What’s New at Eagle Pass Heliskiing? Everything!

by with No Comment Heliskiing Reviews

Eagle Pass Heliskiing and Heliboarding

 

Eagle Pass Heliskiing and Heliboarding are under new management.  If you are unfamiliar, EPH is a boutique heliskiing/heliboarding operator near Revelstoke.  They ski in three groups of four.  All rooms are singles.  Nice experience.  Here is what’s new.

The Eagle Pass Heliskiing Newsletter 

Welcome to the NEW Eagle Pass Heliskiing and Heliboarding Experience Our guides have been out in the Monashees prepping landing zones and doing snow profiles. Our snowpack is shaping up for an epic year. This is a very exciting time for Eagle Pass as we are getting out into the mountains, shredding some powder, and preparing for the season. This season welcomes NEW ownership, NEW snowboard guides, a NEW lodge and NEW private ski and spa packages, unrivaled in the heliski industry.

WHAT’S NEW?

Eagle Pass Heliskiing announces NEW ownership, a NEW executive management team and a NEW kind of heliski experience. The company offers the world’s best in – snow, terrain, service, and quality product, in a safe and socially responsible manner. Eagle Pass continues to offer boutique small group heliskiing and has recently added a new ultra-luxurious private group heliskiing option. Michael Wood of Calgary Alberta, Canada has partnered with the original founder of Eagle Pass, Andy Freeland. Andy and Michael met many years ago at CAT Powder catskiing in Revelstoke, BC. Eagle Pass is now the first heliski operation in Canada with a combined snowboarder and skier ownership team. Eagle Pass Heliskiing is 100% Canadian, employing local and first nation guides.

Michael is a passionate, enthusiastic heliboarding, and has spent many days riding in Canada, the United States, South America, and Europe. In recognizing the world-class product and untapped possibilities at EPH, Michael is super stoked to get involved. EPH will maintain itself as a true small group heliskiing provider. EPH offers a product and atmosphere unrivaled in the industry.

Our NEW executive management team includes Matt Pinto as Eagle Pass’s Director of Ski Operations and the very well known Scott Newsome as Eagle Pass’s Director of Snowboard Operations and Media. The team has plans to improve and expand existing heliskiing and heliboarding packages. Together, this group is comprised of more than 70 years of ski industry experience, 20 years of management experience and a few million vertical feet of powder.

NEW Guides

Eagle  Pass is pleased and VERY excited to announce some new faces to our guiding team and Eagle Pass’s direction as a heliboarding friendly operator. Matt Pinto brings years of experience from across the heliski industry. Matt Pinto has guided for Eagle Pass in the past and holds many years within the heliski industry. He has worked for Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing and has guided for a variety of other British Columbia based small-group helicopter skiing operations. Scott Newsome brings a lifetime of snowboarding and pro-rider experience. Scott Newsome grew up within a family that was heavily involved in the mechanized ski industry. In the early part of Scott’s career, he guided for his uncle’s snow-cat skiing operation right here in Revelstoke, BC. Scott is better known for his early endeavors as a sponsored snowboarder on the ‘pro’ circuit. Later, Scott was the first Canadian to get a certification as a ski guide while doing so on a snowboard. Scott has worked with adventure film crews in Alaska and BC and has guided with a small group heliskiing operation within the Columbia region.

NEW Lodge

This season at EPH we have made the move in facilities in order to give everyone the ability to have their own room. We are sure that guests will enjoy a sound nights rest for the following days filled with deep, powder skiing. Also, new this season is the addition of a lead stretch class, which will be scheduled before breakfast. This is a great opportunity for those who want to limber up prior to heliskiing. Katherine Weed and Kim Nichols, our massage therapists will take turns leading the morning sessions.

Guests can look forward to having a fun wrap up the night, to sum up, the exciting week. Our Friday night, end of the week party will be held in an authentic 1800’s “Saloon” located on the grounds of Three Valley Lake Chateau. Guests, guides and staff will celebrate the week’s memories of camaraderie and adventure in the mountains, spectacular scenery, entertaining carnage and of course DEEP POWDER.

