WINTER SEASON GUEST INFORMATION
Thank you for choosing to visit Sorcerer Lodge! The following information will help you plan for your trip. Please read it carefully, and feel free to email us if you have any questions.
TRIP PREPARATION
Getting to Golden
We fly early in the morning, so staying in Golden the day before your trip is highly recommended. In the winter months, road closures can occur at short notice for avalanche control work, icy road conditions, or accidents; being in Golden the morning of the trip puts you on the right side of Rogers Pass and greatly decreases the chances you miss your flight into the Lodge.
Where to Stay in Golden
Tourism Golden has a complete and current list of accommodation options in Golden: hotels, motels, B&B, hostel, etc. https://www.tourismgolden.com/
Pre-Trip Meeting Time
We hold a pre-trip meeting at The Big Bend Café at 6:15AM the first morning of your trip. Breakfast will be provided. The meeting is where we will review and sign waivers, and provides an opportunity for you to ask any last-minute questions about packing, ski conditions, etc. Immediately after breakfast, we will drive as a convoy out to our staging area.
Waivers
Backcountry adventures like those we offer at Sorcerer Lodge are conducted in an uncontrolled backcountry environment and can include activities that at times may have a higher-than-normal element of risk. We do our utmost to allow you to enjoy an exhilarating yet safe experience. Our trips are led by highly-trained, professionally-certified members of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Safety comes first. We strive to ensure it is a key component of your backcountry experience.
It is important that you be aware of the level of risk associated with your trip and the backcountry activities you are participating in. We encourage you to review the “Assumption of Risks” portion of the waiver where some of these risks are outlined.
All visitors to Sorcerer Lodge are required to agree to the waiver terms and sign a paper copy of the waiver as a condition of attending the trip. We encourage you to ask questions, and to seek legal advice regarding the waiver ahead of the trip if you have any concerns.
Please take time to review the sample waiver provided when you booked or download a copy from our website at https://sorcererlodge.com/waiver-insurance/.
Do not print or sign the sample waiver now. We will provide a double-sided paper copy to be signed and witnessed by one of our staff members at the pre-trip meeting.
What to Wear for Breakfast and the Helicopter Flight
Immediately after breakfast, the entire group will drive as a convoy to the staging area. To keep the morning on schedule, we ask that you please come for breakfast dressed in your ski gear. For the flight to the Lodge, you will be asked to wear all of your winter gear – Including ski boots and helmet – please make sure these are easily accessible in your vehicle! It is also helpful to have your goggles or sunglasses available for the helicopter flight – it is windy under the machine! We will provide ear protection at staging upon request.
STAGING
Our staging area is located at Rogers Road, approximately 45 minutes outside of Golden, up past Heather Mountain Lodge.
Here is a Google Maps navigation pin: https://goo.gl/maps/x36WMQiuuxGzTih5A
Parking At Staging
When we arrive at the staging area please wait for staff instruction about where to park your car. Parking will be alongside the road near the staging area helipad. To enable our snow removal contractor to keep up it is important we make sure that all the cars from each group are parked together. Parking at the staging area is historically safe but is unsecured; we recommend that you do not leave valuables or other items in your vehicle. If you have items with you that you do not wish to bring into the lodge please speak to our staff about locking them in the shipping container at staging.
Please wait for a staff member to direct you where to stack gear before placing items on the helipad, and to brief you on helicopter safety before approaching the helicopter.
Your Bags **IMPORTANT**
We prefer you pack using a small to medium sized duffel bag rather than the large hockey sized bag. Large duffel bags or suitcases (specifically the hard-cased ones) are awkward and often difficult to fit into the helicopter. A couple smaller bags are much easier to handle than one giant one.
EQUIPMENT LIST
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Avalanche Safety Equipment
All guests must use basic avalanche safety equipment, shovel, probe and transceiver, during the ski day.
Your transceiver must be a modern 3 antenna type transceiver, and you should know how to use it. If your transceiver is an older model, we can arrange a rental. Probes must be pull-cord or plunger type (i.e., no screw top probes). Probe length of 300+cm is highly recommended. Shovels must have metal blades and shafts. Plastic is not acceptable. Avalanche airbag packs are becoming increasingly popular. We support their use, especially the more modern lightweight models. They are not mandatory at this time. All participants are required to participate in a companion rescue refresher at the start of the trip. This is a great opportunity for you to practice your skills, re-familiarize yourself with your equipment, and ask questions of our guides during the first day of the trip.
