Revelstoke Heli Skiing: The Mecca...You Have Arrived!
Photo by Nick Gosset
With unparalleled mountainous landscapes, astonishing snowfall levels, and relatively mild winter weather, Revelstoke heli skiing has exploded in popularity in recent years with its world-class appeal. As home to one of the largest ski resorts in North America, skiers and snowboarders can find challenging lines and exceptional terrain whether they’re looking to heli ski Revelstoke or simply rip-up groomers.
Beyond the boundaries of the resort lies millions of acres of untouched terrain waiting to be discovered. Accessible only by helicopter and reserved for the most die-hard skiers, Revelstoke heli skiing is highlighted by long, glaciated runs and steep, expansive glades.
The region is serviced by four major Revelstoke heli skiing companies that offer a range of package and trip options. Revelstoke heli skiing prices vary widely based on the length of trip and accommodations, with options for budget-friendly ski bums and high-rolling vacationers alike. As the global mecca for the sport, powder hounds will find exactly what they’re looking for when they come to heli ski Revelstoke.
Revelstoke Heli Skiing Operators
Those looking to heli ski Revelstoke will find that there is no shortage of Revelstoke heli skiing companies to choose from. Currently, there are four main operators, each with establishments in town and all of them with big industry reputations. In general, Revelstoke heli skiing prices are comparable with other regions, and you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 - $15,000+, depending on the length of your trip. Explore these four operators:
Revelstoke Heli Skiing Operator Directory
Welcome to "Revy" You're gonna LOVE this place!
- CMH Revelstoke
Canadian Mountain Holidays - CMH is the first and largest heli skiing operation in the world, and is one of the most trusted Revelstoke heli skiing companies. They service 617 square miles (1,597 square kilometers) of terrain in the Selkirk and Monashee ranges. Their heli skiing trips involve 60% of the time spent in the lower elevation glades that Revelstoke heli skiing is renowned for, and 40% of the time on upper mountain glacial runs. Packages start at around $1,500 for a one-day trip and go upwards of $15,000 for peak season 7-day trips. Consult CMH directly for current packages and pricing. - Eagle Pass Heliski
If you’re looking to heli ski Revelstoke with a smaller party, Eagle Pass is the operator for you. They never book trips of more than four people in a helicopter so that you’re guaranteed an authentic, personalized experience. This Revelstoke heli skiing operator has access to a little over 600 square miles (1,570 square kilometers) of terrain, has 246 name runs in their tenure, and their longest run is 5800 feet (1767 meters) of vertical. Eagle Pass operates primarily in the Monashee mountain ranges, where the deepest snowpack and pillow lines are found. Their one-day packages start at $1,482, with multi-day all-inclusive packages costing up to $21,000. Consult Eagle Pass directly for current packages and pricing. - Mica Heliskiing
As one of the smaller companies you can select to heli-ski Revelstoke, Mica provides access to 500 square miles (1,294 square kilometers) of terrain situated deep within the Western Canadian Rockies. The company has its own dedicated lodge and private chalets run by the Mica family, as well as an entire culinary team on hand. Prices are by inquiry only. Mica is well known for its elevated status in the industry. - Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing
Since starting in 1978, Selkirk Tangiers has over 45 years of experience with Revelstoke heli skiing. They offer the most amount of skiable terrain in Revelstoke at over 780 square miles (2,020 square kilometers) and have over 400 dedicated runs in the Selkirk and Monashee mountains. Day packages start as little as $1,599 for 5 runs and go up to $12,000 for multi-day skiing packages, which include all accommodations and food. Those looking for Revelstoke Mountain Resort heli skiing will find that Selkier Tangiers is the most popular choice amongst visitors to the region. Consult Selkirk Tangiers directly for current packages and pricing. - Bighorn Revelstoke
While Bighorn is not a heli skiing operator, this 15,000 sq.foot, 8 stateroom chalet - "estate" is the quintessential heli skiing party-pad. It is just meters from the base of the Resort, so it's very centrally and ideally located. And it has its own helipad! It is for private heli skiing bookings, facilitated by CMH, Eagle Pass and Selkirk Tangiers.
World Class Travel Ideas!
"Revy" is a destination town for sure! There's a lot to do here in the winter, especially skiing! If your trip is charged with ALL testosterone (not to say that females couldn't ride), then perhaps combine your heli skiing trip with an adventure in the backcountry on snow bikes, known as "timbersleds." These are the latest adrenaline fueled personal snow vehicles that rip the backcountry! If you've brought your spouse to Revelstoke, your spouse can easily enjoy the Resort, while you go heli skiing and meet for apres!
