Golden Alpine Holidays Sunrise Lodge Ski Trip

Day 1 – Helicopter Access & Welcome to Sunrise Lodge

• Meet the Golden Alpine Holidays team 40 minutes north of Golden, British Columbia at their helicopter staging area for a helicopter briefing and organizing of gear. Light breakfast and snacks will be provided and there is a hanger with wood stove to stay warm while we wait for our ride.
• Board the helicopter for a scenic flight into the Sunrise Lodge
• Settle into Sunrise Lodge, go over a lodge orientation with the hut keeper and enjoy buffet style lunch and get ready for an afternoon tour.
• Head out for an afternoon warm-up tour to stretch the legs, dial in equipment, and get acquainted with the surrounding terrain.
• Return to the lodge for hot soup and a hearty chef-prepared dinner, and a briefing on the next day's objectives. Enjoy a sauna or relax in the lodge.

Day 2 – Explore the Tenure

• Fuel up with a hot breakfast before departing directly from the lodge. We will split up in teams and explore the tenure around Sunrise Lodge.
• Stop for a scenic lunch in the mountains before continuing to new zones selected for the day's conditions. We will pack a lunch each day.
• Return to the lodge for après, dinner, and relaxation in the sauna.

Day 3 – Glades, Tree Skiing & Ridge lines

• Venture into a new sector of the tenure featuring perfectly spaced old-growth glades and sheltered tree skiing.
• Enjoy long powder runs that provide excellent skiing even during storms or lower visibility.
• Guides tailor the day's objectives to the group's ability and goals.
• Return to the lodge for another outstanding meal and an evening spent sharing stories from the day.

Day 4 – Big Mountain Touring

• Set out for one of the larger objectives within the Esplanade Range, taking advantage of quality conditions for longer tours and bigger descents.
• Climb to panoramic alpine viewpoints before enjoying sustained runs through open bowls, glaciated terrain, or steep alpine faces depending on conditions.
• Celebrate the final full day of skiing with a memorable dinner and a relaxed evening at the lodge.

Day 5 – Final Powder Turns & Departure

• Enjoy breakfast before packing your gear for departure.
• Wait for instructions on boarding the helicopter. We will exit in 2-3 flights.
• Say goodbye to the mountains before returning to town with unforgettable memories of one of British Columbia's premier backcountry ski lodge experiences.

Booking your lodge trip through The Mountain Guides means you'll experience more than just incredible skiing you'll join a professionally led expedition focused on helping you get the most out of every day in the mountains. Our experienced AMGA certified guides work alongside the lodge's operations to provide personalized coaching, movement efficiency, terrain assessment, all custom tailored to your goals. We intentionally keep our groups small, allowing for more individual attention, flexible decision-making, and an exceptional guest experience both on and off the skin track. Before you even arrive in British Columbia, our team helps you prepare with gear recommendations and trip planning, ensuring you're confident and ready for the adventure ahead. From your first conversation with our office through your final powder run, The Mountain Guides deliver the personalized service, technical expertise, and mountain leadership that have made us a trusted choice for backcountry skiers seeking world-class lodge-based ski touring experiences.

Nestled in the rugged Esplanade Range of southeastern British Columbia, Sunrise Lodge provides access to more than 50,000 acres of diverse backcountry ski terrain renowned for its reliable snowfall and exceptional powder. The terrain is characterized by broad alpine bowls, peaks, and perfectly spaced glades, and long, fall-line descents that offer excellent skiing in a wide range of conditions. Short, efficient climbs from the lodge leads to expansive ridge lines with panoramic views before dropping into sustained runs that can exceed 3,000 vertical feet. With a balanced mix of mellow alpine touring, playful tree skiing, and steep alpine lines, the Esplanades offer something for intermediate skiers to experts looking to enjoy 5 days of fully immersive skiing which makes Sunrise Lodge one of British Columbia's premier destinations for guided backcountry skiing.

Sunrise Lodge Amenities & Accommodations

Sunrise Lodge is a classic, heli-accessed backcountry ski lodge that blends rustic mountain living with all the comforts needed for an unforgettable week in the Esplanade Range. Located at 7,000 feet (2,134 m), the two-story wood-frame lodge accommodates up to 12 guests on guided trips and serves as a warm, welcoming basecamp after each day of skiing. Heated with wood and propane and powered primarily by solar energy, the lodge provides a comfortable off-grid experience while maintaining the authentic charm of a traditional Canadian backcountry hut. 

Water

Fresh water is sourced directly from Sunrise Lake, providing clean mountain water for drinking, cooking, and lodge use. As an off-grid facility, water is carefully managed, and will need to be carried from the source to the lodge.

Sauna

After a rewarding day in the mountains, unwind in the lodge's separate wood-heated sauna building. The sauna is a favorite gathering place for guests, offering the perfect opportunity to relax tired muscles, recover for the next day's skiing, and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the backcountry. The sauna can also be used to heat water for a shower.

