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Backcountry Skiing out of Golden, BC — Rogers Pass, Purcells, Rocky Mountains

Duration
1-3 days
Season
March
Group size
Up to 8 people
Difficulty
Moderate: Good fitness & backcountry skiing experience required

Trust your powder hound instincts, ditch the ski resorts, and get stoked for the backcountry slopes of Golden! Neatly situated with access to the Purcells, Selkirks, and Rocky Mountains, and blessed with untold amounts of champagne powder, these towns are synonymous with top-notch backcountry skiing. Choosing among countless legendary locations, this ski camp gives you the chance to combine every type of terrain possible—while enjoying the comforts of the town. Let your guide take you to the best deep powder stashes and steep lines, and get your adrenaline pumping with the most incredible terrain in Canada—and the world.

Adventure highlights

  • Superb snowpack
    20+ meters (800+ inches) of snowfall per season
  • Easy access
    Comfort and flexibility of a town-based skiing program
  • Expert local guides
    Locals guides who know these mountains like their own back yard will lead the way
Highlighted reviews from other travellers
M
Mike M
Best Backcountry Skiing Trips

I have been guided by Tom for over 10+ years. In that time we have been on numerous trips and every time when you think that the trip couldn’t be better it does. Tom’s attention to safety when in the backcountry is the definition of professional and never once have I felt that anything we did was unsafe. If there is ever a question about terrain that we are entering, Tom takes the time to explain to the group his decision making process. On top of that Tom has a sense of where the good snow is and always seems to lead us to the powder. All of our trips have been well organized and the booking process is very easy. I would highly recommend any trip that Tom is involved with.

I
Iwona Erskine-Kellie

Best skiing of my life! Awesome people, fantastic guides, and superb choice of terrain, and let us not forget all that delicious food. I will come back for more!

D
Daniel Friedmann

Excellent guiding, planning, hospitality and safe skiing. we are repeat customers now!

Show all reviews

Available itineraries

3-Day Golden Ski Camp

Join an expert guide for a 3-day backcountry ski trip and get a taste of the powder-laden slopes of Rogers Pass, Purcells, and the Rocky Mountains! This guided adventure is a ski camp based out of Golden, BC, meaning that each day you get to enjoy a different remote backcountry location far from ski resorts and return to the comfort of civilization.

  • Get to Golden and meet your ski guide at a local pub or restaurant. After doing a gear check and going over the plan for the next day, get some rest in your accommodation in town. Keep in mind that you get to plan each day of the trip together with your guide, meaning that the itinerary below is just a loose outline, allowing for more heli-skiing days around Golden and Revelstoke and other adjustments to match your desires and ability levels!

    Views near Golden BC
  • This famous area offers arguably the best roadside ski mountaineering access anywhere. An hour’s drive from Golden brings you to the famous Connaught Creek, Loop Brook, Asulkan, Illicillewaet or Bostock trailheads. Discover why this is the ski touring capital of Canada! After a day of skiing, return to your accommodation and get some well-deserved rest.

    Golden skiers backcountry
  • On Day 2 & 3, we’ll go further east to the Rocky Mountains, famous for alpine and tree skiing options, but lesser known than Roger’s Pass. Additionally, the areas in Banff National Park and west of Lake Louise along the Icefield Parkway offer easy access to higher elevation skiing, with exciting couloirs, nonchalant bowls, and, most importantly, deep and stable snowpack. Once we return to the town, spend some quality time with other members of the group and return to your accommodation.

    Golden group of skiers
1-Day Golden Ski Camp

Head out for a full day of backcountry skiing with an expert guide and experience some of the finest powder stashes in the Rockies, Purcells, or Rogers Pass. This quick getaway is designed to maximize your time on snow—no need to commit to a multi-day camp to enjoy pristine terrain. With local knowledge leading the way, you’ll explore untouched lines and return the same evening with legs full and spirits high.

Adventure brochure
Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.
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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

Tom
5.00
Tom
IFMGA/ACMG Mountain Guide
Tom is an ACMG/IFMGA-certified mountain guide who’s been guiding since moving to Canmore in 1995, the place he calls home. His winters consist of a mix of ski guiding at lodges, heli-ski operations, and remote backcountry destinations throughout western Canada. During the warmer months, Tom spends his days on water. He is a certified Paddle Canada Moving Water Canoe Instructor and Wilderness Canoe Guide.
5.00(5 reviews)
M
Mike M
Best Backcountry Skiing Trips

I have been guided by Tom for over 10+ years. In that time we have been on numerous trips and every time when you think that the trip couldn’t be better it does. Tom’s attention to safety when in the backcountry is the definition of professional and never once have I felt that anything we did was unsafe. If there is ever a question about terrain that we are entering, Tom takes the time to explain to the group his decision making process. On top of that Tom has a sense of where the good snow is and always seems to lead us to the powder. All of our trips have been well organized and the booking process is very easy. I would highly recommend any trip that Tom is involved with.

I
Iwona Erskine-Kellie

Best skiing of my life! Awesome people, fantastic guides, and superb choice of terrain, and let us not forget all that delicious food. I will come back for more!

D
Daniel Friedmann

Excellent guiding, planning, hospitality and safe skiing. we are repeat customers now!

Show all reviews
5.00(5 reviews)
M
Mike M
Best Backcountry Skiing Trips

I have been guided by Tom for over 10+ years. In that time we have been on numerous trips and every time when you think that the trip couldn’t be better it does. Tom’s attention to safety when in the backcountry is the definition of professional and never once have I felt that anything we did was unsafe. If there is ever a question about terrain that we are entering, Tom takes the time to explain to the group his decision making process. On top of that Tom has a sense of where the good snow is and always seems to lead us to the powder. All of our trips have been well organized and the booking process is very easy. I would highly recommend any trip that Tom is involved with.

