FAQs

Risks

There are inherent risks associated with the activities we partake in. We are in a remote, uncontrolled environment. It is important that you understand and acknowledge the risks by reading and signing a liability waiver. You will be presented a paper copy of this waiver to sign on the first day of your trip. Please contact us if you have any questions.

The waiver lists many possible risks. Avalanches are statistically the most dangerous for backcountry skiing. At our lodges, you are in a remote setting far from anyone else. This means that in the event of an accident, outside help will not be readily available. It is the group you are skiing with that you will rely on for rescue in the case of an avalanche. Guided groups do an avalanche training exercise to practice self rescue at the start of the trip.
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Other significant risks include tree wells, crevasses and icefalls. Tree wells are a hazard any time we ski in the trees. While the trees appear harmless, it can be difficult to get out on your own if you fall in headfirst. People ski in pairs while in the trees.

We often ski on glaciers unroped. A fall into a crevasse can injure or kill you. Having skis on reduces the risk of a fall by distributing weight over a larger area.
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Icefalls are unpredictable and can collapse or fall onto ski runs without warning. We try to minimize time underneath icefalls but other factors such as an injury or lost ski can increase our exposure time.

Access to the lodge is by helicopter. In the event of an accident, outside help may be prevented from reaching you due to poor weather for flying or darkness. 
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Guides try to reduce risk through terrain selection; the runs they ski and where they set the uptrack. They do not eliminate risk. They will try to get you the best skiing for the conditions during your trip. They do not have perfect information and avalanche forecasting is not an exact science.

You will be in an uncontrolled wilderness setting and there are risks involved with going on a trip.

Waivers

All visitors to the lodge are required to read and agree to the waiver. Depending on the season you are visiting, please be sure to carefully read either the winter waiver or summer waiver carefully as it outlines some of the risks involved in a trip. You do not need to print it out and sign it. All guests will be required to sign a paper version of the waiver upon arrival at staging.

Catering

All of our trips are catered. 
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Our food program is designed to fuel hungry skiers and hikers. Our cooks will take care of preparing delicious breakfasts, lunch spreads, snacks, appies, dinners and desserts. 
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Please remember that our lodges and cabins are in remote locations so we may not be able to accommodate all diets. Vegan diets and severe allergies are particularly challenging for our cooks so please get in touch with us early in the booking process to discuss your dietary questions / conditions. 
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BYOB - bring your own beverages

Communication

There is satellite internet at the lodge available for limited use, as well as a base radio and repeater. There is no cell service.

Helicopter Flights

Weight Limit
Because space is limited on the helicopter, we limit your personal gear to 2 small packs, each under 40 litres. Your combined weight allowance, including skis and beverages, is 55 pounds. Do not bring large, wheeled or rigid duffel bags. See the gear list below for required items.

Flight Duration
15 minutes one way, 30 minutes return
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Cost
Generally, the helicopter flight is included in the package. However any 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 designated day, you are responsible for your own accommodation 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.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Guests are required to read and agree to the waiver.

A deposit of $800 per person is required to book a trip unless otherwise emailed. The balance is due 4 months before the start of the trip.  
If payments are not received on schedule, Icefall Lodge may cancel your booking, in which case your deposit will be forfeited.
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It is recommended that you purchase cancellation insurance at the time you book the trip.
Lifestyle Financial offers insurance specific to backcountry lodge trips:

http://www.lifestylefinancial.ca/index.php/travelinsurance/blbca
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We do not offer refunds if you can’t make the trip. You are responsible if you miss your trip for any reason, including but not limited to, missed, delayed or cancelled flights, road closures, Customs and Immigration Canada, personal or business reasons.

Icefall Lodge reserves the right to cancel a trip, in which case you will be refunded.

You may have another individual go in your place provided they have sufficient skills for the week. If another person is taking your place on the trip, please inform us in writing. Any replacement is responsible for following the payment schedule in the booking policy.


Payment
For Canadians, payment by e-transfer is preferred. Bank transfer is also an option.
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For other nationalities we will send you an invoice through Flywire which you can pay by domestic bank transfer (cheapest) or credit card.

We do not take credit cards except through Flywire.
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Skiing Gear List

- 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
- Ski socks
- Camera
- Day Pack
- Water Bottle
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lip Stuff
- Goggles
- Sun Hat
- Warm Hat
- Gloves
- Headlamp
- Toothbrush
- Towel
- Hut Clothes
- Earplugs
- Drinks, preferably in cans not bottles
- Ski crampons may be necessary some weeks
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Please 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.

Hiking Gear List

- Hiking Boots; should be sturdy and waterproof.
- Gaiters; can be useful in the early season when there is still some snow on the ground.
- Hiking pack; 30- 40 litres is about the right size
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Warm hat
- Sun hat
- Gore-Tex jacket
- Fleece jacket / mid layer
- Spare socks
- Camera, charger
- Water bottle
- Headlamp
- Toothbrush, earplugs and other toiletries.
- Towel
- Hut clothes
- Collapsible hiking poles (optional)

Ensure your boots are broken in. Moleskin or second skin can be useful in case you start developing blisters.

Traverse Gear List

The key to enjoying this traverse is to pack light.

- Water Bottle
- Pack – 40-45 litres.
- Ski crampons – *make sure you have these they are not optional.
- Harness – light mountaineering style.
- Binners x2 – 1 locking, 1 non-locking.
- Skis
- Climbing skins – make sure they are cut to your skis.
- Skin wax
- Poles
- Boots
- Probe
- Shovel
- Avalanche transceiver – digital
- Goggles
- Extra socks
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen/lip protection
- Sun hat
- Headlamp
- Toothbrush
- Earplugs
- Light silk sleeping bag liner
- Pillowcase
- Clothes for the occasion

Please 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.

Ice Climbing

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