Purcell Lodge provides doorstep access to a wide variety of terrain suitable for all levels of ability and ambition. There are opportunities for many different forms of self-propelled winter outdoor recreation. Following is a brief overview of the general types of activity at Purcell Lodge, as well as the equipment required to support it.

Cross Country Skiing
Telemark Skiing
Alpine Ski Touring
Snowboarding
Snowshoeing
Avalanche Equipment
Luggage Restrictions
Clothing Checklist

Cross-country:

For guests wishing to tour our endless scenic meadows, and traverse the gentle slopes of the high alpine plateau surrounding the lodge, normal cross-country ski equipment will be sufficient. This is remote wilderness, and we offer a genuine backcountry experience, so our ski trails are not machine groomed. However, qualified guide/instructors are available every day to make fresh trails, and take you on a new exploration. Even novice skiers need not be intimidated. You will simply be walking on skis and enjoying the stunning views.

Skis

Our snowpack is deep and powdery, so if you have a choice, wider touring skis will generally provide better flotation and stability. Ideally, you should look for skis with a minimum tip width of 50 mm. Narrow racing skis are a definite no-no. While ideal for backcountry travel, you will not require wider telemark or metal edged skis unless you intend to take some lessons to try your luck at the telemark turn!

Boots and Bindings

A more supportive "over the ankle" boot is always better (and warmer) than a low cut shoe. We strongly recommend a supportive, well-fitting boot. If you are renting equipment, the new NNN-BC boots and bindings are an acceptable option, provided you have a bit of patience while taking bindings on and off.

Other Stuff

Gaiters to seal the snow out of the top of your boots are a must. Remember to bring a rudimentary wax kit as suggested in the equipment list. Avalanche beacons and climbing skins are not a necessity, provided you plan to stay on the meadows. (avalanche equipment)

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Telemark Skiing:

A wide variety of nearby hillsides and longer "peak to creek" powder runs provide telemark skiing opportunities for both beginner and intermediate levels. More challenging high alpine terrain, and terrific tree skiing, beckon our more advanced skiers.

Skis

For the most enjoyable backcountry ski experience, both touring and on the slopes, we recommend traditional "downhill-width" telemark skis, with metal edges. Look for skis with a minimum tip width of 70-90mm, and a waist that is at least 15-20mm narrower. These skis offer good flotation, and turn well, without sacrificing touring and side hill climbing function. The newer highly shaped (hourglass) skis, and the fat ski options, are fine but you should be prepared to trade-off your touring and climbing comfort for the downhill features you are seeking.

Boots and Bindings

Most importantly, ensure you have a sturdy and well-fitting telemark boot of strong leather or plastic. For telemarking, we prefer 75mm boots and bindings rather than the lighter NNN-BC options. It is critical that your boots be comfortable and snug. No ski will perform if you are nursing blisters in the lodge. Make sure you match the newer generation of sturdy telemark boots, with an equally strong binding of newer design. We recommend cable bindings that also incorporate a front bail or loop across the toe plate.

Other Stuff

All telemark skiers should carry a good pair of nylon or mohair (not plastic) climbing skins, to ease your return from the bottom of the runs. Ideally, these skins should cover the whole base at the narrowest point of the ski. Remember to bring critical spares for your bindings and replacement climbing skin tip/tail fittings. Poles should be of downhill ski length, or be adjustable so you can lower your arms (and move your balance forward), for the downhill runs. Any skiers venturing beyond our beginner slopes will be required to wear a 457 kHz avalanche beacon, and should carry probes, and a collapsible shovel. (avalanche equipment) Finally, don’t discount the value of the mini-wax kit we recommend. It sure makes touring to and from the slopes more pleasurable when the grades are minimal.

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Alpine Ski Touring:

Our terrain supports some great high alpine tours, and has many challenging peak to creek runs and tree skiing. Typically, our guests on alpine gear join the more advanced telemarkers in search of the best powder on a given day.

Boots and Bindings

If you are a downhill skier, and this is your first backcountry experience, you can consider renting a binding insert such as the "Alpine Trekker", to allow you to use your existing downhill equipment while you determine your interest in more regular visits to the backcountry. If you take this approach, consider renting touring boots too. You’ll find your regular boots often have too much forward lean. If you own or are renting a complete set of touring gear, any of the alpine touring equipment in the marketplace is suitable. If you have a choice, lighter is better.

Other Stuff

Full-width climbing skins are mandatory, and a wax kit will also make life easier crossing the meadows to some of our more exotic destinations. You will also need a 457 kHz avalanche beacon, and you should carry probes and a shovel. (avalanche equipment)

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Snowboarding:

Snowboarding is becoming a popular activity in the backcountry. We recommend the "split board" as it is easier to use while travelling to and from the slopes, and it weighs less than hauling both snowshoes and a board. Remember to bring your climbing skins and a set of ski poles. For those using the full board, we do have complimentary snowshoes available, if you wish to use them.

Snowboarders must also be equipped with a 457 kHz avalanche beacon, and should carry a shovel and probes. (avalanche equipment)

Note: Snowboarders are reminded that space on helicopters is limited, and that snowboards occupy a considerable amount of cargo space. If at all possible we ask that the splitboards be seperated and if large bindings can be quickly removed. Guests are asked to let us know their snowboarding plans in advance, so we can plan accordingly.

