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Join Kootenay Backcountry Guides for a Guided and Catered Touring Week North of Revelstoke!

We are excited to have secured one of B.C best backcountry touring locations during a prime week in the Esplanade Range range for 2023. Below is important information about our catered guided week at Hilda Hut. This trip is currently sold out, however, if you are seriously interested in joining sign up for our waitlist in case there are last-minute cancelations!

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Vista Lodge Trip Summary

This zone offers some of the best access to alpine terrain from the middle of a beautiful alpine meadow at the edge of Vista Lake near the source of Schlicting Creek. The long days of March and the incredible alpine runs at Vista are the perfect combinations to finish your winter strong. The five drainages keep the variety of runs interesting, being the portal to the big alpine zones off Cherub Glacier to the west.

The lodge is situated at 2150 meters (7050ft) at the edge of Vista Lake, in the center of the Esplanade Range. It is a spacious two stories and can accommodate 12 guests in 7 private rooms (dual occupancy) with additional bedrooms for staff. The bedrooms are fully outfitted with quality bedding including down duvets. Vista also features a separate dining and sauna building, wood and propane heat, freshwater from Vista Lake, power and propane lights, an indoor pee toilet (two outhouses), and a stretching area.

This trip will be 7-full days of unforgettable touring. Guided by two A.C.M.G guides, fully catered by a backcountry chef, with three delicious and nutritious meals provided each day, bring your best apres cocktails to enjoy in the evening sun.

The maximum group size is 12 of your best friends.

This trip is currently sold out, however, life happens and sometimes people have to cancel last minute. Sign up for our waitlist below.

JOIN WAITLIST

About Vista Lodge

Trip Dates:

March 24th - March 31st, 2023
Staging:

50km North of Golden
Location:

Esplanade Range
Lodge Elevation:

2,150 meters (7050 ft)
Terrain:

Alpine, Open Bowls, Glacier
Group Sizes:

12 Guests Total

1 Guide : 6 Guests
Trip Cost:

$3,100* +tax

*additional charges may apply
Booking & Cancelation Policy

JOIN WAITLIST

This trip includes:

7-full days of touring (+two half days for transport)
Guided by two A.C.M.G guides
Fully catered by a backcountry chef
Pre-trip support
New and old friends on a trip of a lifetime

This trip does not include:

Gratuities for services (guides, custodians, chef, KBG)
Touring Equipment (*see info package)
Travel to and from Golden, BC

Vista Lodge Trip Details

Vista Lodge Info Package

For full trip details please download our Vista Lodge Info Package PDF. It includes information regarding lodge amenities, equipment and packing lists, staging and directions, etc.

Download PDF here

Fitness & Skill Requirements

HAVING AN APPROPRIATE FITNESS LEVEL FOR THE TRIP OR COURSE YOU ARE JOINING IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF MOUNTAIN SAFETY.

Fitness Level: Flying Squirrel

Flying Squirrels have been ski touring at least ten times and are confident they can put in a 6.5-hour day of moving in the mountains. They can ski or splitboard 1000 vertical meters (3000ft) on back-to-back days and travel for 10km while following a track. They keep in shape and want a normal day of ski touring, hanging with friends, and having a good time.

Ski/Splitboarding Skills: Flying Squirrel

Flying Squirrels have ridden powder in bounds and out of bounds and have had a taste of what deep powder can be. Flying Squirrels can ride tree runs but enjoy open bowls more. They are confident on a black diamond runs in bounds but cliffs and steep chutes might not be their thing. Flying Squirrels are mostly looking for a good time with their squirrel friends and can join most of our courses and tours.

Itinerary

Arrival Day: Mar 25th, 2023

8:00 am: Meet at the GAH Staging Area.
9:00 am: Enjoy a 10-minute flight to Hilda Hut.
11:30 am: Drop our luggage off at the Lodge & head out touring for the afternoon.
4:30 pm: Back at the Lodge for Apres, Sauna, and some R&R.
7:00 pm: Dinner.
10:00 pm: Lights out.

Ski Days: Mar 26th-31st, 2023

7:30 am: Breakfast (coffee is available earlier).
9:00 am: Head out the door for a day of ski touring.
4:30 pm: Back at the Lodge for some Apres and maybe a sauna.
7:00pm: Dinner.
10:00pm: Lights out.

