Thompson Okanagan Heli-Skiing & Cat-Skiing

Heli-Skiing & Cat-Skiing Operator Areas

Heli-skiing and cat-skiing operators are found in the region's more sparsely populated north. Mike Wiegele Heli-Skiing’s self-contained village resort is situated near Blue River, half-way between Clearwater and Valemount. Robson Helimagic and CMH’s regional lodges are both based near Valemount, a town flanked by Wells Gray and Mount Robson provincial parks, and Cariboo Snowcat Skiing offers day trips from Valemount as well. K3 Cat Ski is based in Sicamous, while Monashee Powder Snowcats’ mountain lodge is accessible via Cherryville (on Highway 6).

Heli-Ski Tours

At Mike Wiegele Heli-Skiing, the second oldest heli-ski operation in BC, ski huge descents for all levels of skiers (there’s cat-skiing here too). At Robson Helimagic, ski the summits of Mount Robson Provincial Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Monashee and Cariboo mountains.

CMH’s Valemount Lodge is designed for private groups, while their mountainside Cariboo Lodge (transportation via the Calgary Airport and bus) is just one of the many lodge options for heli-ski guests on a standard package. At both, ski peaks in the spectacular Cariboo Mountains, and navigate glaciers and steep and deep tree runs.

Cat-Ski Tours

Ride a snowcat from Monashee Powder Snowcats’ lodge to access champagne powder on five alpine ridges. At K3 Cat Ski, ski varied terrain and leave from the comfort of lakeside Sicamous, or join Cariboo Snowcat Skiing for day trips into deep powdered glades and open bowls.

Practical Points

• The heli-skiing and cat-skiing season in the Thompson Okanagan region is generally from November to April.
• All of BC’s heli-skiing and cat-skiing operators follow strict safety guidelines, and certified guides accompany skiers to help ensure a safe experience.
• Heli-skiing and cat-skiing is typically for intermediate to advanced skiers with good physical fitness. Each operator has different guidelines, but clients should be able to comfortably ski blue and black diamond runs.
• Most operators supply clients with powder skis and poles, but a few rent them for an extra price; it’s best to check in advance. Clients must bring their own boots and clothing.
• Departures may be delayed due to inclement weather.

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