Our Current Project
April 17–25 | Sorcerer Lodge, Selkirk Mountains
Braille Mountain Initiative’s Sorcerer Lodge trip is a week-long backcountry adventure designed to give blind and visually impaired skiers and snowboarders the opportunity to develop mountain skills, build confidence, and experience a remote backcountry environment alongside other members of the blind and visually impaired community. The trip combines world-class backcountry skiing, avalanche education, skill development, and the unique opportunity to build resilience through difficult mountain adventure.
Sorcerer Lodge is located in the Selkirk Mountains northwest of Golden, British Columbia. Surrounded by wide open glaciers and alpine terrain, the lodge provides an exceptional setting for participants to challenge themselves while travelling with experienced volunteers and professional ski guides.
During the week, participants can expect full days in the mountains, with daily ski objectives selected according to weather, snow, and avalanche conditions. Participants will develop backcountry travel skills and gain experience managing the challenges of skiing with limited or no vision in complex mountain environments.
The trip is about more than skiing. Living together at a remote lodge creates opportunities for participants to share experiences, develop independence, learn from one another, and build lasting connections. Participants are encouraged to take an active role in the week and to challenge themselves in a supportive environment. The goal is not simply to provide access to the mountains, but to help participants develop skills, confidence, resilience, and a greater sense of what is possible. These experiences help shape how future challenges are conquered.
Trip Itinerary
April 17 : Calgary to Golden: The trip begins with a late-morning pickup at Calgary International Airport. The group will travel together by ground transportation to Golden, BC, where participants will spend the night at the Prestige hotel.
April 18 ; organize gear, sign waivers, and Fly to Sorcerer Lodge: In the morning, the group will travel to the helicopter staging area north of Golden. Participants and equipment will be flown by helicopter into Sorcerer Lodge. After arriving and settling in, the group will receive lodge and safety orientations and prepare for the week ahead.
April 19; 24 – Six Full Backcountry Days: Participants will spend six full days based at Sorcerer Lodge. Each day will begin with an assessment of weather, snowpack, avalanche conditions, and group objectives before heading into the mountains. Education and skill development are integrated throughout the week.
April 25 ; The group will fly by helicopter from Sorcerer Lodge back to the staging area north of Golden. Ground transportation will then return participants to Calgary International Airport in the late afternoon or early evening.
This trip includes:
- Ski touring and companion rescue equipment rental
- Food at the lodge
- Transportation
- Avalanche Skills Training 1 course
- Accommodation at the lodge
- Professional guiding services
This is not simply a guided ski vacation. It is an immersive backcountry experience created specifically for blind and visually impaired participants. Sorcerer Lodge provides a particularly powerful setting for personal growth through mountain experiences.
