"How to" of Heliskiing
Heli operators of the world have the following in common: snow, safety, comfortable wilderness lodging, and each are the “best”. But when planning a heli ski trip it is what's best for you, that counts.
Whether it is deciding where to go heli-skiing; when to go heliskiing; what types of packages are offered. Defining those answers are key to determining the heli skiing operator that fits personal and group needs and wants.
In the Skeena Range: Last Frontier Heliskiing, Northern Escape Heliskiing, White Wilderness Heliskiing, Skeena Heliskiing
Coastal Range: Bella Coola Heliskiing
Chilcotin Range: Tyax Lodge and Heliskiing
Cariboo, Purcell, Monashee and Selkirk Ranges: Crescent Spur Heliskiing, SilverTip Heliskiing, Mike Heliskiing, Great Canadian Heliskiing, Eagle Pass Heliskiing, Kingfisher Heliskiing, Bears Paw Heliskiing, Selkirk Heliskiing, Stellar Heliskiing
When is the best time to go heliskiing? Answer: ANYTIME! The season is divided into three segments - EARLY, PRIME and LATE
The EARLY begins mid-December and runs too early to mid-January. The early season produces shorter days with the possibility of lower rates. Operators report it is the deepest snow of the season. PRIME season, the days get longer and there is a mixture of blue sky and fresh snow. The LATE season usually has more sun than snow.
There was a time that booking 6 months in advance would get you what you wanted but as the years pass that is definitely not the case any longer. In fact the majority of heli operators are booking tours 1 to 2 years in advance. Making a reservation early usually results in preferred seats and in some cases savings! A deposit holds the seat/seats. The number of seats p/w vary per operator with some making the entire lodge available for 1 group.
When is the BEST time to go heliskiing, the real answer is anytime! Operators lay out their heli season as any holiday destination would: early, prime and late. Every season has it's pro's and cons.
Most seasoned skiers will know getting the most out of a ski vacation depends on a tailored fitness routine. The same program for heli skiing. It is not necessary to be an expert to go heliskiing but to enjoy safely you should be at least an intermediate level skier/boarder. Operators are not created equal, knowing the operator for a specific ability is key for you and the operator.
In general heli skiing tours are packaged as:
Standard/Classic – Semi Private - Private - Full Lodge BuyOuts
Every operator runs their operation from a premium lodge/cabins with awe-inspiring views in every direction with the first run nearby. The majority of lodges are equipped with WIFI, some having better connections than others. Each heli operator creates an ambiance catering to a minimum of 12 and a max of 36 guests. All offering small group heliskiing which means: 2 or 3 groups of 12 and/or 1 group of 6 or 10. Private packages is a max of 5 and customized to suite.
Without professional assistance to determine the best-suited operator, it is a daunting task. The match-making free services of Heliski Holiday will guide you through all questions and concerns resulting in an informed decision. We have had the privilege of being supported by the heliski operators for over three decades, and we are proud of it. Maintaining solid relations and industry expertise are how we can match ability, personality, and schedule while saving you a generous amount of time. NOW LET'S GET YOU HELISKIING!
Heli ski Holiday will not play favorites and will always so what is possible in the clients best interest while staying true to the heli ski operators of BC and Internationally.