Facts & FAQ
Located in Southeastern British Columbia, Canada, Revelstoke lies along the Columbia River and is sandwiched by the Monashee, Columbia, and Selkirk Mountain ranges. This mountain range trifecta results in Revelstoke heli skiing being some of the most diverse in the world. The town sits at a little over 1,500 feet (459 meters) above sea level, but all three mountain ranges hover around 11,000 feet (3,353 meters).
Revelstoke lies between two major Canadian cities:
- Vancouver, British Columbia: Vancouver is 352 miles (566 km) west of the town and is accessed via BC-5 N and Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 E. Total driving time is around 6 hours and 45 minutes.
- Calgary, Alberta: Located East of Revelstoke, Calgary is slightly closer. This city is 254 miles away (409 km), and will take around 4 hours and 45 minutes by car via Trans Canada Highway/AB-1 W and Trans Canada Highway/ BC-1 W.
Banff, another popular ski town located in Alberta, is located just over 3 hours east of Revelstoke, right before Calgary. It is completely worth the trip if time allows, as there are a variety of premier ski resorts in the region for those looking for more to do than heli ski Revelstoke. Revelstoke is also surrounded by two massive national parks, Glacier National Park of Canada and Mount Revelstoke National Park. Both lie just east of Revelstoke and are only 30 minutes or less away from the main Revelstoke heli skiing companies.
Unlike other heli skiing destinations that are dominated by barren glaciated runs, Revelstoke heli skiing is highlighted by its extreme terrain diversity. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more stimulating, creative skiing environment than what’s offered by the Monashee and Selkirk Mountains. Overall, those looking to heli ski Revelstoke will find that there are three main types of terrain they’ll encounter:
- Glaciated Alpine Runs
- Wide-Open Meadow Bowls
- Steep, Gentle Spaced Glades
Glacial Steeps
Your Revelstoke heli skiing adventure will start with glacial runs. Once dropped off by the helicopter, you’ll descend ancient mountain faces that are coated with a light and dry glacial snow. After screaming down the mountainside, laying down massive carves at breakneck speeds, the grade will begin to lessen. You’ll come face to face with a variety of powder-drenched pillow lines catering to all ability levels. The sheer amount of pillows is just one reason why heli skiing near Revelstoke is considered some of the best in the world.
The best time to heli ski in Revelstoke is when these upper glaciers have enough coverage and powder for a smooth descent. Be sure to book your trip later in the season for this experience. Keep in mind that Revelstoke heli skiing prices are higher during this time, however.
Dreamy Bowls
After bouncing down the airy pillows at the base of the glaciers, you’ll transition to expansive, wide-open bowls that make their way through meadows. This is as relaxing as it gets when you heli ski Revelstoke, and you’ll be able to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Picturesque Glades
On the final leg of your descent, you’ll transition into beautifully spaced glade runs that meander their way through old-growth rainforest. This is some of the best heli skiing in Revelstoke, with steep, consistently graded terrain throughout the entire forest. With most heli-skiing operators, a significant portion of the run will take place below the treeline – up to 60%. This insane assortment of terrain is the primary reason why many specifically choose to heli ski Revelstoke.
No matter your skill level, if you are a confident skier, you’ll find that you can easily heli ski Revelstoke while still pushing the boundaries of your abilities. No heli skiing adventure is catered towards complete novices, so if you’re looking for the best beginner heli skiing Revelstoke has to offer, you’ll still need to be a strong intermediate.
With that being said, the best heli skiing in Revelstoke is for advanced and expert skier. There’s a reason why Revelstoke is a destination on the Freeskiing World Tour. Experts will have no problem finding a Revelstoke heli skiing line that challenges them and pushes their limits.
Revelstoke heli skiing is known for one main thing – infinite powder. The entire region experiences an ungodly amount of annual snowfall every year, resulting in a towering level of snowpack. It’s no surprise then that Revelstoke holds Canada’s record for the most accumulation of snowfall in a single season at 80 feet (2438 cm). This snowfall is the greatest away from the resort, deep within the mountain ranges, accessed solely by those looking to heli ski Revelstoke. On average, Revelstoke will get 40-60 (1219-1829 cm) feet of snowfall every season.
Towards the top of the glaciers, snow quality will be light and airy as typically found in colder climates. As you drop in elevation and begin to transition into the tree lines, snow will be heavier, wetter, and more densely packed due to the subtropical climate found in the region. Even with these conditions, the snow is lighter than you’ll find in most regions of the world.
