13 Nov BC’s Best Heli Skiing Experiences

For those skiers who find themselves tiring of the same predictable, crowded resorts, an exhilarating new trend is becoming more and more popular: heli skiing! As the name suggests, this sport involves taking a helicopter to the top of a remote natural ski slope and riding the virgin snow all the way down, where the helicopter picks you up to start it all over again – no hiking or lift chairs required! If you’re looking to enjoy some fresh slopes all to yourself on some of BC’s most idyllic mountains, we’re going to make it easier for you by breaking down the 6 best heli skiing experiences in the province.

Whistler Heli Skiing

Calling itself “the Best of Whistler” (and probably being truthful), this V.I.P. experience from Luxury Horizons will set you up in the exquisite Belmont chalet, give you 24/7 access to a personal driver, pilot, chef, and ski guide, and do their best to accommodate your every request. The real fun, of course, starts each morning, when you’ll head to the private helicopter parked right outside your chalet, which will take you to nearby hills for some good times on untracked snow. Further amenities include access to Whistler’s Olympic Park, relaxing afternoons at the Four Seasons spa, and even the opportunity to slice open a bottle of Dom Perignon with a sword. Those with a true appreciation for natural beauty will especially enjoy the dogsledding and snowshoeing trip into the backcountry, which will take you to a custom ice castle built just for you, where you can relax and enjoy a private fireworks show. See the full details at http://luxuryhorizons.com/experiences/whistler-v-i-p-skiing.

Bighorn Revelstoke Heli Skiing

This fine place calls itself “Canada’s Premier Mountain Home,” and it’s not hard to see why; the only thing more impressive than the remarkable accommodations are the unrivaled skiing opportunities! Located at the base of Revelstoke Mountain Resort, this property boasts easy access to the chair lifts which will take you right to the top of North America’s tallest ski hill. Of course, if you’re reading this article you probably have something a little more adventurous in mind – such as the private helicopter at your disposal, which can take you to any number of local hot spots for some truly world class skiing. Find out more at http://www.bighornrevelstoke.com.

Island Heli Skiing

It’s not just the mainland that boasts plenty of heli skiing opportunities, as these packages from Island Alpine Guides prove all too well! Primarily situated in the peaks surrounding Mount Washington, the opportunities offered by Island Heli Skiing are perhaps the most unique in the province, both geographically and athletically. You’ll start out by contacting Island Alpine Guides to add your name to a list of prospective guests, and when the weather conditions are just right, they’ll give you a call and invite you to go out for guided trips down some of Vancouver Island’s most appealing slopes. You can learn more about these packages by visiting http://www.islandalpineguides.com/trips/35.

Coast Range Heliskiing

Proudly proclaiming itself “Whistler/Pemberton’s premier boutique heli-skiing and heli-boarding operation,” Coast Range Heliskiing is a locally-owned operation that takes small groups on heli skiing tours in the slopes around Whistler. Their nimble Bell 407 helicopters can easily get in and out of some of the most pristine hills in the province, expertly chosen from over 200,000 acres of terrain by experienced guides who will tailor your trip to your unique tastes and experience level. With a base of operations that’s just a 25 minute drive north of Whistler, this is a popular day trip for couples and small groups of 4-5 people. You can visit Coast Range Heliskiing online at http://www.coastrangeheliskiing.com.

Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing

Based around the Selkirk and Monashee Mountains in the Columbia Mountain Range, Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing offers something different altogether from the heli skiing outfits located around Whistler. To begin with, the region’s huge glaciers, scenic meadows and ancient forests provide an incredible backdrop to behold – while the skiing itself is spectacular, almost always featuring fresh powdery snow. For this package, you will stay at the Hillcrest Hotel, where you can enjoy massages, facials, pedicures, and both international and continental cuisine. Feel free to head on over to http://www.selkirk-tangiers.com/your-experience/selkirk-tangiers-experience for the full details.

Bella Coola Heli Skiing

When it comes to North Coast heli skiing, Bella Coola Heli Sports has you covered! As its name suggests, this company operates in the Bella Coola valley, in a transition zone from the wet coastal climate to the dry interior climate – a unique geographical feature which produces plenty of fresh snow on top of existing, stable snowpack. The result is truly enviable skiing opportunities, which – thanks to the region’s extremely low population density – are pretty much guaranteed to be yours for the taking. Embracing flexibility, Bella Coola Heli Skiing packages can be based around numerous fine accommodations, including Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, Pantheon Heli Ranch, and Big Mountain Lodge. Visit them online at http://www.bellacoolaheliskiing.com to learn more!