heli skiing Canada, helicopter skiing Canada

Is Heliskiing a Leading Economic Indicator?

Heli-Skiing Canada: The New Economic Indicator
Jul 19, 2011 02:29 pm | Tom Jackson

 

Heliskiing demand is an excellent leading indicator of the economy.  Although traditional economic signals are mixed and uncertain, heliskiing bookings are bullish on 2012.

 

John Forrest, GM Northern Escape Heli-Skiing, says, “ Our reservations for next year are very strong as well. We are currently up 100% on reservations to date over last year. Most of the increase is actually in our Classic program while the high end Private bookings seem to be lagging a bit, but still up 50% over last year.”

 

One might think that heliskiers are immune to economic fluctuations.   That is true for the financially independent.  There is a core market of heliskiing enthusiasts who have the means, skill and health to indulge every season (and sometimes multiple trips).

heli skiing Canada, helicopter skiing Canada

Everything Pointing up the Heliskiing Canada Business

 

 

However, there is also a segment of the helicopter skiing market on the margin – which can only go when the planets align.  These helicopter skiers can be fueled by the big bonus, the great year, the big sale, the big settlement, kids graduating college, inheritance or whatever.   Aging knees or bucket list anxiety motivates others.  But for most it is expectation of future earnings.  When they book, it is good news for the economic outlook.

 

CMH Heli-Skiing, the industry giant with 11 lodges, has seen very strong demand, suggesting the recession may be ending.  Sarah Pearson of CMH adds, “Our bookings are strong for 2012 and space is steadily filling up. After last-season’s epic snowfall, mind-blowing skiing and endless laughter, both guests and staff are eagerly anticipating another stellar season of heli-skiing.”

 

At  HELISKI LLC we represent 95% of all heliskiing operators, and most are seeing a surge in demand.  HELISKI.com, the top heliski and heliboard agents, offering expert heliskiing advice and recommendations to help groups find the best trip.    Demand is way up, and some lodges are already sold-out for next year.

 

Small lodges are often the first to sell-out.   Giacum “Jake” Frei owns and operates Skeena Heliskiing, one of the many boutique heliskiing operators that have opened in the last 15 – 20 years. “We offer an intimate lodge experience, catering to groups of 10 per week.  2012 has very few openings.” Darryn Shewchuck, Director of Sales & Marketing, Mica Heli Guides, adds, “We have a strong repeat business, and are 95% booked already.”

 

“Some countries are up and some are down but overall and believe it or not, we’ve had more requests in June than ever before,” according to Mike Watling, Director, Sales and Marketing –Last Frontier Heliskiing,

 

2011 was a ‘biblical’ powder year; so many groups are booking early.  February always sells out fast, but for 2012 January and March bookings are the strongest in years.  The helicopter skiing market is hot.  Heliskiers and heliboarders are booking now, in anticipation of the cold, and the economic recovery.

The recession can eat my tracks!

CMH Heli-Skiing: 2015 Prices on 2016 Bookings

CMH Heli-Skiing to Offer This Year’s Prices on Next Year’s Trips

8:30am November 19 and 10:30am November 21, 2014 to get this year’s prices on next year’s trips

CMH Heli‐Skiing, the world’s largest and longest serving Heli‐Ski operator and the company that invented the sport 50 years ago, has just announced their upcoming 50‐ hour promotion for guests who book their 2015‐2016 Heli‐Ski trip. From 8:30 a.m. (MT) on November 19, 2014 until November 21, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. (MT), powder enthusiasts can secure the very best dates for the world’s greatest skiing.

During the Booking Day promotion, guests will have the opportunity to book one of CMH’s incredible trips at the current 2014‐2015 prices and they will receive a $50 lodge credit. “On the eve of our 50th anniversary season, we look forward to welcoming both new and returning guests this season and into next,” said Joe Flannery, President, CMH Heli‐Skiing and Summer Adventures. “With 11 different lodges in our tenure and over 3.1 million acres of skiable terrain, we look forward to unveiling our 2015‐2016 experiences for our guests to get first pick of the best weeks of the season.”

HELISKI.com Reviews of All CMH Heli Skiing Lodges

For more information, call 866-HELISKI (866-435-4754) or answer four questions in our Heli-Skiing Request

Heliski Revelstoke | Revelstoke Heli-Skiing – Revelstoke Heliski

REVELSTOKE HELI-SKIING REVIEW –

HELISKI REVELSTOKE –

The Best Revelstoke Heli-Skiing !