NEW Staff

Director of Lodge operations – New on the EPH team this year is Laura, our Director of Lodge operations. Laura will be catering to our guest’s needs at the lodge, ensuring that all are taken care of in our Eagle Pass brand of excellent and friendly service. Laura brings with her a wealth of industry experience and youthful enthusiasm.

Head Chef –

EPH has been able to scoop up Neil Dias as our new head chef. An avid skier, Neil has worked his trade in a variety of high-end ski resorts and heliskiing lodges. Aiming to please the palate and provide some panache, guests will be sure to enjoy his cuisine.

Availability

Prime season packages are quite tight for availability; single seats and a few select group seats are still available. Please contact Andrea at our Revelstoke office for details on availability, dates, and prices.

A Note from the Owners

As a young NEW company, Eagle Pass Heliskiing has undergone some changes over the first few years. Eagle Pass has always strived to improve both the product and level of service. Owners and guides take note of suggestions from previous guests. Eagle Pass is about you, our guests, having the best heliski or heliboard experience of a lifetime. Future developments include becoming Canada’s most friendly heliboarding brand offering world-class snowboard guides, heliski packages from affordable to high end “Private” heliskiing, beginner heliskiing, steep camp as well as an easily accessible day skiing program, offered from Silverstar Resort as well as Revelstoke. Eagle Pass has recently developed an agreement for offering private and semi-private heliskiing out of Sparkling Hill Wellness Resort. This resort is one of only 4 European spas of this nature in the world. Keep an eye out for upcoming news early in the New year.

 

Best Wishes for the New Year!
~From the team at Eagle Pass Heliskiing~

Why Heliski in January? Heliskiing Operator Series: Eagle Pass Heliskiing – “Snorkels Recommended”

by with One Comment Heli-Skiing CanadaOperator Interviews

heliskiing EPH canada

 

Heliskiing in January at Eagle Pass Heli-Skiing means ‘Bring your snorkel!’

The Monashee Mountains around Revelstoke, British Columbia Canada offer up copious amounts of dry, light powder.  The new lodge is a treat for the 12 lucky guests (see pictures below)

 

Here are the comments from Kiel and Ryan about January heliskiing at EPH.

 

 

 

heliskiing revelstoke bc

 

“At Eagle Pass Heliskiing January is our favourite time to ski.

Historically, January is Revelstoke’s most consistent month for snowfall.

This means we get more opportunities to explore our legendary Monashee trees – perfectly spaced old growth trees, beautiful burnt tree forests and an overabundance of dry powder snow. Snorkels are highly recommended.”

Cheers,

Ryan

heli-skiing january eph

 

 

“Early January is a great time to come – January has tons of snow!  Start your year off right!

 

We have a some availability:

3 Day Trip
– NEW YEARS TRIP! Arrive January 1st – Depart Saturday January 4th
– Arrive Wednesday January 8th – Depart Saturday January 11th
– Arrive Saturday January 12th – Depart Tuesday January 14th

4 Day Trip
– Arrive Sunday January 26th – Depart Thursday January 30th

 

Longer trips available upon request for these time periods.

 

Email or call TJ to hold your seats – 866 HELISKI

Kiel

echo-bay-bar echo-bay-inside out winter EP Heliskiing Lodge echo-bay-interior echo-bay-summer

Let us know if you are interested.

Best,

tj

 

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Interview: Eagle Pass Heliski & Heliboard | Eagle Pass Heli Ski

by with One Comment Heli-Skiing CanadaHeliskiing ReviewsOperator Interviews

Eagle Pass Heliskiing and Heliboarding

Let us know if you are planning a trip to Eagle Pass Heli Skiing or any BC heliskiing location. 

We had a chance to visit with Scott Newsome, one of the new owners of a hidden gem in the boutique heliskiing / heliboarding world – Eagle Pass Heli Ski and Heli-Boarding.  Just 20 minutes outside of Revelstoke ski resort, Eagle Pass Heliskiing offers Unlimited Vertical in small groups (3 groups of 4), with a max capacity of just 12 guests.  Eagle Pass Heli Ski is famous for awesome tree skiing.  We talked with Scott as they are gearing up for the Eagle Pass Heliski season.

