What you get on this adventure: An experienced, ACMG and CAA-certified ski guides with extensive knowledge of the area Pre-trip support 4 or 6 days of ski touring and ski mountaineering, depending on the itinerary you choose Helicopter transport to/from the basecamp location Group tents Cooking equipment Breakfasts and dinners Group safety equipment (communication device, rescue kit, first aid supplies, GPS, maps) Backcountry permits What’s not included: Technical backcountry ski touring and ski mountaineering equipment — can be rented Personal tent and sleeping gear — can be rented Transportation to the meeting location in Golden Accommodation in Golden before and after the tour Lunches and snacks Additional charges to due changes in itinerary or group size Trip cancellation and travel insurance Medical/rescue insurance — mandatory Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

To enjoy this backcountry adventure, you need to be in excellent physical shape. You will be on your feet for up to 8 hours a day for 5 consecutive days, covering difficult glaciated terrain. You will need to manage controlled descents in variable conditions. All participants should be able to navigate backcountry terrain with not too much difficulty, which involves skinning, crampon and ice axe use, basic climbing skills (rope usage), and steep descents. To participate, we recommend engaging in various cardiovascular and strength training activities multiple times a week prior to the trip.

What if I’ve never gone backcountry skiing or ski mountaineering before?

To participate in this tour, you need to have strong previous backcountry skiing and/or ski mountaineering experience. You will be skiing, touring, and summiting on glaciated terrain for 5 full days. All participants should be able to navigate backcountry terrain with not too much difficulty, which involves skinning, crampon and ice axe use, basic climbing skills (rope usage), and steep descents. 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. Even though the basecamp location and routes will be adjusted to the skill level of your group, advanced skills and strong experience are a prerequisite. If you’re a backcountry skier who lacks ski mountaineering knowledge, you may consider joining this ski mountaineering course in the Coast Mountains, BC . On the other hand, if you just want to shred some powder in Golden, you may like this guided backcountry skiing day tour in Golden customizable for all levels or this 5-day backcountry skiing camp based in Golden or Revelstoke , for intermediate backcountry skiers.

What do I need to bring?

For technical backcountry ski touring and ski mountaineering 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) Personal repair kit specific to your equipment Helmet and ski goggles Headlamp Ice axe and ice screw (between 12-22cm) Ski crampons and lightweight crampons 3 Locking carabiners and 4 non-locking carabiners Sewn sling (240cm) OR 5m of webbing Accessory cord (5m x 6mm) Personal prusik Micro-traxion — optional Lightweight emergency ascender (Tibloc or similar) — optional Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented): Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon Lightweight snow shovel Avalanche probe Lightweight harness (climbing harness will work) For clothing , you’ll need to bring: Backpack (40L capacity) Jacket (Gore-Tex or equivalent) Pants (Gore-Tex or equivalent) Puffy jacket Puffy pants Warm layers for upper and lower body adequate for below freezing temperatures and wind Down synthetic booties Thick gloves and spare gloves Toque Thermal underwear and socks For camping , you’ll need to bring: Sleeping bag (rated for at least -18°C) Inflatable sleeping pad and foam sleeping pad Spork and a large bowl Drinking mug with lid and a thermos Water bottle Toiletries (sunscreen, SPF lip balm, hand cream for cold and windy weather, hand disinfectant, toilet paper, wet wipes etc.) 4-season tent (rentals available) Cloth grocery bags (or stuff sacks) to anchor tent in snow Guy lines for tent Small personal first aid kit Your favorite nutritious snacks you can eat on-the-go to last for the duration of the tour 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 . Tents and technical ski mountaineering equipment can be rented from your guide. 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 this group adventure, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 4:1, while the maximum number of participants is 8. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The cost is per person and doesn’t decrease as the group grows. Heli-accessed ski mountaineering basecamp 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 may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis, but must be accompanied by a parent or a 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 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 with Golden and the 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 in the morning on Day 1, whether that’s at the guide shop or some other predetermined location. From there, you’ll fly to an agreed-upon backcountry location for your basecamp.

Safety measures in British Columbia’s backcountry

It is mandatory for all participants to be covered with internationally-recognized medical and rescue insurance. That way, 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. We also strongly recommend that all participants cover their bases with travel insurance that will cover 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!