Ski Equipment and Sharp Items
Please check over your gear before coming to Golden. Skins must fit skis, bindings must fit boots, boots most definitely should fit feet! If you have new boots, please try to break them in before you arrive – you’ll have a better trip! Please strap your skis together with ski straps (2) for the helicopter flight to the lodge. Poles can be securely strapped to the skis or can be separate.
Ski and boot bags you may use for airline travel should be left in your car or in our storage container at the staging area. They take up too much space in the helicopter basket for transport into the lodge. Ice axes, collapsible poles, or other sharp items should be packed loose with your skis and poles (i.e., not strapped to your skis).
Please do not attach any sharp items to your bags.
Spare Equipment
We have spare skis with alpine touring bindings and poles at the lodge in case of equipment malfunction or breakage during the trip. We also stock new skins for sale. If you are riding an unusual or specialized setup and wish to bring extra skis or other equipment, please contact us ahead of time – we can discuss what we have on hand and whether we think you should bring additional spares.
Glacier Travel Equipment
All guests should bring their own harness + 2 locking carabiners (or a triple acting carabiner with captive eye). Guides will provide ropes and instruction on safe practices for glacier travel. Ski touring type harnesses are most comfortable for long days on the glacier, but climbing harnesses will also work.
Rental Equipment
Limited gear rentals are available in Golden; greater selection can be found in Calgary, Canmore and Lake Louise. We strongly recommend booking rental gear ahead of time. If you are renting gear, please contact us ahead of time so we can make sure you are getting gear appropriate for the trip. Your ultimate enjoyment of your trip could be jeopardized if your gear is inappropriate or improperly fitted! Sorcerer does have a few pairs of great powder touring skis (with pin bindings) that can be rented with
advance notice. Please reach out to us if you would like to make use of these!
HITTING THE SLOPES
General Outline
Each day depends on conditions, destination, downhill riding ability, fitness, etc. Groups can be split if needed (depending on staffing), and while we try to take group preferences into account, the course of the day is ultimately the Guide Team’s decision.
Groups typically do 3-4 climbs / skis throughout the day, but on occasion it will be 1 big climb / ski. Expect a bit of both. It’s generally about 1200m to 1700m a day, with options for folks to have a shorter day and head back to the lodge early.
Joint Use Terrain
Sorcerer Lodge and Great Canadian Heli-skiing operate in the same region under a Joint Use Agreement giving each company exclusive rights to specific ski runs in the area. We communicate our daily plans each morning to ensure that both companies get the best skiing with as little interference as possible. Please call to discuss this if you have any concerns.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE LODGE
A Day at the Lodge
An average day at the lodge looks like:
- 7:30AM Breakfast
- 9:00AM Hit the slopes!
- Lunch Either pack something to go OR return to lodge
- Afternoon More skiing!
- ~1 hr prior to dusk Back at Lodge
- Upon Return Appetizers
- 7PM Dinner
- Evening Social fun-times and relaxation
- 10-10:30PM Bedtime
Bedrooms and Sleeping Arrangements
Sorcerer sleeps 12 guests in dual occupancy rooms. We supply all bed linens and pillows. Electricity is produced by solar panels and, in the depths of winter when sunlight is in short supply, a small generator. Devices like phones and cameras can be plugged in and charged as long as you bring your charging cable! Please make sure you bring slippers or lodge shoes. We have a supply of winter boots for walking outside.
Washroom Facilities
The lodge has an indoor pee toilet and is equipped with running water for tooth brushing etc. in each guest bedroom. Outhouses are located a short walk away from the main building.
Sauna and Bathing
A wood-fired sauna is located just a few steps away from the lodge. Sauna wear is optional but remember to bring a towel. The sauna is not equipped for bathing. There is a shower located inside the lodge, make sure you bring your own towel and soap!
Lodge Amenities
Sorcerer has several yoga mats and various massage tools (e.g., rollers and balls) for guest use. We also have a collection of games and books to keep you entertained after dinner.
