Updated March 13, 2026 10:53 AM
The Selkirk Mountains, a majestic spine of British Columbia known for its profound powder and challenging alpine terrain, are welcoming a new entrant to the backcountry lodge scene: Hemlock Hut. This venture, spearheaded by seasoned outdoor professionals Isaac Kamink and Zoya Lynch, aims to redefine the guided hut experience by prioritizing exclusivity, flexibility, and an intimate connection with the wilderness. Launched officially in winter 2026, Hemlock Hut offers a stark contrast to the large-scale, often logistically complex, and increasingly expensive traditional backcountry lodges.
The Genesis of an Intimate Escape
The inspiration behind Hemlock Hut stems from a growing recognition within the guiding community that the traditional model of large group bookings is becoming less accessible for many dedicated outdoor enthusiasts. Zoya Lynch, co-owner and partner in the venture, observed firsthand how escalating costs were pricing out long-term clients. "Hut trips have gotten really expensive," Lynch stated, highlighting a sentiment echoed by many in the industry. "Isaac has clients he’s guided for 10 years, who are all doctors, and are like, ‘Yeah, we can’t afford to go anymore.’" This economic pressure, coupled with the inherent logistical challenges of filling an 18-person lodge for an entire week – a significant commitment for individuals balancing careers and family life – created a clear demand for an alternative.
The solution conceived by Kamink and Lynch is elegantly simple yet profoundly different: small, exclusive groups and shorter trip durations. This model is currently unique among guided backcountry lodges of comparable caliber in Canada. By focusing on accommodating a maximum of four guests at a time, Hemlock Hut promises a personalized and more attainable backcountry experience. This strategic decision addresses not only the financial barriers but also the desire for a more immersive and less overwhelming wilderness adventure.
A Legacy of Expertise in the Selkirks
The vision for Hemlock Hut is deeply rooted in the extensive experience and intimate knowledge of its owners. Isaac Kamink, a figure with over two decades immersed in the Selkirk Mountains, brings a wealth of operational and technical expertise. His prior role as operations manager for Golden Alpine Holidays, a renowned hut system featured in numerous ski films, provided him with unparalleled insight into the intricacies of running a successful backcountry operation. This experience has undoubtedly shaped his understanding of client needs, logistical demands, and the critical importance of safety in a remote alpine environment.
Kamink’s personal history in the mountains also includes significant achievements. His involvement in the first descent of Rogers Pass’s Comstock Couloir in 2008, documented in "Fifty Classic Ski Descents of North America," speaks to his adventurous spirit and technical prowess. However, Kamink, now focused on building Hemlock Hut, appears to have shifted his emphasis from personal accolades to creating a sustainable and welcoming environment for others to experience the backcountry.
Zoya Lynch complements Kamink’s operational acumen with her background as a former professional skier and a highly respected backcountry ski photographer. Her intimate understanding of the visual and experiential aspects of the mountains, combined with her childhood spent part-time at Amiskwi Backcountry Lodge, provides a holistic perspective on what makes a backcountry trip truly special. This dual expertise ensures that Hemlock Hut is not only logistically sound but also aesthetically and experientially rich.
The Acquisition and Development Timeline
The journey to Hemlock Hut began in 2021 when American mountain guide Mike Bromberg initially established the then-unnamed, secretive powder arena. Kamink and Lynch acquired this barely developed and scarcely advertised ski-touring tenure the following year, recognizing its immense, untapped potential. The subsequent years have been a testament to their dedication and resourcefulness.
- 2021: Mike Bromberg establishes a remote ski-touring tenure in the Selkirk Mountains.
- 2024: Isaac Kamink and Zoya Lynch acquire the tenure, recognizing its potential for a unique backcountry lodge.
- Early April 2025: The initial stages of development are underway. The author visits the site, describing a small, stacked-timber building in a pristine alpine setting, with the intention of fixing up the then-unnamed hut. Kamink is already demonstrating his multifaceted skills, from snow removal to complex hardware installation.
- Summer 2025: A period of intense construction and logistical effort. Materials are heli-slung into the alpine, and the couple calls upon their network for assistance. Plans are laid for future amenities like a sauna.
- Winter 2026: Hemlock Hut officially debuts, now a two-building compound significantly expanded from its original state. New amenities, including a sauna and shower, are operational.
The transformation from a basic structure to a fully functional, albeit intimate, lodge required a significant investment of time, labor, and capital. Kamink’s hands-on approach, as evidenced by his work installing communications hardware in harsh winter conditions, underscores the commitment required to bring this vision to fruition. Lynch noted the culmination of Kamink’s skills, stating, "It is really cool to see the culmination of all of Isaac’s skills coming together in this one project. I feel like he’s the exact right man for the job."
