LOGISTICS

Guide : Guest Ratios

Guide to Guest Ratios on our Private Ski & Splitboarding Programs are limited to 1 Guide : 8 Guests at a maximum. However, this number may be reduced to 1:6 or even 1:4 depending on the remoteness and complexity of the terrain accessed on your itinerary, as well as the experience and certification of your guide.

Travel to GOLDEN

Our suggestions for your most efficient way to access the program venue from a variety of locations and international ports of entry:

• Calgary (YYC) to Golden:

  • Those Guests traveling from or arriving by air at Calgary International Airport: Your most efficient route to join us for a program start in Golden will be through our base in Canmore, Alberta, with approximately a 3hr drive from Calgary to Golden. A rental car may be required, though public transfers and other transportation options are also available to you.
    Find a travel plan here

• Edmonton (YEG) to Golden: 

  • Those Guests travelling from or arriving by air at Edmonton International Airport: the fastest route is via Calgary by AB-2 S and then Highway 1 to Banff. An alternative and more scenic route travels via Rocky Mountain House, then Saskatchewan River Crossing, turning south on HWY 93N and then Highway 1 toward Golden. A rental car or personal transportation will be required.
    Find a travel plan here

• Travelling from British Columbia: 

  • For our Guests travelling and arriving from locations in British Columbia: Please use the following map link to aid in your planning and arrival in Golden. 
    Our Meeting Point in Golden

Transfers from Calgary international Airport:

Transfers are available departing Calgary International, arriving in Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden. We'd suggest Golden Shuttle for a direct transfer from the airport to Golden.

• Golden Shuttle
   

Early ARRIVALS - Accommodation & trip prep

• ACCOMMODATION IN GOLDEN BC:

  • BASECAMP LODGE GOLDEN

• GEAR PURCHASES PRE-TRIP:

  For those looking to purchase gear and equipment prior to your course, we would suggest the following local Bow Valley retailers:

  • Vertical Addiction
    • Located in Canmore, Vertical Addiction offers a complete selection of technical climbing, mountaineering and ski equipment along with a broad selection of technical clothing. 
       
  • SkiUphill
    • Located in Canmore, SkiUphill is a collective of experience driven individuals each with their own history, knowledge and stories of getting out there and getting after it. They offer expertise in backcountry skiing, trail running, climbing and any combination of those activities all while offering the best selection of curated equipment. 
       
  • Monods Sports
    • Located in Banff, Monods is one of the longest operating outdoor equipment and clothing retailers in the Bow Valley. Monods has a large selection of technical clothing and equipment offerings.
       
  • Ortovox
    • Our Partners at Ortovox are known for their high-quality technical outerwear and are a supporting partner of C9G and our ski guiding programs.
       
  • Black Diamond Equipment
    • Black Diamond Equipment has been providing skiers and alpinists with technical equipment since 1989, and is a supporting partner of C9G and our guided ski programs.

Mountain Meal Program

Complete or partial Meal Programs are available as additional add-ons to all our Private Guiding Programs.

Dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Please contact our Program Managers at the office for more information on Gluten Free, Lactose Free, Paleo diets, or any allergy restrictions for your trip, as well as a complete pricing quote.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

Gear & Equipment Required will be based on your finalized Private Program Itinerary. Please find the following as a baseline for your reference. 

You will require one of the following travel equipment kits to join us on your Private Program. Items can be provided additionally to your booking at your request:

• Alpine Touring Skis
• Splitboard
• Snowshoes

In addition, you will require the following:

• Climbing Skins - trimmed to fit your specific equipment
• Ski Poles
• Daypack - IMPORTANT: You will require at minimum a 30L backpack
• Sunglasses (for the uptrack)
• Ski Goggles (for the decent)
• Lunch 
• Water
• Thermos with a Hot Drink
• Sun Screen
• Small Blister Kit or Personal 1st Aid Kit
• Small Repair Kit (optional)

Avalanche Rescue (Companion Rescue) Equipment - Available on Request: 
If you have your own beacon, probe, and shovel, you're welcome to use your own, providing it is in good repair and your avalanche beacon is a modern unit.

• Avalanche Beacon (3 antennae unit, must have been purchased new in past 4 years)
• Avalanche Probe
• Avalanche Shovel (metal blades only)

ESSENTIAL CLOTHING

This essential clothing list is provided firstly to help support a better quality experience for you while on trip.

• Base Layers - Either wool or synthetic, or a polypro base layer are the best options. DO NOT wear cotton base layers.
• Mid Layers - Wool, synthetic or polypro is are best
• Softshell Jacket or Gore-Tex Jacket
• Softshell Pants or Gore-Tex Pants
• Insulated Jacket - Large Parka style jackets are very important for the moments we are stopped during the field day. Down Parka's or Synthetic Down Parka's are a very important addition to your clothing systems for the course.
• Socks - Wool blend, no cotton

TRIP CANCELLATION & INTERRUPTION INSURANCE

The best method to protect your investment with us should unforeseen arise, requiring you cancel your booking, is to purchase a Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance Policy. 

Lifestyle Insurance has covered many of Cloud Nine Guests on trips all over the world, and we have first-hand experience seeing these policies activated by our Guests. 

Safeguard your trip costs and investment with us. Request a Quote from Lifestyle Financial.

Is this coverage required?

• For Canadian Residents, coverage is suggested but not required to register.
• For Non-Canadian Citizens, coverage is suggested but not required. It is strongly suggested that your policy includes Emergency Medical Coverage, unless you carry an alternative policy which will respond in the event of medical emergency.

WAIVER - Release of Liability & Indemnity Agreement

Prior to booking you will be required to acknowledge that you have been provided a copy of our Waiver of Liability Agreement for your review. All participants, or their legal guardians wishing to participate on any Cloud Nine Programs, must acknowledge that they have been presented this document, have read it in its entirety, and understand the agreement being entered into by signing. While there is no obligation to enter into this agreement with us, it is a condition of our service provision. 

    REVIEW OUR WAIVER OF LIABILITY HERE

Booking TErms & Conditions

Before you book your course, please review our Booking Terms & Conditions. We do not accept bookings without your voluntary acceptance of these terms. Please read carefully as these terms outline specific policies and guidance for both our staff and clients with respect to refunds, cancellations, rescheduling, credit forward, refund exemptions etc.

    REVIEW OUR BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS HERE

Book a free consultation

Book a phone call or video call with either of our Program Managers or with our Director of Operations.

This is an excellent preliminary step towards booking a trip with us. It allows us to better understand your requirements and needs for your desired objective.