Whistler Heliskiing is one of two operators offering Whistler Blackcomb heli skiing. We recently visited with Whistler Heliskiing, the original Whistler helicopter skiing operator and heliskiing Whistler pioneer. Enjoy!
1. Whistler Heliskiing has been completing bucket lists since 1983. You must lead the world in bucket list fulfillment. How often does a guest say “Best Day Ever?”
Every time we go Heliskiing Whistler guests are ecstatic and pumped from the day they had. Whether it be their first time or their 20th time we have the terrain and the snow to keep guests having “the best day ever!”
2. Whistler Heliskiing offers 3, 4 and 5 run packages. What do most clients choose?
We actually offer 3, 4 and 6 run packages. We recommend picking a package that suits your ability, pace of skiing and or your goals for the day. Most first timers start with a 3 or 4 run package depending on their ski experience especially in powder.
3. Can guests buy extra runs? How much?
Yes we typically offer extra runs depending on the day (conditions, weather, timing). $120-140 Can.
4. What is your average vertical per run?
4 runs (approx. 6,000 – 10,000 vertical feet, or 1,800 – 3,500 vertical meters of skiing)
6 runs (approx. 9,000 – 15,000 vertical feet. or 2,700 – 4,600 vertical meters of skiing).
5. Does Whistler Heliskiing recommend lodging for your guests?
Most guests are in the resort of Whistler for a couple of days skiing on Whistler Blackcomb or doing other activities as well as heli-skiing. That’s one of the best things about heliskiing Whistler is that there numerous options for places to stay in Whistler based on your budget, or other requirements. We typically recommend staying in Whistler the night before to check in and get ready for your Heli-day. We always make the final call on whether we can go heliskiing or have to cancel due to weather the morning of.
6. How many guests are in each lift when heliskiing Whistler?
It depends on the package you purchase. The 3 and 4 run packages are in the Bell 205 Helicopter which typically holds between 7-10 guests. The 6 run package is in the Bell 407 which holds up to a maximum of 5 guests.
7. How many lifts per helicopter?
Depending on the time of year and volume of guests we have up to 3 groups per helicopter.
8. What happens if the weather does not cooperate?
If Whistler Heliskiing has to cancel due to poor weather we offer guests a FULL Refund and or the ability to move to the next available day or try to get them out on the next they want to go.
9. So you have a photographer / videographer?
Yes it is included in the 3 and 4 run packages. A photographer will work with each group to take some photos and a video of one run of each group.
10. How many of your guests are heli-boarding?
I’d think 30-40% of our guests are heli-boarders.
11. Do you have powder snowboards for your guests?
Yes Whistler Heliskiing (WHS) has many great powder boards to rent. We highly recommend boarders use them as it makes the day so much easier and fun to really float on the fresh snow.
Season dates for 2011-12 are Dec 3rd 2011- April 22nd 2011
13. Can guests get a deal if they book multiple heliskiing Whistler days?
Yes we offer $100 off and free rentals for subsequent days within the season.
14. Do you offer heliskiing Whistler deals to groups?
Depending on the time of year and availability WHS does offer some incentive for groups of 10 or more people to pre-book Heli-skiing.
15. Anything else you would like to add about Whistler Heliskiing?
Just beyond the ski lifts of Whistler and Blackcomb, minutes from North America’s #1-ranked Ski Resort, awaits the ultimate high-alpine experience. Imagine carving through untracked powder, endless terrain and breath-taking scenery. With hundreds of ski runs, there is a tremendous variety of slopes to accommodate all levels of skiers and boarders from intermediate to expert. The skiing varies from wide-open glaciers to beautiful gladed tree runs. The heli-ski area is made up of several zones and is approximately 50 miles north/south by 30 miles east/west (80km by 50km). Your guide will select terrain within a zone according to snowfall, the weather, and your group’s ability.
Thanks. See you in Whistler!
Best,
tj
Tom Jackson
CPO (Chief Powder Officer) HELISKI.com 866-HELISKI
(866-435-4754)
Heli skiing trips plus resort skiing trips is next our series on the best heli skiing trips. Heliski.com clients often ask us to put together the best short heli skiing trips. This usually includes 3 or 4 days of heliskiing with minimal travel time and minimal risk. For some, it is more about getting the best deal. Others want to combine heli skiing trips and resort skiing. Also check out our previous articles:
Here we discuss the best short heli skiing trips combined with Resort skiing.
