Trip Details

Meeting Point

The staging area for the helicopter transfer is Golden.  Best to arrive in Golden the evening before transfer day.
On Demand, we also offer organized van transport from Calgary Airport or Canmore and Banff, AB to Golden BC.
From there, you will either drive yourself to staging area, or we organize a transfer for you.

Weather/Climate

The Purcell Mountains are a subrange of BC’s Columbia Mountains, and are primarily influenced by a moist, maritime climate (very much in contrast to Canadian Rockies) with moderate winter temps. During a typical ski touring week, you should be prepared for heavy snowfall and temps from -1C (30F) to -15C (5F). But of course, it can get as cold as -30C (-22F) in a cold mid-winter week and as warm as 10C (50F) during a warm, spring skiing week in May.

For spring skiing weeks, powder snow (dry, cold snow) usually preserves well on the many northerly aspects even if it hasn’t snowed in days. At the same time, the southerly aspects will start to corn up (melt-freeze cycle) with sunny weather, which yields nice spring skiing, if the descents are well timed with the day time heating. Unfortunately, as with any backcountry skiing, we can’t exclude (but do our best to avoid) the “in-between stages” of powder and corn: Crud a.k.a breakable crusts!

Medical/Rescue and Trip Cancellation Insurance

We strongly recommend the purchase of a travel insurance package that does cover adventure travel. Common policies sold by travel agents or policies included in your credit card contract tend to exclude “mountaineering”  if you read through the fine print. We recommend an adventure travel policy on our website at http://ontopmountaineering.com/travel-insurance/  which our clients had good experiences with in the past. *NEW: we now recommend including covid-19/pandemic coverage with your insurance policy.

Inclusions

Included – Regular trip package

• Guiding and instruction by an internationally (UIAGM / IFMGA / ACMG) certified mountain or ski guide
• 3 or 4 nights in a luxurious mountain lodge (private & shared spaces available)
• breakfasts, lunches, and multi-course dinners
• Helicopter transfer to and from the lodge
• Equipment rental (harnesses, Barryvox Pulse transceivers)
• All trip organization

Not Included

• Airfare
• Ski touring equipment (can be rented in Golden)
• Non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages
• Any additional cost due to changes in the itinerary, may they be caused by weather, mountain conditions or personal preferences.
• Insurance

Add Ons

• Transport to staging area
• Rental of ski equipment
• Rental of avalanche safety equipment
  ($100 for the avalanche safety items, $50 for the harness and carabiners).

FAQ

Do I need to sign a Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Agreement (a.ka. liability waiver)?

Yes, you do. Mountaineering, skiing, climbing, hiking, via ferrata and all other wilderness and adventure travel activities are inherently risky with potential for injuries or even death.
It is very important to us that you are aware of those risks before you start the booking process, which includes filling out a booking form and paying a deposit.
With signing the liability waiver, you confirm that you understand the potential risks and hazards, and are willing to accept the risks, which includes giving up legal rights you may have.
This would also be the time to ask questions or address concerns before you book.
For your reference here is a link to our Liability Waiver. Our booking terms & cancellation policy with more details can be found here

What kind of Equipment is adequate for this trip?

You need either sturdy telemark equipment or (more common in Canada) alpine touring equipment – either is available for rental at our base in Canmore, Banff or Golden, BC. Please call ahead, so we can advice you and set you up with the right equipment for you. As with all our trips, we will provide you with a detailed equipment list with your booking confirmation.

Can I Do It?

The skiing provides opportunities from beginner skiers to advanced backcountry ski experts, and skiers are grouped according to their abilities and preferences. Groups booking together can also ski together.

As this is a lodge-based trip, there is also the option to sit a day out if the weather or snow is not ideal, or your body needs a rest.