What to Expect on Your Heli Skiing Trip in BC, Canada
- Heli Skiing – A Definition
Heli skiing refers to a form of off-trail, downhill skiing that is accessed by a helicopter instead of a typical ski lift. While it can be a great opportunity for most skiers, heli skiing does pose a series of challenges, so read on to learn if you have what it takes to practice the sport.
- Reasons for Choosing BC, Canada as Your Heli Skiing Destination
Winter sports enthusiasts think of British Columbia as the Mecca of heli skiing. BC Canada welcomes skiers with a vast expanse of backcountry terrain and a climate that guarantees a generous amount of snowfall all year round, the perfect conditions for quality heli skiing. Moreover, much of the district’s terrain lies below the tree line, which minimizes the chances of any heli skiing BC Canada trips being delayed due to bad weather. Trees provide shelter from the wind and confer better visibility to skiers.
- What to Expect on a Canadian Heli Skiing Trip
Canada heli skiing allows you to take on a variety of terrain features, including wide-open glaciers, bowls, drops and chutes. Operators usually guarantee a minimum number of vertical meters for every package, which is never under the 4,000 threshold. However, from this point on, the amount of vertical covered per trip can vary greatly depending on the terrain, snow conditions, weather, and other factors.
Unlike regular skiing, heliskiing BC Canada may not be suitable for everyone. To get a taste of this sport, you will need to be (at least) an intermediate skier or boarder. This means you should be perfectly capable of riding any kind of snow (soft powder, wind-battered snow), as well as maneuver around common slope obstacles, such as trees.
- Heli Skiing Groups
With most heli skiing BC Canada operations, the sizes of the groups range between 6 and 12 skiers. Experienced guides lead each group and make sure everyone is safe on the slopes and during the helicopter ride. If you’d rather ski alone and you can afford it financially, there’s also the possibility to opt for an operation that offers private heli skiing charters.
- Heli Skiing Tour Length
If the weather allows it, you can expect around 5 to 12 runs or heli lifts in a day, and rarely in the same place. Part of the magic of Canadian heli skiing is the diversity of the slopes, so with a reputable operator you’ll never get a chance to get bored. Most heli skiing operators provide daily, three, four and seven-day packages, with the latter usually being better priced than the other.
- Skiing Conditions
The conditions for heli skiing in BC Canada can vary greatly, depending on the operator, location, weather, ground and air visibility, and quality of the snow. Because each run is dependant on weather, make sure you check with your operator for specific information before booking your trip. Nevertheless, Canada heli skiing is renown for the opportunity it gives skiers to ride amazing powder, and a trip here has all the ingredients for a memorable, unequalled winter adventure.