1. Eagle Pass Heliskiing & Heliboarding – Under New Management.  Who is on the new team, Scott?

The new team consists of Scott Newsome, Matt Pinto, Michael Wood, and Craig Borgland. Scott and Matt are both guides, Scott is a snowboard guide and Matt is a ski guide. Michael and Craig are both from Calgary, Michael is a snowboarder and Craig skis.

eagle pass heli-boarding, heli boarding

I don’t think this picture needs a caption…..

2. What changes are you making at Eagle Pass Heli Ski?

We have changed our main lodge location to just south of Revelstoke at Echo Bay, along the shores of the Columbia River. We also offer luxury private skiing from Sparkling Hill Resort near Vernon B.C., and day skiing from Silver Star Mountain Resort. Both of these programs are close by our southern tenured area.

3. Adding “Heliboarding” to your name, Eagle Pass Heli Ski, makes it a mouthful. I know a couple of you are riders. What will you be doing to cater to heliboarding?

We are the only heliski company in Canada that has both certified ski and snowboard guides. Guides ride whatever the guests ride.

4. Of the three in/near Revelstoke, Eagle Pass Heliskiing and Heliboarding (EPH) is the only boutique operator. Three groups of four, right?

We prefer to call it small group Heliskiing, a boutique is something you may find in Paris. [Mais Non!] At Eagle Pass Heliskiing, we use a powerful B2 Astar which can service up to 3 groups of 4 guests accompanied by their guides.

heliboarding, british columbia canada heli-boarding

Surf’s Up at Eagle Pass Heli Skiing Heli Boarding BC Canada

5. How many guests can you accommodate at Eagle Pass Heli Ski?

At Echo Bay Lodge, we can accommodate up to 12 guests. At Silver Star Mountain Resort: 10 guests, and at Sparkling Hill Resort: 8 guests plus their non skiing spouses.

6. The other two Revelstoke heliskiing operators were there first. Was there enough good terrain to put together your tenure at Eagle Pass Heliskiing?

Yes! Back in the day when the first heliski companies first staked their claim on the terrain around Revelstoke, they focused on the drainages leading into the Columbia River Watershed. This a large area and includes the Selkirk and Monashee Mountain ranges. On the western side of the Monashees, is the salmon bearing Shuswap River. Our terrain runs along the western divide of the Monashee Mountains in this drainage and our area is in excess of 1200 square kilometers, a mix of high alpine, TL and awesome old growth tree skiing. Our terrain runs north and south approximately 100 km in length.

7. Eagle Pass Heli Ski and Heliboarding  is more about the remote lodge, catering to experienced heliskiers and heliboarders.  No one-day bucket listers allowed?

At Echo Bay Lodge, we encourage our guests to come and stay at our comfortable lodge during their heliski vacation. If the lodge is not full, we do allow day skiers to join in on the heliski only package. As we know there are plenty of people interested in getting a taste of heliskiing & heliboarding, we offer day skiing from Silver Star Mountain Resort nearby Vernon, B.C.

eagle pass heli-skiing and heli boarding lodge

Eagle Pass Heli Skiing Heli Boarding Lodge………Nice!

8. What is the Eagle Pass Heli Ski Lodge like?

Eagle Pass Heliski Lodge is 100% off the grid (micro hydro) and is located along the shores of the Columbia River, yet easily accessed along HWY 23 just
south of Revelstoke. The lodge has 8 rooms, a dining common area, games room and bar, and two hot tubs outside.

9. Do most Eagle Pass Heliski guests fly into Kelowna?

Most of our guests fly into Kelowna International Airport and the drive to Echo Bay Lodge is 2.5 hours. There is a helishuttle available as well should guests wish not to drive. Silver Star Mountain Resort is one hour from the airport, and guests skiing from Sparkling Hill Resort are picked up via helicopter from the airport and a short 5 minute flight lands them at the world class spa and hotel.

10. If the weather grounds the Eagle Pass Heliski chopper, can guests catskiing or hit the Revelstoke Resort?

Down days do happen, although not a common event at Eagle Pass Heli Skiing  and Heli Boarding. When they do, it usually means it is snowing very hard. A day of skiing at the nearby ski resort is a great way to still get out skiing everyday of your trip, and it is usually a powder day at the resort.

