Fly up AM, Heliski PM. Heliski 3, 4 or 5 Full Days. Last day, Heliski AM, Fly back PM….Sweet set up!

Our friend Beat Steiner, who runs Bella Coola Helisports, has a very cool offer. Heliski a half-day on each end of your trip, so you can get an extra day! This is especially cool for maximizing a short trip. And, not only do you get to heliski/heliboard on both travel days, Beat picks up your airfare from Vancouver and back!

bella coola british columbia heliskiing bc canada heli-skiing
Bella Coola squeezes in as much skiing as they can!

Bella Coola Helisports is the original and most experienced operator in Bella Coola offers 1.5 million acres of the most sought after heliskiing and boarding on the planet. This is now one of the largest tenures in the world.

They have one of the easiest accesses of any heliskiing destination in BC. Their goal is to have you heliskiing/heliboarding on the day of your arrival and the day of your departure.

So their 3-day package gives you 4 possible days of heliskiing/boarding. That is because you fly up one morning, ski the afternoon; ski three full days; then on the last day you ski the morning and fly out in the afternoon. 4-day package gives you 5 possible heli-skiing days, 5-day gives you 6 days…..you get the idea. You can also read our summary at BCHS.

And, Beat will include the airfare from Vancouver to Bella Coola and return!

Bella Coola has two options, (not including their Private Pantheon, a unique setting which is ideal for a group of 8):

Big Mountain program is a no frills, attractively priced choice (Put together a group of 4 and you can save money and rack up the vertical).

Tweedsmuir Lodge is the classic heli experience.

Availability during British Columbia primetime:

The week of Jan 22-29, including shorter trips ( Jan 22-26 or Jan 26-29).

Also during Feb 19-28 which is 9 nights, you can also be split into Feb 19-22 Feb 19-24, Feb 22-28 and Feb 24-28.

Pricing:

7-night/ 8-day $9,980
5-night/ 6 day $8,080
4-night/ 5 day $6,880
3-night/ 4 day $5,480

Email Beat, or call 604.932.3000….Tell him TJ sent you and I’ll throw in a massage.

heli-skiing Canada, helicopter skiing BC Canada
Don’t Waste a Second – Heliski with Bella Coola Heliskiing / Heliboarding

March Heliskiing – We have great options!

A group of 4 wanted 4 days in March. I was worried that many of our favorite operators were booked.
But we came up with six great possibilities! Two with catskiing backup.

But, first, a cool picture:

heliskiing march, helicopter skiing march

  • OPTIONS
  • One for $4995
  • Another one for $3820
  • One 5 day / 6 night trip for $6700.
  • One four day, plus two half-days, for a total of 5 days. Fly up from Vancouver in the AM, ski that PM, ski 3 full days, ski AM, fly back PM. Pretty cool.
  • One with unlimited vertical for $7555
  • Another with unlimited vertical for only $5400

Lots of great options. Of course the all vary on other criteria, like travel, location, size and number of groups, etc., etc. That’s where we come in. Given what is important to you, we can find the ultimate trip, because……..

Knowledge Is Powder!

Call or email if you want our free advice. 866-HELISKI

Happy Holidays,tj

heli skiing alaska, alaska heli skiing

Alaska Heli Skiing vs Canadian Heli Skiing — Heliski.com Reviews

Alaska Heli Skiing vs Canadian Heli Skiing

HELISKI.com Compares and Contrasts Heli Skiing Alaska vs Heli Skiing Canada

Alaska Heli Skiing vs Canadian Heli Skiing

Alaska Heli Skiing vs. Canadian Heli Skiing?  I get this question a lot from clients who want to Alaska Heli Ski.  Heli Skiing Alaska is very different from Canadian Heli Skiing.   There are stark contrasts in terrain, snow, lodging, runs, pricing, travel and amenities between Alaska heli skiing and heli skiing Canada.  The big differences heli-skiing Alaska vs heli-skiing Canada are……..

