canada helicat heliski members

Series – How to Pick the Best Heliskiing – Heliski Safety and Guides

Heliski Safety and Guides

Canadian Heli Skiing Safety and Guides

The heliski industry is primarily self-governed. There are industry associations that develop and encourage standards for the heliskiing industry. In Canada it is HeliCat Canada Association. This trade association “promotes the continual improvement of the industry through research, education, advocacy and overseeing a trade accreditation program.”  HeliCat Canada sets strict standards for its members and ensures that they meet them through audits of their operating procedures. To date they have been very successful at self regulation and have a very good safety record.

HeliCat Canada Heliski Members:

canada helicat heliski members

 

Canada and US are the gold standard.  Hopefully, others will follow.  In other countries, exercise extreme caution.   Ask lots of questions.

Guide Qualifications

One of the critical points to consider is Guide Qualifications.  HeliCat Canada recognizes ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides) and the IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guide’s Associations) of which the ACMG is the Canadian member.  John Forrest, GM and Lead Guide at Northern Escape Heliskiing, explains that ACMG requires many years of training and experience, “Most heli ski guides have spent a lifetime advancing their skills and the trade of guiding mechanized skiing. In heli skiing, specifically, the pace at which you move through what may be vast and differing terrain and snowpacks leads to a very challenging decision making matrix. This requires a vast amount of mountain experience to do well.  The more the better.”

HeliCat Canada also recently recognized the Canadian Ski Guide Association – CSGA.

Guests

On the first day of a heliskiing trip, clients receive detailed safety briefing and training.  Some include video and/or slides, as well as field training.  Among the most important topics are backcountry risks and how to ameliorate them.   This includes how to recognize and reduce avalanche threats.  Avalanche procedures are explained and practiced.  This includes training and practice with avalanche beacons.

Clients learn how to wear, operate and maintain avalanche beacons.   Guides will check to make sure all beacons are set to ‘send.’  In the event of an avalanche, everyone in the group turns their beacon from send to receive, which is extremely important.  Then the systematic search protocol is explained and practiced.  Guides bury a beacon and the group practices search and recovery in a controlled outdoor setting.   Most importantly, make sure the others in your group pay attention, as they will be the ones digging you out….

Many operators now provide or rent avalanche airbag systems.  In the event of an avalanche these devices significantly decrease the chances of being buried.

helicopter skiing pack, heli-skiing canada

Use of probes, shovels and radios is part of the training as well.   Typically all of these will be carried in the backpack of every client.  That is a good place for an extra pair of gloves, goggles, neck gator and maybe a thin vest.

Finally, guests learn how to act around and in the helicopter.  In addition, loading and unloading procedures are explained.  Listen to the do’s and don’ts for the safety and enjoyment over everyone.  Every guest needs to know the  location of emergency equipment and how to use it.

Guides begin their day with safety review and forecasts.  Heliski operators share data on snow conditions and stability.  Guides combine assimilate this information and detailed weather  and avalanche forecasts.   This information is used to formulate plans for the day, including what  aspects and slopes offer the  safest and best skiing, and which to avoid.  Throughout the day, guides continuously monitor snow conditions, including  digging pits to check for depth and stability of snow layers.   They may seem relaxed and casual, but the guides are constantly evaluating risks, and how to minimize them.


heli-skiing safety

United States

Many operators in the US belong to Heli-Ski US Association.  These members “work cooperatively to help establish the highest safety and operating standards in the helicopter skiing industry.”

Members of Heli-Ski US:

Alaska Snowboard Guides

Chugach Powder Guides

High Mountain Heli Skiing

Majestic Heli Ski

North Cascade Heli

Points North Heli-Adventures, Inc.

Ruby Mountain Heli-Skiing

Sun Valley Heli Skiing

Telluride Helitrax

Tordrillo Mountain Lodge

Valdez Heli Ski Guides

Wasatch Powderbird Guides

 

 

Series – How to Pick the Best Heliskiing #7 – Helicopters – Size Matters

How to Pick the Best Heliskiing #7 – 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. Some get five guests in each lift.  It also comes in variety of models: A, B, B2, B3, BA and D.  Operators may run two, three or four groups of this size.  Most will run three small groups per helicopter.

