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Logistics for Winter Trips

Big mountains, deep snow and long runs are what Icefall is known for.  Icefall Lodge is situated in a rugged corner of the Rockies 70 km north of Golden BC. Winter access is only possible by helicopter. You will not see or hear anybody else during your visit; no helicopters, no snowmobiles, just the group that you flew in with. With over 10 times the terrain of Whistler Blackcomb, there is terrain to suit all abilities.  To access this huge area, Icefall has built two satellite huts a day’s travel from Icefall Lodge.  The Lyell Hut is built on a rock outcrop and is completely surrounded by glaciers. The Mons Hut sits at the toe of the Mons Glacier with a 2500 foot north facing glacier run right out the front door.  From big mountains and huge vertical relief to glaciers and seracs and icefalls to powder and trees and bowls, Icefall Lodge has it all. 

Getting Here

Icefall lodge sits at 6300 feet (1900m) and is accessed by helicopter from Golden BC.  We will meet at the Heli Staging Area in Donald at 10:30 am MST (Alberta time) Sunday. There will be a helicopter safety briefing by the pilot  and you will sign the waiver.. We will then take a helicopter flight into the lodge.

Waiver

 All visitors to the lodge will be required to sign a Waiver. Those not using a guide will be required to sign a Self Guide Waiver

Guided Waiver
Self Guided Waiver

Payment

Payment is by cheque in Canadian funds. You can pay by cheque in foreign funds and you will be credited the amount received at our bank. This is less than the posted rate.

Communication

There is satellite internet at the lodge as well as a base radio and repeater.

Transportation

 

There is an international airport in Calgary. Golden can be reached by driving 3 hours west of Calgary. You will be responsible for your own transportation to Golden and from Golden to the staging area (20 minutes to the west). The staging area is on Donald Cemetery Rd. This is between the railway tracks and the Columbia River just west of the vehicle inspecrtion station. Note the staging is not on Doanld Rd. There is transportation available by Greyhound or a shuttle service directly from Calgary International Airport. Please do not leave valuables in the vehicles parked at the staging area.

Helicopter Flight Information

 

All winter trips to Icefall are fly in, fly out one week trips. 

  • Staging area: Heli Staging Area in Donald, 20 minutes west of Golden, BC on This is 20 minutes west of Golden on the Trans Canada Highway. Turn north on Donald Cemetery Rd, between the railway tracks and the Columbia River.

  • Weight limit: Because space is limited on the helicopter, we limit your personal gear to 2 small packs (Less than 40 liters each) with less than 40 pounds combined weight including beverages. Do not bring large duffle bags or packs. See the gear list below for required items.

  • Time: 15 minutes one way, 30 minutes return

  • Cost: Generally the helicopter flight is included in the package, however sny extra helicopter flights due to excess baggage, late arrival or special flights mid week are the responsibility of the individual.

  • Poor weather: If we are unable to fly on the Sunday, you are responsible for your own accommodation in Golden but will not be charged extra if you are unable to fly out of the lodge. It is good to leave a day leeway with any transportation arrangements especially flights.

Self Guided, Self Catered Groups

In addition to the items for all trips, you will need to bring:

 

  • Equipment for crevasse rescue. There is a 60m half rope, and 30m half rope at the lodge that can be used.

  • First aid kit.

  • Paper towels.

  • Hand sanitizer.

  • Toilet paper.

  • Garbage bags

  • Matches, lighter.

  • Tea towels.

  • Map of the area. This is the Rostrum Peak map, 82N14.

  • Newspaper to light the fire.

 

The lodge will be supplied with dish soap, bleach, and cleaning supplies. There are mattresses, pillows, duvets and bedding supplied. Please do not bring sleeping bags, as these are bulky and take up room in the helicopter. Pack food in cardboard boxes, do not bring coolers. Make sure that food boxes are packed efficiently. Groups often want to fly in half full food boxes. While this may be easier for organisation, there simply isn't room in the helicopter.

 

For Self Catered groups the total weight allowed in 4 flights is 4400 pounds. If an extra flight is required due to excess baggage or any other reason, you will be charged for it.

Gear List - All ski touring trips

  • Skis with alpine touring bindings.

  • Alpine touring boots with walk and ski mode.

  • Ski poles.

  • Climbing skins, make sure they are cut to your ski.

  • Avalanche transceiver.

  • Shovel.

  • Probe.

  • Gortex Jacket and Pants.

  • Ski touring or mountaineering pants.

  • Long underwear tops and bottoms.

  • Gaitors, unless integrated into your pants.

  • Scarf or neck gaitor.

  • Fleece or wool pullover or jacket

  • Socks.

  • Camera.

  • Day Pack.

  • Water Bottle.

  • Sunglasses.

  • Sunscreen.

  • Lip Stuff.

  • Goggles.

  • Sun Hat.

  • Warm Hat.

  • Gloves.

  • Headlamp.

  • Toilet kit.

  • Towel.

  • Hut Clothes.

  • Earplugs.

  • Drinks, preferably in cans not bottles.

Make sure you have worn your boots on several tours before this trip and that they are comfortable. If you have a problem with blisters make sure that you bring moleskin or second skin and apply it before problems develop.

Cancellation

It is recommended that you buy cancellation insurance at the time you book the trip. You may have another skier go in your place if you can't make the trip. We do not give refunds. You are responsible if you miss your trip for any reason, including but not limited to, missed, delayed or cancelled flights, road closures, Customs Canada, personal or business reasons. Icefall Lodge reserves the right to cancell a trip in which case you will be given a full refund.

Map Coordinates

 

51.8734N -117.1314W. 
1:50,000 map sheet 82 N14
Rostrum Peak 4 912E 57 470N

Explore with Google Maps

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