  • Heli Skiing Alaska is almost all above tree line.  Most heli-skiing in Canada has a variety of high alpine and tree skiing.   Alaska Heli Ski terrain has NO trees.
  • Heli Skiing Alaska weather is more problematic, both for travel and for skiing (I was once down for 6 days in a row in Valdez Alaska).  You may have to drive from Anchorage (5 hrs.) because the flights in and out of Valdez are canceled, often.  Alaska Heli-Ski risk….

heli skiing alaska, alaska heli skiing alaska heli skiing, heli skiing alaska,

  • Heli Skiing Canada is more travel-friendly and more weather friendly than heli-skiing Alaska
  • Alaska heli skiing is serious steep.  They can get as extreme as you can handle.  I’m an accomplished powder skier and former ski bum. There are places that will scare the hell out of me in Alaska.  They claim to have terrain similar to Canadian heli skiing, but that is not where you heliski in Alaska.
  • Alaska heli skiing is beautiful and wild.  It is hard to relate the vastness of heli skiing Alaska vs heli skiing Canada.   But heli-skiing Alaska is striking!
  • We work with some great heli-skiing operators in both Canada and Alaska.
  • Heli Skiing Alaska is a later season than heli skiing Canada, because of the temps and the daylight. March is the early season for Alaska heli skiing.  April is prime time for heli-skiing Alaska

heliskiing alaska, alaska heliskiing

  • Alaska heli skiing accommodations are not luxurious.  Nothing like Canadian heli skiing lodges.  Sometimes you commute from a Valdez hotel or even stay in a motor home.
  • There is an operator out of Mt. Alyeska that would allow you to ‘warm up’ before you go heli-skiing Alaska
  • Heli Skiing Alaska or Heli Boarding Alaska.  And you can ski the resort or go catskiing on down days.  Let me know if you want me to research.

heli skiing alaska, alaska heli skiing

                      TJ Heli Skiing Alaska – Heliskiing and Scenery are Amazing and Dramatic

I would NOT try Alaska heli skiing for my first heliski trip, have a tight schedule or want the classic heliski lodge experience.  Heli Skiing Canada is the place to start.

I WOULD heli-skiing Alaska if I was craving steep, easy on time, patient and looking for bucket list check marks.

Let us know if you want recommendations for heli skiing Canada or Alaska, or both.

We represent all of the Heli Skiing Alaska Operators and just about every Canadian Heli Skiing Operator.

heli skiing Alaska, Alaska heli skiing
Alaska Heli Skiing is Awesome!

Heliskiing Whistler – Cool Options

Whistler Heli Skiing Cool Options

 

Whistler-Blackcomb Rocks – Add a day of heliskiing or heliboarding and it’s a peak experience.

There are two operators accessible from Whistler (not including those you can jump to from Vancouver or Pemberton like TLH Heliskiing, Northern Escape Heli-Skiing, Bella Coola Heli-Sports and Last Frontier Heliskiing.

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 heli skiing, phantom whistler heli skiing

 

Whistler Heliskiing offers 3, 4 and 6 run packages. They ski in a bigger machines, with 7-10 guests in a group.

Wondering if you can hang? Take the Whistler Heliskiing Ability Questionnaire

Save money on your facial, skip the spa and add a day of facials with Whistler Heliskiing

whistler blackcomb heli skiing, heliskiing whistler

Early Season Heliski Deals at Northern Escape Heli-Skiing

Our good friend John Forrest at Northern Escape Heli-Skiing has some great early season deals. Make sure to tell him TJ sent you.

This year NEH is adding catskiing backup, so they will have zero down-days. To inaugurate the new service they offer:

  • Jan 7th to 10th, Inaugural Snow Cat Event, 3-day Snowcat, Unlimited Vertical, $1,690 Can.

Northern Escape Heli-Skiing has some other great early season deals, too:

  • Jan 10th to 14th, 4 days Heliskiing, Unlimited Vertical, Early Season Rate – $4,890
  • Jan 14th to 21st, 7 days Heliskiing, Unlimited Vertical, Early Season Rate – $8,790
  • Jan 21st to 23rd, 2 day Heliskiing Special, Unlimited Vertical, Early Season Rate – $2,460

And, Steep Camp returns:

  • March 28th to April 1st, Steep Camp, $6,990

Northern Escape Heli-Skiing is a great operation with fantastic skiing, DEEP snow, catskiing backup and easy travel. Cool people, nice place, fast chopper (Koala).

northern escape heli skiing powder, northern escape heliskiing

Heliskiing with Your Kids

Ever seen a kid heliskiing? It’s rare, but possible – and so are deals, all the way up to college-age.

The folks at Last Frontier Heliskiing not only allow it, they offer discounts to kids who are skiing with their parents. This can include college age ‘kids’, so check it out!

