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Skier, Whistler Blackcomb backcountryspacer
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Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Things To Do

 
Vancouver 2010 - British Columbia - Host Province

Photos
> top left: Whistler Blackcomb backcountry, Toshi Kawano photo
> top right: Heli Skiing in the Coast Mountains, Randy Lincks photo

Heli-Skiing

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Whistler Blackcomb backcountry
Whistler Blackcomb backcountry, Toshi Kawano photo

Heli-skiing in this region is centered in the Coast Mountains around the Whistler and Pemberton valleys, 2-2.5 hours north of Vancouver. The location is ideal: heli-ski clients descend untracked backcountry peaks by day and enjoy Whistler Blackcomb's legendary après-ski by night.

Choose from a variety of packages which include:

  • Single- to multi-day adventures.
  • Group sizes ranging from 4 to 10 skiers and riders per guide.
  • Shuttle bus pick-up from Whistler Village to either the Whistler or Pemberton heliports.
  • Day runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The skiing and boarding terrain varies from wide-open glaciers to gladed tree runs. The average descent is 600 vertical m (2,000 vertical ft), but can vary from 400 m (1,400 ft) to 1,500 m (5,000 ft). The average annual snowfall in these mountains ranges from 9-12 m (30-40 ft). The season runs from late December through April, with February and March generally considered the prime heli-skiing season.


PembertonWhistler

 



Highlights:

Whistler: Descend untracked peaks by day; relax at the legendary resort by night.
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Pemberton: Ski or ride down slopes famed for their abundant and dry snowfalls.
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Whistler

Just a 2-hour drive north, Whistler is the closest heli-skiing area to Vancouver. This legendary resort is the site of many of the alpine and Nordic venues for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Operators in this area offer the ultimate in convenience. Skiers are picked up in Whistler Village, where most hotels and lodges are located, then transferred to the Whistler Heliport, just 5 minutes away. Each day, guides select the most optimal terrain and conditions in the 80 km by 50 km (50 mi by 30 mi) heli-skiing area surrounding the Whistler Valley.
> More on Whistler Winter Activities

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Pemberton

Operators in Pemberton provide heli-access to a range of mountains that straddle the divide between the coast and the Chilcotin plateau. The snowfall here is abundant and dry, resembling conditions in BC's interior mountains. Skiers can lodge either in Pemberton or Whistler: operators offer a 30-minute shuttle bus from Whistler Village to Pemberton.
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