Trip Planner
You’ve decided to visit Sorcerer Lodge! Now what? The following information will help you get organized for your backcountry lodge trip. If we miss anything or you have some more questions, please contact us.
Take a look at the waiver provided. You don’t need to print one off, or fill it out, as we’ll have them here for you when you arrive. Legally – you need to be provided with an opportunity to read through it ahead of time so that if you disagree or have difficulty with its contents, you can cancel your ski or hiking touring trip prior to traveling.
In the winter, highways into Golden are often closed due to avalanche hazard, challenging road conditions and motor vehicle accidents. Please check Drive BC to ensure there are no planned closures that will affect your travel and leave plenty of time for arriving in Golden. If you miss the scheduled transfer it will be an extra charge to get you into the lodge.
Transfer Day Morning
We meet at Ethos Cafe in the town of Golden at 6:15 AM on the morning of your trip. We will have breakfast and sign waivers here.
We will then convoy out to our staging area from here.
Please arrive for breakfast dressed for skiing- lots of layers are key! You will also be asked to wear your ski boots and helmets on the helicopter so have these easily accessible in your vehicle.
Packing & Misc.
We do not provide any alcoholic beverages, however you are welcome to bring some along with you. Bring beer in cans (sorry – but if you need recommendations, there ARE some good ones out there). Small kegs are fine – no giants. We can order those for you from the Whitetooth Craft brewery right here in Golden. We warn folks that alcohol spoils with loss of elevation and we are reluctant to fly much OUT of the lodge. So think about how much you take in… (we’ve noticed this effect is especially severe with good expensive scotch!).
Pack your “stuff” directly into your daypack and a small – medium duffle bag (60 litres max). Please avoid using the large duffle bags/packs and anything with wheels or hard sides, as they are awkward to handle and difficult to load into the helicopter.
We supply all sheets and duvets so you don’t need a sleeping bag. (BRING A TOWEL) Skis are best left loose (not in bags). Make sure that all boxes come with lids and are taped closed. Shovels should be loose outside your pack if they don’t completely fit inside with the hard edges all covered. Ice axes are left loose and will go in the ski basket for transport. People are advised to dress for skiing when they get on the helicopter so you should have your ski boots on and all other footwear packed safely in your bag. Your personal gear should weigh less than 35 lbs. We will weigh groups and gear at staging if we think weight will be an issue.
Feel free to call or email any time if you need more information. We are happy to give snow reports and condition updates etc…
Visit our What To Bring page for more information.