For smaller kids, they should be over age 12. Of course the ankle-biters have to be able to make turns in powder. And hopefully the kid is taller than last night’s dump….but I digress.

You can get a great deal and an amazing, unique memory for you and your kids

Heli-Skiing with your Kids

Early Season Heli-Skiing Deals from Northern Escape

Early Season Heliski Deals at Northern Escape Heli-Skiing

Our good friend John Forrest at Northern Escape Heli-Skiing has some great early season deals.   Make sure to tell him TJ sent you.

Early Season Heli-Skiing Deals from Northern Escape
Northern Escape Heli-Skiing Canada

This year NEH is adding catskiing backup, so they will have zero down-days.  To inaugurate the new service they offer:

  • Jan 7th to 10th, Inaugural Snow Cat Event, 3-day Snowcat, Unlimited Vertical, $1,690 Can.

Northern Escape Heli-Skiing has some other great early season deals, too:

  • Jan 10th to 14th, 4 days Heliskiing, Unlimited Vertical, Early Season Rate – $4,890
  • Jan 14th to 21st, 7 days Heliskiing, Unlimited Vertical, Early Season Rate – $8,790
  • Jan 21st to 23rd, 2 day Heliskiing Special, Unlimited Vertical, Early Season Rate – $2,460

And, Steep Camp returns:

  • March 28th to April 1st, Steep Camp, $6,990

Northern Escape Heli-Skiing is a great operation with fantastic skiing, DEEP snow, catskiing backup and easy travel.  Cool people, nice place, fast chopper (Koala).

 

Heliskiing Canada, Best Heliskiing Canada

Top 10 Things to Consider in a Heliskiing Trip

Top 10 Things to Consider in a Heliskiing Trip

Heliskiing Canada, Best Heliskiing Canada

The Top 10 Heliskiing Trip Factors

1.  Location

British Columbia Canada is the center of the heliskiing world.  It has the perfect combination of terrain, climate and precipitation.  It is home to the majority of heliskiing and heliboarding operations on earth.   Within British Columbia there are different regions with different advantages and disadvantages.

Snow quantity is directly affected by proximity to the Pacific. In general, more snow falls in the Coast Ranges.  Snow quality if based on a combination of factors, but most notably is the distance North (cooler temps) and the elevation (the higher the dryer).   A minimum amount of snow is required for both ground coverage and general stability and for this reason the vast majority of Heliskiing occurs in the Interior ranges and the Coast Ranges. The Rockies generally have less snowfall, but what falls is dry!  See a map of British Columbia Heliskiing and Heliboarding Locations.

Alaska is home of the steep and deep.  The season is later and there is not much tree skiing compared to BC.  Most operators are out of Valdez, but there are a couple of others.  Alaska can be more difficult to access.  For example, Anchorage to Valdez flights are cancelled over one third of the time in the season.  Alaska can have more down days than many BC operators.  There are some options better than others. The US offers heliskiing and heliboarding in the Lower 48 as well.  Utah, Colorado, Nevada, Washington, California and Idaho all have heliskiing.  Many of these are located at or near resort skiing and cater to one-day trips, although longer trips are also available.  Europe heliskiing is somewhat restricted, starting late and ending early.  France outlawed it.  South America and New Zealand also offer heli skiing trips.   India, Russia, Greenland and Iceland are also available for exotic adventures.

2.  Dates – When to go, not whether or not to take one…..

BC operates January to early April. Whistler may offer December days.  The Christmas to New Years week is also available from some operators.

Primetime is February, but January and March are usually very good.  January can offer better deals, including unlimited vertical.  Be aware that late season can include ‘corn snow’ in addition to or instead of powder.

See related posting on January vs. March Which is best?

Alaska has a much later season.  Some operators open in February.  Prime time is March and April.  Some will accommodate early May.  It may be corn snow, however.  There is twice as much sunlight at the end of the season than at the beginning.

3.  Groups

The size of the group and the number of groups per helicopter, or machine, is very important.  Some of the big operators like Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH) and Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing use primarily big helicopters with 11 guests per lift.   Almost all of the boutique, smaller operators use A-stars, Bell407’s or the new Koalas.   These hold 4 to 6 guests.  It is a more intimate group.  In addition, smaller helicopters are more maneuverable.  Small groups can access tighter areas that could not handle 13 sets of tracks.  Smaller is better.   However, the bigger machines such as the Bell212 are less expensive.

