Golden in Columbia-Shuswap, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)
Skiing: resort, backcountry & heli-skiing
Golden Rules
| — | Pure as the driven snow | — |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 3, 2022
1. Skiing: resort, backcountry & heli-skiing Marker
Golden, BC is surrounded by vast expanses of ski terrain and virgin snow and is a paradise for the serious skier who is searching for the best mountains in Canada, champagne powder and every conceivable type of terrain and exposure.
Heli-skiing was born in the Bugaboo mountain range in Golden's backyard, and today Golden and Kicking Horse Country boasts 3 heli skiing operations and 1 cat ski operation offering single or multi-day packages, with or without lodging.
Recognised as the ski touring capital of the world, Golden and Kicking Horse Country has over 20 backcountry lodges offering a variety of multi-day packages for all levels from novice to expert skier to access the incredible ski-touring terrain.
Hire a qualified ACMG Guide for an amazing day trip into the endless backcountry surrounding Golden or from the famous Roger's Pass.
Just above Golden, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is known for its breath-taking views, legendary terrain and some of the best snow on the planet.
Erected by Tourism Golden.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Parks & Recreational Areas
this page online
Location. 51° 17.777′ N, 116° 57.795′ W. Marker is in Golden, British Columbia, in Columbia-Shuswap. It is at the intersection of 10th Avenue South (Provincial Highway 95) and 9 Street South, on the right when traveling south on 10th Avenue South. The marker is on the sidewalk at the northwest corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Golden BC V0A 1H0, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the BC Interior and in Thompson-Okanagan. Globally, it is in North America, in the Rocky Mountains, on the Ring of Fire, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 10 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: History of Mountain Tourism in Golden (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); Rivers & Railways (about 210 meters away); A Brief History of Covered Bridges (approx. half a kilometer away); Riverboat Tales (approx.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 3, 2022
2. Skiing: resort, backcountry & heli-skiing Marker
Looking south along 10th Avenue South. 9 Street South crosses in the background. This marker is on the north side of the interpretive kiosk.
Also see . . .
1. The History of Heli Skiing (Northern Escape Heli-Skiing).
Excerpt: Heli skiing, the ultimate adrenaline rush for thrill-seekers, has its roots deep in the rugged mountains of Canada. It all began in the early 1960s when Hans Gmoser, an Austrian mountaineer, realized that helicopters could be used to access remote and untouched powder slopes in the Canadian Rockies. Gmoser, who had moved to Canada to explore the mountains, started offering helicopter-assisted skiing expeditions for a select few. His innovative approach was the catalyst for an entirely new adventure sport.(Submitted on October 10, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
In 1965, Gmoser founded the first heli-skiing operation, Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH), in British Columbia. This marked the beginning of a new era in skiing, offering access to vast, pristine terrains that were previously unreachable. The helicopter allowed skiers to bypass long uphill climbs, opening a world of adventure that was unparalleled at the time.
The concept quickly gained traction, attracting adventurous skiers from around the world. By the 1970s, heliskiing began spreading globally, and by the 1980s, the sport continued to flourish with advancements in helicopter technology and improved safety measures such as avalanche transceivers and certified guides.
2. Heliskiing (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: The earliest record of heli-skiing is that of Canadian Philippe Bieler, who in the summer of 1953, while working near the Nechako reservoir in British Columbia, was dropped from the newly licensed Bell helicopter 47D-1 for a ski run. In the late 1950s, helicopters were used in Alaska and Europe to transport skiers to remote places. But the idea of commercialising heliskiing first came from a Canadian geologist Art Patterson. Patterson also used helicopters for his works during summer, however, he noticed that during winter time there was no use for the helicopters. Since he was an enthusiastic skier, he thought about using the helicopters to transport skiers to the top of the mountains. He teamed up with Hans Gmoser who was an experienced mountain guide and created a business together. They charged $20 for their first day of heliskiing, however, due to unfavorable weather conditions and a small Bell 47G-2 helicopter, Patterson decided the business is too risky and withdrew from the venture. However, Gmoser continued in the business idea and in 1965 commercialized the activity in Canada by founding CMH, Canadian Mountain Holidays, a heliskiing company which combined lodging, transport and guiding. The biggest growth in heliskiing was in the 1970s and 1980s, when this type of skiing became widely commercialized.(Submitted on October 10, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 10, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 10, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
