self Guided ski touring

Groups are allowed to book Icefall lodge without a guide. This is normally a group of 16. Up to 20 can be accommodated at the lodge but there is an additional charge per person over 16.

If you have a partial group and wish to come self guided, there may be some weeks which will be available. Enquire for availability. Partial groups must use the catered option as there is limited space in the kitchen.

 

Self guided groups may be catered or self catered. It is recommended that self guided groups have the week catered. The additional cost is only 250/person for food, chef and all the preparation beforehand. Also with limited space on the helicopter, the experience of how much to pack is very useful. If the week is self catered, there will be a custodian at the lodge. The group will be responsible for providing meals for the custodian.

The price for a self guided week includes 4 helicopter flights in with an A-Star. The helicopter seats 5 people. There will be 3 flights in with 5 people and one with 1 person plus gear. There will be a weight allowance for roughly 4400 pounds in the 4 flights. If an additional flight is required, the group will have to pay for it.

There will either be a cook or custodian at the lodge. They will probably want to come skiing with the group but won’t act as a guide or offer advice on where to ski. 

For communication, Icefall has a radio repeater which covers most of the skiing area. There is also a satellite phone and satellite internet. The custodian or cook will have a radio but it is also recommended that groups have additional radios. These can be rented from Icefall but this must be arranged in advance.

Icefall Lodge is a long helicopter flight in. It is more remote than most other backcountry lodges. You won’t see or hear anybody else during your stay; no helicopters, snowmobiles or roads. This remoteness also means that outside help is not readily available. All self guided groups coming to Icefall should be prepared for self rescue in the case of an accident.

 

Icefall Lodge has complex avalanche terrain, cliffs, high alpine and heavily glaciated terrain.  It is recommended that all members of a self guided group be competent in avalanche safety, glacier travel and mountain conditions. All group members should all be able to assess safety for themselves. If the group is unsure of their ability or experience, it is recommended that they hire an ACMG Ski Guide or IFMGA Mountain Guide or go on one of the guided weeks. 

All guests on a self guided week will have to sign a Self Guide Waiver.

Self guided groups booking Icefall Lodge can use the Lyell Hut and the Mons Hut at no additional charge provided there is nobody else booked into those huts.