Ski Mountaineering Basecamp in British Columbia

A ski mountaineer navigating remote, mountainous, snowy expanse in British Columbia.

A glowing tent at the campsite in British Columbia’s backcountry.

A splitboarder on a slope in BC’s remote backcountry.

Backcountry skiers setting up a basecamp in British Columbia’s remote backcountry.

A ski mountaineer tackling an objective for the day during their backcountry ski mountaineering basecamp adventure in British Columbia. Canada.

An aerial view of Golden, BC, during early spring.

A ski mountaineer climbing up a glaciated slope in British Columbia.

GOLDEN | BRITISH COLUMBIA

Heli-Accessed Ski Mountaineering from Golden, BC

5.00 ()

Season

April

Nearest city

Calgary, AB, is about 3 hours away

Duration

6 or 8 days (4 or 6 days of touring)

Difficulty

Guides

Conor Hurley, Arctos Guides

From $1,910 () / 6-8 days

Got any questions? or Talk with us

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

A ski mountaineering trip away from it all? Sign us up. Heli-skiing is at its finest in April: just imagine cruising down wide-open slopes with plentiful snow coverage. We’ll fly out of Golden and dive deep into British Columbia’s backcountry, heading off into the wilderness, carving our way down BC’s north-facing slopes. In order to maximize downhill time, we’ll have our basecamp positioned perfectly. At the end of each day we’ll enjoy heated tents and great meals, ready to go ski mountaineering whenever we want to—with just a daypack! Take your pick between 6 or 8 days, and pack your gear—this will be a Spring to remember!

Book a call

Feel the backcountry magic

Ski mountaineering from a remote basecamp makes the adventure unlike any other
Comfort in the wilderness

Perfect combo of backcountry remoteness and basecamp comfort with heated tents and great meals
Learn from the experts

Ski with confidence in a small group, under the guidance of experienced ACMG ski guides

Available itineraries

6-Day Ski Mountaineering Basecamp in British Columbia

Embark on a thrilling 6-day backcountry ski tour in the heart of British Columbia's wilderness. Led by experienced, ACMG-certified guides, this adventure promises 4 days of ski mountaineering and ski touring. From Golden, you’ll take a helicopter ride to a carefully chosen basecamp. Group tents, cooking equipment, hearty breakfasts and dinners, and comprehensive safety gear are also included in the package. Savor the ultimate spring skiing experience in the heart of BC’s backcountry.

Upon your arrival in Golden, meet your guide and fellow skiers over dinner. You’ll go through an extensive gear check to ensure you have all the right equipment. Get to know your group and discuss your objectives for and goals for the day ahead. After dinner, return to your accommodation to get enough rest for what awaits tomorrow.

Meals: Dinner
Meet your guide and fellow BC ski mountaineers at the helidrom. Board the helicopter and fly to the predetermined carefully chosen location of your basecamp. Upon your arrival, set up a camp, followed by breakfast. Spend the rest of the day warming up with an avalanche safety briefing and the first rides. In the evening, gather round for dinner to get to know each other better before getting some well-deserved rest.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Start each morning with breakfast, followed by a briefing. Each day, your guides will select an appropriate ski touring or ski mountaineering objective based on your fitness and skill level and based on your goals and weather conditions. After touring all day, you’ll return to the heated tent in the late afternoon for dinner, repeating the process every day with different locations.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
After breakfast, it’s time to break down your camp and fly back to Golden. Upon your return in town, get the last chance to celebrate your achievements and reminisce about the days behind you with fellow adventurers. Say goodbye to your backcountry guides, fellow skiers, and to British Columbia—or continue touring on your own.

Meals: Breakfast

8-Day Ski Mountaineering Basecamp in British Columbia

Craving more downhill thrills and eager for extra ski mountaineering challenges beyond 6 days? This 8-day backcountry ski tour in the heart of British Columbia is your answer. This extended package guarantees the same expert guidance and a deeper exploration of breathtaking terrain. With pre-trip support, helicopter transport, group tents, cooking equipment, wholesome meals, and top-notch safety gear, this tour is an immersive alpine experience that truly goes beyond the ordinary.

Upon your arrival in Golden, meet your guide and fellow skiers over dinner. You’ll go through an extensive gear check to ensure you have all the right equipment. Get to know your group and discuss your objectives for and goals for the day ahead. After dinner, return to your accommodation to get enough rest for what awaits tomorrow.

