Great Canadian Heli Skiing
Great Canadian Heliskiing has a long history of excellence in British Columbia. Originally founded in 1988, the operator has since changed hands many times, but has retained its core values with every acquisition. Great Canadian Heli Ski has always prioritized small group heliskiing. Since their beginning, they focused on a skier to guide ratio of 4:1, emphasizing safety, opportunity, and adventure. These small groups allow the guides to push their skiers harder, further, and longer, without worry about leaving anyone behind.
In 2000, Great Canadian Heli-Skiing was purchased by Greg and Maaike Porter, ushering in a new age for the company. Year after year, they brought countless groups into their remote tenure, facilitating memorable experiences and blood-pumping expeditions. They quickly noticed a pattern – nearly all Great Canadians Heli Skiing reviews had one thing in common. Their visiting skiers would come back saying that their time in the mountains was the “best day ever.” With these testimonials in mind, Great Canadian Heli Ski set out to make that their mission. Provide individuals with the “Best Day Ever”, over and over again.
In 2022, Great Canadian Heliski was purchased yet again. Andy Culp and Brock Strasbourger combined their industry experience and set out to take the reins of what Greg and Maaike had created. As of the 2023 season, Culp and Strasbourger run the operation.
Facts & FAQ
The Great Canadian Heli Skiing base is remote enough to feel wild, but accessible enough to make travel easy. Compared to other operators that require an extensive daisy chain of connecting travel methods, skiers can drive directly to this company. Located in between Golden, B.C. and Revelstoke Mountain Resort, the Great Canadian Heli Skiing Heather Mountain Lodge is just a four-hour drive from Calgary.
Your first leg of the journey will require a flight to Calgary International Airport, with many direct flights from across North America and even Europe. Once you touch down, renting a car is easy. Great Canadian Heliski provides a discount code to use with Budget car rentals.
To get to the lodge, you’ll take Highway 2 to Highway 201, which then brings you to the Trans Canada Highway 1. This major roadway will bring you directly to the operator. Take special care driving to Kicking Horse Canyon, especially when winter weather conditions are present.
The Great Canadian Heli Skiing Heather Mountain Lodge is the perfect blend of remote hominess and superior luxury. Great Canadian Heliski believes that although quality skiing is an essential part of the “Best Day Ever” experience, proper accommodations are just as important. Great Canadian Heli Skiing employment is heavily praised, and it shows with their staff. They pride themselves on the friendly service that guests receive as soon as they walk through the door. With a variety of staff available to meet every visitor’s requests, you’ll have no problem settling in and feeling comfortable.
Their lodge features numerous double and single occupancy rooms and an atmosphere that allows you to set the pace. If you’re feeling individualistic, you can choose to relax in the comfort of your own Mountain View room, or if you’re feeling social you can join the rest of the crew out in the main lodge. While staying here, you’ll have a variety of amenities to take advantage of, including:
- Satellite television
- Deep soaking tubs in all rooms
- On-site massages
- Outdoor hot tub and sauna room
- Ski shop
- Full-service bar with a lounge and pool table
If large lodge accommodations aren’t your style, you can also upgrade your package to one of the exclusive cabins, built in 2012. These private accommodations are great for solo travelers or couples who are looking to get away. You’ll have gorgeous views of Glacier National Park from your private porch, along with a luxurious en suite bathroom and fireplace.
Situated on the Northern and Eastern outskirts of Canada’s Glacier National Park, Great Canadian Heliski operates in the Selkirk and Purcell Mountain ranges – the birthplace of B.C. heliskiing. These two mountain ranges are known for having the best snow in Canada, normally accumulating over 46 feet each year. Most storms here fall overnight, creating a cold and light snow that’s akin to mist. You’ve never seen more authentic blower powder in your life.
Great Canadian Heliski has over a half million-acre tenure, with runs ranging from 1,500-2,500 vertical feet. They ski between 9,000 and 5,500 feet, meaning there is an immense variety of terrain and snowpacks to conquer. On average, this operator only experiences two down days a year – considerably less than in other heliskiing regions. This means there’s no need for cat skiing backup.
The variety in terrain elevation means that there’s a long laundry list of natural features and landscapes to enjoy. You’ll experience:
- Open Alpine Bowls
- Steeps and Chutes
- Glades
- Mushrooms and Pillows
- Burn Areas
Great Canadian Heliski prioritizes two aspects with their packages: small groups and flexibility. No matter what, you will never fly with more than 3 other skiers in an A-Star helicopter. This ensures that you can ski as much as possible, with other individuals who have the same mindset and ability level. Additionally, you can stay for as long or as little as you like (2-10 days), and can even customize your trip completely. Unlimited vertical is included with all packages, so you’ll never have to worry about a certain number of runs or if your Hobbs hours are running out.
Standard package options include:
- Classic: Ideal for solo travelers or groups of up to 3 people. You’ll be matched with other skiers that are at the same ability level.
- Private Group: A slight upgrade from the classic, private group means you’ll only fly in the helicopter with the people you came with (up to 4 skiers). While you’ll still share helicopter use with other groups, you’ll never ride with strangers.
- Private Helicopter: If you’re seeking the most runs possible, this package provides you with exclusive helicopter use. You and your 3 other friends will never wait for the chopper to return from another group. It’s yours when you need it.
- Private Lodge: Pure exclusivity. You and up to 24 other skiers can book the entire Great Canadian Heliski lodge to yourself and receive unobstructed access to two helicopters and two guides.
Book a Heli Skiing Trip to Great Canadian Today!
Great Canadian Heli-Skiing's motto is "Best Day Ever!"!!!
If this operator doesn't seem like a perfect fit, then view our British Columbia Heli Skiing Operator Directory.
Reviews & Comments
Please share a comment or review, if you have skied here! This REALLY helps the heliskiing community! Thank You!
BRADY
8/2/23
Brady is an avid skiing & backcountry enthusiast, aging "big wave" surfer and is totally addicted to heli skiing!
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