Heli-skiing was pioneered in British Columbia more than 40 years ago, and the province still leads the way as one of the world’s major heli-ski destinations.
Skiers and snowboarders looking for the ultimate big mountain powder experience will find it here. BC has fantastic heli-skiing conditions due to generous snowfalls, cool temperatures and a landscape dominated by ten major mountain ranges.
All heli-ski operators offer access to vast expanses of untracked terrain via helicopter. Heli-skiing terrain can include naturally gladed tree runs, alpine glaciers, steep couloirs and, of course, open slopes covered in light, deep powder.
Options vary from multi-day trips to day trips from a ski resort, and heli-ski operations are scattered throughout the province.
Learn more about Heli-Skiing in BC's regions:
In Vancouver, Coast & Mountains, heli-ski clients descend untracked backcountry peaks by day in the Coast Mountains near Whistler and Pemberton, then indulge in Whistler Blackcomb's legendary amenities by night. Whistler is the Host Mountain Resort for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Much of the heli-ski region in the Thompson Okanagan falls within one of the world's largest and most consistent snowbelts. This means deep but dry powder on mind-blowing descents over awe-inspiring glaciers. Luxurious to more basic lodges are tucked into the mountainside.
The first commercial heli-ski week occurred in 1965 in the Kootenay Rockies – in the Bugaboo mountain range, to be exact. Today, heli-skiing in this region thrives on five majestic mountain ranges. New for the 08/09 ski season, Revelstoke Mountain Resort will offer lift skiing, cat-skiing and heli-skiing all from the resort village base – the only place in the world to do so.
Head north to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast and experience some of the most diverse heli-skiing terrain, snow conditions and scenery in BC or to Northern British Columbia, where the season extends well into April.
What You Need to Know
- Heli-skiing can be booked for single day tours or for two- to seven-day inclusive packages with accommodation ranging from deluxe fly-in lodges to rustic, backcountry cabins.
- Tours vary according to the type of helicopter used, size of group, number of groups per helicopter and type of accommodation.
- The heli-skiing season is mainly December to April.
- All of BC’s heli-skiing operators follow strict safety guidelines, and certified guides accompany you to help ensure a safe experience. Learn how to use your avalanche transceiver during orientation.
- Heli-skiing typically requires advanced skiing or snowboarding ability; there are few opportunities for beginners or intermediates.
- Heli-ski operators can provide powder skis (also called fat skis) and poles, often at no additional charge. Powder skis are wider than conventional skis. A few operators can also provide snowboards. Always bring your own boots and keep them with you as carry-on luggage during your travel.
- Compared with cat-skiing, heli-skiing offers longer but fewer runs per day and is generally more expensive. Departures may be delayed due to inclement weather.
- Some heli-ski operators are located near large ski resorts. Others are located in the backcountry and can require a ground or air transfer from a nearby community to the lodge.