Info

where to find ussled riding areas golden bc

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m going to be late for my tour!

All of our tours start promptly at their scheduled time. We ask that guests arrive 15-20 minutes prior to the departure time to finalise any outstanding payment and to organise gear. If you are 10 minutes later than your departure time, you surrender your tour in its entirety.

If you know you are going to be late, please call us in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you. We reserve the right to move you to an alternative tour on the same day if this is available so as not to impact other tour guests.

Getting here and ID requirements

We are located at 1500 Kicking Horse Trail, Golden BC across from the Kicking Horse Resort in parking lot #2. When you are coming up from town, we will be on the righthand side.

The Trans Canada Highway is currently undergoing major construction just outside of Golden to the east. At certain times of the day there are extended road closures. Please check https://www.kickinghorsecanyon.ca/construction/traffic-management/ to plan your trip accordingly.

We also recommend that you check https://drivebc.ca/ as this page provides information on current driving conditions and possible avalanche control work along your route.

We run on Mountain Standard Time. This is the same time as Calgary, Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise. Please note that this is not the same time as Revelstoke and the majority of British Columbia. We are located in the same time zone as Alberta.

All drivers are required to carry a valid, government-issued drivers license with them on the date of their tour.

How does the liability waiver work?

A standard waiver and release of liability is required for all participants.  A parent or guardian must complete a liability release for persons under 19 years of age.

Do you require a damage deposit? What is the security deposit for?

Due to the nature of snowmobiling, we require damage deposits and/or insurance to be taken by guests prior to their departure. Guests must bring a valid credit card to their tour. Please note – Visa Debit/Mastercard Debit cards are not accepted in Canada as credit cards.

Deposit and insurance information as follows:

Insurance
* We offer collision insurance for $25/sled which will cover you for any damages up to $300. You will be liable for any damage costs exceeding $300.
* We offer collision insurance for $50/sled which will cover you for any damages exceeding $3,500. You will be liable for any damage costs up to $3,500.
* You are liable for the full cost of repairs/replacements of the snowmobile if you elect not to purchase insurance.
* You are liable for any damage caused to any other snowmobiles (in addition to the one in which you are riding) as a result of your actions.

Full and Half Day Kicking Horse Trail Tours
We require an imprint of your credit card upon arrival for the tour or a $1,200 cash deposit.

Backcountry Tours (Intermediate and Extreme)
We require a damage deposit of $5,000 per sled upon arrival. If you purchase the $50 collision insurance, the damage deposit is reduced to $3,500 per sled. We hold this as a pre-authorization on your credit card, so please ensure you have this with you on the day of your tour.

Without a valid credit card or if we are unable to process the pre-authorization you will not be able to participate in your tour.

Rentals
We require a damage deposit of $5,000 per sled upon arrival. If you purchase the $50 collision insurance, the damage deposit is reduced to $3,500 per sled. We hold this as a pre-authorization on your credit card, so please ensure you have this with you on the day of your booking.

Without a valid credit card or if we are unable to process the pre-authorization you will not be able to rent a sled.

How does your insurance policy work?

We offer an optional insurance package to cover minor damages to a machine.  The cost is $25.00 per machine, which provides you with $300.00 coverage for any accidental damages. This insurance option is offered to protect the driver from the cost of minor scrapes, dents and breakages. For greater damage protection we offer a second option for $50 per sled, where you will be responsible for the first $3,500 of damage repairs and then thereafter all further costs will be taken care of by Rocky Mountain Riders. For Extreme Back Country Tours especially this package will reduce the damage deposit from $5000.00 to $3,500.00.

Please note – you are liable for the full cost of repairs/replacements of the snowmobile if you elect not to purchase collision insurance for any damages that occur. In addition, you are liable for any damage caused to any other snowmobiles (in addition to the one on which you are riding) if that damage is as a result of your actions.

What is your cancellation policy?

Can’t make your scheduled tour date? We understand that plans change (and that travel restrictions are frequently updating) so we would prefer to help you find a different day that suits you at no extra charge to explore the beautiful Columbia Valley on snowmobile.

