For countless ski enthusiasts across the globe, heli skiing in Canada is right at the top of the bucket list. After all, with sprawling Canadian mountain ranges and abundant snowfall, Canada has long been the mecca of heli skiing, offering an inviting fusion of fast-paced thrills and mountainside serenity. And with access to remote slopes via helicopter – and with Pure Powder by your side – you can carve your own path through the pristine powder.
In this article, we’re going to explore the history of heli skiing in this first-class destination, what makes British Columbia the world’s leading location for our thrilling sport, and how modern operators like CMH Heli Skiing continue to push the boundaries of ski exploration. If you are eager to find out more about the seemingly endless heli skiing opportunities in Canada, we encourage you to read along with us.
Heli Skiing Canada: From Pioneers To World-Class Powder
The history of heli skiing in Canada can be traced back to two men and their love for skiing, mountaineering, and enterprise. In the early 1960s, Art Patterson, a Canadian geologist, took note of idle helicopters, which were typically used for geological surveys in the summer. These helicopters sat unused during the winter months – that is, until Art realised the machines could be repurposed during the snowy season. This sparked an extraordinary idea: helicopters could be used to allow skiers access to remote, powder-covered peaks. This concept initiated a conversation between Art and revered mountain guide Hans Gmoser, who together pioneered the world’s first commercial heli skiing operation in 1963.
This operation, which began in the Bugaboos of British Columbia, charged just $20 for a day of heli skiing. Though Art would eventually move away from the venture, Hans could visualise the untapped potential and pressed forward with their exciting concept. His contributions would go on to earn him numerous accolades, including the order of Canada, for transforming what started as an experiment into a globally recognised sport – ultimately, establishing British Columbia as the birthplace of helicopter skiing.
Over the years, the Canadian heli skiing industry grew exponentially, with the sport also taking off in other corners of the world. Despite the spread of this exhilarating sport, British Columbia alone still accounts for more than 80% of the world’s heli skiing market share today. With its diverse terrain consisting of vast, snow-laden wilderness and exquisite mountain ranges, British Columbia has set the gold standard for this sport – and not just for heli skiing in Canada, but for heli skiing globally. To this day, Canada continues to attract adventurers from around the world who want to experience the pinnacle of helicopter skiing.
Why British Columbia Is Seen As The Mecca Of Heli Skiing
The geography and climate of British Columbia are key to understanding the appeal of this destination to heli skiers. This province boasts towering mountains and expansive terrain, with diverse snow conditions and varied skiing opportunities spread across nearly 1,000 miles.
In terms of terrain, the province varies from vast alpine bowls to dense tree runs. Tree runs in particular offer shelter from unpredictable weather and improve overall visibility for skiers. When heli skiing Canada’s slopes, these conditions reduce the likelihood of down days spent at your lodging. Annual snowfall is known to exceed 40 feet in some parts of the province, and the varied conditions in these regions make it the perfect destination for thrill seekers and travellers seeking a more laid-back ski experience – the best of both worlds for groups of skiers with different demands.
Having said this, there’s a significant advantage of heli skiing in Canada – particularly in British Columbia – and that is the region’s overall consistency. It’s this consistency that allows the Canadian landscapes to cater to skiers of all skill levels. Operators like CMH Heli Skiing in this province can offer you access to miles of untouched snow, ranging from technical tree runs in the Monashees to the wide-open glaciers of the Purcells. The sheer size of British Columbia means that no two heli skiing trips are ever the same, even if you were to return to the same slopes year after year (which you can do with Pure Powder!).
Heli Skiing Canada: When Are The Best Times To Plan A Trip?
Ultimately, each season comes with its own unique benefits and understanding how the time you choose may affect your heli skiing experience is the key to planning your trip to ski untouched Canadian slopes. So, let’s look at the different heli skiing seasons you can expect in British Columbia and the wider Canadian landscape.
Despite this guide to the seasons, it’s important to note that there’s no wrong time to plan your heli skiing adventure. After all, Mother Nature determines the weather, which can change on a day-to-day basis. Ultimately, the best time to heli ski in Canada will depend on your preferences. When reading our summary of three distinct seasons, you might find yourself more drawn to one of the seasons.
High Season In Canada | Late January To Mid-March
As a golden rule, the January to March season is considered prime time for heli skiing Canada’s slopes. During this period, the snowfall is at its most consistent, resulting in perfect conditions for skiing everything from expansive bowls and challenging glacier runs to tree skiing and beyond. The deep powder, especially when paired with the lovely bright, sunny days, makes for unbeatable experiences.
