Heli-Accessed Ski Touring Getaway at Purcell Mountain Lodge

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced backcountry guide with extensive experience of skiing in the area
    • A 4-day or a 5-day heli-accessed and lodge-based ski touring adventure starting in Golden (depending on the itinerary)
    • Accommodation in the luxury Purcell Mountain Lodge (based on double occupancy) for 3 or 4 nights (depending on the itinerary)
    • Helicopter transfer to and from Golden, BC
    • All meals prepared by a classically trained chef

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation to Golden
    • Accommodation in Golden before and after the adventure — if applicable
    • Personal ski touring and avalanche safety equipment
    • Alcoholic beverages (cash bar will be available)
    • Guide & staff gratuities — 15-20% is customary, split equally between guides and staff
    • Travel and medical/rescue insurance — highly recommended
• How fit do I need to be?

  The best thing about heli-accessed ski touring from the Purcell Mountain Lodge is that there are incredible options for all skill levels. That said, you need to have a very good level of fitness and you need to be an experienced resort skier. Previous backcountry skiing experience is preferable, but it is not mandatory. At breakfast time guides will talk about a few guided options for the day. Choices range from gentle to more challenging runs. Your day can be as leisurely or challenging as you wish. Guided guests wanting to explore the terrain on their own must discuss with the lead guide. Additionally, all participants will participate in an avalanche safety orientation before heading out on their first tour. If you are a beginner in the backcountry, your guide will teach you some basic skills which are sufficient for easier runs. You’ll be able to discuss your plans and preferences/abilities with your guide prior to the start of the tour.

• What do I need to bring?

  For technical backcountry ski and safety equipment, you will need to bring:

  • • Touring skis or splitboards or snowshoes
    • Climbing skins
    • Touring boots and poles
    • Helmet
    • Ski and boot crampons
    • Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
      • Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
      • Lightweight snow shovel and avalanche probe

  For the Purcell Mountain Lodge, you will need to bring:

  • • Comfortable clothing for lounging around the lodge (2 or more changes)
    • Bath, sauna, face and hand towel for personal use
    • Blanket or a lightweight sleeping bag
    • Slippers
    • Bathing suit
    • Headlamp with extra batteries
    • Toiletries

  For personal items, we recommend bringing:

  • • 30-35L ski pack
    • 50L duffel
    • Sunglasses and ski goggles
    • Sun and lip cream
    • Face mask
    • Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
    • Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
    • Down jacket or vest
    • Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks
    • Mid-insulation fleece of puffy jacket
    • Warm outer puffy jacket
    • Toque (wool or synthetic)
    • Brimmed cap
    • Face warmer (scarf, neck tube, face mask, buff, etc.)
    • Light gloves and insulated gloves or mitts
    • One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners
    • Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people)
    • Water bottle and 2L of water
    • Thermos with a warm beverage — optional
    • First aid kit
    • Camera — optional

  Please keep in mind that helicopters have a very limited capacity. For your safety, we must limit your personal soft shell luggage to a maximum of 35 lbs (13.5 kg). Additional cargo space is for gear, transportation of food and lodge supplies. No hard shell and no wheel baggage permitted!

• Can I rent equipment?

  You can rent avalanche safety gear from your guide during the booking process. When it comes to ski touring equipment, you can easily avoid bringing your own by renting it in Calgary or olden. We recommend University of Calgary Outdoor Center if renting in Calgary and Higher Ground Mountain Sport if renting in Golden. Make sure to double check everything is working properly prior to leaving the rental location.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and pricing

  • • For these group adventures, the minimum client-to-guide ratio is 4:1, while the maximum ratio is 6:1.
    • It takes a minimum of 8 people for the weekend tour to operate and 12 people for the weekday tour to operate.
    • The maximum number of participants for both tours is 16.

  Heli-accessed ski touring from the Purcell Mountain Lodge in British Columbia can be arranged for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  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 the town of Golden, which is the starting point of your adventure, most people fly into Calgary International Airport. From there, it’s a three-hour drive to the town of Golden.

  The meeting point is the Alpine Helicopters Base (204 Fisher Road Golden, B.C. V0A 1H0), where you are expected to arrive around 8am for a helicopter flight to your lodge. Our Stager & Expediter will greet you at the hangar on departure day. Arriving on time allows for time to weigh baggage, read and fill out and sign the release of liability waiver, and receive a helicopter safety talk.

  We recommend arriving in Golden a day prior to the tour to ensure you start the adventure fully rested and prepared!

• Safety measures in British Columbia’s backcountry

  We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance.

  With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

  We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to.

  If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  Full tour price to secure your place is due upon booking. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

  • • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to ninety (90) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
    • After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.
• Travel and Medical Protection
  57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.