Backcountry Skiing in Golden

Included

• • An experienced, certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • A full day of customized backcountry skiing

Not included:

• • Technical backcountry ski touring equipment
  • Transportation to the meeting point
  • Lift tickets
  • Food and snacks
  • Accommodations
  • Guide gratuities — optional
  • Avalanche safety equipment rental

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!

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.

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.

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their 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.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!