Gear

It's time to look at your gear! Make sure your hardware is in good repair, your gear is still waterproof, and that your bag is still in working order. With ongoing supply chain issues, it is hard to come by gear and equipment these days so some foresight is required. If you need a new piece of equipment make sure you get on that now.

Safety equipment

The most important part. It's time to take a look at your transceiver.

• Make sure you didn't leave your batteries in it all summer.

• Bring it to a local service centre to have it checked by the professionals for the upcoming season.

• Take your probe out and make sure it's in good working order.

Backcountry Rentals

If you need any backcountry rentals please visit Moon Cycle in person or online at highergroundsports.ca. Visit the DISCOUNTS section for your discount codes.

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*If your gear does not show up from a flight, call GPG immediately and we will do our best to reserve you replacement equipment from Higher Ground Sports prior to the trip departure.

Fitness

If you didn't have an active summer, it's time to face your demons. Get jogging, spin biking, and doing some form of strength routine to get you fit for the trip.

We want you to get the most out of the terrain out there and we all know how brutal it is to be sucking wind at the back of a group. However, this is easy to avoid if we start now!

Group Size

You can expect to ski as a group of 12 on our first and sometimes second day. As we figure out group dynamics, ability levels and expectations, we split utilizing both ACMG guides to cater to the groups needs and wants on a more personalized basis.

Sleeping

Rooms are shared in groups of 2 with either bunk beds or separate single beds. Clean sheets, duvets, and pillows are provided. There are times where 3 may need to share, or one may get a room on their own based on lodge layouts. Room type and layouts are not guaranteed.

Towels

Towels are not provided. We suggest lightweight, pack towels that can be found at your local camping store.

Clothing

The lodge vibe is very cozy and laid back. We usually advise you to pack a couple of comfortable outfits for apres along with your ski gear. Hut booties, slippers or sandals are also great for around the lodge.

Sauna/showers

We use a wood fired sauna to warm the water we shower with. Clothing is optional in the sauna, however we leave it up to the group to decide on this. Please bring swimwear just in case.

Electricity

Each lodge is different. We suggest that you bring a small battery bank to charge your gadgets, if gadgets are important to you.

Wi-Fi

All lodges we use have access to Starlink. Please do not rely on this as inclement weather affects performance of this service.

Thirst - Quenchers

We have partnered with Whitetooth Brewery (located in Golden) again this season. There will be enough beer for each guest to have 2-3 beers per night. Additionally, we often serve wine with dinner. If there is anything else you like to drink after a long day of riding in the backcountry feel free to bring it along!

Please make sure you pack any extra bevies appropriately (cans preferred, boxes secured and packed separately from other gear).

Food

We provide fresh ingredients as part of a healthy and wholesome menu to keep you fuelled each day. Please make sure you have completed your client intake form.  We use this to ensure we can cater to all dietary requirements. If anything changes before the trip, reach out any time.

Toilets

All lodges utilize outdoor contemplation shacks. Sentry Lodge has indoor toilets for urination needs only.

Navigation

Download the GAH map through the Boon Maps app before you arrive. You can find it in your applicable App Store.

Emergencies

In case of an emergency, the Golden Alpine Holidays (GAH) office will contact Search and Rescue to conduct the rescue. If S&R are not required GAH will cover the helicopter fee for evacuations related to nonemergency medical issues only.

We use a mixture of consumer radios and VHF radios, if you have either please bring them.

Helicotper Packing

Please pack ready for loading the helicopter in the following fashion:

• Helmet, goggles, boots, ski clothing and warm hut clothing on your person

• A day pack packed with your camp boots attached.

• A duffel bag with your personal items must not exceed the size of a Medium North Face Duffel.

• Sleeping bags in a waterproof stuff sack, preferably labelled with your name.

• Skis and splitboards with tech bindings, bundled with poles and tied with heli straps

• Split board with soft boot bindings in ride mode, with the bindings taken off and strapped together with the large strap on the binding.

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Note: If you come unprepared to load the helicopter with the above setup up you will need to repack in the parking lot.