Groups per helicopter is another important criterion.  A helicopter can easily service two or three groups without much waiting.   Operators will attempt to group guests of similar ability and speed.  But all groups can only go as fast as the slowest group, unless or until a group can be passed.  The amount of waiting depends on the ‘weakest link’ and on the willingness of the guides to ‘leap frog’ the slow group.  This is frequently a cause of tension and discontent.  This is especially true if the groups contain skiers with different ability and or speed.  Another issue can arise if some guests are interested in ‘extra vertical’ (for extra money) and some are not.  Unless the lodge is close or there are logical groups, some guests may be disappointed. One group per machine, aka Private, is best but expensive.  Two groups per machine, a Semi-Private, is very good and usually comes at a premium.  Three groups per machine, Classic or Regular, is the industry norm for smaller, more boutique operations.  Be aware that many of the newer companies are calling there packages Private or Semi-Private but do not offer the same service as the more reputable companies.

4.  Length of Trip

Packages are available for 1, 3, 4, 7 or more days.  Most ‘week’ trips are 7 nights with 6 full days of skiing.  Some will offer skiing on the morning of departure.  Some can get up on the afternoon of the arrival day.  Several companies now offer a full seven days as they are located with easier access and can have their guests ski a full day on the last day instead of using it as a change over time and lengthy transfer to an airport. But those are the exception.

Resort-based operators cater to shorter trips, especially one-day trips.  More remote operators justify longer trips.  A travel day on each end may be required, but as mentioned access is the key if you want to ski more and travel less. So, longer trips make the best use of time and money. Down days, unfortunately, do happen.  If the helicopter cannot fly, due to weather or mechanical issues, the bummer is magnified if it is shorter trip.  A handful of operators now offer catskiing backup.  It can save the day and is worth considering.

5.  Travel

Total travel time is an important criteria that is often overlooked.  Some of the oldest heliski operators require bus rides of eight hours on both ends of the trip.  This is an ironic contrast to the fast, convenient service offered during the heliskiing.  It may not sit well with clients who can afford heliskiing.

It is a good idea to get the travel itineraries for everyone in the group before you book.  Getting to and from a heliskiing destination can range from straight forward or very challenging.  Some places are easy to get to with frequent ‘commuter’ flights.  Book these ASAP.  The good flights often sell out, and the cheap seats sell out first.  Others’ charter flights, require lengthy bus rides and are susceptible to weather delays.  Most have vans or buses for the last leg of the journey. The primary airports for heliskiing access are Vancouver, Calgary, and Anchorage, in that order.  Many itineraries require a night stay before or after the trip, some both.  Some operators include this in the price, others do not.  Some operators that are easy to access allow West Coast heliskiers to fly up in the morning and ski that afternoon.  It may also be possible to ski the morning of the last day, and fly home that afternoon. This allows three days of heliskiing in a total of four days.

Several offer easy access with all the same feelings of remoteness without the additional travel time. Another benefit to easy access is that it may also increase the skiing time you have available during your package. This may actually add up to a full day more given the same package duration.

6.  Cost

Heliskiing is expensive.  The good news is that it is worth it.  Most packages run $800 to $1100 per day, Canadian.  This includes food, lodging, helicopter lifts and some après ski hors d’oeuvres.  Alcohol is always an additional cost.

Most packages include a guaranteed minimum vertical.  Additional vertical is typically $35-45 per thousand feet.  Resort-based operators are around $100/extra run.  Everyone in your helicopter group or ‘lift’ must agree to the extra vertical, or the day is over.  It is common to re-configure the groups late in the day to allow one or two groups to go for the extra vertical.

If weather or mechanical downtime prevents reaching the guaranteed minimum, most operators will issue a credit toward a future trip.  It is unusual to get a refund.  Operators vary widely on their willingness to accommodate clients for missed vertical.  In fact, some operators have been known to start late and quit early to minimize helicopter expenses.  Fortunately, this is the exception rather than the rule.  Refunds and vertical achieved are often the cause of friction on the last day, as type-A guests butt heads with cash-strapped operators.  There is ample room for disagreement about the cause of slow groups and missed vertical.  Negotiation can be successful, but it is best done in private and with a cool head and respect.

