Handbook to Heliskiing
Heli operators have these things in common: snow, safety, comfortable lodging, and each of them consider they are the “best”. It is the latter that will generate the questions that decide the process of booking a heliski holiday.
Everybody’s best is graded differently, so really it is all about defining your best!
Whether it is deciding where to go heli-skiing; when to go heliskiing; what heli-skiing packages are available; what level of ability or what types of packages are offered, defining those answers are key to finding the heli-skiing operator that is right for the individual or the individuals within a group. And with mountain ranges covering 75% of British Columbia operators are put to the test when beginning their quest of building a successful heliski operation. It takes a serious amount of time before the slopes are open.
Where to find the heliski operators in British Columbia?
In the Skeena Range: Last Frontier Heliskiing, Northern Escape Heliskiing, White Wilderness Heliskiing, Skeena Heliskiing
Coastal Range: Bella Coola Heliskiing
Chilcotin Range: Tyax Lodge and Heliskiing
Cariboo, Purcell, Monashee and Selkirk Ranges: Crescent Spur Heliskiing, SilverTip Heliskiing, Mike Heliskiing, Great Canadian Heliskiing, Eagle Pass Heliskiing, Kingfisher Heliskiing, Bears Paw Heliskiing, Selkirk Heliskiing, Stellar Heliskiing
When is the best time to go heliskiing? Answer: ANYTIME! The season is divided into three segments - EARLY, PRIME and LATE
The EARLY begins mid-December and runs too early to mid-January. The early season produces shorter days with the possibility of lower rates. Operators report it is the deepest snow of the season. PRIME season, the days get longer and there is a mixture of blue sky and fresh snow. The LATE season usually has more sun than snow.
When should you book a heli skiing holiday?
There was a time that booking 3 – 4 months in advance was good enough but no longer. We now recommend booking a heliski holiday one year in advance to have the best chance of securing preferred dates because of roll-overs, date transfers, and high interest.
A non-refundable deposit is required to confirm the seat. Trip cancellation/interruption insurance can be your protection. Each operator will do what is possible to accommodate any changes that arise.
What ability of skier/boarder makes for a good heli ski trip?
Most seasoned skiers will know getting the most out of a ski vacation depends on a tailored fitness routine. It is not necessary to bean expert to go heliskiing but to enjoy safely you should be at least an intermediate level skier/boarder. In addition, you should be capable of dealing with the challenges presented by deep snow, helicopter transportation, and backcountry descents. If you are a solid intermediate skier or boarder then you are ready to go heliskiing.
Each operator expresses slightly different wording but packages are generally seen in 3 categories: Standard, Semi Private and Private with packaging and pricing stepping up accordingly
Standard 2> 7 days – 3 groups of 4, all inclusive from closest airport
Semi Private 2> 7 days – 2 groups of 4, all inclusive from closest airport
Private 5 >7 days – 4 to 8 individuals as one group and can be tailored to personal and group requests
Every operator runs their operation from a premium lodge/cabins with awe-inspiring views in every direction with the first run nearby. The majority of lodges are equipped with WIFI, some having better connections than others. Each heli operator creates an ambiance catering to a minimum of 12and a max of 36 guests.
Without professional assistance to determine the best-suited operator, it is a daunting task. The free services of Heliski Holiday will guide you through all questions and concerns resulting in an informed decision. We have had the privilege of being welcomed by the BC heliski operators for over three decades, and we are proud of it. Maintaining solid relations and industry expertise are how we can match ability, personality, and schedule while saving you a generous amount of time. NOW LET'SGET YOU HELISKIING!
Share your preferences with us and we will get to work taking care of all the details.
