Backcountry Skiing in Golden

Things to know

• 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’s included?

  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.