View of snowy mountainside from inside a helicopter

Experience

Safety

Our motto since the very beginning has been ‘safety first, then service’—and it’s always served us well.

Safety First, Always

Our focus on safety starts with our small groups. With a maximum of four skiers to every experienced guide, we’re in a better position to focus on each guest’s personal safety. Throughout the day, each guide is able to communicate more effectively with the group—for instance, about the features of a run—and to provide direct, personal care to every guest.

Of course, before we fly, we go above and beyond to ensure that you have exactly what you need to adventure without incident—starting with our two types of backcountry briefings: one on snow safety, and the other on helicopter safety. Each guest is provided with and trained on how to use the contents of their personal guest pack, a radio and transceiver.

Safety is Foundational

Sue Gould, our Director of Guides, has been with us for over twenty years. She leads our guides, who are seasoned pros certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides – This link opens in a new browser tab, Canadian Ski Guide Association – This link opens in a new browser tab and International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations – This link opens in a new browser tab—in fact, the average experience of our guide team is over ten years. Trained in snow safety, weather analysis, and emergency medical techniques, our team gets that a #BestDayEver is one that balances exhilarating adventure with your overall well-being. From these guides to our engineers to our accomplished helicopter pilots, you’re in very good hands—in our lodge, in the air, and on every run we do.

Man adjusting covers on helicopter blades

Safety Measures

Snow & Avalanche Safety

Throughout each day, our guides constantly practice snow and avalanche management as they analyze changing conditions and make guiding decisions accordingly. Each morning and evening, they meet to evaluate and discuss weather, snow stability and terrain based on field observations, as well as data supplied by remote weather stations and the Canadian Avalanche Association.

Safety Equipment

For your safety, we supply every guest with a Barryvox – This link opens in a new browser tab avalanche transceiver, which we’ll show you how to use before you hit the slopes. Our guiding team selected this transceiver because it’s easy to use and accurate. In addition to avalanche transceivers, each group carries a backpack that includes a shovel, probe, VHF radio, and a few pieces of additional equipment.

Airbags

Airbags are a preference for some, but aren’t used as commonly in North America as they are in Europe. There are significant differences in snow conditions and terrain; as a result, our guiding team doesn’t typically wear or mandate use of airbags—however, you’re more than welcome to use one. We have a limited quantity of Mammut Rockers – This link opens in a new browser tab available to rent at our lodge. Please note that airbags must be booked in advance.

Emergencies

Though extremely rare, emergencies can happen—and our team is well-equipped to handle them when they do. We maintain continuous radio communication between our guides, our helicopters and our base, and all guides carry extensive emergency gear in their packs and on the helicopter. If serious medical attention is ever required, the Golden & District Hospital is just a short helicopter flight away.