Unknown "Descendant" getting the afternoon blower POW! Photo: Courtesy of Stellar Helliskiing
Stellar Heli Skiing has a backstory built from "skiing soul"...
It's not an uncommon "side-by-side" journey in the industry...Stellar Heliskiing was founded in 2005 by Jason Remple and his wife Kerry Luckey, and the pair delivered a great product and built an excellent reputation in the industry. How do we know that? We'll get back to that in a second...
In 2013, the team took on industry veterans Stefan Engstrom and Bjorn Algkvist as partners to provide an additional capital infusion and "propulsion STOKE" to continue to scale their business. Who could resist partnering with two Swiss freestyle and World Cup icons, right? This allowed Stellar to expand their operations with more aircraft and more staff.
And then in 2022, Stellar purchased the Kaslo Hotel, which serves as more than just their accommodations.
In 2025, Stellar's story took a heartbreaking turn with the unexpected passing of founder Jason Remple.
Committed to reinvigorating the growth trajectory and honoring the legacy of the founder, Stellar Heliskiing accepted an acquisition offer by Heli (an adventure travel company), in January of 2026. Long before that acquisition, we at Heli-Skier, kept bumping into the reputation of Stellar Heliskiing.
Heli-Skier does not frequently review operators that it has not visited and skied with the operation. If we post a review in this fashion, we're going to let you know right up front. And we'll let you know the justification behind our decision to provide an extensive review. We are comfortable recommending this operator, and here's why:
BTS with Alexander Rydén filming for Stellar Heliskiing in Kaslo, B.C. with Sandra Lahnsteiner and Henrik Windstedt
In our early heliskiing adventures in Revelstoke BC, we would often find ourselves in the outdoor spa at the Hillcrest Hotel. Inevitably conversations would come up about the Powder Highway. And during those conversations, it was almost a given that Stellar Heliskiing was mentioned with very favorable opinions. If you're going to plan a long trip skiing in BC, typically it's going to include stops on the Powder Highway with some heliskiing mixed in between resorts. These stops often include the Revelstoke operators and Stellar Heliskiing out of Kaslo.
Then there were the heliskiing dinner table conversations with the guest who was sporting a Stellar baseball cap! In our travels to Alaska in March of 2026, we met a very capable snowboarding couple, Phil & Brenda. Phil is a low key guy in most respects, so we'll leave his last name out of it. That said, Phil laid down some exceptional lines up in Alaska, and he also had great things to say about all of his experiences at Stellar Heliskiing. In the jacuzzi or at the dinner table Phil and Brenda were certainly "Stellar advocates!" First hand recommendations by experienced heli-skiers are paramount in our world - so that's two thumbs UP!
Then we began communicating with Patti Willott, the general manager at Stellar. Patti joined the team the same year that the founders took on the Swedish partners. So Patti's been there half of forever! Retaining key players in any business organization is not easy! As entrepreneurs, we've learned that the hard way. So the fact that Patti has been there since 2013 speaks volumes about the core values of the operation. Patti's communication with the team here at Heli-Skier has demonstrated a great and infectious STOKED "heli-vibe" with a sincere interest furthering meaningful relationships. We get a good gut feeling about all of it.
And when we brought up Phil's name with Patti, she said, "Oh yeah Phil's been skiing here for years and then started to bring Brenda with him. We love Phil!" Good customer service equals client retention Which produces long term value. That's what we like to see in an operator.
Finally, we follow the annual rhythm of the nominations and winners of the World Ski Awards. In 2026, Stellar Heliskiing has been nominated for the "World's Best Helli-Ski Operator." Several of our favorites (that we have skied at) are also on that list. Regardless of whether they win the award or not in November of 2026, The cream has risen to the top! If you visit our Operators page, you can see the quantity of international operators they beat out for this important nomination!
It is this collection of referrals and positive feedback that give us comfort about Stellar Heliskiing.
It is worth note at this juncture, that Heli-Skier is an authorized booking partner of Stellar Heliskiing. As an agent, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission when a trip is booked through us. Our reviews and editorial opinions remain our own.
