Heli Skiing Canada
Canada isn’t just hockey and maple syrup, it’s also home to some of the best heliskiing in the world! As the literal birthplace of helicopter-assisted skiing, Canada has a rich legacy that continues to this day. It’s regarded across the world as the mecca of heliskiing, and as such you can expect the quintessential experience you’re striving for.
Heli skiing Canada is all about varied terrain and long multi-day packages. Here, you’ll find a powder playground to explore during the day, and relaxing chalets to unwind at nightfall. Few places on Earth have this delicate balance of adrenaline-pumping activity and luxurious comfort.
Here’s everything you can expect with Canadian heliskiing including how it came to be, the regions you’ll be exposed to, and what types of packages you can find.
Canadian Heli Skiing...the Birthplace of the Sport
Skiing itself may have a long history that goes back centuries, but the advent of machine-assisted touring has only been a recent idea. Hans Gmoser was a pioneering Austrian guide that immigrated to Banff in the early 1950s. He established himself as a reputable backcountry skiing guide and chartered many first ascents across the Canadian backcountry.
The beginnings of heli skiing history in Canada have a couple different origin dates according to information gathered from CMH heliskiing, icons who tell the origin stories, such as author Chic Scott and an individual named "Hacksaw," who has documented heliskiing history.
According to Hacksaw, three different books, by Chic Scott, Topher Donahue and Gmoser himself, refer to the idea of heliskiing first being brought to Gmoser by a Calgary geologist by the name of Art Patterson. Patterson knew that helicopters had been used in Canada in the summer and were sitting idle in the winter.
Patterson was a skier, and apparently in February of 1963, the two charged 20 guests $20 each to shuttle them to the top of the hill in a tiny Bell 47G-2 piston-driven helicopter. The shuttle runs were very slow going and the conditions were said to have been poor. They tried again in May of that year, and suffered high winds. With logistics and weather risk weighing on Patterson, he was out.
Hacksaw also refers to a statement in Donahue's book that claims, "As early as the late fifties, skiers in Europe and Alaska had experimented with using helicopters to access untracked snow in the high Alps and the Chugach mountains.” This seems realistic but questionable since heliskiing in Alaska to more time to gain popularity.
Gmoser persisted in Canada, and by 1966 he was bringing up to 70 guests a year over the course of 6 weeks. In 1968, Gmoser erected the first ever heliskiing lodge in the Bugaboos Mountains.
The trail that Gmoser blazed can be seen all throughout the Canadian heliskiing industry today. Much is still the same, but millions of acres are now at your disposal. Because of his legacy, Canada now lays claim to more heliskiing operations than anywhere else in the world. It’s truly the centerfold of extreme skiing terrain.
Heli Skiing Canada: Regions to Explore
Canada may be the second largest country in the world geographically, but all Canadian heliskiing operations can be found in one territory – British Columbia. This is largely due to the fact that the largest mountain ranges run through B.C. and provide the most consistent snowfall throughout the winter season. Still, B.C. is an enormous territory with various prime skiing locations, so you’ll have a few regions to explore when heli skiing Canada. These include:
- Northern British Columbia: While there isn’t a high concentration of heli skiing operators in this region, a few are sprinkled around the Northernmost areas of the Coast Mountains and Canadian Rockies. Heli skiing Canada goes as far up as the Yukon.
- Western British Columbia: The Western side of B.C. along the Pacific Ocean is home to the Coast Mountain range. This location receives serious dumps of snowfall, as storms out in the Pacific work their way inwards and get trapped in the high peaks. Whistler Blackcomb is found at the bottom of this range, and a number of operators can be accessed by driving up the coastline from Vancouver.
- Southeast British Columbia: This region has the highest concentration of heli skiing operators in British Columbia and is where the most notable ones are found. This is where Hans Gmoser first set up operations, and where you’ll be able to explore the Selkirk, Purcell, Bugaboos, and other world-renowned mountain ranges. Straddling the border of Alberta, the Canadian Rocky Mountains run directly through this region. This whole region is "heli skiing central, with Revelstoke heli skiing at the heat of it all.
- Alberta and Banff: This province gets far less attention than B.C., but there is still great heli skiing around Banff and beyond. CMH heli skiing maintains their corporate address in Banff. However, as you adventure to the east side of the Canadian Rockies, the heli skiing operations shrink.
Overall, the terrain is as varied as it gets. Each region hosts beautifully spaced glades, expansive bowls, and high-alpine glacial terrain that’s dotted with technical features. Whether you want something that’s easy on the knees and allows you to take in the scenery, or something death-defying that gets your heart rate going, heli skiing Canada offers it all. Nearly all guides are ACMG-certified and able to find you the deepest and safest lines in their tenures.
The snow will certainly not disappoint either, as nearly all Canadian heliskiing locations get 40+ feet of light, cold, and fluffy powder every winter season. It doesn’t get any better than that.
World-Class Travel Ideas!
Heli skiing in Canada is just one of many sports you'll find in this wonderland. If finding adventure in the winter is on your radar, consider backcountry ski touring, backcountry snowmobiling or the latest in adrenaline powered powder chasing: "snow biking" or what's known as timber-sledding. Add some of THAT to your ski trip!
Facts & FAQ
With so many operators to choose from for heli skiing Canada, you’ll have no shortage of package options available to you. No matter what your budget is, length of stay, or ability level, you’ll find an operator and adventure that works for you. In general, you’ll have the choice between single-day heli skiing, multi-day heliskiing with accommodations, multi-day heliskiing without accommodations, and pricing based on a per-run basis.
Per-run heliskiing is fantastic for those that just want to dip their toes into the world of Canadian heliskiing, and on a budget. It works best if you’re already planning an on-piste ski trip to the region these operators are located in, as travel normally isn’t easy. There are only a few operators who will sell heli skiing on a per run, so make sure and do your homework here. The cost can typically be around $195 - $275 CAD.
Single-day heliskiing can be a great choice for a full experience, without having to dish out thousands upon thousands of dollars just to get some super fresh powder runs. If you're excited about heli skiing for the day, know that some operators are very safety conscious, and the avalanche training can consume 90 minutes to start the day. The cost can typically be around $1500 - $2250 CAD / day.
Multi-day trips are the most popular heli skiing Canada packages. It’s generally much easier to choose an all-inclusive option with lodging and meals provided. Although certainly expensive, it’s a full-fledged vacation and well worth the money. Communal dining rooms, lounges, and bars at the private lodges allow you to relax and connect with your fellow skiers.
Book a Heli Skiing Trip to Canada Today
Heli skiing Canada truly checks all the boxes. With so many operators and packages available, you will have zero difficulty finding an adventure that meets your exact needs. Rather than picking a lesser-known area, you can select Canada as your destination and get precisely what you’re looking for. With deep powder, experienced guides, and comprehensive packages suited to every budget, this country is the best-of-the-best when it comes to the sport, and that will certainly not change any time soon.
Browse the British Columbia Operator Directory or our main Regions - Locations Directory and the individual operator pages to learn more about what each company and specific region offers.
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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