Lodge Dog
There may be a dog present during your stay at the lodge. Please reach out to us if you have questions or concerns about this.
Communication
Sorcerer Lodge is a place for our guests to disconnect and go on vacation! As such, we DO NOT provide guest internet access. If you would like to stay in touch, we find that InReach or Zoleo devices provide an easy way to send quick check-in text messages to friends and family. In the event that family or others need to contact you, we are happy to pass along messages. Please ask
anyone who may need to reach you during your vacation to email info@sorcererlodge.com or call the office phone at +1.250 272.3394. Make sure they leave a voicemail if nobody picks up. In the event of a family emergency, we can facilitate phone calls from the lodge. Work is not a family emergency!
Alcohol
We do not sell alcoholic beverages at the lodge. Any alcohol you wish to consume will need to be flown in with you. We strongly encourage you to pack beverages separately from your clothing or ski equipment (a small cardboard box works well) to avoid the possibility of cans exploding or bottles breaking in your bag. Beer should be in cans (not bottles). Small kegs are ok, large ones will not fit in the helicopter. Contact Whitetooth Brewing in Golden for local beer. Please consider how much you intend to consume; space is tight on the helicopter and groups often fly in with more than they can drink!
Cash
We sell a selection of t-shirts and hats at the lodge ($30 CAD each). If you think you may want to purchase one, please bring cash with you to the lodge. You can also bring cash if you wish to tip the staff. Tips are appreciated but not expected, and any gratuities received will be split evenly between all staff working the trip.
Leaving the Lodge
On the last day of the trip, we pack-up, clean the lodge and prepare it for the arrival of the next group. The flight back to staging is scheduled for 9AM. If everything goes to plan you can expect to be back at your vehicle at the staging area by around 11AM.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Commercial Flights
Calgary airport (YYC) is approximately 3 hours away from Golden, and approximately 3.5 hours drive from our staging area. We recommend flying in at least (1) day prior to your trip date as the road can be closed / have delays for construction or avalanche control.
If you are taking a commercial flight to Calgary, we recommend carrying your ski boots, outerwear and day pack onto the plane as hand luggage. It seems that a few times every season someone has their checked luggage delayed or lost. It is relatively simple to find replacement skis, but much more challenging to find boots that fit and a full set of outerwear at short notice!
If traveling home on a commercial flight, we recommend booking these for the following day. We have a good track record for helicopter flights being on time, but we are still located in the mountains and delays due to inclement weather do happen! Sorcerer Lodge is not responsible for any impacts that helicopter transfer delays may have on other travel arrangements.
Ground Travel from Airport
Renting a car or hiring a private shuttle is the best way to get from the airport to Golden. Renting a car provides the most flexibility while in town, or for adding days to the start or end of your trip. There are several car rental options at the airport. Private shuttles are also available and can transport groups of up to 12 people from the airport, to Golden and our staging area, and back to the airport after the trip. Please contact us if you wish to investigate private shuttle options.
Missed Helicopter Flights
If you or your luggage are late arriving at the staging area and miss the helicopter flight to the Lodge, extra flights can be arranged at additional cost. If you experience travel delays and expect to be late, please let us know ASAP so that we can attempt to make the most economic arrangement for you. Any additional flights into the lodge are at the participants expense and can range from $800-$1500 depending on timing and helicopter availability.
Evacuation & Medical Insurance
All Trip Participants are strongly encouraged to obtain emergency evacuation insurance. If evacuation from the lodge or ski terrain is required, the injured party will be responsible for all associated costs, which will at minimum include a $1500 helicopter flight, and could run upwards of $3,000.
Typically, medical insurance plans do not cover evacuation costs. Emergency evacuation insurance is available:
- to members of the American Alpine Club at https://americanalpineclub.org/rescue/
or
- through Global Rescue at https://ss.globalrescue.com/partner/sorcererlodge/
Guests who are not BC Residents should also strongly consider obtaining a travel medical insurance policy to cover costs should emergency care be required.
Please check the terms of your insurance policies carefully to ensure they are suitable for the range of activities that are part of your trip.
QUESTIONS?
If you have questions or would like to discuss anything in more detail, please email us at: info@sorcererlodge.com
Phone calls can be arranged around our guiding schedule.