Our Team & Guiding Philosophy
Experience, expertise and an unwavering commitment to safety.
Risk Management and Awareness
At Retallack, our guiding cadre consists exclusively of certified professionals accredited through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) or the Canadian Ski Guide Association (CSGA). Beyond these technical credentials, every guide completes in-depth training in:
- Client care and risk management
- Advanced first aid and wilderness rescue
- Wildlife risk mitigation
- Operation of snowcats, snowmobiles, and helicopters
Snowcat skiing, snowboarding, and other activities that take place in wilderness areas involve the risk of injury. Please follow the link to familiarize yourself with the possible hazards.
Our Mission
To cultivate exceptional mountain experiences where safety, skill, and stoke unite — empowering guests to explore the backcountry with trust and exhilaration.
Risk Management & Awareness
Risk management at Retallack goes far beyond compliance. It underpins every decision we make.
AM Guides Meeting
The Mountain Safety Team reviews the latest weather forecasts, snow stability indices, and field observations.
We integrate real-time data from operators across British Columbia to maintain a comprehensive regional overview.
Daily Run List & Hazard Mitigation
Based on our morning briefing, we compile a “Run List” that balances guest experience with safety.
In low-hazard conditions, we open steeper terrain; when avalanche risk rises—due to new snow, wind loading, or warming—we shift to more moderate slopes.
Mitigation Toolbox
Ski cutting, cat pushes, and avoidance led by certified staff
Evening Meeting
Each afternoon, the team reconvenes to review observations, near-misses, and protocol updates, ensuring continuous improvement and unwavering guest safety
Our Vision
To inspire a global standard where risk awareness and pure mountain joy coexist in perfect balance.
Vehicle Protocols
We maintain a rigorous safety regimen for all mechanized operations:
Daily Inspections
Mechanics conduct comprehensive checks on every snowcat at dawn and again in the late afternoon.
Guest Briefings
Before boarding, guests receive step-by-step instructions on safe ingress, egress, and in-ride protocols.
Snowmobile Operations
For smaller groups or staff transport, snowmobiles are driven by personnel trained to the same exacting standards as our snowcat operators and helicopter crews.
Communications
Robust communication is critical in remote terrain. We employ:
VHF Radio Repeater
Covers the entire operating area, allowing snowcats to relay location and group size.
Starlink Internet
Provides on-site Wi-Fi for lodge operations and emergency coordination.
Guest Responsibilities & Preparation
Before departure, all guests must:
Sign a Release of Liability
Standard industry practice to acknowledge inherent backcountry risks.
Gear Up
We provide a Retallack daypack equipped with:
- Ortovox Diract Voice avalanche transceiver
- Shovel and probe
- Two-way guest radio
Guests are required to master the basic operation of this equipment during our mandatory safety briefing. Adherence to group boundaries and the buddy system is essential for effective risk management.
Additional Risk Management Tips for Guests
Weather Preparedness
Dress in layers, apply sunscreen, and carry extra insulating layers.
Tree Well Awareness
Always ski with a partner; practice rescue drills regularly.
Equipment Knowledge
Understand your gear’s limitations—bindings, helmets, and transceivers.
Hydration & Fatigue
Sip water frequently, have nutrient-dense snacks, and warm up before skiing to help combat fatigue.
Situational Awareness
Yield to uphill traffic, avoid blind corners, and keep the group tight.
Guiding Structure & Roles
Every backcountry excursion is supported by three dedicated professionals
Lead Guide
Oversees guest safety, liaises with snowcat drivers, adapts plans in real time, and refines protocols.
Tail Guide
Monitors the group’s rear, prevents stragglers, and alerts the team to changing snow or terrain hazards.
Snowcat Driver
Navigates safe routes, manages terrain transitions, and ensures guest comfort and cohesion with guides.
Additionally, Snow Safety Guides are deployed weekly to gather supplemental observations and feed data back to the Mountain Safety Team.
Continuing Professional Development
To maintain excellence, every team member participates in:
Internal Training
Advanced rescue techniques, risk management updates, and wildlife encounter drills.
External Courses
ACMG, CSGA, Canadian Avalanche Association, and PEAK Emergency Response Training.
Peer Collaborations
Regular exchange visits with fellow operators to share insights and emerging safety technologies.
Operator Premises & Liability
Our facilities—including the lodge, parking areas, helipads, and snowcat garages—present unique hazards. Please heed posted signage, watch your footing on icy surfaces, and refrain from consuming alcohol before engaging in backcountry activities.
FAQs: Communications at Retallack
VHF Radio
Full coverage across the terrain
Starlink Wi-Fi
Lodge-wide connectivity
We look forward to guiding you safely through the mountains!