Spring Season In Canada | Mid-March To Late April
As spring approaches, the days in Canada grow longer, offering skiers more time to explore the slopes. However, it’s important to note that the warmer overall temperatures result in softer snow, which can be a benefit if you like easily carving smooth turns in the snow. At this time of the year, the weather can be unpredictable, and it’s not uncommon for the occasional storm to be followed by sunny days. Despite the somewhat erratic weather, the spring season allows for unique experiences and skiing opportunities, such as relaxed outdoor picnics on the mountain and sun-soaked apres-ski festivities.
Early Season In Canada | Early December To Late January
Generally speaking, the early skiing season runs from December to January every year. This is the earlier part of winter, which brings storms aplenty, ample snowfall, and no shortage of open skiable terrain. During this time of year, you can expect fewer crowds and less competition when booking your heli skiing packages. However, due to the festive period, airline flights could become pricier closer to the time, so it’s best to book your flights and heli skiing packages in advance, which will allow you to benefit from cheaper airline rates. Because spring and early season trips are less popular, they provide great value for the money.
Iconic Heli Skiing Lodges In Canada
With the ground we’ve covered in this article so far, it’ll come as no surprise that Canada is home to some of the world’s most iconic heli skiing resorts. It is the birthplace of the sport, after all. It also won’t come as a shock that many of these destinations can be found in British Columbia. The resorts covered in this section have perfected the art of combining refined luxury with adrenaline-fuelled adventure, offering not only world-class accommodations but unbeatable access to the country’s powder-filled slopes. Read on for a look at some of Canada’s top heli skiing resorts.
CMH Bugaboos Lodge: A fitting start to our list is this historical lodge in the Purcell Mountains is where CMH heli skiing began. The lodge offers panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers, with terrain suited to all skill levels – complete with a rooftop hot tub and varied skiing programs.
CMH Revelstoke: This town-based operation caters to a wide range of skiers, making it a versatile choice for groups of varied skiing levels. You can also expect access to some of North America’s longest vertical runs, as well as plenty of local dining options.
Bobbie Burns Lodge: Situated near Calgary in the Purcell and Selkirk Mountain ranges, this lodge is ideal for advanced skiers looking for fast-paced skiing. The lodge can only be accessed via helicopter and is suited to those looking for challenging terrain. You’ll also find CMH’s largest wine cellar, so relaxing after a long run won’t be a challenge.
Bighorn Lodge: Also located in Revelstoke and widely considered one of the globe’s best ski chalets, you can expect luxe accommodations, gourmet dining, and plenty of expansive terrain here. What’s more, the terrain is suitable for skiers of all abilities looking for private adventures in Canada’s deep and reliable powder.
Galena Lodge: This lodge is the perfect getaway for skiers who are serious about adventure, complete with ultra-deep snow for extended periods of the ski season. Skiers can expect exhilarating tree skiing and pillow lines across the Selkirks’ Badshot Range, making it an ideal choice for adventurers who prefer lodge life coupled with high-energy skiing. Who knows, you might even find the time to fit in a table tennis tournament or two.
Cariboos Lodge: If you’re looking for a picturesque remote skiing experience with varied terrain to boot, this backcountry lodge in Canada’s northern wilderness is perfect for skiers of varying ability levels. You can expect a cosy ambience while at the resort, expansive alpine runs, and heart-pumping tree skiing while out on the slopes.
Heli Skiing Canada: Unmatched Safety And Expertise
The long history of heli skiing in Canada means that the operators there have perfected their safety protocols to ensure the well-being of all adventurers. Furthermore, most heli skiing companies located in Canada are members of Helicat Canada, which sets strict guidelines for both the safety of guests and environmental impact.
Your experienced guides will likely be certified through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, commonly referred to as ACMG, or the internal Federation of Mountain Guides Associations, known as IFMGA. These arduous programmes are designed to ensure that all guides have the expertise needed to navigate the mountainous terrain and complex snow conditions.
You can also expect cutting-edge technology at the remote lodges in Canada. This technology can monitor weather conditions, snow stability, and even avalanche risks. Each trip will also begin with a thorough and comprehensive safety briefing, and, depending on the destination you choose, skiers will be provided with all the essential safety equipment they may need, including shovels and avalanche transceivers.
Heli Skiing Canada: More About Pure Powder
With more trips planned per year than any other UK-based operator, we at Pure Powder have been the UK’s leading heli skiing specialist for decades. With excellent service, unmatched expertise, and competitive prices, we pride ourselves on being the best in the industry for those new to helicopter skiing and seasoned pros.
Through our partnership with CMH, you can enjoy heli skiing in Canada knowing every aspect of your trip is tailored to your needs, be that your skill level or personal preferences. If you’re ready to take on the breathtaking terrains of Canada with Pure Powder, get in touch with us today and start planning your next adventure.
