Location & Facilities

At the Mountains For Life Centre, we have an underlying premise that, with the right attitude, anyone can be happy anywhere. However, the reality is that there are very few saints among us, and it’s easier to improve and maintain that attitude in a nurturing or inspiring environment. And so, Mountains For Life is based in the heart of the beautiful West Kootenay region of British Columbia, halfway between the towns of Nelson and Kaslo, and ten minutes from Ainsworth Hot Springs.This area features numerous large provincial parks and other public lands, providing many miles of established hiking trails, some near big, beautiful Kootenay Lake and some running high into the surrounding mountains. Exploring these trails and high alpine ridges and meadows will be the main attraction of your stay.

The Centre is on a quiet east-facing property sloping gently down to Kootenay Lake. There you will find two unique round buildings (specially designed for us by Mandala Custom Homes, of nearby Nelson): one for dining, relaxing sociably and receiving massage, the other a warm, open space for stretching, yoga, working out or playing music. There are four private shelters for sleeping and solitude, under the stars but safe and secure, nestled beneath Douglas Fir and other trees, overlooking the lake; and steps down to the sauna by the shore.

Guests will be forgiven if, having come here to hike in the mountains beyond what they thought possible, they prefer at times to just stay “home”, paddle on the lake, be enchanted by the wonderful bird-life, or just soak in the inspiring view.