Travel Time / Convenience
When combining resort skiing and heli skiing, minimizing travel time can save a day on the snow. Having said that, some prefer a day off.
Starting at a resort can help heliskiers get acclimated to the Pacific Time Zone.The is true specially for Europeans.
Short Heli Skiing Trips Cost
Another advantage to combining resort and heli-skiing trips is reducing the total cost.
Warming Up for Heli Skiing
Many HELISKI.com clients would like to get their ski legs before jumping into a helicopter. Combining resort and heli skiing trips is the obvious choice.
Whistler / Blackcomb Resort + Heli Skiing Trips
Whistler is probably the resort most commonly used to warm up before a destination heliskiing trip. Heliskiers connect through Vancouver on the way to all five of the Coast Range Heliskiing operators. And Vancouver is only an hour and a half away. For short trips including Whistler, consider Bella Coola Heliskiing, Northern Escape Heliskiing and TLH Heliskiing.
The Best Short Heli Skiing Trips – Resort + Heliski
Combo trips with BCHS and Whistler work really well. in fact, we have many clients that do a pre- or post- Whistler trip.
There’s busses that leave from YVR every hour to Whistler, so transfers are super easy. Guests could sleep the night in Whistler, take the morning shuttle to YVR to meet the flight to Bella Coola, and be heli-skiing the longest descents in North America that afternoon.
A sample 7 night combo could look like this:
Day 1) Take a shuttle from YVR up the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler. Potential to ski in the afternoon
Day 2) Ski Whistler-Blackcomb
Day 3) Ski Whistler-Blackcomb
Day 4) Take the bus from Whistler to Vancouver Airport South Terminal for mid-morning flight to Bella Coola (70 minutes). After lunch and the safety briefing, heli-ski the rest of the afternoon
Day 5) Heli-skiing the epic terrain of the Coast Range
Day 6) Heli-skiing the epic terrain of the Coast Range
Day 7) Heli-skiing the epic terrain of the Coast Range
Day 8) Spend the morning heli-skiing the way to the Airport. On arrival, the guests luggage will be waiting so that they can change clothes for the short flight back to Vancouver, arriving around 2pm. Guests can then fly home that same evening!
Therefore a 7 night trip will give people 2-2.5 days of resort skiing and 5 days of heli-skiing (2 half-days and 3 full days). Not bad!
Great Canadian Heli-Skiing makes this list as well. Golden is home to Great Canadian Heli Skiing and Kicking Horse ‘The Jackson Hole of Canada.’ So it’s a great combination of terrain and easy travel.
Great Canadian Heli-Skiing will accommodate your group for as many days as you like, starting and stopping on any day.
All heliskiing is unlimited vertical at GCH, too.
6 groups of 4 in an A-Star, so you can find a group with similar ability and aggressiveness
TLH Heli Skiing Tenure is just North of Whistler. A shuttle takes guests from Whistler to Pemberton, where short hop by a chartered plane completes the flight to the lodge. TLH is unlimited vertical, and just one group per helicopter!
TLH / Whistler Heli Skiing
Combo Package can include: Unlimited Vertical Heli Skiing trips at TLH
4 nights’ accommodation at Tyax Wilderness Resort & Spa
3 nights’ accommodation in Whistler, BC
1 night accommodation in Vancouver, BC
Transportation from Vancouver to Whistler, Whistler to TLH and return to Vancouver (combination of land and air)
2 day lift pass for Whistler-Blackcomb Resort
All gourmet meals at TLH
Northern Escape Heli-Skiing is just 20 minutes from the Terrace airport. So getting from Whistler to the lodge is very easy and convenient. It is possible to ski Whistler Blackcomb in the morning, and have dinner at the Northern Escape Heli Skiing lodge.
Snowwater Heli Skiing has a resort / catskiing / heli skiing trip combo that is unique. It’s called the Kootenay Sampler.
One Resort day, 2 Catskiing days, 3 or 4 heliskiing days.
I have not done the Sampler, but I have heliskied with them, which was great. And the lodge is a ton of fun.
