Heli Skiing

The tours include breakfast, a mountainside lunch, use of powder skis/poles and snowboards, ACMG certified guides, an avalanche receiver and pack with probe/shovel/radio, safety briefing, a package of five runs, and apres-ski at the lodge.

For guests that wish to self-drive, please meet at the Heli-Base located adjacent to Panorama Mountain Resort in Panorama, British Columbia, at 8am to check in and sign waivers. Please allow two hours to drive to the Heli-Base from Banff.

Private shuttle transportation from Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise is available on request, please enquire for more details. Please note that transport is non-refundable.

Semi-private packages are for private groups that ski as your own group with up with up to two other groups utilizing the helicopter. Private packages offer exclusive use of the helicopter for the day.

The Eurocopter ASTAR B2 is a turbine-powered helicopter noted for its exceptional passenger comfort, speed and range that seats four passengers. The smaller group size means a quicker pace and the ability to land and explore less travelled areas, and is available on semi-private and private flights of four people. The Bell 212 has been the tool of choice in BC’s heliski industry for many years. This medium size helicopter allows for larger groups to ski together and is powered by two Pratt and Whitney engines that deliver more than enough power.

If you are confident on blue runs and some black runs, are in good physical shape but are unfamiliar with powder then the answer is yes with the advancement of customized powder skis and snowboards. Please note that you must safely be able to get down a black diamond run. The ‘Abilities’ tab has a helpful video to determine your level as intermediate, advanced or expert.

The definitions for each are as follows:

Intermediate Skiers / First Time Heli-skiers: You are reasonably fit and ski blue runs (red runs in Europe) with confidence and without hesitation. You may have limited off piste (ungroomed) powder or tree skiing experience. You must safely be able to get down a black diamond run.
Intermediate Snowboarders / First Time Heli-boarders: You can snowboard on blue runs consistently linking turns without hesitation and have confidence at high speeds. You are capable of riding in an existing straight track through lower angle terrain. Limited powder experience. Good physical shape.
Advanced Heli-skiers: You are physically fit and have off piste powder and tree skiing experience. You can ski most types of terrain and descend black diamond runs comfortably.
Advanced Heli-boarders: You can ride blue runs with confidence and enjoy the challenge of black runs. Able to traverse in a single track through flat terrain. Some powder experience and in great physical shape.
Expert Heli-skiers: You are in top physical shape and have experience skiing off piste in powder and can ski all types of downhill ski runs including trees, moguls and steep pitches with confidence.
Expert Heli-boarders: You can confidently ride all mountain terrain. Many seasons of powder experience. Excellent physical shape.

Clothing should be layered for sub-zero temperatures. Don’t forget to bring goggles, hat, a face mask, ski gloves and boots. Please note that heated gloves are not permitted as they interfere with the avalanche transceivers. For sunny days, sunglasses and skin protection are certainly recommended. Helmets are not provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. Any extra items can be left securely at the lodge while you are out skiing, and valuables can be placed in the safe.

Guests are welcome to bring their own skies and snowboards, or to borrow the powder skies and snowboards free of charge. Skiing guests are with poles that have powder baskets. It’s strongly recommend that first time heli-skiers use the provided Powder Skis or Burton Powder Snowboards. If you choose to bring your own, your guide will assess them to ensure that it is suitable for the conditions.

The runs vary, but average about 800 vertical metres. The average time per run varies from 20 to 50 minutes depending on the terrain, snow condition and group’s ability level.

You are welcome to bring a camera, as long as it can be carried in your pocket or guest pack and is within weight restrictions. You cannot bring your own backpack, but you will be provided with a small backpack containing top of the line rescue equipment.

Heliski package deposits/payments are non-refundable in whole or in part. If you choose to stop skiing prior to completing your package on any given day no refund will be issued for the un-skied runs. All skiers are expected to be in suitable physical condition to complete your purchased number of runs in your package. In the event that you have not purchased trip cancellation insurance and you are unable to ski on your confirmed ski date, we will not be held responsible for refunding any portion of your payments received. Payments received are non-transferable to other programs.

If weather or any other unforeseen deterrent prevents the helicopter from flying on your designated date, clients can either opt for a full refund or apply payment towards an excursion for a later date. If you only ski a portion of your package due to weather or an unforeseen reason and the guides make the decision to cancel the remainder of the day, you will be refunded $190 per run not skied. Refunds will be issued in the same manner as the original payment.

If you have to cancel your heliski trip to comply with Covid-19 related border, travel, or quarantine restrictions you will be refunded up to 48 hours prior to your ski/snowboard day. Proof such as a medical certificate may be required.

Should the heliski day be cancelled due to poor weather or other factors, the transportation component of a reservation cannot be refunded.

Tips are not expected, but are certainly appreciated. If you think your guide did a wonderful job and would like to indicate that with a tip, it will be graciously accepted.