Heli Skiing Revelstoke Reviews

Heliski Revelstoke is the second in our series on the best heliskiing trips.  Best Revelstoke heli-skiing?  Heliski.com clients often ask us to put together the best short heli-skiing Revelstoke  trips.   This usually includes 3 or 4 days of heli skiing Revelstoke with minimal travel time and minimal risk.  For some, it is more about getting the best deal –  want the best heliskiing Revelstoke prices?.   Others want to combine heli-skiing Revelstoke and resort skiing.  We offer four options to heliski Revelstoke.   We will also put together the best Revelstoke heli-skiing trip for your group, free.

Get Advice for Your Next Trip

Heliski Revelstoke

Here we discuss the best short heli skiing Revelstoke trips.  We visited all three Revelstoke heli-skiing operators last winter.    It is a tough job, but somebody has to do it!

In future posts, we will offer advice for the best heli skiing in Southeastern BC, the US and the best heliskiing combined with resort skiing and boarding.

Heli-skiing Revelstoke, Best Revelstoke Heli-skiing

CMH Revelstoke Heli-Skiing Iconic Big Apple

image: Topher Donahue/Canadian Mountain Holidays Heli Skiing Revelstoke 

Heli-Skiing Revelstoke:  Travel Time / Convenience

Revelstoke heliski options are not the most convenient heli skiing destination to reach, but it’s not bad.  It is best to fly to Kelowna, then drive or take a shuttle two hours.  Kelowna has better reliability than many remote BC airports, thanks to weather and more sophisticated radar.

Revelstoke Heli-Skiing Price

The good news is that there are three Revelstoke heli-skiing operators, and multiple packages from which to choose the best heliskiing heli skiing in Revelstoke.   Typically, the longer the trip to which clients are willing to commit, the better the rates.

Heliski Revelstoke Down Day Risk

The weather is about the same for all three.  Selkirk-Tangiers claims to have a slight advantage, claiming the best heli skiing geography and the longest tenured Revelstoke heli-skiing.

The Best Short Heliskiing Trips – Heli Skiing Revelstoke

It is possible to do a short heli skiing trip to the heart of BC helicopter skiing, aka the Epic Center of the Monashees – Revelstoke.   You can fly into Kelowna, which is just two hours by rental car or shuttle service.  Kelowna can be reached by direct flight from Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary, as well as many other.  Check out the map of Revelstoke Heli-Skiing town.

Canadian airports, including Edmonton, Victoria, Kamloops, Prince George, Red Deer, Abbotsford, Cranbrook and Whitehorse.
International airport direct flights into Kelowna, BC include:  LA, Phoenix, Seattle, Las Vegas, Cancun, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta.There are three Revelstoke Heli Ski options:  Eagle Pass Heli Skiing and Heliboarding (run by boarders), Selkirk-Tangiers Heli Skiing Revelstoke (owned by the Revelstoke Mountain Resort), and CMH Revelstoke Heli-Skiing- one of two hotels out of their 12 heliski locations in Canada.

Eagle Pass Heliskiing and Heliboarding offers both all-inclusive and single-day Revelstoke heli-skiing small group heliskiing with unlimited vertical.  The new heliski lodge is very nice.  And it only holds 12 guests, so book early.  Eagle Pass Heli Skiing also has a day-heliskiing lodge 6 km out of town.  It books up way in advance, too!

Single Day Revelstoke Heli-Skiing

There are three options for single day Revelstoke Heli-Skiing:  Eagle Pass Day Program, – which books up fast, so reserve early.   Selkirk-Tangiers Heli Skiing Revelstoke usually has openings during the season.   And CMH Revelstoke Heli-Skiing.   Be aware that CMH Revelstoke Heli-Skiing will only take singles within 7-10 days of the Revelstoke heliski date.

Eagle Pass Heli-skiing Revelstoke, Heliski Revelstoke Eagle Pass Heliskiing & Heliboarding is Small Groups Only

Selkirk-Tangiers Heliski Revelstoke Ranges:  The Selkirks and Adamants

Selkirk-Tangiers Heli Skiing Revelstoke runs both large and small group heliskiing from a hotel just outside of Revelstoke.  Selkirk-Tangiers Heli Skiing can offer great deals because of the hotel lodging and large helicopters.  Helicopters in the parking lot is cool!   Selkirk Tangiers offers Revelstoke heli skiing in Single Day and Multi Day.   A small number of runs is included, but extra runs are relatively inexpensive.  1 and 2 day heli skiing with Selkirk Tangiers is heli only.  3 days and more are all-inclusive.

