Backcountry Skiing in Kicking Horse
Kicking Horse Resort Slackcountry is probably the most underrated and well-kept secret in terms of lift-accessed ski touring. The beauty of lift access is that you will be at 8000 feet at 0900, ready for your first descent, and your legs fresh for more vert. If you prefer purely human-powered, we can start at the bottom of the hill and work our way further north into the zones rarely accessed from the resort boundary. There are lots of options, from mellow open glades at the tree line to steep north-facing chutes and avalanche paths. If you want to explore Purcells even further, the heli-assist option is available.
If you would like to do this trip with more than 6 people please inquire through this form
Kicking Horse Resort Slackcountry is probably the most underrated and well-kept secret in terms of lift-accessed ski touring. The beauty of lift access is that you will be at 8000 feet at 0900, ready for your first descent, and your legs fresh for more vert. If you prefer purely human-powered, we can start at the bottom of the hill and work our way further north into the zones rarely accessed from the resort boundary. There are lots of options, from mellow open glades at the tree line to steep north-facing chutes and avalanche paths. If you want to explore Purcells even further, the heli-assist option is available.
If you would like to do this trip with more than 6 people please inquire through this form
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Anything from beginner to expert
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Simple to complex, from mellow runs, to steep couloirs, tree skiing or open alpine slopes
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We will send you a confirmation email with a packing list after we receive full payment. Your guide will be in touch with you at least one day before the trip starts. This is to answer any last-minute questions and to give the guide a better idea of what exactly you are looking for from your day.
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We will meet at 0800 at the Kicking Horse Day Lodge . We will go over the waivers, assumptions of risks, and hazards associated with the specific tour. We will go over the trip plan, forecasted weather, current and forecasted avalanche conditions and avalanche hazard. Every guest will be given a companion rescue refresher; this could be 15 mins or 1 hr, depending on your experience and proficiency with the avalanche rescue gear. We will aim to be loading the gondie for the first chair at 0900 (this time varies based on the season). We will most likely take the Stairway to Heaven chair afterwards, which will put us at 8000’ in the alpine and ready for our first descent into the backcountry. We plan on being back at the car no later than 1600.
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Certified ACMG Ski Guide (with Liability insurance, Parks Permit and Work Safe coverage)
Group emergency equipment (rescue toboggan, first aid kit, satellite communication device)
Pre-trip checklist for a safe and enjoyable backcountry skiing experience
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Ski touring/split boarding equipment, including skins
Avalanche rescue equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel)
Helmet, water, food for the day
Lift Pass (Your guide can get you a discounted backcountry pass)
