Golden, BC is surrounded by vast expanses of ski terrain and fresh snow and is a paradise for the serious skier who is searching for the best mountains in Canada, champagne powder and every conceivable type of terrain and exposure. The Dogtooth Range of the Purcell Mountains is easily accessible from Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and offers beautiful backcountry bowls and nice ski touring options with great powder and is a backcountry touring gem. 

There are over 20 backcountry lodges in the vicinity of Golden, making it the highest concentration of backcountry lodges in Canada. Located throughout the Purcells, the Selkirks, and the Rocky Mountains, these lodges provide safe and exciting adventures in the mountains, especially if you're traveling with a group and you want access to beautiful backcountry experiences. 

These lodges can offer fully guided packages and put you in contact with certified ACMG guides for your backcountry adventures.

Avalanches
Avalanche season typically extends from November until June. Whenever there is snow on a slope, there is potential for an avalanche. If you choose to travel in avalanche terrain, come prepared with the right equipment and training.

• Check weather and avalanche conditions by visiting the Avalanche Canada bulletins online.
• Pack safety equipment and know how to use it before you go skiing touring. 
• Hire a guide or book your ski-touring adventure with a certified ski-touring operation.  For a list of certified guides visit ACMG.
• A winter permit is required in Glacier National Park/Rogers Pass. Before you go, be sure to find out whether or not you need a permit and what areas are open or closed.

Rogers Pass

To the west of Golden, Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park and Rogers Pass National Historic Site is one of the ski touring capitals of the world, boasting incredible terrain ranging from high-glaciated ascents to fantastic alpine descents with outstanding tree skiing. It is also home to the world's largest mobile avalanche control program. This means that explosive artillery fire is regularly used on mountain slopes to protect highway and railway traffic from natural avalanches. The Winter Permit System is mandatory, it separates skiers from these explosives and the resulting avalanches. Learn it. Get your permit.

What is the Winter Permit System at Rogers Pass?
Learn it. Get your Permit

All of the mountain slopes that face the Trans-Canada Highway and railway corridor are part of the Winter Permit System. Much of this popular ski-touring terrain may be closed daily for explosive avalanche control. You need to know where you can ski and ride to be safe from artillery fire. Learn more about the Winter Permit System.

• Make sure you check out conditions, pack your avalanche and safety equipment, and know how to use them before you go ski touring. 
• Check the latest avalanche conditions by visiting the Canadian Avalanche Centre bulletins online.
• Hire a guide or book your ski-touring adventure with a certified ski-touring operation.  For a list of certified guides visit ACMG.
• A winter permit is required in Glacier National Park. Before you go, be sure to find out whether or not you need a permit and what areas are open or closed.