Heli-Skiing Revelstoke Selkirk-Tangiers, heliski Revelstoke

 

CMH Revelstoke Heli-Skiing

CMH Revelstoke Heli Skiing offers 4, 5 and 7-day large group heliskiing, mostly booked in advance.  We can sometimes get space within a week of the start date for a CMH trip that is not sold out or had a cancellation.  Lodging is a hotel in ‘downtown’ Revelstoke.  There are some cool amenities, including restaurants, night life and a lap pool.  CMH Heliski Revelstoke is in 4 groups of 11.

Mica Heli Skiing Revelstoke

Mica Heli-Skiing Revelstoke deserves honorable mention among the Revelstoke heli skiing options.  It takes a little longer to reach, and it is not cheap.   But Mica’s new lodge is almost always sold out, which should tell you something!  Three grouips share two helicopters, which is unique in the heli skiing world.  No single day Revelstoke heli skiing trips at Mica Heli Ski, however.

heli-skiing revelstoke , mica heliski revelstoke chopper and skier Mica Heliski Revelstoke, Best Heli-Skiing in Revelstoke Apres Ski View from Mica Heliski Revelstoke

View by Mica Heliski Revelstoke Guides.

Let us know if we can assist with recommendations for your next heliskiing trip,

tj

Email for free advice and recommendations

For Longer Trips and Full Reviews of Revelstoke Heli skiing options, click the operator ling below:

What is the Best Deal in Heliskiing? Heli Skiing Deals

Heli Skiing Deals

The Best Heliskiing Deals – Warning, these prices are OLD!  Call us.

Heliskiing pricing and offerings vary tremendously (that’s why HELISKI.com is here).   Early season and late season deals can be found for around $1K/day, some with unlimited vertical.

Here are a few of the best deals we have found for our clients recently.

Early Season

Next January, you can get some amazing heliskiing at even more amazing prices.   Consider these.

Selkirk-Tangiers Heliskiing offers $1000 per day and Unlimited Vertical!   STH operates out of The Hillcrest Hotel, just outside of Revelstoke.   And these weeks don’t usually sell out, so you may be sharing the chopper with only one other group.  One more thing, it DUMPS in Revelstoke.

selkirk tangiers heliskiing revelstoke

 

 

 

 


Crescent Spur Heli-Skiing
is usually sold out.  This small family-owned operator has been around for over twenty years.  They usually sell out to veteran heliskiers.  However, there are some early season deals to be had. cs 12

 

 

 


Last Frontier Heliskiing
has a 20th Anniversary New Year’s Package that includes 10 days for $10K.  (Even though it’s January,  you can expect to ski for than the 100K vertical feet included..)    They also have a deal for kids to ski 1/2 price.last frontier heliskiing

 

 

 

 

 

 

CMH Heli-Skiing has some gems in early season, for short trips at some of the best areas.

CMH Revelstoke – Lodging in a hotel in this cool, up and coming ski town has its advantages.canadian mountain holidays cmh revelstoke heliskiing

 

 

 

 

 

 

CMH Bugaboos – Where heliskiing began!   And one of the shorter CMH commutes makes it perfect for a short trip.cmh bugaboos lodge from the air

Jan. 2, 2015 – Jan. 6, 2015 – 4 days $4,825

 

 

TLH Heliskiing – at $1300/day, it is not an obvious deal.  But that is unlimited vertical, and only one group per helicopter!tlh heliskiing canada

Jan 9-16 or Jan 16-23 – 7 days  $9520

 

 

Late Season Heli Skiing Deals

CMH Bugaboos

Apr. 18-25  – 7 days   $7240

 

CMH Gothics – Newly remodeled lodge offers a single room for every guest and an easy commute.

Apr. 3 – Apr. 7  – 4 days  $4175

 

Crescent Spur Heli-Skiing

Any week in April,  6 days,  $7200

 

If you see something you like, give us a call or email.

If you don’t, let us know what you are looking for, and we will send the best options.

 

Best,

tj

 

Don’t Book 2015 Heli-Skiing Until We Talk! Consider the “Epic Center” – Monashees Mountains.

I’m just back from a tour of the most famous heli-skiing mountain range, the Monashees.   Along with perfectly spaced trees and some great high alpine, the Monashees offer a steady snowfall that practically guarantees new snow every day.

