Why Upgrading Your Day is the Best Deal IN THE WORLD for an Experienced Certified Ski Guide.
- Ben Johns
- Mar 29
- 4 min read
If you’re one of the passholders who regularly upgrades your day and understands the program’s structure — this post isn’t for you. You get it. You know that upgrading is where the value truly lives.
But, if you’re new to the Aurora Backcountry Pass or haven’t looked closely at the numbers, it’s time to pull out a calculator.
The Real Economics of a Backcountry Day with a Certified Ski Guide
Here’s what each passholder pays per day depending on their pass type:
Day Pass: $240
Sea to Sky Pass: $177 per day
Rec Pass: $157 per day
Enthusiast Pass: $135 per day
Full Season Pass: $114 per day
Now consider this:
When a Certified ACMG Ski Guides works for another Company as a Contractor, they get paid between $450 - $550 per day.
The average cost of a private guide to the customer in British Columbia is $800–$950 per day.
With the Aurora Backcountry Pass, it’s only when a group of 3 or more books the same day, or when someone upgrades the day for total of $200, that the day runs. That means on these days, the program actually loses money.
In fact, if a single person buys a day pass for $240, waits for the best conditions, then upgrades for $200, they get:
A fully certified private ski guide
At a total cost of $440!!
That’s less than half the price of hiring a private ski guide anywhere else in Canada or the World. Like we said earlier the average cost of a private day with a guide in British Columbia is $800–$950.
Let that sink in.
What You Get When You Upgrade
Let’s break it down again... When you upgrade your day for $200, this is what you SAVE:
Pass Type | Pass Cost per Day | Upgrade Cost | Total Cost (w/ Upgrade) | Price Difference vs. $850 Guide |
Day Pass | $240.00 | $200 | $440.00 | $410.00 saved |
STS Pass | $177.75 | $200 | $377.75 | $472.25 saved |
Rec Pass | $157.50 | $200 | $357.50 | $492.50 saved |
Enthusiast Pass | $135.50 | $200 | $335.50 | $514.50 saved |
Full Season Pass | $114.38 | $200 | $314.38 | $535.62 saved |
Refundable. Flexible. And Still Misunderstood.
Let’s talk a little more about The Aurora Backcountry Day Pass because there is some strategy that you should be aware of.
If you hold an Aurora Backcountry Day Pass and book a trip, you can cancel with just 24 hours' notice for a full refund. That means you can wait for the best weather and snow, book last minute, and still get all your money back if things change. No questions asked.
You won’t find that level of flexibility with any cat-skiing operation, heli outfit, or private guide in North America. This opportunity to you only exists if we remain firm on the term and conditions. You are essentially taking advantage of the total seasonal Pass Program but only committing to a day.
Other Options on Poor Snow Days
Yes, there will be days where conditions aren’t perfect. That’s mountain life.
But unlike a resort where you might sit in the lodge and drink beer, our program offers alternatives:
Mountaineering Skills
Companion rescue scenarios
Glacier travel training
Snow science and crevasse rescue
That means you still get professional training, time in the mountains, and value from your booking — even when powder isn’t on the menu.
Protect Your Investment with the Accidental Injury Benefit
We get it — sometimes things happen. An injury can keep you from skiing for the rest of the season. That’s why we created the Accidental Injury Benefit.
This is not insurance. It’s an in-house upgrade option designed to give you peace of mind if the worst happens. In-house means that we don't have an Insurance company that we rely on... we fund it.
If you get hurt, the Accidental Injury Benefit allows you to transfer HALF of your unused days to next season when you buy your New Pass. It’s one more way we’re adding value to your pass.
Learn more here: aurorabackcountrypass.com/injury-benefit
Behind the Scenes: Why It Matters
It’s easy to think that each day operates in isolation. That if your one day wasn’t ideal, the program should compensate you somehow. But the economics don’t work that way.
We break even across the entire season, not day to day. Some days operate at a loss, others balance out, some make money. The program only works when we stick to the terms and conditions and you trust the system. This is HOW we can justify
The people who try to get unused days transferred or request refunds because they didn’t "like the weather" misunderstand the fundamental deal: this isn’t a day tour program. It’s a membership-based pass that keeps certified guides employed, gives you unprecedented seasonal access, and extreme value.
The Passholders Who Get It
Some of our best members are those who book multiple times, upgrade smartly, and take full advantage of what’s offered. They ski the best snow on the best days, and they do it knowing they’re supporting the program and getting unbeatable value.
They don’t waste time complaining. They don’t ask for rain checks. They get out, ski, and send it.
And if they don’t like the weather? They book a rescue clinic or they cancel and book at a later date. They train. They grow, and they Save their money
They’re the reason the program works, and they are the reason we created the program.
A Message to the Community
If you’re part of the Aurora Backcountry Pass, we’re stoked to have you. But we all need to play by the same rules. This is a community of skiers, snowboarders, and guides who value each other's time and contribution.
Respect the program. Use your days. Upgrade when it makes sense. Don't underestimate the value of the Accidental Injury Benefit. And understand that what you’re getting is more than a day of skiing — it’s part of something bigger.
If all you are looking for is a day of guided backcountry skiing, and you're interested in being a part of the larger community please feel free to book our guides privately for $850.
Ready to Upgrade? Log in to your account and book your next day. If it’s looking like a solo mission, upgrade. Lock in a guide. Get the goods.
It’s the best deal in the mountains.
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