Day Trip Guide
Thanks again for choosing Golden Powder Guiding (GPG) to spend what will be an incredible day in the mountains together.
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We hope you're getting as stoked about your upcoming trip as we are. We have lots of details to help you pack, get to Golden, and have the trip of a lifetime!
Itinerary
Meet Up
Gear Up
Clothing
Miscellaneous
Physical Prep
Mental Prep
Day of the Adventure
Your guide will communicate with you in the days leading up to the trip. Backcountry trips are weather dependent, be ready to change location should the conditions require it.
Getting to our regular touring destinations can be a harrowing experience. Make sure to check DRIVE BC for road and your phone for weather conditions. Give yourself ample time to make it to your meet up spot.
Skis and Boots: Bring your alpine touring setup, making sure they're in tiptop shape.
Climbing Skins: Essential for those uphill treks and icy encounters.
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Avalanche Safety Gear: A modern transceiver, shovel, and probe non-negotiables for mountain safety, ski crampons may be necessary, your guide will let you know.
Layered Attire: The weather can be as unpredictable as a mystery novel, so come prepared with layers. Waterproof and breathable outerlayers, with warm midlayers are best.
Accessories: A pair of trusty gloves, a warm hat, and don't forget those sunglasses the snow's glare has no mercy.
Snacks and Hydration: Energy bars and water(1L+) because no one likes a hangry adventurer.
Sunscreen: The mountain sun can be deceiving. Protect that radiant skin of yours!
Training:
Turn those noodles into muscles! The mountains are a stage, and you're the star - so let's get you ready for the performance. You'll want to be ready for a minimum of 1000m/ per day
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Equipment Familiarity:
Know thy gear, know thyself. A bond between an adventurer and their equipment is as sacred as the mountains themselves.
Risks Understanding:
Keep an eye on the avalanche hazards at AvCan. before you're trip.
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Terrain and Weather Wisdom:
Know what you're comfortable in. Know what you are not. Let us know and we can make sure you end up in the type of terrain you're most stoked on.
Weather Check: We've got our eyes on the skies and will keep you updated on the weather to expect.
Safety First: Rest assured, our guides are well-versed in all safety protocols. You're in capable hands.
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Group Gear: Worry not, we've got the group gear covered, including emergency tarps, repair kits, and first aid essentials. We're all about that 'safety first' life.
Day touring gear list...
Day touring
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Skis/Splitboard
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Poles
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Skins - in your pack
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Boots - on your feet
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Daypack - Max 40L
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Avalanche Probe - 300cm
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Shovel
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Avalanche Transceiver - 3 antennae required and extra batteries
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Helmet - wear it, saves space in the helicopter​
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Long underwear/undershirt
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Outer jacket/pants - GORE-TEX style shell, light with waterproofing
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Light down jacket
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Thin touring jacket - protects from elements, breathable
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Gloves - 2 pairs, thin pair for uptrack/thick pair for the down
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Head gear - ball cap and toque
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Goggles and sunglasses
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Lunch - 1000 calorie minimum
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Water - 1 litre minimum
*this is not an extensive list, if you also bring other things when touring yourself please pack them.
Golden
Getting Here
Golden is located approximately 3 hours west of Calgary International Airport. There are (limited) shuttles available. However, rental car companies and apps such as Turo provide additional options for the commute.
Remember to ensure your car (rental or personal) has winter tires as they are mandatory in BC. Again, please check drivebc.ca well in advance for highway updates and closures and be sure to give yourself time for unforeseen winter driving circumstances.
Eating
Our favourite restaurants in no particular order are:
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1122: fancier, but with a great early bird deal
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Whitetooth Brewery - great beer (order in from local pizza place)
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Resposados - tacos, margaritas and churros
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The Wolf's Den - pub vibes with every burger under the sun