THE PEAK SEASON KOOTENAY HELI SKIING TRIPS INCLUDE:
DAY 1 – your trip starts with a night at the Prestige Resort in Rossland – breakfast voucher for ski hill in the morning is included – a day pass for Red Resort ski area
DAY 2 and 3 – 3 nights accommodation at Nelson’s Lakeside Prestige Resort and Convention Centre – 2 days snowcat at their sister company, Valhalla Powdercats, lunch and morning snacks included – breakfast at Prestige Resort in Nelson
DAY 4 – breakfast at Prestige Resort in Nelson – pass for Ainsworth Hot Springs Caves and Mineral Baths.
DAY 5, 6 and 7 – 3 or 4 days of heli skiing with Snowwater Heli Skiing
– 3 groups of 4
– UNLIMITED VERTICAL! – all alcohol (except cellared wine and premium liquor) – 3 nights accommodation at Snowwater Lodge – 3 delicious meals a day for the length of your Snowwater stay – personal safety backpack with avalanche probe, shovel and water bottle – use of digital barryvox avalanche transceiver – avalanche safety and transceiver training – helicopter safety briefing – specially selected poles and fat powder skis – transfer to and from the lodge from the base office.
Honorable Mention Heli Skiing Trips
Last Frontier Heliskiing, for the ultimate warm up plus a full 7-day package. 3 days at Whistler, 1 in Vancouver, and 7 days heliskiing at the Bell 2 Lodge. It looks like this:
Let us know if we can assist with recommendations for the best BC heli skiing trips!
The ultimate in luxury and resort-based heliskiing convenience. Why waste powder time driving to the helipad when you can land right next to your chalet!?
The Belmont Estate in Whistler is one of the World’s only truly Heliski -In/Heliski-Out out chalets. And it is only 5 minutes drive to the lifts in Whistler, so down days are a thing of the past.
The Belmont Estate is, without a doubt, the most contemporary and private house in Whistler. The house boasts unobstructed and quintessential panoramic views over Whistler resort. The 7 bedroom estate sits on 7 acres of land and features a helipad, making it one of the world’s only truly Heliski-in/Heliski-out properties.
With 8100 sq feet of liveable space, Belmont is among Whistler’s largest houses. The main house has 5 bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms, and the guest house has 2 bedrooms with a loft. Belmont is located in Stonebridge, Whistler’s most exclusive and private neighborhood and is a 5 minute drive from the ski-lifts at Creekside. The Estate features a gated laneway, heated outdoor pool, hot tub that seats 12 people, a steam room, outdoor firepits, a billiards room, a media room and a gym.
Rentals include 24/7 Private Concierge Service, a private driver, butler services and daily housekeeping provided by the professionals from https://www.maideasy.com.au/.
We work with all three of Whistler’s heliski operators. All three operators can land at the house. Locally based and very experienced concierge team will suggest which of the 3 is the best for your group based on group size, skier ability level, conditions and time of the year.
Special introductory rates are currently available. Call 866-HELISKI or email tj at HELISKI.com
Last Frontier Heli-Skiing special is offering some deals for 2014. See them summarized below, scroll down for details.
Book with HELISKI.com and we throw in a free massage for each guest.
So you don’t forget, order by midnight tonight!
tj
1. Combo of 3 days at the Whistler Fairmont + 4 days Last Frontier Heliskiing. $6550
2. Combo of 3 days Whistler + 5 days heliskiing. $8440
3. Combo of 3 days Whistler + 7 days heliskiing. $10,070
4. Safari 3 days heliskiing at EACH LFH lodge, and 1 day heliskiing from one to the other. $9470
I have done this trip, and it rocks!
POSTED BY: Tom Jackson, IN: Heliski.com November 3, 2011
Interview by Tom Jackson, HELISKI.com
Recently we visited with Gordon Calder who runs Powder Mountain Heliskiing and Catskiing in Whister-Blackcomb, BC. He goes by Gord, and is the unofficial mayor of Whistler Village. What follows are 15 or so questions with HELISKI.com and HeliskiingReview.com
1. Gord, Powder Mountain used to be a catskiing-only operation. What made you decide to move up? (bad pun intended)
It has always been a dream, and when dreams come along you grab them and run.
2. Where is your terrain, in relation to Whistler-Blackcomb Resort?
15 minutes South. [387 square miles of terrain, so there is always a good aspect and angle to heliski.]
3. You get more snow than Whistler, too, eh?
30% more snow on average; if you don’t believe me I’ll prove it to you.
More Snow than Whistler!
