Canada leads the world in Heli-Skiing, and in the Canadian Rockies the expertise and years of experience of the heli ski operators really pays off for those seeking this type of adventure experience. In addition the powder of the Canadian Rockies is unique and such conditions cannot be found anywhere else. The pure atmosphere and untouched landscape of the high Rockies defies description. Heli-Skiing is an expensive proposition, but very few people come away from the experience regretting how much it cost them. Costs vary but a day's skiing can cost around $500 Canadian, a whole week including accommodation and all meals in a luxury lodge, usually runs about $6,000 to $7,000 Canadian.

Imagine getting up early in the morning. Although it’s hard to leave the comfort of a warm bed in a cozy lodge or hotel the call of the slopes beckons. After a hearty breakfast its time to go to the helipad and board the helicopter for the usually short but spectacular trip high into the mountains. Untouched powder awaits and this will be truly paradise for any dedicated skier or boarder. Heliskiing trips leave from resorts or lodges or at the heliports at various places including Golden and Canmore.

The Selkirk Mountains, BC Rockies, (photo courtesy of Alpenglow Aviation)

Expert guides understand the ways of the mountains and it is important to follow their lead and respect their knowledge. They will be happy to coach those who are uninitiated or whose powder experience is limited. After a day or half day of incredible skiing or boarding the helicopter returns to base. For those lucky enough to be staying in the region, and who have booked more than one heli-ski session its time to return to the lodge or hotel. Soak tired but fulfilled muscles in a hot bath or whirlpool, and then enjoy a fine dinner and afterwards relax with great snow-oriented conversation by a log fire. Then chances are a very good night's sleep will be enjoyed - in preparation for the next day's flight up to the slopes.

Choosing the right heli ski company is very important. The number of people allowed per guide should be low - a maximum of four people per guide is about right. The guides should all be highly experienced and licensed with the proper authorities. These include such bodies as the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides or the Association of British Columbia Heliski and Snowcat Operators. They should carry adequate supplies in case of an accident or emergency. The company should always place an emphasis on safety and should state this in any promotional material they may publish. The actual helicopters should be modern and powerful with full emergency equipment in case of an accident on the slopes. Once again a good company is only too willing to share this sort of information with their prospective clients.

Most heli ski operators guarantee a certain number of vertical feet for each package they sell. Some include the actual height the helicopter ascends in this total. Other operators only count the actual length of each run taken. Actual length of the mountain ski runs range from approximately 500 to 210 vertical meters. A good operator will also allow skiers to cease skiing when they reach their allotted number of feet and not charge them for extra skiing even if other members of the group do so. If other people in the group choose to continue skiing to complete their allowance, those that have finished theirs will not be charged extra, and therefore don’t feel they have to carry on skiing to justify the expense.

By choosing a reliable heli skiing operator combined with the perfect destination of the Canadian Rockies, your experience promises to be the most memorable skiing or snow boarding adventure you will ever have. The legendary powder, open bowls and extensive treed runs of the high mountain slopes - all unsullied by the tracks of others - will ensure that you will want to do this again and again. The heli-skiing season in the Canadian Rockies usually takes place from December to April, because of environmental considerations, heli-skiing acitvity is closely monitored. Space is limited, so it is important to book early to avoid disappointment.