The Backcountry:
Beauty, Risk, & Respect 

Black and white trail sign with directional arrows labeled 'TRAIL' and 'MARKER'.

A Legacy of Guiding 

The guiding tradition in Golden began with the arrival of the Swiss guides and continues to shape the community today. Golden is the birthplace of heli-skiing, founded by some of those original guides, and remains home to a strong and diverse guiding community. Today, Golden is supported by professional guides in heli- and cat-skiing, backcountry skiing, mountaineering, climbing, rafting, and biking. Guiding is still a core part of Golden’s identity and economy. 

Golden is a gateway to the vast, rugged backcountry. Popular backcountry activities include skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, hunting, climbing, fishing, paddling and camping. In the backcountry, safety is part of the adventure. 

Resources for before you head out: 

• Be a responsible traveller 

• Stay safe in the Backcountry 

• Take an accredited safety course 

• Travel with an experienced team 

• Hire a certified guide 

• Winter Permit System for ski touring in Rogers Pass 

• In the winter, check the current conditions at Avalanche Canada 

• Enroll in AdventureSmart training 

Two people walking with a dog along a trail next to a lake with mountains and trees in the background during daytime.

Literally and spiritually shaped by water and mountains, Golden is situated at the confluence of the Columbia and Kicking Horse Rivers, is grounded at the headwaters of the Columbia Wetlands (one of North America’s longest intact wetlands), and is surrounded by the Rocky, Purcell, and Selkirk mountain ranges. 

A promotional image for a story titled 'The Launchpad: Living in Golden, BC' featuring two women sitting and talking on a bench in a scenic location with mountains, trees, street lamps, and a green-roofed structure in the background. The photo is credited to Dave Best.

Keep the Launchpad Handy

Download a PDF of the Guide