Veteran guide Josh Cole gets ready to load the A-Star at North Cascade Heli
With exclusive access to a very unique (and large) area of terrain on the Eastern side of the Cascade Range in Washington State, North Cascade Heli is truly a time-tested, hidden gem in the heliskiing industry.
You'll only find small group heliskiing here: 2-3 groups of 4 skiers and 1 guide, flying in an A-Star and not much waiting. You'll be pleasantly surprised with their exceptional terrain, their team of highly qualified guides and the unparalleled experience they deliver. It's unique - very cool.
Larger, more "corporate" heliskiing companies, frequently found further North in British Columbia are known for flying in droves of people to their remote lodges. They often present a bit different vibe...a more controlled experience - an example would be "farming" their tenure...("Hey, keep your lines tighter, ok!")...ever hear that?
It's very unlikely that you'll hear any such comments from the heliskiing guides at NCH...they keep it low-key...pretty chill...and they have been doing it that way since 1989. I think their culture and the experience they deliver all stems from their ownership.
For more than 30 years, NCH Owner Ken Brooks has directed aircraft safety operations for his guests.
Although owner Paul Butler introduced himself to me, I didn't get the chance to talk to him much. The other owner Ken Brooks appeared to more active throughout their "heli barn," interacting with guests, working on skis and giving safety presentations about the aircraft, prior to lift-off.
As I do with all small operations, I asked Ken, "What do enjoy the most about this?" He put it pretty simply, "I love to see our guests happy, and I love to ski & snowboard." Then he gave me this unassuming look with a shoulder shrug 🙂 It's pretty obvious, after more than 30 years as an owner, operator, guide, back country enthusiast, this is what Ken is meant to be doing!
I was fortunate enough to join this operator for three excellent days in the first week of March, 2024. The last minute surgical strike mission paid off in huge dividends, netting 20 nearly flawless blue bird powder runs on days two & three. Ryan Devane, who runs the front office, took this reservation at nine days in advance. He handled two quick (and informative) calls from me on a Saturday morning - and then I was fully booked...quickly!
Although he was very busy tending to a complement of 12-20 guests each day, I ended up having lots of interaction with Ryan. He and his associate Chris are both happy and congenial staff members, doing a terrific job serving the business and their NCH clients. I got the opportunity to ask Chris what his favorite thing about this gig was. Chris said, "It's the ENERGY around this place. Everyone is so amped to be here!" (and I may be paraphrasing here): "All of our skiers & boarders are here to have an incredible time...they're always pumped up!" I couldn't agree with Chris more...it's an infectious, elevating atmosphere, especially after classic blue bird powder days...and I was very fortunate to be treated to a couple in a row!
It's tough not to get an intoxicating "heli-stoke" when your taxi lands RIGHT OUTSIDE "the barn's" back door! Check it out:
"Let's go HELISKIING!"
Keep reading for full a review, more videos, recommendations and stuff you should know about North Cascade Heli!
The red building in the back, behind the green helicopter, is the Heli-Barn!
Ultimately, your destination is the "heli-barn," North Cascade Heli's base of operations. It's located in the interior of the Freestone Inn & Cabins property on the Wilson Ranch, in Mazama WA. It truly is at the end of the road, because coming from the East side, SR20 closes every winter, and the ranch is somewhere near that terminus point.
If you're arriving here at night like I did, the GPS appeared to be VERY reliable...it won't "steer you wrong!" Ha! I drove the last hour and a half in the dark. Without the accurate GPS, I would have been blindfolded in the dark!
You'll know you are getting close when you drive by Hanks Harvest Foods in Twisp, nine miles from Winthrop. From Winthrop, it's another 15 miles to the Freestone Inn & Cabins. The heli-barn is right in the middle of the Freestone Inn property, as you can see on the map. The "P" on the map, next to the heli-pad, actually IS the barn and Parking surrounds it. But you'll likely be coming in at night, to prep for the next day's skiing, as I did. SEE ACCOMODATIONS!
The route from Spokane was pretty rural (for a Cali kid!)
In general, you have two main airport options. Seattle International Airport is a 5-hour drive from Mazama, where you'll have to traverse Snoqualmie Pass (at 2726 ft.). Coming from Spokane will take 3.5 to four hours. Optionally, you can fly to the smaller airport in Wenatchee, but this will only cut your driving time down to three hours.
I have to say, the drive across the state on the 2 -> 174 -> 17 -> SR20 from Spokane and back was really easy, and the whole Methow Valley, which I witnessed in the sunshine on my return...is gorgeous!
When renting a car, a AWD or 4x4 is highly recommended. When renting in Spokane, the Thrifty agent told me that nearly all their cars are AWD.
Winthrop has an Airport if you have your own plane!
Peter Savage taking a moment to enjoy his tracks and Andrew's line on a blue bird day in March!
North Cascade Heli skiing offers 300,000 acres of exclusive terrain access in a lesser known paradise for heli skiing in Washington. Unlike some operators to the North in B.C., who literally fly dozen's & dozen's & dozen's of guests each day, NCH keeps it on the downlow. Not only do they max out at 20 heli-skiers / day with two A-Star aircraft, they deliver the goods with a "special heli-opps personality," that I have only witnessed here at North Cascade.
This inviting sign speaks volumes about the "heli-opps personality" at North Cascade Heli
In some sports circles, it is said, "Those who know, GO!" I believe this is one of those circumstances.
Their small-group heliskiing, a staff with a personal touch and guides with a super chill attitude (yet very professional), left me with a lasting, good-tasting vibe...I wanted more...
So I'll be back!
Put this operator on your list or book it now!
