Handbook to Heliskiing
Heli operators have these things in common: snow, safety, comfortable lodging and each of them 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 what is your best!
Whether it is deciding where to go heli skiing; when to go heliskiing; what heli 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 broken into 3 segments - EARLY, PRIME and LATE
The EARLY begins mid-December and runs to early to med January. The early season produces shorter days. There is a possibility of lower rates and operators report it is the deepest snow of the season. PRIME season, the days get longer and there is a mixture of blue ski and fresh snow. 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. It is now recommended to book 1 year in advance to have the best chance in securing preferred dates. This is due to 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. If you are not able to make the date confirmed and a transfer is requested each operator will do what is possible to accommodate.
What ability of skier/boarder makes for a good heli ski trip?
Most seasoned skiers will know, to get the most out of a ski vacation a tailored fitness routine is a must. You don’t need to be an expert to go heli skiing, but in order to safely enjoy this experience 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 good intermediate skier/boarder who is able to ski/board every run in a major ski area you are ready to go heliskiing.
What types of heliski packages are offered?
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, usually all inclusive from closest airport
Semi Private 2> 7 days – 2 groups of 4, usually 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 in close proximity. The majority of lodges are now equipped with WIFI, some having better connection than others. Each heli operator has created their own ambience catering to a minimum of 12 and 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 of the BC heli ski operators for 3 decades and we are proud of it. Strong relations and industry expertise is how we are able to match ability, personality and schedule while saving you a generous amount of time. NOW LET'S GET YOU HELI SKIING!
Share your preferences with us and we will get to work taking care of all the details.