 

And the Epic Center of the Monashees and some argue heliskiing in BC Canada, is Revelstoke, BC.   It’s home to

 

And if you want to warm up before you heliski, Revelstoke Mountain is great!  The longest vertical in North America and tons of terrain.  Rumor has it another lift is on the way soon.

Revelstoke Heli-skiing, Monashee Mountains,Revelstoke is the Epic Center of the Monashees Mountains

It’s getting easier to reach Revelstoke, the Epic Center of  Monashees heliskiing.  “Revi”, pronounced REV-e, is a 2-hour drive or shuttle ride from Kelowna.  Now there are direct

International flights into Kelowna, BC, including LA, Phoenix, Seattle, Las Vegas, Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta.

 

Within Canada:  Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, Victoria, Kamloops, Prince George, Red Deer, Abbotsford, Cranbrook, and Whitehorse.

 

All of these operators have great qualities.  I would be happy to help you with the nuances and my recommendations…free.

Give me a call or drop an email, and I will be happy to give you the best options based on your group.

Or call me at 866-HELISKI (866-435-4754)

 

Best,

tj

CMH Bugaboos Interview – Birthplace of Heliskiing. 10 Questions with HELISKI.com

CMH Bugaboos, the first heliskiing lodge/area started by Canadian Mountain Holidays in 1965.  It’s next in our series of heliskiing operator interviews with HELISKI.com and HeliskiingReview.com.

 

 

1.  CMH Bugaboos Lodge is “The Birthplace of Heli-Skiing” Tell us about that.

 

2015 represents the 50th birthday of the heli-ski industry, a pretty significant milestone indeed.  Even though the industry has changed significantly since those early days, one thing that never gets old is standing on top of those magnificent mountains, pointing your skis (or board) down the fall line, and dipping into some perfect powder turns.  Technology, skis, helicopters and accommodations may have changed, but the experience of deep powder snow in untouched mountains remains the same.  It is a gift from nature. [Well said!]

 

heli-skiing bugaboos peaks

 

2.  Heli-Skiing these mountains since 1965, you must be getting to know the best runs, eh?

 

These mountains are big and the landscape is constantly changing.  It is amazing how we are still exploring the nooks and crannies of our terrain even after all this time.  We definitely know where to look for great runs, but each season our guides are still able to root out new, exciting lines to test out.

 

bugaboo heliskiing cmh canada

 

3.  What level of ability and heli-skiing pace is best suited for CMH Bugaboos? 

 

The Bugaboos is a fantastic place to come if you are looking for a wide mix of terrain including tree runs combined with high alpine glaciers, stunning scenery, and the experience of a comfortable, cozy and luxurious remote lodge. The Bugaboos has it all – great skiing by day followed by all the bells and whistles for the perfect après ski experience. You can relax after a full day in the mountains by cozying up by the fire, a soak in the roof-top hot tub, testing your skills on the 4-story climbing wall, treating yourself to our massage services, or enjoying a few extra cocktails from our fully stocked bar.

 

 

4.  Bugaboos is roughly half way between Banff and Revelstoke.  Tell us about getting there.

 

Guests typically fly into Calgary where we’ll transport them by motorcoach to the Bugaboo Lodge heli-pad (2 hours west of Banff).   The bus leaves early in the morning from Calgary so we can have you out heli-skiing by the afternoon!  Return ground transfers from Calgary are included in our CMH Bugaboo packages.

 

 

5.  Easier access is why Bugaboos offers a variety of trips (Family, Masters, Intro, Fusion), including 4, 5 and 7-day trips?

 

­

Access is one of the reasons, but also because the Bugaboos are so iconic.  People travel from all around the globe just to witness the grandeur of these mountains. Skiing amongst the peaks of the Bugaboo Spires is truly magnificent and makes this location so coveted.  It is one of our most popular locations because of the mix of terrain and the extreme beauty of the area.  As a result, we like to offer as many trip options as possible to keep our guest happy.

 

heliskiing bugaboos, heli-skiing bc

 

6.  Bugaboos are in the Purcell Mountains.  Tell us about the heli-ski terrain, please.

 

The Purcell Range includes a wonderful mix of alpine glaciers together with excellent tree skiing. The Bugaboos represent a sub-range within this larger area, a sub-range that is visually spectacular.  The Bugaboo Spires are an anomaly of alpine beauty. They are made of granite, the stone that comprises most of the famous rock spires of the world, from the Himalaya to Patagonia, Yosemite to the Alps. It resists the carving power of glaciers better than most rock, so it tends to form smoother faces, as if the ice were a giant knife in the hand of a master sculptor cleaving great slices from the mountains to leave great cathedrals of stone. In the surrounding mountains, the glaciers shaped the softer sedimentary rocks as well, but left more rugged faces as if the carving force of the glacier were in the hands of a drunk with a bulldozer.  [Poetic!]

