Trip Report: Niels & Annelieke – A Backcountry Story Worth Telling
Taking a break on the climb up Mitchell Ridge.
Niels and Annelieke, an incredible father-daughter duo from the Netherlands, joined us for a 2-night, 3-day adventure in the Cross River and Kootenay River zone right next to Nipika Resort—an unforgettable introduction to multi-day backpacking for both of them.
We kicked things off on Thursday afternoon with a gear check, waiver sign-off, and a good chat to make sure they were prepped and stoked for the journey ahead. Once the logistics were handled, we headed to one of our favorite local watering holes, Ullr Bar, for dinner. It was the perfect setting to connect, share stories, and set the tone for the days ahead.
Day 1 – Bears, Breakie Sammy’s & Backcountry Bliss
Selfie’s on the Cross River…in 0.5 zoom of course!
I picked up Niels and Annelieke from Copper Point Resort at 8:30 AM, and we made a quick detour to Kicking Horse Coffee for breakfast sandwiches and hot drinks to go. Not long into our drive up Settler’s Road, we were treated to a rare sighting—a cinnamon bear! A first for Annelieke and the first bear Niels had seen in over 30 years. We were off to an auspicious start.
With perfect weather on our side, we began our trek from Nipika, hiking to the natural bridge and then downstream along the north side of the Kootenay River. We took our time, enjoying the scenery, and stopping often to admire the local flora and fauna.
Playwest Charcutes!
By 2:00 PM, we’d arrived at our base camp for the night. After setting up, we dug into a late lunch—our signature charcuterie board (a Playwest Day One staple). The rest of the afternoon was pure relaxation. Dinner was a hearty Glory Bowl, and we called it an early night. A big day was on deck.
Day 2 – Ridge Rambling & River Rewards
The guide (Skinner) was up at 6:30 AM, and with a gentle tent shake of Niels & Annelieke at 7:00, the day officially began. After a warm breakfast wrap, we packed up for our objective: Mitchell Ridge—a steep climb made accessible early this season due to a low snowpack.
Due to the time of year for our trip, our options were fairly limited for hiking in the Alpine. Fortunately, Mitchell Ridge is one of the first that are accessible and due to the low snow pack this year. It was primed and ready to go. This made for a unique circumstance where we would backtrack to our vehicle, retracing our steps from day one .Once we got to the truck we made our way the Mitchell Ridge trailhead.
Head down…grindin…
Mitchell Ridge is no joke—it's a stiff, steady climb gaining nearly 800 meters over just 2.5 to 3 kilometers. But the payoff is massive. Towering views of the Rockies, glimpses into the Columbia Valley via St. Clair Pass, and iconic peaks like Mount Nelson and Farnham Tower were all on display under bluebird skies.
Niels and Annelieke were absolute troopers—determined, upbeat, and fully embracing the challenge. At the summit, we rewarded their efforts with a Playwest classic: Lox of Love (smoked salmon on a bagel). After a well-earned nap and some toes-up time, we made our way back down. And as any hiker knows, the descent demands just as much as the climb.
Waiting at the trailhead was Kyle—our trusty Coleman cooler—packed with cold water, Gatorade, and perhaps even a surprise brew from Invermere Brewing. We returned to base camp, kicked off our boots, dipped our feet in the Cross River, and soaked up the sweet serenity of backcountry life.
Dinner was another guest favorite: Chorizo Pesto Pasta, followed by Wild Mountain Chocolate from Invermere for dessert. Under a star-lit sky, we crawled into our tents, tired and happy—snug as a bug in a rug, as the saying goes.
Day 3 – Goodbye for Now
There’s something magical about waking to a clear sky beside a mountain river. Niels and I shared a quiet coffee on the shore while a white-tailed deer made a brief appearance across the water. A simple moment. A perfect one.
A room with a view…
As we packed up and hiked out, there was a quiet reflection in the air. This trip had been more than just a backcountry getaway—it was a shared experience, a father-daughter adventure, and a meaningful reset.
What It’s All About
This is what Playwest is all about—inviting people from all over the world to discover a quiet corner of the Canadian Rockies. It’s about unplugging from the noise and distraction of everyday life and finding something deeper in the silence of the mountains.
Thanks to these 2 all stars from Holland!
We believe in creating moments of presence, of awe, of reconnection. And we hope that, like Niels and Annelieke, our guests leave inspired to explore more wild places, to strengthen their connections, and to keep saying yes to adventure.