4. Describe a typical day of heli-skiing with Powder Mountain.
All I can say is “Bucket List,” with Whistler as your backcountry lodge. Your Heli Day:
7:45am Meet at Gone Bakery in the Whistler Village, behind the grocery store, to check in and sign your waiver. Be dressed and ready to ski except for your ski boots. We drive you and your equipment to our simple base lodge The Powder Mountain base Lodge is 20 minutes south of Whistler on Highway 99 at the Chance Creek turn off, or to the Black Tusk Heliport in Squamish depending on weather conditions, where you meet your guides. .With Gone Bakery being right behind the grocery store, you can watch everyone race for powder as you saunter over to the Backside of Gone Bakery with your guide for your ride down to our lodge. Please be on time. Time wasted is skiing wasted. You can never get back turns you missed.8:00am Departure for “Your Best Day Ever” from the Gone Bakery. Don’t be late.9.00am At our simple base lodge we have a cozy fireplace and bathroom facilities. After a short talk on the day’s proceedings and a short helicopter safety briefing, we load up the helicopter and head out into the backcountry.Book and Ski Guaranteed: If the weather makes it impossible to fly, your powder day will be from our snowcat that we keep ready in case of the weather not cooperating. If your day is from the cat instead of the helicopter, you will only be charged for a day of catskiing not heliskiing.[cool]9.15am – 9.45am You step out of the helicopter and begin a quick orientation to make you feel comfortable and to ensure you are familiar with our safety procedures and equipment. After that, it’s time to get our first taste of the day’s snow. You will be at an altitude between 6,500 and 8,000 feet, clicking into your bindings for the first run of the day. The first run is always a “Let’s Get Acquainted” run to let everyone get warmed up and so the guide can get an idea of everyone’s ability so they can plan the day that gets the best skiing or riding for the group. The groups’ ability and snow conditions determine what kind of terrain and runs we will be riding.3.00pm – 3:30pm The end of your day depends more on the energy level of the group, snow and weather conditions, etc, than what time it is.3:30 – 3:45pm You return to our Base Lodge, then transfer into our 4×4 vans and head back to Whistler.4:30pm You are usually back in Whistler, dropped at Gone Bakery. [grinning ear to ear]
Bonus Question: As the unofficial mayor of Whistler, what are the best après-ski bars in Whistler Village?
Longhorn Citta Amsterdam
5. If the weather looks iffy to fly, do you tell your guests to stay in town and ski Whistler?
HAHAHAHAHAA! No we jump in a cat and hit the most epic trees on the planet.
6. You ski the A-Star, so groups of four?
We do A-Star groups of 4 and a 214 for groups of 10.
7. How many groups per helicopter?
A-Star up to 3 groups of 4. In the Bell 214, 2 groups of 10.
8. Do you usually have space on short notice, or should guests make reservations before they get to Whistler?
If you only have one or two days to shred then book ahead. If you’re here for a week or so, feel free to roll last minute. We have a 24 hour cancellation policy and do not charge your card until the night before the trip leaves, so if you cancel there is no fee. [Cool]
While you’re in the backseat, get me a beer
9. Can you recommend lodging in Whistler?
There are so many amazing places it does not really matter, just make sure your not right above a night club or you could get no sleep at all. [great insider tip...]
10. So, how did you come up with the name for Powder Mountain Heliskiing Catskiing?
Pretty easy, we have Powder and a Mountain. [Huh!]
11. Other than a Private, you offer 3-run and 5-run packages.
$595 for 3 runs $995 for 5 runs
How much vertical does each usually get?
Tons, most people don’t have the legs for what we offer!
Been there, skied that, got the T-shirt
12. Once your guests have had a taste, do you send them straight to
What’s the right answer? Of course!
13. So you are my gateway drug, eh?
We have Gateway and the Endway just jump on board for the ride. At Powder Mountain the answer is YES to every question. [Sounds like my old girlfriend]
14. Do you take a lot of heli-boarders?
With Ken Achenbach and Don Schwartz as the owners that is a big yes.
Let us know if you want advice on the best trip for your group, too.
tj
Whistler’s Coast Range Heliskiing Interview – HELISKI.com and HeliskiingReview.com 15 Questions with Coast Range Heliskiing originally posted Nov 16, 2011 09:45 am | Tom Jackson
For starters, my partner Mike and I want to thank you for your generosity. When Mike’s grandson was in a bad accident, you offered a heliski trip to the charity auction on his behalf. Thanks again, Tyler!