 

Places like the legendary Mont Blanc massif in the Alps have similar climbing opportunities, but as a ski destination the Bugaboos have become known worldwide as a place to have an experience unlike anything else on earth. The tectonic intrusion that pushed the granite into the sky also lifted the surrounding area into a high plateau, creating deep valleys on all sides and ski runs that begin within snowball-throwing distance of the surreal rock walls and go for miles down rolling steep glaciers into uninhabited valleys.

 

 

7.  And the lodge has been remodeled four times?

 

The lodge has changed and grown since 1965.  It is a lodge that has embraced its history while keeping up with the needs of our modern guests.  The lodge is a living museum where the mountain stories continue to be layered on.  Our guests can see how the building has grown and expanded over the years – with renovations in keeping with the natural surroundings.  Today the lodge boasts a 4-story climbing wall, roof-top hot tub, steam room, dry sauna, private guest rooms with heated bathroom floors, and wifi to keep everyone connected.  Guests can relax in our library or check out the many mountaineering artifacts in museum cases.  The lodge is rich in history and a modern tribute to the sport of mountaineering.

 

heli-skiing lodge room CMH bugaboos

 

 

8.  CMH Bugaboos opens early and stays open later than most, eh?

 

The Bugaboos is a very popular heli-ski location that gets great annual snowfall. As a result, we are able to open early and heliski well into late April/early May.  From a snow perspective we could keep going, but by that time of year our guests have turned their interests towards summer oriented sports.

 

9.  Which of the other ten areas is most similar to Bugaboos?

 

From a historical and terrain type experience, our CMH Cariboo Lodge is relatively similar: excellent mix of terrain, beautiful historical location, fantastically BIG mountains,  and a remote, but full service backcountry lodge.

 

10.  What else would you like to share about the CMH Bugaboo Location?

 

Go – it should be on your bucket list!

Thanks, Sarah!

tj

 

CMH Heli Skiing Kootenay – CMH Kootenay Heli Skiing

CMH Heli Skiing Kootenay – CMH Kootenay Heli Skiing

 

[This interview was conducted while CMH and K2 had a Kootenay Heli Skiing partnership.  Now CMH Heli Skiing Kootenay is solely a CMH Heli-Skiing offering]

K2 is becoming a bigger part of heli-skiing.  Mike Gutt tells us about the new CMH lodge/partnership the CMH K2 Rotor Lodge, and K2’s most popular powder boards in the latest HELISKI.com Gear Interview.

 cmh heli-skiing lodge, k2 cmh rotor lodge

 

 

1.  K2 partnered with CMH on a new heliski lodge.   Tell us about that.

We entered into a partnership agreement with CMH four years ago and have expended on the partnership each year.  Last year we hosted a K2 demo week at the Kuskanax Lodge in the town of Nakusp.  This was the first time we visited this CMH operation and it immediately felt like home for K2.  The staff, the town, the setup all resonated with the way K2 communicates the brand.  We started talking more with the CMH crew and they pitched the idea of turning that location into a K2 branded lodge.  We jumped at the opportunity and here we are.

 

2.  So this year, every guest to the new K2 CMH Lodge get a new pair of 2014 K2 skis of their choice??

This is true.  Each guest will get to select a ski from our new 2013/14 collection that will be unveiled at the SIA and ISPO trade shows in late January/early February.

 

3.  I know you did a couple of demo weeks at Kootenay last year, giving a free pair of K2s.  What K2 models of skis were most popular among those guests?

It all depends on the skier, since each person looks for something different.  That is the beauty of K2, we make different skis for different skiers.  Take Seth Morrison and Sean Pettit for example. Both approach the mountain differently and need a tools designed to work for them.  With that being said the SideSeth and Pettitor were two skis that really stood out to the guests.  The BackDrop was another model that got great reviews.

 

4.  What heli operators use K2 skis?

All CMH locations, but also Valdez Heli Ski Guides, Tordrillo Mountain Lodge, Alaska Rendezvous Guides, North Cascade Heli and Silverton Mountain.

 k2 heliskis, cmh heliskiing canada

5.  What skis do they use, PON2OONs?  DARKSIDE?

Pon2oons, SideStash, DarkSide and Coomback skis have been the most popular.

