Golden Base Camp Ski Touring
This is a four day ski touring camp based in Golden, British Columbia. This location is central to skiing in the Rocky, Selkirk, and Purcell mountain ranges.
We ski in both Yoho National Park and Glacier National Park (Rogers Pass). In the Purcells we use a helicopter to access remote areas that see few other users. We also have the option to utilize the ski lifts at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort to access backcountry ski tours.
Skiing the Top Hat in Yoho
There are numerous options for tours in all the different zones available to us. From glaciers to peak ascents to tree skiing, we can use the terrain to match the conditions and weather.
Some of our favourite runs are the Top Hat in Yoho, the Little Sifton Traverse and Lookout Col in Rogers Pass, and International Basin in the Purcells.
You can expect to climb around 1000-1200 metres per day.
Heli-touring in the Purcells
International Basin
The heli-touring day is weather dependant but we normally are able to get into a remote valley of the Purcells where we can get away from the crowds.
We use the helicopter to get in and out but it leaves us alone for the rest of the day so we can tour on our own. Heli-touring is the highlight for everyone!
An ACMG certified guide leads the group.
We like to keep groups small. Maximum 6 skiers plus guides. For larger groups we have a tail guide trained in first aid and avalanche rescue to enhance safety.
Guests are responsible for their own accommodation and food in the Golden area, and their transport to and from the trailheads. We recommend staying at Mt 7 Lodges but there are many other options available. We can also arrange “fill-the-fridge” catering where groceries are provided for breakfast and lunch, and pre-made dinners just need to be heated up while you clean up from the day’s skiing.
THE NITTY GRITTY
PREREQUISITES
To enjoy this trip you should be:
Fit for ski touring uphill with a 10 kg backpack for 1000-1200+ m per day. 6-8 hours per day of skiing up and down, for 4 days in a row. On this trip there is not normally an option to go back to the lodge early.
Be able to ski downhill in any snow condition. This doesn’t mean you necessarily have to look pretty doing it, but you need to know how to deal with everything from crust to deep powder snow.
Be able to ski downhill on a variety of terrain in an uncontrolled environment. This includes tree skiing (usually well spaced but very occasionally thicker) and steep terrain up to 40 degrees. The average run would consist of open terrain or well spaced trees around 30-35 degrees but other terrain may be encountered.
Be familiar with ski touring equipment.
Have a fundamental familiarity with avalanche safety equipment.
You need to know there is an element of risk to backcountry skiing. You need to acknowledge this risk and sign a waiver before the trip. Go to the Waiver and Acknowledgment of Risk page to get a better understanding of the risk involved.
In short, this is not a beginner’s trip but you do not need to be an expert ski tourer. You do need to know the basics, otherwise you will not enjoy yourself.
DESCRIPTION
A 4-day powder ski touring / split boarding trip based in Golden, British Columbia.
DATES 2027
February 8-11, 2027
PRICE
C$1100. An additional $500 is charged if we use the helicopter for the heli-touring day.
The price includes:
Guiding
All guide’s expenses
Liability insurance
Land use permits
The price DOES NOT include:
Your transport
Your accommodation
Your food
Helicopter costs for a heli-assist day
Organize your own course
Alternate dates, course length, ratios and pricing may be available if you organize your own group.