You’ve been surfing, skiing, and snowboarding, but you still don’t feel like you’ve experienced the ultimate thrill – heli skiing in Canada might be right up your alley. Why Canada, you ask? Well, Canada is perhaps one of the top destinations for all adrenaline junkies looking to carve through some of the world’s most pristine powder in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful countries.
With us here at Pure Powder and our expert team, if you’re a first-time heli skier, you’ll be able to embark on this blood-pumping adventure with veteran guidance and the proper support needed for a safe and memorable experience. In this guide, we will cover all the bases and help you understand everything you need to know as a first-timer, from what heli skiing in Canada, entails, how to prepare for the trip, your essential gear, and what you can expect from these magical adventures!
Heli Skiing Canada: What Exactly Is Heli Skiing?
Well, if you’ve landed on our website, chances are you already know what heli skiing is. But for those who might have stumbled upon this page by chance, let us break it down for you. Quite simply, heli-skiing is backcountry skiing that takes skiers to remote locations and runs that are only accessible by helicopter.
Not to be confused with traditional ski resort skiing, where you’re limited to groomed trails, heli skiing offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore untouched, remote, mountainous regions that are covered in pristine powder. That’s why Canada is an ideal location for our beloved sport, as its stunning wilderness provides the perfect backdrop for this type of adventure – with the seasoned CMH guides leading the charge down the slopes.
So, when you compare heli skiing to resort skiing, the former has a unique, off-the-beaten-track appeal. We mean this quite literally, as you’ll be skiing on the slopes less travelled. The helicopters we use give us access to the most remote areas, which are unreachable by chairlifts or roads, where you’ll have the pleasure of throwing yourself into untouched powder.
Of course, every heli skiing run will vary in length, difficulty, and terrain, but you’ll get a taste of everything from those coveted wide-open bowls, gentle descents, intense steep chutes, and picturesque, tree lines. For the uninitiated, heli skiing gives you the chance to experience unbridled freedom and the serenity of these slopes with a small group of likeminded skiers, your expert guides, and the continuous support of our Pure Powder team.
Heli Skiing Canada: Why Is Canada Perfect For Heli Skiing?
Why Canada, you ask? Well, Canada has some truly magical landscapes, and its diverse geography makes it the perfect place for heli skiing. Just take British Columbia and Alberta for example; these provinces boast vast, snow-laden mountains, which encompass the Rockies, the Selkirks, and the Monashees. Let’s not forget that Canada is world-renowned for its consistent snowfall, which results in that sought-after, light, dry powder that all of us ski junkies crave.
Here at Pure Powder, we have partnered with some of the nation’s top heli skiing operators to give our clients access to some of the globe’s premium ski locations, and our expert guidance will ensure that you have a truly unforgettable experience in some of the planet’s finest ski conditions. Take Canada’s reliable powder, majestic backdrops, and well-organised heli skiing operators, and it becomes clear why Canada is a bucket list destination for many!
A Brief History Of Heli Skiing: Canada
Heli skiing has been around for a long time at this point. In fact, the very first innovative heli skiers hit the slopes in Canada back in the 1960s, when it was first pioneered by a gentleman by the name of Hans Gmoser, who brought the concept to British Columbia’s rugged mountain ranges.
Gmoser, being the trendsetter that he was, saw the potential in Canada’s vast, uninhabited wilderness and dreamed up a way to make it accessible to adventurous skiers. Gmoser and his team started flying skiers to these otherwise untouched peaks and gave them the chance to ski down the untainted, powder-covered slopes, and thus heli skiing in Canada evolved into the safe yet exhilarating sport that it has evolved into.
Today, Canada remains the global leader when it comes to heli skiing adventures, with British Columbia right at the epicentre. The industry’s growth has attracted the development of carefully curated tours, professional avalanche training, and, of course, some of the most luxurious and sought-after heli skiing lodges in the world.
Heli Skiing Canada: Top Destinations For A First Timer
If you’re knew to heli skiing, don’t even bother researching other heli skiing destinations, as Canada is the best. It has some of the world’s best heli skiing locations, and has a number of beginner-friendly slopes, all with seasoned guides, who are there to make sure you’re ready to take on the experience. Let’s look at some of the key locations that we at Pure Powder recommend for first timers:
- Revelstoke Lodge
- Cariboos Lodge
- Bugaboos Lodge
Every one of these heli skiing destinations offer easy accessibility, diverse terrain, and safe, guided experiences for the beginner, giving you, the first-time heli skier, the chance to enjoy a day (Or a few) of skiing Pure Powder skiing with confidence. To add to this, these three remote lodges also host our Powder Introduction programme, which is ideal for newcomers and those looking for an enjoyable, yet relaxed entrance into the sport.
