COVID-19 measures in Golden

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Golden, please refer to the Tourism Golden website. Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get in this adventure: An experienced, certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area A full day of customized backcountry skiing Avalanche safety equipment rental What’s not included: Technical backcountry ski touring equipment Transportation to the meeting point Lift tickets Food and snacks Accommodations Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

To enjoy backcountry skiing in Golden, you need to be in good physical shape and be able to comfortably tour at a mellow pace for at least 4 to 6 hours. While there are options for all skill levels, you will still be on your feet for a full day. All participants should feel comfortable on blue level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain. For the enjoyment and safety of everyone involved, participants must be approved to participate in advanced backcountry skiing tours either through a previous trip with the guiding service or through recommendations.

What if I’ve never backcountry skied before?

Backcountry skiing isn’t just for pros looking for the ultimate thrill ride, it’s also beginner friendly, meaning anyone with solid blue level resort experience can have fun in the backcountry. If you’ve never backcountry skied before, heading out with a guide is your best bet. They’ll take care of the planning, introduce you to the basics, like skinning uphill, and teach you how to manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training to keep you safe. If you’re a seasoned skier, there’s no need to worry—Golden has unlimited terrain options to challenge your abilities!

What 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) Skin wax Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented): Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon Lightweight snow shovel Avalanche probe For personal items, we recommend bringing: Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-40L backpack) Helmet Sunglasses or ski goggles Gloves Brimmed hat, warm hat, and a face warmer Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended) Warm insulated jacket Light fleece or wool sweater Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended) Softshell pants Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people) Insulated water bottle for at least 2L of water Head lamp Food you can eat on-the-go First aid kit Sunscreen Camera — optional

Can I rent equipment?

All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent: Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel and probe from Higher Ground Sports . Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots and poles can be rented from Higher Ground Sports . Splitboards can be rented from Higher Ground Sports . Ski rental locations are in Golden and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements. If you’re interested in buying gear, SkiUphill is your one-stop shop. Just tell them what trip you’re doing and they’ll set you up.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For these private adventures, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1. The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family! Backcountry skiing in Golden can be arranged for larger groups. 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, rent a car, and drive three hours to Golden. However, you can take a shuttle service connecting Calgary Airport to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Shuttles are operated by BanffShuttle and RiderExpress . Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. From there, you’ll head to your tour. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ski ability of the group.

Getting ready to shred some backcountry powder

He sprays snow as he turns at speed, in the snowy Canadian Rockies

Mountain peaks of the Selkirks in Golden.

Skier going through the trees in Golden.

Golden | British Columbia

Backcountry Skiing in Golden

5.00 ()

Season

Late November through mid-April

Duration

Book as many days as you want

Difficulty

Guides

Nino Guagliano, Tom Wolfe, Sawback Alpine Adventures

Questions, additional dates, private groups

From $580 () / 1 day

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

When you step onto the pillowy powder of Golden in the Selkirk Mountains, you’ll feel like you just struck gold. With its white blanket as far as your eye can see, British Columbia’s Golden hides off-piste gems without the usual crowds—and it’s yours to explore for the day. Whether you’re easing into beginner-friendly mellow slopes or you can’t wait to conquer the fourth-highest vertical drop in North America at 4,314 ft/ 1,314 m above the ground, Golden’s pristine snow on varied terrain has you covered. Nearby lifts ensure less skinning and more skiing, so you’ll be getting the maximum out of the day. Let your guide take you to some of the best untouched powder stashes in the world and explore one of Canada’s best backcountry skiing destinations.

Adventure highlights

Escape the crowds and explore incredible light world-class powder
Easy access and lifts make sure you won’t be wasting any time
Welcoming terrain for beginners blended with vertical slopes for the advanced

Available itineraries

Private Intro to Backcountry Skiing

Strike out for the fresh powder of Golden and experience the thrill of chasing untouched snow. Your guide will show you the ropes of skiing and safety in the backcountry on incredible terrain of the Selkirks. Get some miles under your belt and conquer your first off-piste descent! Lift access gets you where you need to be to start your adventure into the unknown with a guide who will make sure you get the best of your day.

Not sure if you should hire a guide? Listen to our ambassador Greg Hill debate the ultimate question: To be guided or not to be guided?

Powder Skiing for Intermediate and Advanced Skiers

With an unlimited array of options awaiting in Golden, you’ll have no trouble finding your ideal terrain to shred. Enjoy lift access and spectacular descents with your guide, who will tailor the day to suit your skill level and objectives. Discover some glade skiing, along with pillowy lines and just about anything else you might want.

