Golden, British Columbia, isn’t just another scenic mountain town—it’s the ultimate adventurer’s paradise. And for those looking to take their thrill-seeking to new heights (literally!), it’s also the ultimate skydiving destination. Nestled between the towering, craggy peaks of the Canadian Rockies and the Purcell Mountains, Golden offers breathtaking views that make the freefall experience even more unforgettable. Imagine soaring above the confluence of the Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers, looking down at Yoho National Park, iconic Banff, Glacier National Park, and countless jagged mountain ranges and thundering waterfalls stretching into the horizon in every direction.
Beyond the adrenaline rush, Golden is also a fantastic place to unwind after your jump. The town has several excellent dining options, spas, shops, easy access to outdoor recreation—other, less intense recreation, that is!—and comfortable accommodation at Kicking Horse Lodging, making it the perfect place to turn skydiving in Golden into a full adventure-focused getaway. From fueling up with coffee or a hearty meal to indulging in some well-deserved R&R, you’ll find everything you need to round out your stay in this stunning Rocky Mountain town.
Now, back to skydiving in Golden. Let's dive into all your most pressing questions and concerns.
What to Expect
If you're a first-time skydiver, you might not even know what to anticipate—but rest assured, the experience is designed for both beginners and experienced jumpers alike. And believe it or not, many people report that it's not nearly as scary as they expected it to be...once they're safely on the ground, of course.
After checking in at the designated drop zone, you’ll receive a safety briefing and gear up. This typically includes a harness and goggles (there are even usually special pairs for people who wear glasses), and some companies also offer helmets and jumpsuits. You’ll then board the plane for a 15-minute scenic flight over Golden, climbing to your jump altitude. When the door opens, the real thrill begins.
Tandem skydiving—where you’re securely attached to a certified instructor—ensures a safe and controlled descent. Expect a pure, exhilarating freefall for approximately 40 seconds before the parachute deploys, giving you a chance to soak in the Rocky Mountain scenery on the five-ish minute trip down, known as a canopy flight. Your instructor will guide you through everything from jump to landing, bringing you safely back to solid ground.
Best Time to Skydive in Golden
While skydiving is inherently weather-dependent, the best time to take the plunge in Golden is from late spring to early fall. The season officially runs from mid-May through September, with summer offering the most pleasant and stable weather conditions. Early mornings tend to provide the calmest flight conditions, with calm winds and smooth air. It's important to note that, especially in high-elevation mountain regions like ours, skydiving in the Canadian Rockies often means weather delays. This can range from a few minutes to a few hours and even having to reschedule for another day, but it's just part of the process.
One of the best options for skydiving in Golden is Skydive Yeti, which touts "the highest tandem skydiving experience in Canada." Thrill seekers can opt for the Extreme Altitude experience, leaping from 13,000 feet AGL (above ground level) for an even longer freefall. Not quite up for that extreme of an adventure? The standard tandem jump takes place from 10,000 feet. Skydive Yeti's season runs from mid-May through the end of September, and operates from the Golden Airport, alongside the Columbia River.
5 FAQs About Skydiving in the Canadian Rockies
1. Do I need any experience to go skydiving in Golden?
No prior experience is needed! Tandem skydiving is actually designed for beginners, with a certified professional instructor handling all the technical aspects. Your only job is to enjoy the ride. Well, technically, you have a few 'jobs' before that: book your flight, show up on time, trust in your instructor, and then have the time of your life!
2. What should I wear for a skydiving jump?
Dress for the season, but avoid bulky clothing. In the summer, wear lightweight, breathable layers, and in cooler months, bring a long-sleeve shirt or light jacket that zips or buttons up. In other words, you can generally wear what you would on any given day. However, there are a few no-no's: no loose-fitting anything, especially shoes and jewelry—there's a very real risk of them flying off and you never seeing them again. Sneakers or other shows that lace up are required; flip-flops, heels, or sandals are hard nos.
3. How long does the entire skydiving experience take?
Plan for about three to four hours from check-in to landing, give or take. This includes a safety briefing, gearing up, the flight to altitude, the jump itself, and post-landing procedures. The freefall portion lasts around 40 to 60 seconds, followed by a 5–7 minute parachute descent. Keep in mind this timeframe could be shorter or longer depending on your group size. The small planes can only take so many people, so they often make multiple trips of about 40 minutes total, coming back to the drop zone to pick up each new group.
4. What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
Skydiving is a weather-dependent activity, no question about it, and flights can be delayed or rescheduled due to high winds, rain, or low visibility. Skydive Yeti makes every effort to get you out on a jump as quickly as possible in the event of inclement weather. We recommend booking your jump earlier in your trip to allow for flexibility just in case you do need to reschedule.
5. Can I bring my own camera for the jump?
For safety reasons, personal cameras (including GoPros) are not allowed during the skydive. However, Skydive Yeti offers professional photo and video packages so you can relive the experience and share it with friends and family. Notably, this isn't a Skydive Yeti rule; it's a regulation set by the CSPA (Canadian Sport Parachuting Association).