AStar NE Heliskiing

The Bell 407 typically seats five in the rear; the pilot and guide are up front (With the exception of the last ride home – don’t be shy about asking!)

 

 

RK Heliski Bell 204 helicopter

 

Bell 204 shuttles up to 7 guests to the powder at RK Heliski.

Bell 205 and 212 carry up to eleven guests, a guide and a pilot.  CMH, Wiegele and TLH primarily run Bell 212 helicopters, seating up to 11 guests.

tj HeliPanaorama cmh adamants

Here I am saying, “I brought 9 buddies.  Today, Bigger is Better at CMH!”

 

There are trade-offs.  Bigger helicopters have somewhat longer load and unload time.  But the biggest difference is skiing in lager groups.  Some terrain does not lend itself to 12-52 sets of tracks.   Operators with smaller helicopters, and thus smaller groups, have more flexibility in arranging groups, reaching terrain, etc.

The big advantage of the big helicopters is cost.   It is significantly less expensive to lift one group of 12 than three groups of 4.   Whether or not the savings are passed on to the guests in the form of lower prices depends on the operator….

Northern Escape Heli Skiing uniquely offers the Koala helicopter, seating 6 guests, and running three groups per helicopter.

NEH Lodge and chopper 500

The number of groups served is also a very important consideration.   TLH offers just one group of 10 per Bell 212, which rocks.

Private packages are offered by most operators, with just one group having exclusive use of the machine.   With 7 or more in a group, a private may be the best deal. HELISKI.com is happy to help find the best arrangement for your group.

Tell us how many in your group, and we will give you the best options.

heli-skiing Canada la nina, deep heliskiing powder

Global Warming Takes the Season Off!

The earth’s climate is changing at an alarming rate, causing long-term shifts in our weather and seasons. Unfortunately, many winter sports enthusiasts are bearing the brunt of these changes, as ski seasons are getting shorter and snowfall is becoming less reliable. But there’s a silver lining to that cloud – heliskiing BC Canada. Read on to find out more about why global warming is affecting ski seasons and why heliskiing is the perfect solution.

The strongest La Nina since 1955.
No need to panic, as long as you will be putting on your snorkel the next time this happens – 2065

heli-skiing Canada la nina, deep heliskiing powder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The reason for the decline in snowfall is a direct result of global warming and climate change. The rising temperature is leading to a decrease in snowfall, and what snow there is, is melting earlier each season. This affects the ski resorts negatively, as the snow coverage becomes thinner and they struggle to maintain the snow base. Ski resorts around the world have experienced this and have had to resort to artificial snowmaking to remain open. But even then, they are often forced to close much earlier than before.

However, heliskiing BC Canada remains unscathed by global warming. As the mountains in Canada’s British Columbia region are colder due to their high altitude, there is more snowfall, making it one of the few places where you’re still guaranteed the powder. The high altitude and lower temperatures ensure that the snow stays fresh for longer periods and that the ski season is longer, typically running till late April.

In addition to the reliability of the snow, heliskiing offers a unique and exciting way to experience powder skiing. Heliskiing enables you to access parts of the mountain that would otherwise be inaccessible. The vast terrain, untouched snow, and no crowds make the heliskiing experience one you’ll never forget. Heliskiing BC Canada is also perfect for people looking for more challenges than a typical ski resort can offer. You’ll be skiing on a variety of surfaces, including powder, ice, and crust, which requires absolute focus and skill.

Moreover, heliskiing is the perfect pandemic activity. With social distancing measures being strictly practised, the safety of guests and staff is the number one priority of any heliskiing experience. Plus, heliskiing offers the ability to control who is on the run with you, which eliminates any interactions with strangers that may put people at risk of getting infected.