Snowfall is consistent throughout the entire winter season in Revelstoke. The snow starts dumping in December and is marked by many storms. January is on average the snowiest month of the year, with larger storms that bring the most significant snowfall amounts, making it the best time to heli ski in Revelstoke. February has its fair share of snowfall as well, but storms slow down in intensity as the season starts to transition to March spring skiing. By April the snowpack at lower elevations starts to melt, with plenty of snow remaining on the upper mountain tops.
If you’re planning a Revelstoke heli skiing trip, knowing what time of year to go is crucial to a fulfilling experience. While this is completely dependent on the operator, the Revelstoke heli skiing season lasts from December to early April. Conditions can widely vary depending on the time that you book, and you should have a different set of expectations for both. The cost also differs based on when you book. In general, there are three main seasons you can heli ski Revelstoke:
- Early Season (December): If you’re looking for the lowest Revelstoke heli skiing cost, booking in the early season is the way to go. You’ll also have more flexibility with booking dates, as you’re competing with fewer people. However, the upper portions of the mountains may not have enough snowfall and you may be restricted to lower elevation tree runs.
- Peak Season (January – Late March): Peak season is where you’ll receive the full Revelstoke heli skiing experience, but you also pay for it. Booking a multi-day trip during this time can easily cost a few more thousand dollars, as the demand is extremely high. The benefit of booking during this time is that you’ll have a higher likelihood of a power day with significant snowfall.
- Late Season (April): While the winter season starts to dwindle in April, there is normally still enough snowfall to heli ski Revelstoke. Not all operators offer late season heli skiing, and those that do are on limited availability. Conditions can be very variable depending on the weather, and you should expect some upper portions of the mountains to be restricted. Overall, though, you will still have plenty of terrain to ski.
Revelstoke heli skiing was not always the area’s claim to fame. Once a booming mining town that developed alongside the Canadian Pacific Railway’s westward expansion, Revelstoke quickly became a sought-after tourist destination for its breathtaking mountain ranges and picturesque, turquoise lakes. Norwegian immigrants brought skiing and ski jumping to the region in the early 1900s, and by the 1910s several ski hills were operating in the area. As a result, winter sports have been bred into the town’s core since its inception. This, in turn, has led to a massive draw of people looking to heli ski Revelstoke.
Today, Revelstoke is a quaint mountain village with just over 8,000 residents. The town attracts millions of visitors each year, with many coming exclusively for the world-class skiing. Revelstoke Mountain Resort opened its doors in 2007 and has quickly become one of the most popular ski resorts in the world. Revelstoke is also one of six stops on the Freeskiing World Tour, attracting the most elite athletes in the sport looking to heli ski Revelstoke.
Unless you live in the surrounding area, the most convenient way to get to Revelstoke is by plane. Most visitors fly into Kelowna International Airport, which has many connecting flights to larger airports around, like Vancouver or Seattle. Once you arrive in Kelowna, you can take the Stoke shuttle to Revelstoke. This bus runs seven times per day in the winter season, making it an incredibly easy option if you’ve decided not to rent a car. This shuttle will take around 2.5 hours and costs $139 per person, each way, and must be reserved ahead of time.
Alternatively, you can fly into Calgary and take a connecting bus to Revelstoke. This bus runs only once per day, so prior planning is essential. Once in Revelstoke, you can take the Revelstoke Public Transit service to get you around town, or if you’re visiting the resort you can hop on the transit shuttle. Uber and Lyft were approved to operate in 2020, so they are also a viable option for getting to the more remote locations, which may be necessary to reach your Revelstoke heli skiing operator.
HOT TIP! Call the Village Idiot Bar & Grille ( +1 250-837-6240 ). The owners likely still run their free shuttle to all three of their establishments in town. They pick you up and drop you off after you've been a delightful patron!
If you’re planning to heli ski Revelstoke multiple days with an operator, they likely provide all the accommodations and food you need. If you’re doing just one day, you’ll need to provide that for yourself. Luckily, Revelstoke is a bustling village filled with countless restaurants and bars that’ll cater to any taste. Let’s check out some of the popular options!
- The Village Idiot: We at heli-skier have always enjoyed our visits here! It's highly recommended. This ski-themed pub is a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike. It features traditional American/Canadian bar food like pizza, burgers, and of course – poutine. This is very much a no-frills place where you can kick back and relax after you heli ski Revelstoke. They have an impressive list of unique cocktails and local craft beers that pair perfectly with their specialty pizzas. There service has always been good, and the vibe is ALL skiing, ALL the time!
- Kawakubo Japanese Restaurant: Sushi lovers will find delight in the fresh rolls and intoxicating sake offered at Kawakubo Revelstoke. The restaurant is run by an authentic Japanese sushi chef who takes immense pride in the food he serves.