Coast Range Heliskiing operates in several areas North-East of the Whistler-Blackcomb Resort. Guests are picked up in Whistler village and taken on a quick 20 min chauffeured ride out to our home base in the quaint town of Pemberton where they will board the helicopter to ski/board in our Mount Currie zone.
Some heli-ski companies ski in large groups of 10 or more. We like to offer a more personalized service where you get to know your guide, so we limit the group size to just four or five guests. Skiing in small groups makes it easier to match ability levels, reducing wait times and maximizing vertical so you’ll do more skiing/riding and ultimately end in a better experience.
6. What helicopters do you use, and how many groups per ship?
We fly in the A-star and Bell 407 helicopters. Both are fast dynamic machines that are quiet and nimble in the mountains providing a luxury experience for the smaller groups of 4-5 guests, maximum of 3 groups, that we specialize in.
Guests are picked up at one of our 3 Whistler locations at 7:45am. They are then driven 20 minutes north in our comfortable vans to our base in nearby Pemberton. Upon arrival at our base facility they will be welcomed by our friendly staff with hot coffee and a light continental breakfast while completing some formalities including our comprehensive release of liability.
Guests then receive a safety briefing from both the pilot and guide. The group is then divided into groups of 4 or 5 based on skill level or specific request. As safety is our main concern guests will go over a complete safety briefing with their guide which includes a personal transceiver orientation. After mastering the use of the personal transceiver guests will be introduced to the pilot who will take them through the helicopter safety orientation.
Lift off is approximately 10.00am. Typically we complete 2 or 3 runs prior to lunch which is served in the alpine amidst snow capped mountains and beautiful frozen lakes. Guests will take in the crisp fresh mountain air and soak up the view. After lunch guests are refueled and ready for more glorious powder runs in the pristine alpine. Once guests have completed all the runs in their package they do have the option of purchasing additional runs at $95pp until the days end between 3-4pm when they return to the base for après-ski and a photo slideshow of the day. Then it’s finally time to prepare for the quick trip back to Whistler.
8. If the weather looks sketchy to fly, do you tell your guests to stay in town and ski Whistler-Blackcomb?
If it looks as though we won’t be able to fly we do try and let our guests know in advance so they can make alternate arrangements to switch their heliski trip to a different day and enjoy one of Whistler’s many other attractions, which could include skiing on the mountain.
Deep, eh?
9. Do you usually have space on short notice, or should guests make a reservation before they get to Whistler?
We always recommend guests book in advance to secure their spots and also to get the best deal. We have a 24hr cancellation policy so if guests arrive in Whistler and decide that they would like to change their dates we are happy to accommodate them. Our booking office is centrally located in Whistler village across from the Whistler Gondola and we are happy to help out our guests.
10. Other than a Private, you offer 4-run and 6-run packages.
($960 for 4 runs; $1150 for 6 runs).
How much vertical does each usually get?
Our 4 run packages typically enjoys between 6,000-12,000 vertical feet of skiing, while our 6 run guests typically ski 9,000-18,000 vertical feet. It’s not unusual to get 4,000 vertical feet per run with a strong group on days when the conditions are in our favour. [Sweeeeeet!]
Ooooooooh Yeeaaaaaaahh
11. How much are extra runs?
Extra runs are $95 per person.
12. What percentage of your guests buy extra runs, and how many?
75-80%, 1-2 extra runs.
13. What percentage of your guests are heli-boarders?
About 35% are heli-boarders; a number that has increased over the past 10 years.
14. Do you provide powder boards for guests?
We are happy to arrange for rentals of new powder snowboards through our rental partner in Whistler.
Coast Range Heliskiing is the boutique heliskiing operator in Whistler. We work hard to offer an unforgettable service to our guests, one that they will remember for their entire lifetime!
Helicopter Skiing Canada in One Group with Unlimited Vertical, and Easy Travel from Whistler
1. TLH Helicopter Skiing Canada is the only Canadian heliskiing operator offering just one group per helicopter in a standard, Classic package. Every group heli skis with their own helicopter. How did you decide to offer what amounts to an inexpensive Private Helicopter Skiing Canada package?
“At TLH Helicopter Skiing Canada we separate ourselves from the pack by offering Canadian heliskiing and heliboarding packages that are more boutique and exclusive. A single group per helicopter offers the guest an unrivaled experience in the mountains as there is no waiting for additional groups. This also allows us greater bad weather tolerance as we do not have to extract multiple groups from the field with one helicopter. Every group heli skis on its own.