Meals: Dinner
Meet your guide and fellow BC ski mountaineers at the helidrom. Board the helicopter and fly to the predetermined carefully chosen location of your basecamp. Upon your arrival, set up a camp, followed by breakfast. Spend the rest of the day warming up with an avalanche safety briefing and the first rides. In the evening, gather round for dinner to get to know each other better before getting some well-deserved rest.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Start each morning with breakfast, followed by a briefing. Each day, your guides will select an appropriate ski touring or ski mountaineering objective based on your fitness and skill level and based on your goals and weather conditions. After touring all day, you’ll return to the heated tent in the late afternoon for dinner, repeating the process every day with different locations.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
After breakfast, it’s time to break down your camp and fly back to Golden. Upon your return in town, get the last chance to celebrate your achievements and reminisce about the days behind you with fellow adventurers. Say goodbye to your backcountry guides, fellow skiers, and to British Columbia—or continue touring on your own.

Meals: Breakfast

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Meet your guides

5.00

Conor Hurley

Meet Conor Hurley, a seasoned adventurer with a passion for skiing that has taken him from the challenging terrains of Tuckerman’s Ravine to the remote landscapes of Baffin Island, Kyrgyzstan, Chile, Argentina, Norway, Rogers Pass, the Canadian Rockies, BC’s Coast Mountains, and the Valhallas. Conor's expertise goes beyond exploration; he holds certifications from the Canadian Avalanche Association as a Level 2 Avalanche Forecaster and from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides as a Ski Guide. Adding to his wealth of knowledge is a Bachelor’s Degree in French from the University of New Hampshire. Conor looks forward to sharing his extensive expertise with you!

5.00

Arctos Guides

Founded in 2017, Arctos Guides provide custom outdoor adventures in British Columbia and beyond. Their ACMG certified guides make sure adventures are safe and enjoyable.

5.00 (6 reviews)

Eva Payette (source: Google Reviews)

Thank you Conor for this amazing experience. My group and I had so much fun and felt safe during our 5 days of ski touring in the backcountry around Golden, BC. You adjusted the level of difficulty of the climbs and the descents perfectly to suit everyone. Your knowledge and positivity helped us push our limits and reach incredible ‘freshies’! We will most definitely recommend you to family and friends. Cheers!

Adventoured Platform (source: Google Reviews)

Conor is a super reliable and expert ski guide in the BC Area in Golden Canada. He can surely manage all situation in the mountains and make feel comfortable and safe all the component of the group! super recommend!

Navarana Smith (source: Google Reviews)

Perhaps we each come to seek an accredited guide for a different reason. For me, I sought someone who could help me build confidence + skill to approach some of my goals in the mountains. Conor went above and beyond in helping me do so. I felt safe, mentored and amongst friends. Incredibly grateful for the experience.

James Bonz (source: Google Reviews)

My family and I had the most awesome trip with Conor (Arctos Guides)! He is a complete professional, steadfast in his planning and preparation and a terrific person as well. His knowledge of the terrain and snowpack are invaluable and he made sure that everyone in our group had the best experience. The prepared foods were excellent and we had more than enough to eat. I cannot recommend Arctos Guides highly enough!!

Dillon Duley (source: Google Reviews)

Conor is one of the best guides I have ever been out with. He was fully flexible and catered to our group, while still being very safe. He also offers some custom programs and locations that no one else does!

Dustin Titus (source: Google Reviews)

Connor Hurley is exactly who you want with you in the backcountry. He’s professional, knowledgable, safety conscious and always looking for the best lines possible. His expertise in avalanche terrain, safety protocol and expedition operation saves time, money and is straight to the point. The conversation is as deep as the lines, you’ll leave a day with Conor giving new meaning to “Soul Food.”