- Woolsey Creek Bistro: We at hel-skier have dined here, and it is certainly recommended! Diners looking for a casual, but upscale fine dining restaurant in Revelstoke need not look further than Woolsey Creek Bistro. Serving Canadian dishes with locally sourced ingredients, most dishes involve a protein-focused entrée with a delicious offering of sides.
- La Baguette: Need a hearty breakfast before you heli ski Revelstoke? La Baguette offers an extensive list of full breakfast items, pastries, coffee, and sandwiches to fuel your skiing adventures. They have two locations, one downtown and one at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, so you’ll always have them quickly available for a bite.
- Craft Bierhaus: There is no brewery or bar in Revelstoke that has a better craft offering. With nearly 25 rotating tap options, you’re bound to find a drink you can’t get enough of. Craft Bierhaus also has a nice menu, with the gourmet Mac ‘n Cheese being a prime choice.
Despite the massive number of visitors that travel to Revelstoke every year, the town itself is quite small and lodging options can be limited. If you’re planning a trip during a peak season, booking in advance – way in advance – is an absolute must. If you’re looking to book a heli ski lodge, Revelstoke has numerous options provided by the operators. There are also a variety of lodging options available around the town, with many ski-in and ski-out options for those looking to enjoy Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Additionally, there are countless Airbnbs if you’re looking for a less “hotel-like” stay. Some of the most popular lodging options include:
- The Explorers Society Hotel: Rated as Canada’s #2 small hotel, this cozy boutique hotel is situated in the 1911 McKinnon building. There are only 9 rooms available, and reservations fill up far ahead of time. With a private rooftop lounge, in-house restaurant, and endless amenities, The Explorers Society Hotel has been purchased by Eleven Experience, an adventure company which featured on this site. It has previously catered to the individual seeking a luxurious, high-end heli skiing Revelstoke stay, and we assume that has not changed.
- Basecamp Resorts Revelstoke: Basecamp Resorts offers a selection of apartment-style lodging choices for skiers seeking a sleek, minimalist and design. Designed somewhere between a hotel and Airbnb, visitors can choose from any size room that fits their party, from a small efficiency studio to an entire five-bedroom apartment.
- Sutton Place Hotel: A standard luxury hotel, Sutton Place Hotel is located right at Revelstoke Mountain Resort and offers convenient ski-in/ski-out condominiums. With three separate buildings all connected by an underground heated garage, a heated swimming pool, and an in-house restaurant named the Rockford Bar and Grill, guests have everything they need for a relaxing stay in Revelstoke.
- The Coast Hillcrest Hotel: In 2023, Selkirk Tangiers Heliskiing still operated out of this hotel. Although they are building a new hotel at the Resort. We at heli-skier have stayed here multiple times, and it has never disappointed! I happen to love the spa on the back deck, which looks Southwest to a stunning mountain view and is very enjoyable, with a variety of international skiers who hop in after a day on the Mountain or a day up in the heli - good times!
Once you’re done heli skiing Revelstoke, stick around! There are lots of attractions to see in the surrounding area, and many people come for more than just winter sports. As a heli skier though, you’re likely a skiing addict, so why not spend some time at the legendary Revelstoke Mountain Resort? With some of the best in-bounds snow in the entire world, you can still get your adrenaline rush from a good old-fashioned chair lift – no helicopter required!
Revelstoke Mountain Resort also offers an extensive amount of CAT skiing to bring expert skiers to the resort’s off-piste terrain. This is a great option for individuals not looking to break the bank by heli skiing Revelstoke, but who still want access to advanced, hard-to-reach terrain.
As mentioned, Revelstoke is surrounded by two beautiful national parks which are highly recommended to visit. Road access can be limited during the winter months, so always plan ahead and check conditions before leaving. Dog mushing is another fun non-skiing activity that’s available in Revelstoke from a variety of providers. No matter what you decide to do during your time in Revelstoke, you won’t be disappointed!
Book a Heli Skiing Trip to Revelstoke Today!
"Revy" is the heli skiing micro-mecca of planet earth! Why? Because B.C. is the center of the universe for heli skiing, and Revelstoke is the "bulls-eye" at the core. Yes, it's a small town, and that's the fun of it! Yes, it has a great ski resort within a five minute drive of the edge of town, and that's the point! Yes, it has snowmobiling, backcountry touring, tons of cool little restaurants and bars and history galore! In fact, it's the origin of record holding ski jumping!
If you're new to heli skiing, just find an operator here in Revelstoke and GO!
If you're interested in more...take a look at our British Columbia Heli Skiing Operator Directory.
BRADY
5/9/23
Brady is an avid skiing & backcountry enthusiast, aging "big wave" surfer and is totally addicted to heliskiing!
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