Damn straight, Colden can be a killer if you don't know what you're doing. I went up on skins and fatties with Rondonee last season - major work! I still have night tremmors thinking about the ski down (and I mean that in a good way).
I have the Slide Guide, BTW - Drew Haas is a friend of mine. I would say the only way to make any real use of it is with Google Earth. Find the slides and GPS coordinates and then plan your trip with a topo map. But as you say, going with a guide is best.