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

Things to know

• What’s included?

  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
• How fit do I need to be?

  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.

• What if I’ve never backcountry skied before?

  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.

• Waiver and release of liability

  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.

• What equipment do I need to bring?

  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
• Can I rent equipment?

  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 age requirements

  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.

• Getting there and meeting location

  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.

• Safety measures and insurance

  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.

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  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.