Advanced Tours & Ski Mountaineering

Golden is a paradise for any serious backcountry skier in search of the best champagne powder and complex alpine skiing. Exciting bowls, couloirs, steep chutes, and vertical terrain with majestic scenery await those looking for a challenge. Let your guide show you all the best spots in the area to get your blood pumping.

Get free trip brochure

Download Backcountry Skiing in Golden Brochure

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Talk with us and let one of our adventure experts help you plan your perfect adventure.

Meet your guides

5.00

Nino Guagliano

Nino Guagliano is a trained and Internationally Certified IFMGA Mountain Guide. His winters are split between guiding Backcountry Lodge trips, ski touring in the deep powder capital of Western Canada and CMH Heli. During the winter months he calls Golden BC home which provides some of the most scenic ski touring in the West. Summers are spent Alpine and Rock guiding in Canada and the Alps and sneaking in a few down days at the rock cliffs!

5.00

Tom Wolfe

IFMGA/ACMG Certified Guide

Tom Wolfe 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

Sawback was founded by Tom Wolfe in 1995, running mountain hiking trips for groups. Since then they have expanded programming to offer just about any mountaineering adventure you could imagine. Tom is an IFMGA Mountain Guide and a member of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG). Sawback trips are guided by owner/operator Tom Wolfe along with a staff of certified IFMGA and ACMG guides.

5.00 (2 reviews)

Safe yet challenged

George J. (source: Google Reviews)

Tom was professional, well equipped and well prepared! The snow conditions we experienced at Sunrise Lodge made it imperative to have a guide with experience to keep us safe yet challenged. Hope to ski with Tom and his crew again soon.

Best skiing of my life!

Iwona E. (source: Google Reviews)

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!

Things to know

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Golden, please refer to the Tourism Golden website.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get in this adventure:
- - An experienced, certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - A full day of customized backcountry skiing
  - Avalanche safety equipment rental
What’s not included:
- - Technical backcountry ski touring equipment
  - Transportation to the meeting point
  - Lift tickets
  - Food and snacks
  - Accommodations
  - Guide gratuities — optional
To enjoy backcountry skiing in Golden, you need to be in good physical shape and be able to comfortably tour at a mellow pace for at least 4 to 6 hours. While there are options for all skill levels, you will still be on your feet for a full day. All participants should feel comfortable on blue level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain.

For the enjoyment and safety of everyone involved, participants must be approved to participate in advanced backcountry skiing tours either through a previous trip with the guiding service or through recommendations.
Backcountry skiing isn’t just for pros looking for the ultimate thrill ride, it’s also beginner friendly, meaning anyone with solid blue level resort experience can have fun in the backcountry. If you’ve never backcountry skied before, heading out with a guide is your best bet. They’ll take care of the planning, introduce you to the basics, like skinning uphill, and teach you how to manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training to keep you safe.

If you’re a seasoned skier, there’s no need to worry—Golden has unlimited terrain options to challenge your abilities!
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)
  - Skin wax
  - Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
    
    Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
    
    Lightweight snow shovel
    
    Avalanche probe
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
- - Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-40L backpack)
  - Helmet
  - Sunglasses or ski goggles
  - Gloves
  - Brimmed hat, warm hat, and a face warmer
  - Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
  - Warm insulated jacket
  - Light fleece or wool sweater
  - Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
  - Softshell pants
  - Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks
  - Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people)
  - Insulated water bottle for at least 2L of water
  - Head lamp
  - Food you can eat on-the-go
  - First aid kit
  - Sunscreen
  - Camera — optional
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:
- - Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel and probe from Higher Ground Sports.
  - Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots and poles can be rented from Higher Ground Sports.
  - Splitboards can be rented from Higher Ground Sports.
Ski rental locations are in Golden and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.

If you’re interested in buying gear, SkiUphill is your one-stop shop. Just tell them what trip you’re doing and they’ll set you up.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For these private adventures, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
  - The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!
Backcountry skiing in Golden can be arranged for larger groups. 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, rent a car, and drive three hours to Golden. However, you can take a shuttle service connecting Calgary Airport to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Shuttles are operated by BanffShuttle and RiderExpress.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. From there, you’ll head to your tour. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ski ability of the group.
Day Trips Cancellations
Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.