I
Iwona Erskine-Kellie

Best skiing of my life! Awesome people, fantastic guides, and superb choice of terrain, and let us not forget all that delicious food. I will come back for more!

D
Daniel Friedmann

Excellent guiding, planning, hospitality and safe skiing. we are repeat customers now!

E
Eric Despain

Tom is a top notch guide! In addition to delivering a great ski touring trip, he is a fun person to hang out with back at the lodge. I feel safe touring with Tom.

R
Ryan Fox

I’ve done several trips and courses with Tom. He’s a fantastic guide. He has a tonne of knowledge, sets a friendly atmosphere on trips, and really works to make trips as good as he can for everyone on them.

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced, certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 1 or 3 days of guided skiing

    Not included:

      • Technical backcountry ski touring equipment (can be rented)
      • Transportation to and from Golden
      • Transportation to the trailheads, ski resorts, or the heliports during the trip
      • Food and snacks
      • Accommodations
      • Ski passes
      • Insurance — available to add at checkout
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • In order to enjoy this backcountry ski trip based out of Golden, you need to have a good level of fitness. Your guide will choose the appropriate pace and terrain for your group, but you will need to manage controlled descents in variable conditions and be able to ski uphill for a few hours at a time carrying a loaded daypack.

    Ski runs will be of intermediate difficulty, which generally means that you should be comfortable and experienced on black diamond runs in the backcountry, even if it means taking your time, and in a variety of conditions (icy, deep powder, breakable crust). Keep in mind that you will have an experienced guide by your side who will help you in any way possible if you encounter any difficulties.

  • To participate in this guided ski touring adventure near Golden and Revelstoke, you need to have previous backcountry skiing experience. You will be skiing, touring, and summiting on glaciated terrain for 5-7 hours a day. Your guide will take care of the planning, oversee your technique, and teach you how to better manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training necessary to keep you safe. If you’ve never backcountry skied before, we recommend checking out the beginner options in Golden you can choose from.

  • Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking.

    Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver. During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip.

    Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to booking.

  • For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:

      • Alpine touring skis, telemark skis or splitboard with skins (can be rented)
      • Touring boots and poles (can be rented)
      • Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
        • Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
        • Lightweight snow shovel
        • Avalanche probe
      • Glacier gear
        • Harness for glacier travel 
        • 3 lightweight locking carabiners
        • 3 lightweight non-locking carabiners
        • 2 6mm by 5m prusik cord (7mm cord is generally too thick!)
        • 120cm sewn climbing sling (Dyneema or Spectra blends)
        • Lightweight ice axe without a leash
      • Skin wax (or a candle)
      • Ski crampons (can be rented)
      • Binding repair items

    For personal items, we recommend bringing:

      • Helmet
      • Head lamp with good batteries
      • Sunglasses or ski goggles
      • Gloves and hat
      • Long underwear top – synthetic or wool 
      • Pair of wool or synthetic socks and liner socks
      • Pair wool or synthetic underwear
      • Long underwear bottoms – synthetic or wool
      • Light fleece or wool sweater
      • Lightweight wind jacket – nylon or ‘Schoeller’
      • Waterproof and breathable shell jacket
      • Warm insulated jacket – down or synthetic
      • Multipurpose stretch nylon or ‘Schoeller’ type pants
      • Waterproof breathable shell pants (full zip is best)
      • Down or synthetic camp booties — optional
      • One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners
      • Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people)
      • Insulated water bottle and 1.5-2L of water
      • Thermos with a warm beverage — optional
      • Plastic eating cup (500 to 750ml)
      • Snacks and food you can eat on-the-go
      • First-aid kit
      • Hygiene kit – wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hand lotion
      • A roll of toilet paper and lighter in a Ziplock bag
      • Handkerchief
      • Personal blister kit and/or tape
      • Pocket knife
      • Sunscreen
      • Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-40L backpack)
      • Dry bag to line your backpack
      • Duffel bag
      • Camera — optional
  • All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.

    Ski rental locations are in Golden, BC, and should be picked up the night prior to your outing.

  • Group sizes and pricing:

      • For this adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 4:1.

    Custom dates for ski touring in Golden can be arranged for groups of 3 skiers or more. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis.

    If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • To get to Golden, most people fly into Calgary International Airport which is a 3-hour drive away. From there you can rent a car or take a shuttle service connecting Calgary to Golden. You’ll stay at your accommodations in Golden, heading out to ski tour at a new location each day.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  • A deposit of 50% of the total price is due upon booking. Once your guide confirms your booking, your trip departure is guaranteed and second payment is due 90 days before the trip.

    If you need to cancel a reservation, please do so in writing (best by e-mail). Once your booking is confirmed, you and your Guides enter into financial obligations and they cannot refund payments or release you from your contractual obligations. Therefore, it is highly recommended buying cancellation insurance to cover your losses for the case that you can’t participate or have to interrupt your trip “for any reason”.

    Your Guides do reserve the right to change guides, particular lodging or the itinerary or venue should unforeseen circumstances (guide sickness, hut or route closing etc.) force them to do so or should the physical condition of the participants, weather or mountain conditions make a continuation as planned too risky. Your Guides will not be deemed to be in default for any delay or failure to perform their obligations under this agreement resulting from acts of God, the elements, war, acts of government, civil or military authorities, natural calamities, catastrophe, fire, flood, accidents, epidemics, shortage of transportation, or any other like events beyond our reasonable control.

Have more questions? Read our FAQ, or Talk with us
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