Bathrooms

Sunrise Lodge utilizes two well-maintained outhouses located a short walk from the main lodge. While rustic in nature, they are clean, functional, and part of the authentic backcountry lodge experience. Sunrise is famously known for having "the best outhouse view" in the Esplanade Range, overlooking the surrounding mountain landscape. 

Rooms & Accommodations

Guests stay in comfortable, shared double-occupancy bedrooms with beds, pillows, and bedding provided. The lodge features seven guest rooms, creating a cozy and quiet place to recharge each evening. A spacious boot room with dedicated drying space helps ensure your ski boots, clothing, and equipment are warm and dry for the following day's adventure. The communal dining and living area is the heart of the lodge, where guests gather to enjoy meals, share stories, and plan the next day's objectives. 

Meals

Your stay includes hearty breakfasts, trail lunches, après-ski snacks, and chef-prepared dinners designed to fuel long days of ski touring. Meals emphasize quality ingredients, generous portions, and satisfying mountain cuisine. Most dietary restrictions and food allergies can be accommodated with advance notice please let us know of any special dietary needs when booking your trip. 

Pricing

$3,250 USD per person

What's Included

Your Sunrise Lodge adventure is designed to let you focus on skiing while we take care of the details. Your trip includes:

• Professional guiding services from The Mountain Guides at low ratios.
• Personalized pre-trip support, including equipment recommendations, fitness guidance, and trip preparation.
• Comprehensive trip planning and logistical assistance leading up to your departure.
• Round-trip helicopter transportation between Golden, British Columbia, and Sunrise Lodge.
• Comfortable backcountry lodge accommodations.
• All meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages while at the lodge. Our culinary team works hard to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions. Please contact us in advance to discuss your needs.

What's Not Included

The following items are not included in the trip cost:

• Transportation to and from Golden, British Columbia, including airfare, lodging, and ground transportation before and after the trip.
• Personal backcountry ski equipment and clothing (please refer to the equipment list for required gear).
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Travel insurance and trip cancellation/interruption insurance (strongly recommended).
• Gratuities for guides, cooks, and hut keeper.

Sunrise Lodge Equipment List

If you have questions about any item, please contact The Mountain Guides before your departure.

Required Ski Equipment

• Alpine touring skis, telemark skis, or splitboard
• Alpine touring or splitboard boots
• Climbing skins (trimmed and tested)
• Adjustable ski poles
• Ski helmet
• 30–40L backcountry day pack
• Avalanche transceiver (3-antenna digital beacon)
• Avalanche shovel
• Avalanche probe
• Extra transceiver batteries
• Lunch container
• 1–2 liter water capacity (water bottles or insulated thermos)

Clothing

Base Layers

• Lightweight wool or synthetic top
• Sun hoody
• Lightweight wool or synthetic bottoms
• Ski socks (2–3 pairs)

Mid Layers

• Fleece or light insulated jacket

Insulation

• heavyweight down/synthetic insulated jacket

Outer Layers

• Waterproof breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
• Waterproof breathable ski pants

Accessories

• Warm ski gloves or mittens
• Lightweight touring gloves
• Warm hat/toque
• Sun hat or baseball cap
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Goggles (low-light and/or sunny lens)
• Sunglasses

Personal Items

• Toiletries
• Prescription medications
• Blister kit
• Personal first aid kit
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Headlamp with fresh batteries
• Phone charger
• Battery bank
• Ear plugs

Lodge Clothing

• Comfortable clothing for evenings
• Indoor slippers (they have crocs at the lodge)
• Bathing suit (for the sauna)
• Towel

Optional Items

• Reading material
• downloaded movies (there is wifi from starling)
• Music downloaded to your phone
• favorite snacks

Equipment Rentals

Need equipment? The Mountain Guides can help arrange rentals for:

• Alpine touring skis
• climbing skins
• Splitboards
• Avalanche safety equipment
• Ski crampons
• Adjustable poles
• Touring packs

Please let us know well in advance so we can ensure the proper equipment is reserved for your trip.

Packing & Helicopter Guidelines

To maximize helicopter efficiency

• One duffel bag for lodge clothing and personal items.
• One day pack (30–40L) used while skiing.
• Wear your ski boots during helicopter transport.
• Wear your helmet in the helicopter to save cargo space.
• Attach ski poles to your skis.
• Remove climbing skins from skis before transport.
• Do not bring ski bags or snowboard bags.
• Pack beverages in cans whenever possible if bringing personal alcohol.
• Keep all luggage organized and clearly labeled. 

Getting to Golden, British Columbia

Your Sunrise Lodge adventure begins in Golden, British Columbia, where you'll meet your guides and the Golden Alpine Holidays team before boarding the helicopter to the lodge. Guests are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from Golden prior to the start and conclusion of the trip.

Flying to Golden

Golden does not have a commercial airport, so most guests fly into one of the following airports before driving or taking a shuttle to Golden:

• Calgary International Airport (YYC) – Approximately a 3-hour drive and the most popular gateway for Sunrise Lodge trips.
• Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) – Cranbrook – Approximately 2.5 hours from Golden.
• Kelowna International Airport (YLW) – Approximately 4.5 hours from Golden and a good option for travelers arriving from western Canada.