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Snowshoeing:

This is a simple yet pleasurable way to enjoy the mountains in winter. All you need is a willingness to get out and walk awhile, and a sturdy pair of insulated, water-resistant boots. "Sorrel Felt Pacs" are ideal, provided they grip your heel well. The high alpine plateau surrounding Purcell Lodge is a magical place to explore on snowshoes, and our guides will be happy to get you started in this traditional method of winter travel. We have a fleet of high quality snowshoes for complimentary use, or you can choose to rent or buy your own. We recommend the new high technology metal shoes with hypalon decking and a good pivot buckle binding with snow "claws" for grip. "Sherpa", "Tubbs", and "Atlas" are good examples of this design. A camera is always a good idea, and we recommend you bring a downhill length pair of ski poles to improve your stability. Avalanche beacons and shovels are not required unless you intend to embrace more ambitious agendas such as hiking to one of our nearby peaks.

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Avalanche Equipment:

We have a limited number of avalanche beacons (Ortovox F1 Focus) available for rent. To avoid being without, you should reserve these from our office ($10.00 per day) when you confirm your holiday. All skiers planning to venture beyond the meadows must wear an approved avalanche beacon - either a new 457 kHz unit or a dual frequency model. All skiers and boarders must also participate in an avalanche safety orientation before heading out on the first tour. We strongly recommend backcountry skiers carry an avalanche shovel and probe, which can be rented at the Lodge for $10/day for the set.

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Luggage Restrictions – 30lbs (13.5 kg)

Helicopters have a very limited capacity. For your safety, we must limit your baggage to a maximum of 30 pounds per person. In the winter this does not include your skis, boots and poles. We cannot offer an overweight baggage allowance, since we also require cargo space for transportation of food and lodge supplies on each flight. Remember that dress in the lodge is very casual, and you will not need an elegant wardrobe. All linens, towels, robes, soaps and shampoos are also provided. We even have a hair dryer for your use if you need one. You need to bring only your choice of recreational equipment, some outdoor clothing, and a few personal effects.
Each person is permitted just one pair of skis and poles. We also recommend you wear your ski boots on the helicopter. Please note that some helicopters have a small ski basket that provides only enough space for one pair of skis per passenger, so we can never guarantee space for flying extra skis in or out of the lodge.

Type of Bag:

A single large expedition pack, or any type of regular suitcase, is not acceptable for transporting luggage in the small cargo area of our helicopters. Smaller, soft-shell bags (duffle bags) are better.

Outdoor Clothing:

We recommend synthetic clothing (such as polyester, polypropylene and fleece) because it is lightweight, does not absorb moisture, and is generally non-restrictive. Avoid cotton undergarments and socks – they absorb perspiration, become wet, and you will get cold. The key to controlling body warmth is to use thin wool or synthetic undergarments, and layer them. They can then be individually added or removed to control your temperature as required. A single big insulating garment limits your options. Your outerwear should also be very water-resistant and windproof, yet offer many venting options. It is best not to use an insulated outer garment while you are active. Save the down parka for lunch stops. “Goretex” (or similar) shell garments with venting zippers are ideal outerwear.

The easiest way to pack for a helicopter, and stay within your weight allowance, is to:

1. Organize your normal day pack so it is ready to take into the outdoors,

2. Come to the helicopter hangar dressed for a day of outdoor activities, and

3. Use a supplemental SMALL nylon sports bag to pack any necessary casual clothes, slippers, toiletries, and other items.

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Checklist – 30lbs maximum

We provide the following checklist to serve as a packing reminder and as a guideline to limit unnecessary extras. It should be noted that you will probably only wear your casual lodge clothing for a few hours in the evenings, so you really don’t need a fresh wardrobe every day. Remember that we also have a well-stocked bar with wine, beer, cider, non-alcoholic beer, and soft drinks. Reducing your precious helicopter luggage allowance by the weight of heavy beverages is not necessary.

Lodge Clothing:

One or two changes of casual clothing
Slippers or soft soled (non-scuff) house shoes
Pyjamas
Bathing suit for the sauna

Toiletries:

Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss
Personal grooming and sanitary supplies
Lip balm and sunscreen
Personal medications
Personal first aid supplies (band-aids, aspirin, decongestant, moleskin, lozenges, etc.)

Miscellaneous Items:

Eyeglasses, contact Lenses with spares
Sunglasses
Camera and spare batteries
Book to read
Waterproofing for boots
Money or charge card for miscellaneous purchases (cash bar, gifts)

Outdoor Essentials:

Daypack for your camera, lunch, spare clothing, waxes, etc.
Thermos (optional – for lunch)
Water bottle
Whistle (easier than yelling for attention)
Pocket knife
Matches/lighter
Toilet paper (and waterproof container)

General Equipment:

Telemark or cross-country skis
Boots
Ski poles
Critical spare parts for bindings
Rudimentary Hard Wax Kit (Swix or similar)
Wax (snow temperatures from -15ºC to +2ºC) 1 green, 1 blue & 1 violet wax (we recommend the extras, eg: “extra blue”)
Wax scraper
Wax cork
Telemark, Alpine Ski Touring & Snowboarding:
Avalanche shovel
Avalanche probe
Avalanche beacon 457 kHz or dual frequency with fresh batteries
Climbing skins with spare tip/tail fitting

Outdoor Clothing:

Synthetic underwear
Long synthetic or wool underwear
Synthetic or wool socks (several pairs)
Long-sleeved poly, wool or fleece shirt
Fleece or wool sweater
Ski pants
Waterproof, vented windbreaker, mountain jacket or anorak
Warm hat (toque)
Several pairs of warm mittens or gloves
Gaiters (zipped cuffs to keep the snow out of your boot tops)

Extras for your day pack:

Scarf or neck tube
Hat or bandana
Down vest/jacket or fleece to keep you warm during lunch breaks
Wind pants, or warm-up pants, also for lunch breaks on colder days

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