 

6.  K2 used to enjoy a reputation for sketchy graphics.  Remember the Cheeseburger?   Times have changed, eh?

heli ski canada, heliskiing bc canada

Times have changed but the personality of the brand is the same.  Look at the HellBent for example, you can’t get any more sketchy that that.

 

7.  I’m a huge Stones fan, so the Rolling Stones models get my vote for the coolest graphics!   Need my shipping address?

heliski bc, canada heli-skiing K2

In all seriousness, I can probably get you a deal on them.[Thanks for the offer, but, me pay for gear?  Riiiiight, I’ll get back to you…]

 

The K2 site has a cool way of narrowing down the best boards, eh? Check it out.

 

 

8.  Seth and I were at Last Frontier in February.  Was he riding the OBSETHED?

No, The new SideSeth skis most likely.

helicopter skiing canada, bc heliski

 

 

9.  Love the nod to big mountain gods, and the double entendre in the COOMBACK.

Wait until you see the next round and the tribute to Doug Pioneering the Chugach range.

 

10.  What else would you like heliskiers to know about K2 gear?

We develop skis for skier and have worked with the guests at heli operations like CMH to make sure we are developing products that make skiing more enjoyable to a variety of skiers.  At K2 it’s all about Serious Fun.

 canadian mountain holidays, cmh k2 heliski lodge

Serious Fun!  I LOVE that.

Thanks, Mike.

tj

Interview with Purcell Heli Skiing Golden

purcell heli-skiing, CMH Purcell heli skiing Canada

Purcell Heli Skiing (Now CMH Heli Skiing):  50,000 Heli Skiers Can’t Be Wrong!

Check Our Purcell Heli-Skiing Canada Location

Purcell Heli Skiing Golden interview by Tom Jackson, HELISKI.com

1.  Purcell Heli Skiing Golden has been around for 40 years! 50,000 people have heliskied with you – that’s amazing! What has changed since you started?

In fact, 2023 will be our 49th year in operation, all under the same ownership and leadership. We’ve certainly seen a lot of smiling faces over the years. The technology has changed the most. From the beacons, the skis and the helicopter itself, the tools we use to do the job have evolved substantially, and I’m sure will continue to evolve.

Consumer choice, too, has expanded. There are so many different ways to enjoy heli-skiing now, with different group sizes, customized programs, in-lodge week-long trips or daily tours. Guests want to learn more about being in the mountains, be more involved. Education and insider information really adds to the experience – it’s a great change to see.

2.  Is it true that British Columbia heli skiing started in the Purcell Mountains?

Yes – the birthplace of heli-skiing was only 50 km south of our operation, in the Bugaboo range of the Purcells. Golden and the surrounding area boasts an impressive legacy in mountain guiding and heli-skiing. This year we’re celebrating 100 years of adventure tourism in Golden. Heli-skiing has been part of that since the 60′s.

3. What has remained the same at Purcell Heli Skiing Golden?

That’s easy – our outlook. From day one, it’s been about the guest experience. That has meant starting small, staying small, and devoting ourselves to quality customer service, even as standards and expectations have fallen elsewhere. It’s not just chasing vertical records here; we want to give our guests an adventure they’ll remember forever. We pay attention to people, and it’s a satisfying job to help people’s dreams come true!

Golden opportunity to go heliskiing in Golden, BC Canada

Purcell-Heli-skiing-Canada-lz

4. You are the closest heliski operator to Banff, and right next to Kicking Horse (the Jackson Hole of Canada, eh?). Are most of your clients adding heliskiing to a resort ski vacation?

Yes, and it’s really a perfect combination. Kicking Horse attracts all kinds of skiers and riders, but it’s definitely known as a mountain with lots of advanced terrain to offer. The big vertical and powder stashes in the chutes are a great warm-up for heli-skiing. A day in the heli is the icing on the cake, and a must-do for many international travelers ticking off the Canada bucket list.

5. What one-day packages do you offer at Purcell Helicopter Skiing Golden?

As part of the Classic program, guests can choose between a 3 or 5-run package. We ski as a group of 10 with 2 guides in a 205 helicopter. The Classic combines unforgettable adventure and superior value, making it a great choice all around.

The Semi-Private is another single-day program, where a group of 5 or more friends share the cost of all 10 seats in the 205 helicopter. It’s a chance to hand-pick your fellow heli-skiers and riders to match everyone to the same pace and ability.