Some packages include unlimited vertical.  In fact, a couple of operators offer unlimited vertical on every package!   Others offer it during the early and late season.  It may be built into a higher price.  It is worth shopping around.  See this blog post about the pros and cons of unlimited vertical heliskiing.

7.  Accommodations

Most BC Operators offer very nice lodges in remote locations.  A few offer less expensive options, especially those that cater to day-trippers.  Most will offer excellent amenities including bar, hot tub, wireless internet, ski shop, massage, pool, TV/movies, etc.  Check them out online.  Most are great.

Some are fishing lodges in the summer months.  Lodging is in hotels in a handful of locations.

Alaska is considerably more rugged, with a couple of exceptions.   The center of gravity is Valdez.  Most operators shuttle clients back and forth from their motel in Valdez.  A few have their own accommodations. Another interesting option in Alaska is a motor home.  The operators make it easy to hook up and hang out when you are skiing, and go exploring when you are not.  You have the option of cooking for yourself, too.   In general, Alaska is a far less luxurious, so say the least.

Down days do happen.  Good down day (contradiction in terms) activities include ski touring, cat skiing, resort skiing, fishing, snowmobiling, sea kayaking and more.

The food is awesome! Destination heliski operators almost all offer great food and lots of it.  Hotel based operations may be a little less gourmet. Some of the bigger operators do buffet style, but the food is great.

8.  Helicopters

There are several helicopters common in the heliskiing industry.  Most popular with the boutique operators is the A-Star.  It typically carries four guests across a bench-like seat in the back; the pilot and guide sit in front.  It is also known as the A-Star B, for models B2 and the more powerful B3.

The Bell 407 typically seats five in the rear; the pilot and one more sit up front (usually the guide with the exception of the last ride home.) Bell 205, 206 and 212 carries up to eleven guests, a guide and a pilot.  Operators may run two to four groups of this size.   There are trade-offs.  Bigger helicopters have longer load and unload time and clients ski in lager groups.  Some terrain does not lend itself to 12-48 tracks……   Operators with smaller helicopters and groups have more flexibility in arranging groups, reaching terrain, etc.  However, most will run three small groups per helicopter.   The exception is Private or Semi Private packages that run one or two groups respectively.  The price is higher, but the experience is the best.  With 7 or more in a group, a private may be the best deal.

Requirements for skiing ability vary somewhat.  The resort-based and one-day oriented operators suggest ‘intermediate’ ability is required and/or ‘some powder experience.’  The more remote operators suggest ‘strong intermediate’ or ‘able to ski any run at a resort in control.  These are definitely minimum requirements.  Most clients will be expert with good powder ability.  Do not invite a buddy with marginal ability if you want to ski fast and make friends in the lodge.

The other requirement is ‘good physical condition.’  It is very important to be in good shape.  You do not want to be straining to keep up.  Worse, you do not want to be slowing down your friends (and former friends.)  Get yourself in very good shape!

9.  Safety and Guides

The first and most important factor in choosing a company to ski with is to ensure it is a member of the HeliCat Canada Association. This association set strict standards for its members and ensures that they meet them through standard audits of their operating procedures. Most companies are members, however a handful of companies did not meet the operational standards of the association and therefore are not members. This is critical as there are currently no government regulations for guides in Canada. To date they have been very successful at self-regulation and have a very good safety record.

One of the critical points to consider is Guides Qualifications. HeliCat Canada recognizes only ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides) and the IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guide’s Associations) of which the ACMG is the Canadian member. There are many other training schools in Canada, but none, other than the ACMG are internationally recognized.

HeliCat Canada has a set of standard operating procedures and all members follow them so you’ll find that most companies operate, with regard to safety, in a standard manner.  Be sure to check the operator credentials and safety record. You may be surprised to find out that the company you are considering is not a member, regardless of its longstanding reputation, and is therefore not regulated in any way.

Trip insurance is a good idea.  It covers change of plans or travel problems.  We do strongly recommend trip cancellation/disruption insurance.  It is an add-on to the package price when guests make their final payment.  This ranges from $200-$300, depending on the date of the tour, and the age of the participant.

Evacuation insurance is usually a daily fee of $8-10 and it is a must.

10.  How to Choose?

 HELISKI.com offers free, objective advice and recommendations that is base on experience.  It’s free to the client.   Call 866-HELISKI (866-435-4754) Intl:  925-683-7676 or Email tj@HELISKI.com.com