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Booking and Trip Logistics
What can I expect when I book a trip with Golden Mountain Guides?
Once you’ve booked, we’ll match you with a guide best suited to your goals. You’ll receive a digital waiver and trip confirmation. Your guide will call the day before to go over logistics, gear, weather, and answer any questions.
I booked online, what should I expect next?
You’ll receive a confirmation email from Xola with your itinerary. Your guide will contact you within 3 days of the trip to confirm details and answer questions.
Can I request a specific guide?
Yes! Check out our guides page and let us know if there’s someone you’d like to work with.
Where will we be meeting for my trip?
Meeting locations vary on the type of day you booked. Your guide will provide details during your call. For specific questions, email us at info@goldenmountainguides.com.
I’m visiting Denver without transportation. How do I meet my guide?
Let us know during booking. While we don’t provide transportation, Uber/Lyft can access popular climbing areas like Clear Creek Canyon and the Flatirons.
Do you recommend any hotels, locations, or camping near my trip?
Yes! Visit our blog for recommended places to stay near each guided area. (Note: Update blog with current listings.)
Experience & Fitness
What kind of fitness level do I need to rock climb?
Minimal fitness is required—just be comfortable on uneven trails. We can accommodate special needs; let us know in advance.
What kind of fitness level do I need for ice climbing?
–Clear Creek/Front Range: Low fitness, flat and short approach.
–Lincoln Falls: Moderate fitness, 1-mile hike starting at 11,000 ft.
–Vail: Moderate fitness, with a 5 lb pack and mountain boots.
What kind of fitness level do I need for mountaineering?
Moderate fitness. Expect to hike 5+ miles with a moderate weighted pack in mountaineering boots.
Do you accommodate special needs or medical conditions?
Yes, we strive to accommodate individuals with special needs or medical conditions whenever possible. We do not discriminate based on ability or medical history, in accordance with federal and state laws. If you have specific needs, please contact us in advance so we can discuss how to best support your experience.
What experience do I need to climb the Flatirons?
None! While some experience helps, our guides will choose an appropriate route for you.
What experience do I need to ice climb?
No experience is required. We’ll talk with you in advance about what to expect and how to prepare.
Packing & Preparation
What should I pack for rock climbing?
Depending on the type of climbing day, and time of year you can expect a few different items on your list. Please refer to our guide here.
Do I need insurance?
We recommend trip insurance and highly encourage medical or evacuation insurance for backcountry and alpine trips.
Do I tip my guide after a trip?
Tips are appreciated but not required. A typical tip is 10–20% of the trip cost, based on your experience.
Avalanche Education (AIARE Courses)
What gear do you provide for AIARE courses?
We provide a Beacon, Probe, and Shovel for the course. Please let us know ahead of time if you need this gear. If you need to rent flotation for the course, you can either check out bentgate mountaineering, or Estes Park Mountain Shop.
How far will I tour during the course?
On day 1, you can expect to tour for about 1.5 miles, with 500 feet of elevation. On day 2 of the student lead tour, you can expect to travel up to 4 miles with 1500 feet of elevation.
Should I have experience with my backcountry gear?
Its always recommended to have some experience utilizing your skis/splitboard prior to this course. If this will be your first tour, please let us know ahead of time and we can assist you with any questions!
Policies & Payments
What is your cancellation policy?
A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. Full payment is due 14 days prior to trip, and will be charged to card on file unless otherwise notified.
– For cancellations 15 days or more prior to trip, deposit will be refunded minus a $50 booking fee.
– For cancellations 14-4 days prior to trip, no refund will be given. However, you will be eligible for a reschedule of the trip.
– For cancellations 3 days or less prior to trip, no refund will be given and you will not be eligible for a reschedule.
– In the event Golden Mountain Guides has to cancel a trip due to weather, safety concerns, or events out of our control, a full refund will be given.
Disclaimer:
We do not make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including weather (excluding situations where your guide determines it is unsafe to participate in mountain adventures), epidemic, pandemic, wildfire, civil unrest, and personal emergencies. There are no pro-rated refunds for arriving late or leaving a trip early. We strictly adhere to our cancellation policy to protect our ability to run mountain adventures and to maintain our pricing structure.
Do you offer refunds for bad weather or illness/injury?
Unfortunately we do not make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including weather (excluding situations where your guide determines it is unsafe to participate in mountain adventures), epidemic, pandemic, wildfire, civil unrest, and personal emergencies. There are no pro-rated refunds for arriving late or leaving a trip early. We strictly adhere to our cancellation policy to protect our ability to run mountain adventures and to maintain our pricing structure. Please refer to the cancelation policy for further details.
Can I reschedule?
Yes! If you need to change your date, contact us as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Are there group discounts?
Yes, private group rates are available. Contact us for a custom quote.