Finally, the Private Program can be done for a single day and provides the ultimate small-group experience. With room for up to 4 guests, everyone rides in a private A-Star helicopter with their private guide. [Schwing! and Cha Ching!]

No matter what program you choose, we create a welcoming environment for you to feel comfortable and enjoy everything that heli-skiing has to offer – untouched terrain, incredible snow, and breathtaking views. All programs include a full safety briefing, safety equipment, packed lunch, après-ski platter and souvenir pins and stickers.

6. What does it cost to buy extra runs at Purcell Heli Skiing?

Extra runs are sold at $85 per person per run. If guests choose to upgrade straight from 3 to 5 runs, we simply charge the difference in the package rates.

Thank you Sir, May I Have Another?!

heliskiing purcell mountains solo Purcell Heli Skiing Canada Interview: 15 Questions with HELISKI.com and HeliskiingReview.com

7. How about multi-day packages at Purcell Helicopter Skiing Golden?

Flexibility is the name of the game here. Guests may select our Classic, Semi-Private or Private program, or any mix of the three, and book any number of days, consecutive or with breaks in between. Then you just multiply the daily rate by the number of days you’d like to heli-ski.

8. HELISKI.com has sent many satisfied clients to Purcell Helicopter Skiing. Thank you! What percentage of your guests are repeat offenders?

It seems like more every year. We often warn first-time guests that heli-skiing is a very addictive sport! Although we see plenty of new faces each year, a good third of our business comes from repeats. Our guests really like the convenience of access Purcell provides, plus the personal touch that makes a small, family-owned business hard to beat.

9. I spent a week in Golden one night. What do your clients do on ‘down days’?

The beauty of our setup is down days don’t keep guests trapped in a remote lodge, with only board games, napping or beer to fill the day (not to knock beer, of course). Because our operation is right in Golden, guests can have access to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, which is typically in great shape if the weather is too heavy for flying. You never have to worry you’ll miss a day of skiing.

ph heli ski canada lz2 Purcell Heli Skiing Canada Interview: 15 Questions with HELISKI.com and HeliskiingReview.com

10. Purcell Heli Skiing’s former owner, Rudi Gertsch, was an early advocate for heliski safety. Didn’t he help found what is now HeliCat Canada?

He did, yes. Rudi was part of the earliest seasons at CMH Bugaboos, when heli-skiing was brand new. When he was ready to start an operation of his own, he and other early operators saw the potential for promotion through cooperation. In 1978, the British Columbia Helicopter and Snowcat Skiing Operators Association (later renamed HeliCat Canada)[wonder why BCHASSOA never caught on….small wonder] was formed to define safety standards and operational guidelines. British Columbia has since become a leading destination of heli-skiing, recognized worldwide.

11. The Purcells are famous for light, dry snow. Can you compare and contrast with some of the other famous mountain ranges like Selkirks, Monashees, Cariboo and Coast?

Within the Interior ranges, you generally see a deeper snowpack as you trend from East to West, from the Rockies to the Monashees. With increased precip. comes more moisture and more overcast days, too. The Purcells fall right in the middle, or even East of middle. Our snowpack isn’t often as deep as what the Monashees may have, but our geography brings us drier conditions and more sunny days. That keeps our snow light and fast – that notorious Champagne Powder.

The Coast ranges are a different beast altogether, and have incredible skiing too. What you don’t see as often on the Coast is the nice dry, fluffy conditions we get here. The snow quality in the Interior is hard to beat, and explains the high density of heli-ski, cat-ski, and other backcountry operators.

12. How many of your guests are heli-boarding?

Probably about 25% are riders, but they’re 100% welcome.

100% Welcome

boarder n chopper 1024x768 Purcell Heli Skiing Canada Interview: 15 Questions with HELISKI.com and HeliskiingReview.com

13. When does the Purcell Helicopter Skiing season open and close?

The actual open and close dates change each year, as we get underway and shut down according to client interest. Anywhere from December 1 to May 1 is good to go. People are often surprised that we still heli-ski into April, but some of the best days we can remember have happened in the spring. We still have killer snow to enjoy, so don’t take out your golf clubs/bike/kayak too early!

14. Do you offer deals to groups at Purcell Heli Skiing Golden?

If you’re a group of 6 to 10 people, we offer a percent discount based on the number of participants. So a group of 6 gets 6% off, a group of 7 gets 7% off, and so on. With a group of 10, you can choose between 10% off for everyone, or a free seat for the group leader. For some larger groups, one person does all the organization, so there’s an option for that person to get a free trip.