After a big snowfall when the sky opens up to that endless bluebird day we are out into our big terrain skiing within 10 minutes. Packages that offer three groups per heli will have the third group waiting at least 30+ minutes to fly out after the first group, even when the first run is close to home. The first group out will also have that 30 minute wait to get onto their second run. The single group helicopter eliminates this wait time.
Single groups also give our Canadian helicopter skiing program more flexibility in marginal snow conditions. We can move our program in and out of different drainages quickly and efficiently as we don’t have to ferry 3 loads in and out of zones.”
[I love that!]
TLH Heli-Skiing Canada High Alpine Terrain? Check
2. On top of just one group per machine, you offer unlimited vertical! Other Canada heliskiing operators tell me that it reminds them of the rancher who won the lottery, who plans to ‘keep on ranchin til it’s gone.’
How can you make money offering one group and unlimited vertical?!?
“Over the last 20 years of operating, TLH Heli-Skiing Canada has gained an intimate understanding of how much the average Canadian heli-skiing client is capable of skiing. With this in mind, we ran a pilot project to see if our vertical numbers reflected what guests would ski on an unlimited basis and budgeted accordingly. The pilot was a success, and we decided to carry it forward into our regular program. When guests can eliminate the need to balance their budget while they earn their turns, everyone “just heli skis.” . The experience is greatly enhanced because they will ski morning to night and never concern themselves with the add-ons to their bill. No one gets left in the lodge after reaching their guarantee to save money, and the skiing becomes an unlimited possibility. The skiers that have seen our 200,000 vertical weeks, with no additional charges, would ask “how we can afford not to?” as they re-book.
One Group per Group! Like a Limo vs. a Taxi
3. Critics of the unlimited vertical heli skiing Canada offerings point out that the guests and operators are not goal congruent (high tech marketing jargon, sorry I couldn’t resist).
What do you say to skeptics who contend you may quit early or otherwise slow the pace to save money?
“Our answer to this is that the ‘proof is in the pudding’ so to speak.
Our average daily vertical for 2011 was 8700m or 27,710 ft per day. Over 7 days that’s 200,970 ft. [WOW!]
Most Canada heli skiing packages that the competitors offer give you 100,000 vertical feet before you start paying for every additional 1000 ft. The last 4 weeks of 2011 saw us skiing over 200,000 ft. weekly, with one week at 250,000. As far as quitting early goes, our daily program runs from 0830 to 1630 in the field, and the only time we come home early is due to tired legs or bad weather.”
5. Flying a 212 helicopter must be much less expensive. Comparing to 407’s or A-Stars, what’s the difference in operating costs?
“Each aircraft has different operating costs based on the type of helicopter and the required maintenance on them. Generally smaller helicopters cost less to operate than a Bell 212. ” [Sorry, I was thinking per person]
Keep it running, we’ll be right down!
6. The group is only as fast as the slowest heliskier. What happens if the one group has a “lagging gaper” who can’t hang?
“At TLH Heli-Skiing Canada, all of our groups in the single group program run with 2 guides. When we have a dramatic split, one guide will take the faster skiers and lap the slower guys or pick a different line to cater to ability levels.” [Good answer!]
7. TLH Heli-Skiing Canada is probably the most convenient to Whistler-Blackcomb of any destination Canadian heli skiing operator. Describe the travel from Whistler.
“The transfer to TLH Heliskiing Canada is part of the adventure and experience, and a perfect start to your heliskiing holiday.
A 20 minute land transfer from Whsitler to Pemberton brings you to the airport, where you will board a DE Havilland Beaver ski plane. A 30 minute beautiful scenic flight over the mountains brings you to Tyax Wilderness Resort & Spa, where you will land on the frozen lake in front of the lodge. [Very cool!]
All of our packages include this air transfer. When traveling by land, a pretty drive along a classic mountain highway offers views of frozen rivers, deep valleys, and diverse peaks. The Duffy from Pemberton to Lillooet is well-known for its incredible ski touring access and terrain.
Our proximity to Whistler allows us to build custom combo tours for guests who would also like to visit the world-renowned resort while on vacation.”
