Whistler Heli Skiing 

You’ll find several classic terrain features while heli skiing Whistler, while also being introduced to more extreme ones. Heli skiing in Whistler Canada is mainly characterized by:

• Glacial Steeps: Your helicopter will drop you off at the tops of various peaks found throughout the tenure, where you’ll have access to your choice of mild descents or death-defying drops. Steeps are a hallmark of the heli skiing Whistler experience but should only be reserved for the most advanced skiers in the chopper. Your operator will likely provide you with multiple route options should you not be up for the daunting task.
• Chutes and Couloirs: Even more challenging than steeps, there’s a variety of difficult chutes and couloirs available for heli skiing near Whistler. Ask your guide for advice, as they know all the tips, tricks, and descent routes for tackling these features. 

• Open Bowls: There’s no shortage of bowls to experience while heli skiing in Whistler Canada. Bowls are a quintessential part of powder skiing, and you’ll be blown away by the endless lines you can take. On many heli skiing trips, thousands of vertical feet are experienced in the bowls, making it the perfect time to relax and soak up the adventure.

• Glades: At the end of your run, right before the helicopter picks you up again, you’ll find acres upon acres of perfectly spaced trees. Glade skiing in the greater British Columbia area is world-renowned, and there’s plenty of powder to be found within them while heli-skiing Whistler. If there’s been a recent storm dump with feet of powder, your guides are guaranteed to prioritize this area.

Whistler’s location in the Coast Mountain range off the Pacific Ocean results in large amounts of consistent snowfall that occurs throughout the year. You can expect frequent storms dependent on the time of the season, and a deep snowpack that persists long into April. Expected snowfall will also vary based on which operator you choose to heli ski Whistler with.

Whistler Blackcomb Heli Skiing averages 448 inches per year, whereas the tenure accessed by Powder Mountain can exceed that by a couple hundred. Regardless of which operator you select, you’ll never suffer a shortage of quality snow. 

Unlike other heli skiing regions that experience frigidly cold temperatures (Alaska and Jackson Hole, for instance), heli skiing near Whistler often means mild winter weather due to the town’s proximity to the ocean. In the village of Whistler itself, lows rarely drop below -10 degrees Celsius (12 degrees Fahrenheit), and the alpine will only be 5-10 degrees colder. Standard winter sports gear is all that you’ll need to be comfortable while heli skiing Whistler.

Winter is long, and the weather and snowfall are not always consistent during every month. If you’re planning a trip to heli ski Whistler, you likely want to maximize your trip and come at a time when the conditions are the best. With that being said, the answer to this question really comes down to two main things: your budget, and the conditions. 

In general, the best heli skiing in Whistler is during the peak season. The peak season lasts for three short months between January and March. While most of the significant snowfall amounts fall during January, a reliable base and frequent smaller storms will occur during the following two months. 

One thing to consider regarding planning your trip is the cost of heli skiing in Whistler. If you book a trip for peak season, you can always expect to pay more. If affordability is what you’re after, the heli ski Whistler price scale is the cheapest early and late season. During these times the terrain may be more limited, but you’ll likely pay a few hundred dollars less.

Like any decent ski town, Whistler is a hotspot for countless delicious restaurants and boisterous bars. The town’s close proximity to Vancouver means there’s a constant influx of visiting urbanites, local ski bums, and international skiing visitors. No Whistler heli skiing trip is complete without time spent exploring the region’s selection of dining options. Here are some of the most popular places, both in the minds of locals and tourists:

• Araxi Restaurant & Oyster Bar: One of the more unique culinary diversions you can make from your Whistler heli skiing trip, Araxi is undoubtedly a spot you can’t miss. Priced moderately high, but not enough to break the bank, the restaurant features a mouth-watering selection of unique protein dishes including venison, duck, pork belly, and of course – oysters.

• Caramba: This European-inspired restaurant is the perfect stop for Whistler heli skiing adventurers seeking a casual, pub-like atmosphere with impeccable food. Caramba’s menu features multiple wood-fired pizza styles and delicious craft beers. Be sure to stop in during happy hour for some affordable pitchers of ale. 
• Garfinkel’s: Whistler’s infamous party bar and bustling hub of nightlife, Garfinkel’s is where you go if you’re looking for a good time. The venue attracts a younger crowd and is equipped with an always-packed dance floor, live music, and multiple themed nights throughout the week. 

Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub & Restaurant: If you’re seeking a more relaxed watering hole, Dubh Linn Gate is another well-regarded local favorite. This pub offers 20 beers on tap and has over 60 different selections of Whiskey, making it the perfect place to kick back and sample a few different drinks.

There are a number of exciting things to do besides heli skiing Whistler, and while you’re there you should try to explore as many as you can. Resort skiing and snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb is always an excellent option for individuals seeking a break from intense, backcountry skiing. This resort is the largest in North America and well worth the visit.

If Whistler heli skiing didn’t give you enough adrenaline, be sure to check out the year-round ziplining and bungee jumping found in the area. While you may get some chapped lips, the astonishing views of the surrounding landscape are only magnified by the rush of these extreme activities.