Risk, Dangers and Hazards
Catskiing is wilderness skiing and riding in an uncontrolled and wild mountain environment. While we strive to continuously maintain our safety record through risk management and ongoing training and professional development, participating in catskiing exposes participants to many risks, dangers and hazards that could result in personal injury, death, property damage, or loss therefrom. A non-exhaustive list of the risks, dangers and hazards is set out in the waiver, and more details on the risks, dangers and hazards can be reviewed at Helicat Canada Safety & Risk Awareness. Please review these carefully.
Participating in catskiing is strictly voluntary and by participating, all guests freely accept and fully assume all risks, dangers and hazards of participating in catskiing and the possibility of personal injury, death, property damage or loss resulting therefrom. All guests must sign our waiver in order to participate in catskiing.
The Mountain Team
At Island Lake, a guide, a tail guide and a snow-cat driver accompany each group. Our guides are professionally certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and/or the Canadian Ski Guide Association. The tail guides have advanced first aid training and, at a minimum, Canadian Avalanche Association Level One Operations certification. Both guides and tail guides participate in ongoing training sessions, and remain current with practices found elsewhere in the industry. Island Lake Lodge snow-cat drivers take part in pre-season training that includes avalanche awareness, rescue and driving training.
The Safety Program
All guides and snow-cat drivers participate in daily meetings where field hazards and weather are assessed. Check out our Conditions and Webcams page for the latest updates. Island Lake Lodge subscribes to the Canadian Avalanche Association Information Exchange (InfoEx). This daily exchange of technical avalanche, terrain, snow and weather data, along with detailed hazard assessments, improves the team’s awareness of the local conditions and conditions across Western Canada.
Each day, the snow safety team, consisting of two guides, gathers field information and assesses snow stability. They work together with the road builder to open new terrain. As part of the program, our team uses explosives to test slopes and artificially trigger avalanches.
All guides, cat drivers and lodge staff carry radios during operating hours and maintain regular communication. Weather and snow conditions are continually monitored throughout the day and shape the team’s decisions.
Island Lake Lodge is a member of HeliCat Canada. As a member, we are required to meet a strict set of safety standards and operating procedures.
Guest Safety Briefing
On the first morning of the tour, guests participate in a mandatory safety briefing which includes a briefing on current conditions and hazards, instructions on the use of their safety equipment (radio, avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe) and tree well and avalanche rescue training.
- Radios - Every guest carries a handheld two-way radio. This means they are always able to communicate with their group and guide, no matter where they are in the terrain.
- Guest Pack - Everyone wears a small guest pack that holds a shovel, probe and avalanche rescue response card.
- Transceivers - Guests are provided with a Barryvox avalanche transceiver and receive detailed instructions on how to use the transceiver in the event of an emergency.
Emergency Response
All members of the guiding team and many other staff are trained in emergency response and possess advanced first aid certification. Each guide carries rescue and first aid equipment and each snow-cat is equipped with extra rescue equipment, including a toboggan. Additional rescue equipment is kept at the lodge. Should a guest experience an injury or medical situation during a trip, our first aid team will assess the guest and determine the next steps for managing the situation.
Personal Health and Fitness
We ask that guests arrive healthy and fit for their catskiing trip. Pre-trip conditioning and having the stamina to comfortably ski or ride consecutive days in a row will help guests have the best experience possible.
When catskiing, if a guest begins to feel tired, they should let their guiding team know as they can comfortably sit runs out in the snowcat or arrangements can be made for their return to the lodge.
Our lodge hosts a morning stretch class and has a modern, skier-specific gym facility. As well, we have onsite massage therapists and a spa facility to help rest and restore each evening.
Snowcat Skiers/Riders are expected to:
- Actively listen to and participate in all Safety Training
- Never participate in catski activities while impaired from drugs or alcohol
- Listen to and follow instructions from guides and drivers. Ask questions if you are uncertain
- Always ski/ride with a partner
- Arrive healthy and fit for your trip