8. How about travel from, and return to Vancouver?
“Guests coming from Vancouver will travel up the Sea to Sky corridor through Whistler to Pemberton then connect with our air transfer to Tyax. The Sea to Sky is a famous, scenic drive through some of the best recreational playgrounds in Canada, including North Vancouver, Squamish, and Whistler. With views over the Pacific Ocean, you move through some of the most ideal terrain for outdoor activity in all of British Columbia, while being captivated by the view of the white-capped Tantalus Mountain range towering in the background.”
The Lodge and Guests Rooms were Completely Remodeled Last Year
9. Your lodge has been upgraded recently. What’s new?
“Tyax Wilderness Resort & Spa, the home of TLH Heliskiing Canada, underwent a massive renovation last summer and fall. We opened the 2011 heliskiing season with a completely revamped property. The space has been elegantly updated to modern standards to meet the expectations of the contemporary traveler while the ambiance of the lodge has been maintained; the goal of our renovations was to upgrade and enhance the level of luxury while maintaining the rustic feel of the lodge, representing our wilderness setting.
All guest rooms were completely renovated while the main areas saw complete upgrades and re-decorating, including the bar and lounge, the dining room, outdoor patio, and the den. The furniture in this Canadian heli-ski lodge has been replaced on all levels. That includes easy chairs and leather sofas in the bar, warm inviting sofas in the lobby and bedding of the highest quality in all guest rooms.
The exterior of the lodge has seen all the balconies and decking replaced, giving the exterior of the lodge a modern and clean look. Our newly renovated kitchen is now producing a dining experience far beyond what was available historically. And very importantly for our heliskiing guests, we now offer a brand new spa with three treatment rooms, an infrared sauna, a wood sauna, a steam room, yoga studio and well-designed change rooms guaranteed to relax our guests. We will continue to improve our product and services as we move forward to winter 2012, including a new outdoor Jacuzzi in the fall renovations and an even greater emphasis of guest satisfaction and service.”
“They help connect us to clients on a broader spectrum; they are specializing in the product which in itself is very specialized.” [Yeah, it’s a niche of a niche, eh?]
11. Some clients are concerned about heliskiing so close to Whistler, where some storms dump heavy snow aka Sierra Cement. How does your snowfall amount and quality compare with other heliskiing destinations?
“Luckily TLH is on the East side of the Coast Mountains. The storms have to rise over the high peaks of the mountain range and then drop their snow on us. This means we avoid the warm temperatures on the West side of the Coast Mountains, where TLH heli skis! That combined with the influence of the cold interior plateaus to the east of us we receive deep, dry snowpacks, quite different than that of Whistler.”
This Ain’t Whistler…
12. How many down days do you average in a season?
“1/2 day per week.
So pack your sunscreen! ” (My daughter makes me use sunscreen to limit the damage!)
13. What percentage of your guests is heliboarders, and what do you do to accommodate knuckle draggers?
“The heliboarding numbers vary from week to week but on average I would say 40% of our guests are on boards. When we have boarders in the group we simply alter our terrain choices to eliminate long traverses or flat sections.” [SWEET!]
How do snowboarders introduce themselves?
14. Do you know how snowboarders introduce themselves?
“OH! Sorry, Dude!”
[I’m not hating, I do both]
15. Is there anything else you would like to add about TLH Helicopter Skiing Canada?
“We offer a boutique product in an amazing lodge with a ski program that is suited to people that really want to ski. Canadian Heli-skiing needs a shot in the arm and we are attempting to do it. Products and programs have been stagnating, and I think you will find most heli operators following our lead (once again) over the next few years! My comments are based on 13 years of heliskiing as a mountain guide, working actively in the guiding and the management of the heliskiing industry. We will be launching a new website this winter to bring our online presence up to the quality of our operation.”
Thanks, Cliff! Looking forward to seeing the new lodge upgrades and skiing some deep untracked!
tj
Tom Jackson
CPO (Chief Powder Officer) HELISKI.com WhistlerHeliski.com
Powder Mountain just announced that you can Heli Ski from down town Vancouver B.C.! They did their first recon trip last week, and the first run is 12 minutes from the harbour heli port.
If you live in Vancouver and want to go HeliSkiing but don’t want to fight the traffic to Whistler, there is now an option.
Or, you can heliski your way to Whistler. Your bags will go by ground and meet you at your hotel!
