Mica Heli Skiing
Mica Heli Skiing was once called crazy by the larger heliskiing giants. In 2000, a remote tenure in the Western Canadian Rockies became available from the forest service. None of the capital-heavy operations at the time were interested, as they deemed the terrain unsuitable. It was believed that this region of the Rockies had poor snowfall and terrain that was too treacherous to ski on, let alone build a lodge on.
Pete Tashman, Susan McDonald, and Dan McDonald took the chance. They purchased the permit and set out to establish a new type of heliskiing operation that others had never seen before. They scouted the region and found the perfect place to build a humble lodge, 2,500 feet above Kinbasket Lake. Mica Heliskiing began with rustic origins. Few of the luxurious amenities it boasts today existed in the beginning. However, their terrain spoke for itself and none of their early guests cared in the slightest.
Mica Heli Skiing’s tenure ended up being legendary. The snow in the Rocky Mountains was incredibly lightweight but fell in amounts that rivaled the Selkirks. Now, 20+ years later, Mica Canada Heli Skiing is one of the most sought-after operators in British Columbia for astonishing terrain and comfortable amenities.
Facts & FAQ
A highlight of Mica Heli Ski is that they take on many of the travel logistics so that you don’t have to worry. Many operators require car rentals or a complex web of travel methods to reach their lodge, tiring skiers out before they even take their first run. However, the Mica Heliskiing price includes round-trip transportation to and from the airport.
The only part of travel you’ll need to concern yourself with is your airline booking. Kelowna International Airport is the preferred destination. Vancouver offers plenty of connecting flights to Kelowna, and there are even some direct options from across North America. Once you’ve touched down, Mica Heliski will organize a shuttle bus transfer to Mica Creek, B.C. From there, you’ll board their private helicopter that takes you directly to the lodge. With no roads to get there, Mica Creek heli skiing is incredibly remote, but that’s all part of the allure.
Mica Heliski highly recommends arriving a day early and leaving a day late to accommodate travel delays. They offer a variety of discount rates at hotels in both Kelowna and Revelstoke.
As remote as this operator is, Mica Heli Skiing reviews frequently reference the refined accommodations that are provided. The main lodge boasts impressive attention to architectural detail, creating a modern space that still gives homage to Mica Heli Skiing’s rustic roots. While the lodge is chic and contemporary in nature, the private guest cabins retain the original charm that Mica Heli Ski created. If the exceptional interior isn’t enough, unabridged views of the surrounding Rockies and Columbia River are available at many turns throughout the building.
If choosing a standard package, you’ll be housed in the main lodge. These accommodations come with the following amenities:
- King and queen-sized guest rooms
- Highspeed internet
- Rooftop hot tub
- Private massages
- Espresso and tea bar
- Full-service après ski bar
- Fitness room
- Ski lockers with boot and glove dryers
If booking a private package, you’ll be staying in the original chalet that Mica Heli Skiing built. While more toned down in terms of amenities, the relaxing privacy and comfort are unbeatable. The common lounge with a fireplace and the outdoor hot tub are both great choices to unwind after a day of deep powder skking.
Mica Canada Heliskiing dominates the Rockies. With an expansive tenure and hundreds of named (and yet-to-be-named) runs, you’ll have a prime selection over where you want to ski. The operator’s small groups and nimble A-Star and Koala helicopters allow groups to go places that larger operations cannot. Additionally, most of Mica Heli Skiing’s tenure is situated above the fog line, meaning this operator keeps flying when others do not. Even on the rare down day, cat skiing is available behind the Mica Heli Ski lodge.
Mica Heli Skiing has an incredible quantity of well-defined skiing areas that harbor beautiful landscapes and challenging features. Some of the favorite locations include:
- Mt. Bruce: Under optimal conditions, Mt. Bruce has Mica Heli Skiing’s longest run. Typical runs in this location are around 5,500 vertical feet, rivaling major ski resorts like Whistler-Blackcomb.
- Jeffrey Creek: This spot contains wide-open glaciers, followed by dense glades.
- Tsar Creek: Available only when the snowpack is deemed safe by Mica’s ACMG-certified guides, Tsar creek has more advanced terrain like steeps and chutes.
As far as ability levels go, Mica Heli Skiing only recommends that you can ski at an intermediate or advanced resort level. The ability to quickly stop is a must. What truly matters though, is physical fitness. The operator recommends that skiers start an exercise routine a few months prior to their trip so that they’re not dragging on the mountain.
Mica Heli Skiing has it all when it comes to package variety. Capable of accommodating solo travelers, small groups, or large parties that are looking for an exclusive experience, booking versatility is a key feature of this operator. With all packages, you’ll receive transportation to and from Kelowna, all lodging amenities, avalanche gear, and powder skis/snowboards.
Package options include the following:
- Classic: The lowest Mica Heli Ski cost when it comes to packages, the classic supports up to four small groups of skiers. 16 skiers, separated into fours, will share two helicopters. Depending on the length of the package, you’ll be guaranteed a certain number of runs or vertical per day.
- Private: If you’re looking for the most guide attention, and the smallest wait times, the private package is an excellent option. 4 guests are accompanied by 2 guides and only share one nimble helicopter, allowing the group to go deeper. 1.8 Hobbs hours are included each day.
- Heli-Assisted Touring: Many skiers value the physical challenge and slower pace that comes with traditional backcountry skiing. The heli-assisted touring package gives boosts when it’s needed, but largely leaves the ascent up to the group.
- Custom: Have a specific trip idea in mind and are looking to buy out the entire lodge? Mica Heliski is more than welcome to accommodate custom requests.
Book a Trip With Mica Heli Skiing Today!
Mica Heli Skiing is a breed apart from the epicenter of heli skiing that is Revelstoke and the operators located there. They are remote and they exude luxury...both by design.
If you're looking for a ski town like Revelstoke, with its resort atmosphere, bars & restaurants, then consider the other Revelstoke operators.
If you want to browse all that B.C. heli skiing has to offer, take a look at 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
8/10/23
Brady is an avid skiing & backcountry enthusiast, aging "big wave" surfer and is totally addicted to heli skiing!
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