11. What packages are you offering at Eagle Pass Heliskiing?

We offer:

  • Small Group Day Heli
  • All-Inclusive Lodge Packages
  • Private Heliski Packages

eagle pass heliskiing, eagle pass heliski and heliboarding

Bews South Bowl – EPH Heliskiing / Heliboarding has The Goods

12. What is the average vertical for a week at Eagle Pass Heliski and Heliboarding?

It depends on the group and the week, but in a typical week, guests ski anywhere from 80,000 to 200,000 vertical feet. We offer unlimited vertical from Echo Bay Lodge, but we always put priority on the quality of the skiing/boarding as opposed to just sheer vertical. A big week above 100,000 vertical usually means fits guests, good conditions and maybe some good weather as well. This means the helicopter is landing higher and we are probably skiing to the valley floor. Some of our runs are in excess of 5000 feet, big vertical weeks are always a big favorite among guests AND our guides.

13. What snowboards will you be offering to heliboarders?

We are proud to be able to offer to our snowboard guests the use of Trapper Snowboards, which are locally handcrafted here in Revelstoke, using local wood. Scott Newsome is one of their team riders and involved in the R&D of this awesome new local product. Trapper designs and builds powder boards and split boards.

Revelstoke Private Eagle Pass Heli-Skiing, eagle pass heliski private sparkling hill resort

For Privates, Sparkling Hill Resort may be the Ultimate

14. You also have a super-fancy lodge (for former Google employees and trust funders). Tell us about the lifestyles of the rich and famous, please.

Sparkling Hill Resort is located a short 5 minute flight from the Kelowna International Airport. This world class spa and wellness hotel is one of it’s kind. EPH is offering heliskiing from this location and it is one of the few locations where you can bring your non skiing spouse to enjoy all that the spa has to offer. There are numerous spas, saunas, -110 cold sauna (1st in North America), and from March on, guests can also enjoy the many wineries in the area, heli ski in the morning and maybe golf in the afternoon……anything is possible from Sparkling Hill Resort.

15. Is there anything else you would like to add about Eagle Pass Heliskiing and Heliboarding?

Our entire team at EPH are looking forward to meeting all of our guests this coming winter to share an unforgettable experience both on and off the snow.

Thanks, Scott.
I hope to get up there to make some turns with you soon.

Best,

tj

Tom Jackson
CPO (Chief Powder Officer)
HELISKI.com
866-HELISKI
(866-435-4754)

Expert Advice – Knowledge is PowderH

What’s New at Eagle Pass Heliskiing? Everything!

by with One Comment Heli-Skiing CanadaHeliskiing ReviewsRevelstoke Heli-Skiing

Eagle Pass Heliskiing is under new management. If you are unfamiliar, Eagle Pass Heli is a boutique heliskiing / heliboarding operator near Revelstoke. They ski in three groups of four. All rooms are singles. Nice experience.

Answer 4 quick questions and we will curate the best heli skiing options for your group!

Here is what’s new at Eagle Pass Heli.

 

The Eagle Pass Heliskiing Newsletter
January 

Third Edge Heli Skiing Alaska breakfast

Welcome to the NEW Eagle Pass Heliskiing and Heliboarding Experience
Our guides have been out in the Monashees prepping landing zones and doing snow profiles. Our snow pack is shaping up for an epic year.  This is a very exciting time for Eagle Pass as we are getting out into the mountains, shredding some powder, and preparing for the season. This season welcomes NEW ownership, NEW snowboard guides, NEW lodge and NEW private ski and spa packages, unrivaled in the heliski industry.

WHAT’S NEW at Eagle Pass Heli Skiing?

Michael Wood of Calgary Alberta, Canada has partnered with the original founder of Eagle Pass, Andy Freeland. Andy and Michael met many years ago at CAT Powder catskiing in Revelstoke, BC. Eagle Pass is now the first heliski operation in Canada with a combined snowboarder and skier ownership team. Eagle Pass Heliskiing is 100% Canadian, employing local and first nation guides.  Michael is a passionate, enthusiastic heliboarder, and has spent many days riding in Canada, the United States, South America and Europe. In recognizing the world class product and untapped possibilities at EPH, Michael is super stoked to get involved. EPH will maintain itself as a true small group heliskiing provider. Eagle Pass Heli offers a product and atmosphere unrivaled in the industry. 