Endless terrain and pillows too! - Photo: Courtesy of Stellar Heliskiing
The QUICK 411: Even with their day-heli program, Stellar Heli Skiing is exclusively a "small-group" operator. Apart from their day-heli program, Stellar offers Unlimited Vertical on all their multi-day ski / ride packages.
They operate in the Kootenay Mountain range of British Columbia. The formula is very straightforward: four guests per guide, serious Kootenay terrain, deep snow and a program designed around maximizing your time skiing and snowboarding.
Based in Kaslo, British Columbia, Stellar operates across more than 125,000 acres of the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains. This is classic Interior BC heli-skiing country, with everything from perfectly spaced trees and powder-filled glades to glaciers, alpine bowls and steep chutes & pillows too, as you can see!
With an unusually broad variety of package choices that are custom tailored to your needs, Stellar provides a versatile heliskiing experience that’s difficult to find with other operators. Whether you’re coming for a day, a few days, a week, or would like to take an extended B.C. trip around the Powder Highway, this operator can easily put together a memorable experience for you.
How Do I Get to Kaslo and Stellar Heli Skiing
THREE different ways to get to Kaslo, where your heli-adventure starts!
To get to Stellar Heliskiing, you actually do have an abundance of options! Like some heliskiing operator locations, the journey to get there is part of the adventure! ABOVE, You can see the three airports that offer the quickest access: Kelowna, BC (YLW) from the West, Spokane, WA (GEG) from the South & Canadian Rockies Intl. (XYC) from the East. As you can see, if you come in from the east you're going to have to cross Kootenay Lake using the Ferry. The Kootenay Lake Ferry runs frequently, but check the schedule. This ferry is said to be "the longest free ferry ride in the world!" - And of course, with a gorgeous view!
There is a 4th option. Air Canada serves the West Kooteney Regional Airport in Castlegar. However online chatter notes that the airport "frequently experiences unfavorable weather conditions making safe landings difficult, leading Air Canada to routinely delay or cancel flights."
Stellar Heliskiing is based in Kaslo, British Columbia, a historic mountain town on the Western shore of Kootenay Lake along BC's famous Powder Highway. Kaslo sits between the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains, putting Stellar within reach of some exceptionally snow-rich terrain. Unlike operators based at isolated heliskiing lodges, guests stay right in town. That gives the trip a much different personality. You'll get a first class heli-skiing operation during the day while still being able to walk around a genuine Kootenay mountain community afterward.
There is another option where you don't have to rent a 4 wheel drive vehicle and drive yourself. You can fly into Spokane International Airport and take a shuttle to Nelson, where Stellar will then arrange a ride to Kaslo. It's worth note that over the years of looking at this option, the websites offering shuttles have been shifting around a bit!
The drive adds some travel time, but Kaslo's location is part of the appeal. You're not arriving at a purpose-built resort—you are heading into a real British Columbia mountain town surrounded by two of Canada's great skiing ranges.
Tell Me About The Accommodations and Amenities at Stellar Heliskiing
What Type of Terrain Can I Expect? What Ability Level Should I Have?
Tell Me About The Ski Packages and What's Included
You've done the homework...ready for the next step at Stellar Heli?
Stellar Heliskiing has a clear identity: keep the groups small, find good snow and ski as much as conditions allow.
We particularly like that four-person (small) groups aren't reserved exclusively for their highest-priced package. They are fundamental to Stellar's single day heli-skiing program. Combine that with unlimited vertical on multi-day trips, an A-Star helicopter with access to 125,000 acres and terrain spread across both the Selkirks and Purcells, and you've got a package aimed squarely at skiers who came to ski.
Kaslo adds another dimension. Staying beside Kootenay Lake and experiencing an authentic mountain town makes this feel different from the traditional remote-lodge heli week.
For advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders looking for deep Kootenay powder, four-person groups, unlimited vertical and plenty of terrain variety, Stellar Heliskiing belongs on the shortlist.