Driving to Golden

Golden is located at the junction of the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) and Highway 95, making it easily accessible by car.

Approximate driving times include:

• Calgary, AB – 3 hours
• Cranbrook, BC – 2.5 hours
• Kelowna, BC – 4.5 hours
• Vancouver, BC – 8–9 hours

Shuttle Service

During the winter season, scheduled shuttle service is available between Calgary International Airport and Golden, making it possible to reach town without renting a vehicle. Guests planning to use a shuttle should book transportation well in advance.

Arrival Information

Please plan to arrive in Golden the afternoon or evening before your trip begins. This provides plenty of time to check into your accommodations, organize your equipment, and attend the morning meeting without the stress of same-day travel. On the first day of the trip, you'll meet your guides for a gear check and orientation before boarding the helicopter for your flight into Sunrise Lodge.

We also recommend spending the night in Golden following your final day at the lodge before beginning your journey home, particularly if you have a long drive or an early morning flight.

Sunrise Lodge FAQ

Who is this trip designed for?

The Sunrise Lodge trip is ideal for intermediate to advanced backcountry skiers and splitboarders with previous touring experience. Guests should be comfortable skiing ungroomed snow in a variety of conditions and capable of touring for 4–8 hours per day with a backpack. While every day is tailored to the group's ability, a good level of fitness will help you get the most out of the experience.

How fit do I need to be?

You should be prepared for consecutive days of ski touring, typically climbing between 2,500 and 5,000 vertical feet (750–1,500 meters) per day. There is no pressure to ski everyday if you'd like a down day.

Do I need previous backcountry skiing experience?

Yes. Guests should have experience using alpine touring or splitboard equipment and be familiar with uphill travel using climbing skins.

Do I need avalanche rescue equipment?

Yes. Every guest is required to carry a modern three-antenna avalanche transceiver, metal shovel, and avalanche probe.

What kind of terrain will we ski?

Sunrise Lodge provides access to more than 50,000 acres of incredible ski terrain in British Columbia's Esplanade Range, including expansive alpine bowls, perfectly spaced glades, ridge lines, and long powder descents. Your guides select terrain each day based on snow conditions, avalanche hazard, weather, and group objectives.

What are the accommodations like?

Sunrise Lodge is a comfortable, heli-accessed backcountry lodge featuring shared double-occupancy rooms, a spacious dining and lounge area, drying room, wood-fired sauna, and spectacular mountain views. The lodge provides bedding, pillows, delicious meals, and a warm place to relax after each day of skiing.

Are there showers?

No. Sunrise Lodge does not have showers but the sauna wood stove can be used to heat up water and take a primitive shower.

Are there bathrooms?

The lodge uses clean, well-maintained outhouses located a short walk from the main building. This is standard for many remote backcountry lodges in British Columbia.

Is there electricity?

Yes, but only for basic lodge operations. Sunrise Lodge operates primarily on solar power with backup generators. Limited charging is available for small electronics, but guests should bring a battery bank for personal devices if needed.

Is there cell service or Wi-Fi?

Cell service is generally unavailable at the lodge but can be found at times on ridge lines. There will be wifi via starling at the hut.

How much skiing can I expect?

Most days include one long tour or several shorter laps depending on conditions and the group's energy level. Guests typically enjoy 2–5 runs per day with thousands of vertical feet of skiing.

What if the weather is poor?

One of Sunrise Lodge's greatest strengths is the diversity of its terrain. During storms, guides can access exceptional tree skiing and sheltered glades. When visibility improves, expansive alpine terrain and open bowls are accessible.

What should I pack?

Please refer to The Mountain Guides' Sunrise Lodge Equipment List for a complete packing checklist. Essential items include touring skis or splitboard, avalanche rescue equipment, layered clothing, helmet, goggles, backpack, and comfortable clothing for relaxing at the lodge.

Can I rent equipment?

Yes. The Mountain Guides can help arrange rental touring equipment, avalanche safety gear, and other essential items. Please contact us well before your trip so we can reserve the appropriate equipment.

How do I get to Sunrise Lodge?

Guests are responsible for traveling to Golden, British Columbia, before the trip begins. On departure day, you'll meet your guides for a gear check before boarding the helicopter to Sunrise Lodge. Round-trip helicopter transportation between Golden and the lodge is included in your trip.

What meals are provided?

Your trip includes hearty breakfasts, trail lunches, après-ski snacks, and chef-prepared dinners. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.

Should I purchase travel insurance?

Yes. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation, interruption, medical coverage, and emergency evacuation. Winter travel and mountain weather can occasionally affect travel plans.

How much should I tip?

Gratuities are not included in the trip cost. Tipping guides and lodge staff including cooks and housekeeping is customary and greatly appreciated if you feel they provided exceptional service.

Why book with The Mountain Guides?

Booking through The Mountain Guides means you'll receive personalized pre-trip planning, equipment consultations, fitness recommendations, and ongoing support from our experienced team before you ever arrive in British Columbia. Our professional mountain guides focus on creating a safe, educational, and unforgettable ski touring experience while helping you maximize every day in the mountains.