15. Anything else you would like to add about Purcell Heli Skiing Golden?

It’s a simple formula that has persisted all these years: love what you do, do it well, share it with others. Experience is what matters – ours and yours. Let it snow!

Purcell Hei Boarding Golden BC

Setting Sun, back to Calgary……

Call if you want to learn more or book your trip!

866-HELISKI

tj

Tom Jackson

CPO (Chief Powder Officer)

HELISKI.com

866-HELISKI – (866-435-4754)

skiing-women-powder

CMH Heliskiing “Chicks in the Chopper”, All Women Week

Women-Only Week at CMH Gothics, Spring 2012

Reprinted from the CMH blog. Let us know if you want to reserve a seat, or are interested in other (co-ed) weeks.

The only thing better than heliskiing with CMH would have to be heliskiing with CMH with an all-women ski group. From March 29 to April 3, 2012 CMH is going to do just that; a group of women will take over the CMH Gothics Lodge for Chicks in the Chopper, a week of deep powder skiing and unbridled fun.

We like Gothics for a few reasons. Our favorite is that they ski in three groups, so it’s faster than most CMH trips.

The event was inspired by Victoria Reynolds who felt that women have so much fun heliskiing together that they deserve their own helicopter, guide, and slice of ski paradise. I tracked down Victoria to learn a little more about what it takes to join Chicks in the Chopper – besides the obvious.

skiing-women-powder

TD: What kind of fitness is needed to join you for Chicks in the Chopper? For example, would you need to be able to ski all the way down a long black diamond run without stopping?

VR: A first time heli trip can be a bit intimidating for women, and men for that matter, but women tend to underestimate their ability where men tend to be over confident. No, you don’t need to be able to ski black diamond terrain without stopping. The guides re-group on every run so there is plenty of time to catch your breath.

TD: What kind of ski ability is needed? Do you need to be able to keep up with the fast skiers at a resort to keep up with Chicks in the Chopper?

VR: If you are an intermediate skier and can handle the back bowls of Vail, or similar moderate ski resort terrain, you are good to go. In March, CMH held a Women’s Ski Day at Vail with one of the CMH ski guides, which was great fun. The skiers were varying abilities, some were past racers and other just recreational skiers, but they all were down at the bottom of the run together. Also, surprisingly, gravity and powder snow is a great equalizer, and even weaker skiers usually keep up better while heliskiing than at the resort where hardpacked terrain is conducive to strong skiers going extremely fast.

TD: What kind of connectivity is available at the lodges to stay in touch with family and work during the week?

VR: The Gothic’s Lodge has wireless internet and also land line telephones to stay in touch. Because the lodge is so fantastically remote, cell phones will not pick up a signal – now that’s a vacation!

TD: What if someone doesn’t want to ski all day every day? What else is there to do besides ski?

VR: No worries if you need some down time on the trip. You have opportunities to return to the lodge before lunch and the staff will have a great lunch prepared and you may have a nice glass of wine too. Though if you indulge you can’t go back out and ski! You can curl up after lunch with a good book fireside or maybe indulge in a massage and a hot tub and spa session would relax the sore muscles. Cross-country skis and exercise room are always available as well.

TD: What about really good skiers? Will they be challenged?

VR: Confident and strong skiers can ski different lines with the guidance of the ski guide. We will have two groups so the guides can adjust the groups accordingly, and even within the same group the terrain is so diverse that there is ample opportunity to ski both mellow and challenging lines.

If you’re considering it, and have questions, check out CMH’s women specific FAQs or even better give us a call at 866-HELISKI.

cmh heli skiing lodge map, Canadian mountain holidays, heliskiing area map

New: CMH offers 4 and 5 Day Trips Every Week This Season (Canadian Mountain Holidays)

CMH offers 4 and 5 Day Trips Every Week This Season (Canadian Mountain Holidays)

SHORT TRIPS: FOR THOSE WHO NEED A FIX BUT DON’T HAVE 7 DAYS TO SPARE
Four- or five-day sessions are now available for each week of the heli-ski season in at least one of the CMH Heli Skiing eleven tenures/lodges – including shorter stays on the new small-group trips.

CMH Heli Skiing is now more flexible, so let us know how many days or dollars you want to invest for next season.  We will send you the best heliskiing Canada options…and help you pick the best.

Travel, lodging, skiing and snow vary…..let’s talk .  866 HELISKI

Or email TJ

cmh heli skiing lodge map, Canadian mountain holidays, heliskiing area map