Eagle Pass Heli Skiing New Management Team

Our NEW executive management team includes Matt Pinto as Eagle Pass’s Director of Ski Operations and the very well known Scott Newsome as Eagle Pass’s Director of Snowboard Operations and Media. The team has plans to improve and expand existing heliskiing and heliboarding packages. Together, this group is comprised of more than 70 years of ski industry experience, 20 years of management experience and a few million vertical feet of powder.

New Guides at Eagle Pass Heli

NEW Guides Eagle Pass is pleased, and VERY excited to announce some new faces to our guiding team and Eagle Pass’s direction as a heliboarding friendly operator. Matt Pinto brings years of experience from across the heliski industry. Matt Pinto has guided for Eagle Pass in the past, and holds many years within the heliski industry. He has worked for Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing and has guided for a variety of other British Columbia based small-group helicopter skiing operations.Scott Newsome brings a lifetime of snowboarding and pro-rider experience. Scott Newsome grew up within a family that was heavily involved in the mechanized ski industry. In the early part of Scott’s career, he guided for his uncle’s snow-cat skiing operation right here in Revelstoke, BC. Scott is better known for his early endeavors as a sponsored snowboarder on the ‘pro’ circuit. Later, Scott was the first Canadian to get certification as a ski guide while doing so on a snowboard. Scott has worked with adventure film crews in Alaska and BC, and has guided with a small group heliskiing operation within the Columbia region.

NEW Eagle Pass Heli Skiing Lodge

This season at EPH we have made the move in facilities in order to give everyone the ability to have their own room. We are sure that guests will enjoy a sound nights rest for the following days filled with deep, powder skiing.Also new this season, is the addition of a lead stretch class, which will be scheduled before breakfast. This is a great opportunity for those who want to limber up prior to heliskiing. Katherine Weed and Kim Nichols, our massage therapists will take turns leading the morning sessions.Guests can look forward to having a fun wrap up night to sum up the exciting week. Our Friday night, end of the week party will be held in an authentic 1800’s “Saloon” located on the grounds of Three Valley Lake Chateau. Guests, guides and staff will celebrate the week’s memories of camaraderie and adventure in the mountains, spectacular scenery, entertaining carnage and of course DEEP POWDER.

NEW Staff at Eagle Pass Heli Skiing

Director of Lodge operations – New on the EPH team this year is Laura, our Director of Lodge operations. Laura will be catering to our guests needs at the lodge, ensuring that all are taken care of in our Eagle Pass brand of excellent and friendly service. Laura brings with her a wealth of industry experience and a youthful enthusiasm.Head Chef -EPH has been able to scoop up Neil Dias as our new head chef. An avid skier, Neil has worked his trade in a variety of high end ski resorts and heliskiing lodges. Aiming to please the palate and provide some panache, guests will be sure to enjoy his cuisine.

Availability Prime season packages are quite tight for availability; single seats and a few select group seats are still available. Please email or call for details on availability, dates and prices. 866-HELISKI

A Note from the Owners

As a young NEW company, Eagle Pass Heliskiing has undergone some changes over the first few years. Eagle Pass has always strove to improve both the product and level of service. Owners and guides take note of suggestions from previous guests. Eagle Pass is about you, our guests, having the best heliski or heliboard experience of a lifetime. Future developments include becoming Canada’s most friendly heliboarding brand offering world class snowboard guides, heliski packages from affordable to high end “Private” heliskiing, beginner heliskiing, steep camp as well as an easily accessible day skiing program, offered from Silverstar Resort as well as Revelstoke. Eagle Pass has recently developed an agreement for offering private and semi-private heliskiing out of Sparkling Hill Wellness Resort. This resort is one of only 4 European spas of this nature in the world. Keep an eye out for upcoming news early in the New year.

Best Wishes for the New Year!
~From the team at Eagle Pass Heliskiing~ 

Quote of the Day
Powder snow skiing is not fun. its life, fully lived, life lived in a blaze of reality. (Delores LaChapelle)