If you do unfortunately need to cancel, our cancellation policy is as follows:

For cancellations made within 48 hours of your scheduled tour date, we reserve the right to charge 100% of the cost of your tour to the credit card you provided at the time of booking. Please call and email us if you need to cancel your tour.

Management reserves the right to enforce and/or alter the above policy at their discretion.

Questions for Snowmobile Tours

Will there be photos taken during our trip?

We make many stops to take in the view.  You are welcome to bring your camera and use it often to record your snowmobile adventure.  Please do not hesitate to ask your guide to take group or family photos – we are happy to oblige.  We also love to see your photos so please don’t hesitate to tag us and post them on our Facebook page or Instagram page.

You are also welcome to bring along your Go Pro as we have helmets available which these can be attached to. We have Go Pros available for rent as well!

Can I carry my backpack?

Your snowmobile can accommodate small backpacks and camera bags. We are happy to provide straps and bungees to secure your bag to the carrier.  Alternatively you or your passenger can wear a backpack while riding. Please ensure all zips, straps and flaps are secured when your snowmobile is in motion.

I’m a smoker. What should I do?

We respectfully request that you do not smoke while wearing one of our helmets – please remove the helmet to smoke.  Please also ensure all cigarette butts are discarded safely in the fireplace at the cabin or in an appropriate receptacle.

Is there cell phone coverage along your tour routes?

In general, please consider yourself out of cell range for the duration of your tour. We do however have limited cellphone coverage at points along the trail and at the lunch spot. We ask that for the experience and enjoyment of all guests, please keep cellphone use to a minimum during the tour.  You are of course welcome to use the camera function often however if you are a driver, please do not attempt to drive your snowmobile and use your camera or phone at the same time.

How do you ensure a safe trip?

Our guides are experienced in riding the terrain in this area and are first aid trained in case of emergency. Prior to the departure of your tour, the guides will talk you through how to safely operate the snowmobile. During your tour, you are requested to drive safely and follow the directions and instructions of the guides at all times.

I have some medical conditions that need attention. What should I do?

Persons with back injuries, recent surgery or who are pregnant are not recommended to participate. Please contact us if you have any questions or other concerns.

For all other medical concerns, please contact us prior to your scheduled tour date. If you are required to carry any medication or medical equipment on your person, please advise your guide prior to departing.

What happens in the event of “bad weather”?

Our trips are not weather dependent. If it snows, we sled, if it’s sunny, we sled. We don’t cancel any trips due to weather. Please come prepared for a day out in the snow!

If you have any questions regarding what to wear, please contact us before your scheduled tour date.

Do you offer free shuttle service?

Yes, for most of our winter snowmobile tours, we have a free shuttle service from Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, and Field/Emerald Lake to Kicking Horse Resort in Golden, BC, where our tours start. Adapting to new Covid-19 standards, masks will be mandatory for the entire time in the vehicle.

Our FREE shuttle leaves daily and we will come right to your hotel front lobby to pick you up and drop you off. You must let us know at the time of booking which hotel you’re staying at if you require a shuttle pick-up.

Please see more shuttle information here.

Do you include food on your tours?

This depends on which tour you book.

If you have any dietary requirements, we ask that you advise us at the time of booking. We have vegetarian options for all trips however we do require a minimum 24 hours notice to accommodate any dietary requirements.

Do you include snow gear for me to use on your tours?

We strongly encourage all guests to bring as much of their own gear as possible in light of the Covid-19 situation.

Helmets will be provided to all guests free of charge. Please bring a balaclava or thin toque/beanie to go under your helmet. We require a layer between you and the helmet.

For anything else you may need, we have gear rental available. As we have implemented new, stringent sanitization measures, we are offering gear rental for the costs noted below:

Snowsuit
$30
Goggles
$10
Balaclava
$10
Boots
$10
Gloves
$10

 

Hand sanitizer is available in the office as well as disposable masks if you’ve forgotten your own.

If you aren’t sure if your existing gear will be suitable, please give us a call ahead of time and we can help you decide.

For our back country tours, avalanche equipment is provided and included in your tour price. We have avalanche packs available for rent separately if you are renting a sled and don’t have your own equipment/plan to head into the back country.