Conclusion: In conclusion, heliskiing BC Canada is an excellent solution for those looking for a ski experience that is unaffected by global warming. With colder temperatures, reliable snowfall and a unique skiing experience, heliskiing is perfect for those looking for adventure and challenges. Additionally, during a pandemic, it offers a safe and controlled environment, with the added benefit of social distancing. Come to heliskiing BC Canada, and experience the rush and beauty of untouched, fresh powder in the middle of winter in the Rockies.

Series – How to Pick the Best Heliskiing #6 – Lodging and Food, Beware of Heli-Belly!

Best Heli-Skiing:  Lodging and Food

Most BC Operators offer very nice lodges in remote locations.   A few offer less expensive options, including hotels, especially those that cater to day-trippers.   Some offer private cabins and central dining areas.  Most will offer excellent amenities including bar, hot tub, wireless internet, ski shop, massage, pool, TV/movies, etc.  Some have full-blown spas.  Some have gyms.

MO-Exterior-300x195

The lodges vary widely. It is best to talk with someone who has been there, stayed there.  (Like us!)  Some are so remote that clients must fly in by helicopter.

search for the best heli-skiing Canada

 

Others are right by the road or in town.

tlh dining-area-thumbgallery-crescent-spur-dining at night-1

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 dowhat is heliskiing socializingbuffet style, but the food is great.   It’s not uncommon to gain wait on a heliskiing trip.
The food is so good, and often so rich, that clients (and guides) run the risk of heli-belly! 

 

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.

base camp skeena heliskiing inside communal dome tentsnowwater heliskiingrobe_lake_lodge_4-300x199 inside

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activities include ski touring, cat skiing, resort skiing, fishing, snowmobiling, sea kayaking and more.

skeena heliski lodge day, BC heli-skiing lodgenorthern escape heli-skiing lodge and helicoptertlh_heliskiing_lodge chopper night

There are lots of great choices.  Let us know if you want our opinions.

Series – How to Pick the Best Heliskiing #5 – Cost

Best Heli-Skiing:  Cost

This is the fifth in the HELISKI.com Series on how to select the best heliskiing trip.  If you are thinking about a trip this season, give me a call or email.

I’m happy to send the best available trips based on your criteria.

tj
866-HELISKI
925-683-7676


Criteria #4:  Cost for Heliskiing / Heliboarding

cost of heliskiing, expensive but worth it

Heliskiing and heliboarding are expensive.  The good news is that it is worth it.  Packages range from $800 to $1800 Canadian per day.  More good news, that is $600 to $1400 US!   This includes food, lodging, and helicopter lifts.  Alcohol, massages, etc. are additional.

Most packages include a guaranteed minimum vertical.  Additional vertical feet are typically $35-45 Can. per thousand.  Everyone in your helicopter group or ‘lift’ must agree to the extra vertical, or groups must be reformed.  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.  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.

Other packages include unlimited vertical.  Some operators offer unlimited vertical on every package.  Others offer it during the early and late season.  One operator offers it as an add-on pricing option.  It is worth comparing, based on your desires, physical stamina and the time of year.

Critics of unlimited vertical believe that clients and operators have conflicting goals.  The helicopter is the biggest expense for the operator. Some operators have been accused of starting late, taking long lunch and quitting early to minimize helicopter expenses.  Those offering fixed-price plus extra vertical argue that goal congruence is the best way to optimize cost and enjoyment.

We recently put together a spreadsheet comparing over a dozen options for a group of heliboarders.   The price of unlimited vertical must be compared to the fixed-price plus various amounts of extra vertical.   We calculated $/K vertical for different packages at various levels of vertical.  Then judgments plays a role.   It helps that we know the operators and can get the straight story on average vertical.  In addition, the time of year is a factor.  March trips offer much greater opportunity to get extra vertical than January trips.   Finally, the group make-up, both yours and others should be considered.

Also check out the cost of travel.  If you have to add a $500 commuter flight or a rental car to your trip, you may have better options.

HELISKI.com is happy to help do the math.

One more thing, remember to tip, please.  The gratuity is shared by guides and house staff.  It is a significant part of their compensation.  I recommend $50-100/day.