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, ACMG and CAA-certified ski guides with extensive knowledge of the area
  - Pre-trip support
  - 4 or 6 days of ski touring and ski mountaineering, depending on the itinerary you choose
  - Helicopter transport to/from the basecamp location
  - Group tents
  - Cooking equipment
  - Breakfasts and dinners
  - Group safety equipment (communication device, rescue kit, first aid supplies, GPS, maps)
  - Backcountry permits
What’s not included:
- - Technical backcountry ski touring and ski mountaineering equipment — can be rented
  - Personal tent and sleeping gear — can be rented
  - Transportation to the meeting location in Golden
  - Accommodation in Golden before and after the tour
  - Lunches and snacks
  - Additional charges to due changes in itinerary or group size
  - Trip cancellation and travel insurance
  - Medical/rescue insurance — mandatory
  - Guide gratuities — optional
To enjoy this backcountry adventure, you need to be in excellent physical shape. You will be on your feet for up to 8 hours a day for 5 consecutive days, covering difficult glaciated terrain. You will need to manage controlled descents in variable conditions. All participants should be able to navigate backcountry terrain with not too much difficulty, which involves skinning, crampon and ice axe use, basic climbing skills (rope usage), and steep descents. To participate, we recommend engaging in various cardiovascular and strength training activities multiple times a week prior to the trip.
To participate in this tour, you need to have strong previous backcountry skiing and/or ski mountaineering experience. You will be skiing, touring, and summiting on glaciated terrain for 5 full days. All participants should be able to navigate backcountry terrain with not too much difficulty, which involves skinning, crampon and ice axe use, basic climbing skills (rope usage), and steep descents. 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.

Even though the basecamp location and routes will be adjusted to the skill level of your group, advanced skills and strong experience are a prerequisite.

If you’re a backcountry skier who lacks ski mountaineering knowledge, you may consider joining this ski mountaineering course in the Coast Mountains, BC.

On the other hand, if you just want to shred some powder in Golden, you may like this guided backcountry skiing day tour in Golden customizable for all levels or this 5-day backcountry skiing camp based in Golden or Revelstoke, for intermediate backcountry skiers.
For technical backcountry ski touring and ski mountaineering 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)
  - Personal repair kit specific to your equipment
  - Helmet and ski goggles
  - Headlamp
  - Ice axe and ice screw (between 12-22cm)
  - Ski crampons and lightweight crampons
  - 3 Locking carabiners and 4 non-locking carabiners
  - Sewn sling (240cm) OR 5m of webbing
  - Accessory cord (5m x 6mm)
  - Personal prusik
  - Micro-traxion — optional
  - Lightweight emergency ascender (Tibloc or similar) — optional
  - Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
    
    Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
    
    Lightweight snow shovel
    
    Avalanche probe
    
    Lightweight harness (climbing harness will work)
For clothing, you’ll need to bring:
- - Backpack (40L capacity)
  - Jacket (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
  - Pants (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
  - Puffy jacket
  - Puffy pants
  - Warm layers for upper and lower body adequate for below freezing temperatures and wind
  - Down synthetic booties
  - Thick gloves and spare gloves
  - Toque
  - Thermal underwear and socks
For camping, you’ll need to bring:
- - Sleeping bag (rated for at least -18°C)
  - Inflatable sleeping pad and foam sleeping pad
  - Spork and a large bowl
  - Drinking mug with lid and a thermos
  - Water bottle
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, SPF lip balm, hand cream for cold and windy weather, hand disinfectant, toilet paper, wet wipes etc.)
  - 4-season tent (rentals available)
  - Cloth grocery bags (or stuff sacks) to anchor tent in snow
  - Guy lines for tent
  - Small personal first aid kit
  - Your favorite nutritious snacks you can eat on-the-go to last for the duration of the tour
  - 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.
- Tents and technical ski mountaineering equipment can be rented from your guide.
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 this group adventure, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 4:1, while the maximum number of participants is 8.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate.
  - The cost is per person and doesn’t decrease as the group grows.
Heli-accessed ski mountaineering basecamp 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 may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis, but must be accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian.
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 with Golden and the 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 in the morning on Day 1, whether that’s at the guide shop or some other predetermined location. From there, you’ll fly to an agreed-upon backcountry location for your basecamp.
It is mandatory for all participants to be covered with internationally-recognized medical and rescue insurance. That way, 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.

We also strongly recommend that all participants cover their bases with travel insurance that will cover 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!
A 40% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid fourteen (14) days prior to departure at the latest. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
- - If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to thirty (30) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, 40% of the deposit will be forfeited.
  - For cancellations fourteen (14) to one thirty (30) calendar days in advance, the entire deposit will be forfeited.
  - 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.