Trip Information

Waiver

All participants on a Golden Alpine Holidays trip must read and sign a Waiver form. You will be required to physically sign a waiver in the GAH office or at our staging site on the morning of your trip. The Waiver Form will need to be signed and witnessed only by one of our employees. 

Night Prior to Trip  

We recommend that you stay in Golden, British Columbia the night before your trip.

Inbound Flight information

The meeting place for your trip is at the Golden Alpine Holidays office located at 105, 806 - 9th Street North. Your meeting time is at 7:00 am Mountain Standard Time (MST). You are expected to sign your waiver at this time.  Flights to GAH lodges take place at our Helicopter Staging facility west of Golden. Guests are required to get themselves to GAH Staging. GAH does not provide transportation. There have been problems in the past with theft occuring at this non-secure parking lot.  Do not leave valuables inside your car if you leave it unattended.

Alternative Transportation

Alternative transportation to our staging area from Golden is available.   Contact Mount Seven Taxi  at 1-250-344-5237 or Pure Travel   at 1-250-439-1800. 

Outbound Flight Information 

All guests are required to be flight ready by 9:00 am MST  from the lodges.  

Baggage and Extra Gear

GAH operates with a weight restriction of 40 lbs/person of personal gear not including skis, poles or boots. GAH in certain cases will employ the use of a weigh scale at the helipad so please pack accordingly. Only one pair of skis per person is allowed 

Traverse

Please have your daypack with extra change of clothes and toiletries packed with you and ready to go for the first hut. Additional changes of clothing may be packed into stuff sacks and then labeled accordingly to be dropped off at specific huts. Guests may refresh their change of clothes and leave their dirty ones behind to be picked up at the end of the week.

Alcohol

Sunrise, Vista and Meadow do not have a liquor license. Please refrain from bringing bottles; instead, choose wine boxes and/or beer cans or mini kegs. Sentry Mountain Lodge is a licensed establishment and offers a high quality selection of wine and beer. Custom alcohol orders can be special ordered provided we are given at least one month notice 

Map/Location 

Please view our Terrain page for more info

Linens and Bedding

Golden Alpine Holidays provides all clean bedding, linens and pillows including pillow covers for both Lodge Rental Groups and Guided/Catered Groups

Packlist 

Please download our printer friendly winter packlist (.pdf)  

Mandatory Safety Equipment

Avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes are mandatory safety equipment for any skier in the back country. GAH offers rental safety equipment:
Beacons - $12/day
G3 Avalanche Shovel - $8/day
G3 Avalanche Probe - $8/day
Please call our office prior to your trip to make rental arrangements

Skis

"Fat" skis for both Alpine Touring and Telemark skiers  are recommended in the Esplanades since the snow can be very deep and light, especially in the early season.  Ski tips widths should be between 112 -120mm.  Ski lengths are dependent on ability and size but generally should be between 155-190 cm in length.  The optimal ski flex should be relatively soft between tip and tail

Bindings

Telemark bindings bindings should be strong and well designed. Check they are in good shape. Bring spare parts if available

Alpine Touring bindings must be in good shape and properly adjusted to your boots.   Adaptations to existing downhill bindings  are not acceptable
Ski Brakes  can prevent run-away skis and are recommended
Safety Straps are not appropriate for backcountry skiing

Boots 

Boots are the most important gear for back country skiing.  Please take the time to make sure that they are fitted properly. 

Poles

Telescoping poles are preferable. Downhill poles are a reliable alternative but for optimal performance make sure that your ski pole has a powder basket. 

Skins 

Climbing skins should cover the entire running surface of your skis for maximum efficiency

Safety Gear

Do not bring dual frequencies beacons or transmitters.  Ensure that you bring fresh batteries. Make sure that you are familiar with the operational features of your beacon or transmitter. Probe poles are not a suitable substitute. A quality First Aid Kit is highly recommended and should be carried at all times. 

Snowboarders

Please inquire at the office if you are considering using a snowboard on your trip.

Lodge Rental Groups

Because of the weight limitations wiht helicopters it is crucial to ensure proper planning and packing of food. Please read the Food Packing document. Your care with food packing is much appreciated