Call if you want to learn more or book your trip! 866-HELISKI
tj
Tom Jackson
CPO (Chief Powder Officer) HELISKI.com HELIBOARD.com 866-HELISKI
(866-435-4754)
Whistler Heli Skiing is one of two operators offering Whistler Blackcomb heli skiing. We recently visited with Whistler Heli Skiing, the original Whistler helicopter skiing operator. Enjoy!
1. Whistler Heli Skiing has been completing bucket lists since 1983. You must lead the world in bucket list fulfillment. How often does a guest say “Best Day Ever?”
Every time we go Heliskiing Whistler guests are ecstatic and pumped from the day they had. Whether it be their first time or their 20th time we have the terrain and the snow to keep guests having “the best day ever!”
2. Whistler Heli Skiing offers 3, 4 and 5 run packages. What do most clients choose?
We actually offer 3, 4 and 6 run packages. We recommend picking a package that suits your ability, pace of skiing and or your goals for the day. Most first timers start with a 3 or 4 run package depending on their ski experience especially in powder.
3. Can guests buy extra runs? How much?
Yes we typically offer extra runs depending on the day (conditions, weather, timing). $120-140 Can.
4. What is your average vertical per run?
4 runs (approx. 6,000 – 10,000 vertical feet, or 1,800 – 3,500 vertical meters of skiing)
6 runs (approx. 9,000 – 15,000 vertical feet. or 2,700 – 4,600 vertical meters of skiing).
5. Does Whistler Heli Skiing recommend lodging for your guests?
Most guests are in the resort of Whistler for a couple of days skiing on Whistler Blackcomb or doing other activities as well as heli-skiing. That’s one of the best things about Heli Skiing Whistler is that there numerous options for places to stay in Whistler based on your budget, or other requirements. We typically recommend staying in Whistler the night before to check in and get ready for your Heli-day. We always make the final call on whether we can go Heli-skiing or have to cancel due to weather the morning of.
6. How many guests are in each lift?
It depends on the package you purchase. The 3 and 4 run packages are in the Bell 205 Helicopter which typically holds between 7-10 guests. The 6 run package is in the Bell 407 which holds up to a maximum of 5 guests.
7. How many lifts per helicopter?
Depending on the time of year and volume of guests we have up to 3 groups per helicopter.
8. What happens if the weather does not cooperate?
If Whistler Heli Skiing has to cancel due to poor weather we offer guests a FULL Refund and or the ability to move to the next available day or try to get them out on the next they want to go.
9. So you have a photographer / videographer?
Yes it is included in the 3 and 4 run packages. A photographer will work with each group to take some photos and a video of one run of each group.
10. How many of your guests are heli-boarding?
I’d think 30-40% of our guests are heli-boarders.
11. Do you have powder snowboards for your guests?
Yes Whistler Heli Skiing (WHS) has many great powder boards to rent. We highly recommend boarders use them as it makes the day so much easier and fun to really float on the fresh snow.
Season dates for 2011-12 are Dec 3rd 2011- April 22nd 2011
13. Can guests get a deal if they book more multiple days?
Yes we offer $100 off and free rentals for subsequent days within the season.
14. Do you offer deals to groups?
Depending on the time of year and availability WHS does offer some incentive for groups of 10 or more people to pre-book Heli-skiing.
15. Anything else you would like to add about Whistler Heli Skiing?
Just beyond the ski lifts of Whistler and Blackcomb, minutes from North America’s #1-ranked Ski Resort, awaits the ultimate high-alpine experience. Imagine carving through untracked powder, endless terrain and breath-taking scenery. With hundreds of ski runs, there is a tremendous variety of slopes to accommodate all levels of skiers and boarders from intermediate to expert. The skiing varies from wide-open glaciers to beautiful gladed tree runs. The heli-ski area is made up of several zones and is approximately 50 miles north/south by 30 miles east/west (80km by 50km). Your guide will select terrain within a zone according to snowfall, the weather, and your group’s ability.
Thanks. See you in Whistler!
Best,
tj
Tom Jackson CPO (Chief Powder Officer) HELISKI.com 866-HELISKI (866-435-4754)
Here is a summary of the three at Whistler. Email or call (866-HELISKI (866-435-4754) if you have questions or want recommendations.
Phantom Heli Skiing specialized in small groups. For $2K Canadian per day up to 4 of you can have 1.25 hours of flight (that’s good, definitely all day)
Whistler Heliskiing offers 3, 4 and 6 run packages. They ski in a bigger machines, with 7-10 guests in a group.