Heli Skiing Canada: Preparing For Your First Heli Skiing Experience
With any mountain sport, preparing properly is crucial, and heli skiing is no different. Let’s take a look at some of our expert team tips to get you ready:
Build Up Your Skill Level: While heli skiing doesn’t require you to be an Olympic-level skier, you’re going to need a good level of control on intermediate slopes, as this makes the experience safer and enhances your overall enjoyment. We recommend that you take the time to head to a ski resorts beforehand to get your ski legs, if at all possible, as this is a surefire way to ensure that you are prepared.
Get Fit: A no-brainer, but heli skiing is notably more challenging and physically demanding than skiing on groomed slopes. It requires that you have robust stamina and good core strength. We advise doing cardio, strength training, and balance exercises in the weeks leading up to your first trip to improve your performance. Click here to learn about ski fitness and view our advanced training programme.
The Right Mindset: Heli skiing is exhilarating, but it can also be intimidating, especially for newcomers. We recommend going in with an open mind and a desire to learn, as this will make a world of difference. For beginners and veterans, we at Pure Powder provide comprehensive support, and the necessary resources that will simplify your experience. Our team of seasoned experts are there to guide you, and help you understand the nuances of powder skiing while guaranteeing your comfortability and your safety.
Here are some training exercises you should consider doing to prepare:
Leg Strength: As you can imagine, leg strength is critical to ensure success on the slopes, as traversing through deep powder presents unique challenges.
Core Workouts: Core strength is everything, and having a strong core will support your balance on powdery slopes. We suggest planking and Russian Twists.
Balance Drills: To further enhance your balance and control, try practicing single leg stands, and maybe incorporate a stability ball into a few of your drills.
The Essential Gear You Need For Heli Skiing in Canada
Without the right equipment, heli skiing becomes substantially more difficult. Let’s have a look at a few basic equipment recommendations that should help you tackle the challenges of the backcountry with confidence:
Skis: The main piece of gear, naturally, would be your skis or snowboard. We recommend opting for powder-specific skis as they tend to be wider and are designed with deep snow in mind.
Safety Gear: Safety is and will always be our number one priority, and it should be yours too. Depending on the location you choose, you may be provided with high-quality avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes, all of which are critical when skiing in Canada’s backcountry. Your guides will also carry out safety briefings to ensure that you can comfortably use your safety gear and understand what to look out for and avoid.
Layer Up: It’s no secret that Canada’s wilderness is very cold, so be sure to layer up appropriately. Start with a moisture-wicking base, then add an insulating middle layer, and finish it off with a waterproof, windproof outer layer.
Accessories: Also make sure that you have well-insulated gloves, a helmet, UV-protective goggles, and neck gaiter, to protect yourself from the harsh chills and wind.
We highly recommend checking out our equipment partners Ellis Brigham and Surefoot, as they offer some of the finest skiing gear in the industry.
What To Expect From Your First Heli Skiing Experience
So, you’re a first-timer heli skier looking to hit the slopes in Canada? Should you choose us at Pure Powder, you can expect guidance every step of the way:
Safety Briefing: Each one of our trips starts with a mandatory avalanche and safety briefing, where our guides will teach you about proper use of all your safety gear, and the basics of avalanche protocols.
The Heli Ride: Lest we forget, a clear favourite of all our guests are the heli rides into the mountains, as it provides some truly breathtaking views of the snowy scenery. Don’t worry if you’re new to helicopters, as these are perfectly safe, and specifically chosen due to their stability and safety.
Guided Skiing: Once you’re at the top of the ski slope, our experienced guides will lead you to the best routes, based on the current conditions and average skill level of everyone in your group.
Embark On Your First Heli Skiing Experience With Pure Powder
Taking that first leap and setting off on your first heli skiing experience in Canada is one of the most adventurous experiences that you’ll be able to tick off your bucket list. It’s the perfect way to bask in the wonder of the Canadian wilderness as well.
With our packages at Pure Powder, which are catered to first-timers, you’ll be in the best hands possible to experience the adventure of a lifetime, so why wait? Book your first heli skiing adventure with Pure Powder today, and we’ll check you on the slopes!
