and the mountains in Canada. Natalie is a Canadian Ski Instructor Association (CSIA 3), Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA 1), Canadian Ski Guide Association (CSGA 1) and an Occupational First Aid Attendant (OFA 3). This is her first season at Great Northern and feels privileged to be able to share her passion and help make your experience here unforgettable.
“20 years at GN on the 1st week of the year and for my birthday. It doesn't get better than this. Great powder,
great people, and great food. Thanks so much.”
Bob Gilbert, San Francisco, CA
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