The Hemlock Hut Experience: Intimacy and Accessibility
Hemlock Hut’s core offering is its intimate scale. The original cabin, now serving as the communal hub for dining, gathering, and socializing, has been enhanced with a wraparound deck offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The newly constructed second building houses private accommodations for the four guests, ensuring a level of privacy not found in larger lodges. The addition of a sauna provides a welcome amenity for unwinding after days spent in the elements.
The significance of this intimate size extends beyond comfort. It allows for greater flexibility in trip length and cost, making it more attainable for a broader range of skiers. The absence of shared sleeping quarters with strangers contributes to a more personalized and less intrusive experience. Furthermore, the quick heli transfer, often less than five minutes from Revelstoke Mountain Resort, ensures that guests can maximize their time, often enjoying a full day of skiing on their arrival day. This efficiency is particularly appealing to individuals and families, like Kamink and Lynch themselves, who have young children and understand the value of time.
The Terrain: A Hidden Gem for Expert Skiers
The 8,000-acre ski-touring tenure surrounding Hemlock Hut is a carefully selected, under-the-radar destination renowned for its challenging and rewarding terrain. Located in the Selkirk range, it offers a stark contrast to the more heavily trafficked areas. As the crow flies, it’s not far from Revelstoke Mountain Resort, a location celebrated for its consistent and abundant snowfall. However, the tenure itself is a world apart, offering a sense of true wilderness exploration.
The runs radiating from the hut are described as ranging from 800 to 2,500 vertical feet, catering to expert skiers. The landscape features moderate pitches, ancient old-growth forests, and steep couloirs. The terrain is characterized by serrated peaks, couloirs spilling down interconnected ridgelines, open bowls, and glades of hemlock and fir. This diverse topography provides ample opportunities for deep powder skiing, steep descents, and exploration. Kamink, despite his extensive experience, humbly admits to still "getting to know" the full extent of this vast area, indicating the depth of exploration available.
Operational Philosophy: Mindful Investment and Rustic Charm
Kamink and Lynch’s approach to developing Hemlock Hut is characterized by a mindful investment strategy. Having spent years in the industry, they understand the importance of both fiscal responsibility and genuine investment in the quality of the experience. "We’ve both worked in this industry for a long time, and I grew up in it as well," Lynch explained. "We’re trying to be mindful of every dollar we spend, but we also really believe in investing in this space." This philosophy is evident in the thoughtful expansion of the original basic hut to include essential amenities while maintaining a connection to the rustic nature of backcountry living.
While cell reception is available for guides to access critical weather and avalanche information, the hut is intentionally designed to encourage disconnection from the digital world. This deliberate choice aligns with the holistic ethos of earning one’s turns, where simplicity – home-cooked meals, vast expanses of private powder, and quality time with companions – forms the foundation of a deeply satisfying experience. The emphasis is on the fundamental joys of the backcountry: physical exertion, natural beauty, and genuine human connection.
Future Implications and Broader Impact
The success of Hemlock Hut could signal a shift in the backcountry lodge market. By demonstrating the viability of an intimate, flexible, and more accessible model, Kamink and Lynch may inspire similar ventures. This could lead to a more diverse range of backcountry offerings, catering to niche markets and individual preferences that have been underserved by the traditional large-lodge format.
The emphasis on shorter trips also has potential economic implications. It could make backcountry skiing more accessible to individuals who cannot take extended time off work, thereby broadening the user base and potentially increasing overall economic activity in remote tourism areas. Furthermore, the focus on under-the-radar terrain contributes to a more sustainable tourism model by distributing visitors and reducing pressure on more popular destinations.
The venture also highlights the importance of experienced guides and operators who possess a deep understanding of both the technical demands of the mountains and the evolving needs of their clientele. As the industry matures, the ability to innovate and adapt to changing economic and social landscapes will be crucial for long-term success.
If You Go…
Hemlock Hut is situated in a helicopter-accessed tenure within the Selkirk range, located outside of Revelstoke Mountain Resort. The terrain is specifically geared towards expert skiers, offering a mix of moderate pitches, old-growth forests, and steep chutes. Guides are available to tailor experiences to the specific desires and skill levels of the guests.
The hut itself comprises 225 square feet of communal space and accommodates four guests in two double beds within private quarters. The all-inclusive rate for four nights of lodging and three days of skiing begins at $1,890 CAD, approximately $1,375 USD at the time of reporting. This rate includes meals, guiding services, and round-trip heli transfers to and from the hut. Group meals are prepared by the guides, further enhancing the all-inclusive nature of the experience. More detailed information and booking inquiries can be found on the Hemlock Hut website.