Departure Day: Apr 1st, 2023

7:30am: Breakfast (coffee is available earlier).
8:30am: Grab a few quick ski laps.
1:00pm: Back at the Lodge to pack up.
2:00pm: Heli flight back to GAH Staging.

Vista Lodge & Terrain View

This zone offers some of the best access to alpine terrain from the middle of a beautiful alpine meadow at the edge of Vista Lake near the source of Schlicting Creek. The long days of March and the incredible alpine runs at Vista are the perfect combinations to finish your winter strong. The five drainages keep the variety of runs interesting, being the portal to the big alpine zones off Cherub Glacier to the west.

Staging & Directions

Staging Location: Golden, BC

Golden is 36 min from GAH Staging area. It is recommended to stay in Golden the night before this trip. Weather permitting, occasionally flights are delayed due to poor weather conditions for as much as a day, please plan accordingly

GETTING TO GOLDEN

Closest reliable airport: Kelowna 4 hours from Golden
Closest major international airport: Vancouver YVR

GETTING TO STAGING

8:00 AM: Arrive at GAH flight staging located 50 km NW of Golden BC

Parking is tight! Please do your best to CARPOOL with other members of your trip. GAH staff will direct you where to park so that you park with all inbound trips.
Put on your ski/snowboard boots and begin shuttling your gear to the helipad
At the Helipad place your gear with the lodge sign you are attending and flag all gear with the designated flagging tape.
Bring a bagged lunch and water for the first day in case of delays!!

9:00 AM: Helicopter will arrive and commence safety briefing, flights will commence after briefing

The typical plan is to fly in order, but this is always a moving target due to weather. It can feel pointless to wait and we understand that but to keep it moving in all situations is why all 4 lodges arrive at the same time.
Flight times range from 4-10 minutes depending on the lodge and weather

What's Included/You Need To Bring

WHAT IS INCLUDED

2 ACMG SKI GUIDES
Alpine Chef + All meals
- *Does not include breakfast on Jan 7 or dinner on Jan 15
Custodial support staff
All bedding – comfy mattress, sheets, pillows, down duvets
All bathroom supplies: toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, hand sanitizer
Non-medical masks, disposable gloves, Kleenex and hand sanitizer
Terrain map and catalogue
VHF radio and repeater system – we have a few radios to loan out on a
“lose it, break it, buy it” basis.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:

Backcountry ski gear including:
- Alpine Touring skis, Telemark skis or split board, skins, poles in good repair and ski boots that have been broken in
- Avalanche safety gear – transceiver, shovel, probe
- 35-40 L day pack (Balloon pack, Avalung, ABS or another avalanche pack - optional)
- Gortex jacket, Gortex ski pants or other snow repellent fabric, down or puffy jacket, base and mid-layers, 2 pair of ski gloves, toques, buff, ball cap
- Ski goggles, helmet
Thermos, water bottle (or hydration pack), Re-useable lunch sack
Toiletries, toothbrushes, toothpaste.
Extra socks, long underwear, and a couple of changes for the week.
Hut booties or sandals with non-marking soles for the lodge, deck, and trip to the
sauna
Comfortable clothes for wearing in the hut. Swimsuit for the hot tub and sauna
Mask for a helicopter rides and lodge use; non-medical paper masks are available at the lodge
Prescriptions, medications, and basic 1st aid supplies that you might need
Digital devices are pre-loaded with books, magazines, music, games or films.
Sunglasses, reading glasses, headlamp, writing pad, pens and pencils
Camera and charger; VHF or family band radios with charger
GPS (self-guided groups)

Before You Book...

View Waivers

Please ensure you have read and understood the waiver.

Your guide will go over the waivers on the morning of your tour or course, and you will sign in front of them so they can witness. If you are under the age of 19 you will need to have your parent or legal guardian sign for you.

VIEW WAIVER HERE

Booking & Cancelation Policy

PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE BOOKING & CANCELATION POLICY

Each guest must familiarize themselves with the terms and conditions and the information on our website. By submitting, deposit, or payment, you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions below:

Fitness Levels & Ski/Split Skills

Please ensure you have reviewed our fitness and ski skill descriptions

Having an appropriate fitness level for the trip or course you are joining is a critical component of mountain safety. Please rate yourself honestly and accurately.