For the uninitiated, heli skiing in Canada might sound like something reserved for extreme athletes, but at Pure Powder, we organise world-class heli skiing experiences at gorgeous, diverse destinations for anyone who loves our exciting sport, not just expert-level skiers. Consider the helicopter as a replacement for a cable car or ski lift, making for a safe and comfortable trip up the steep slopes of the mountains, away from resort crowds, capable of reaching locations that would otherwise be impossible to get to.
As the largest helicopter skiing operator in the United Kingdom, we offer more than just exceptional skiing opportunities and adventures; we provide rich cultural experiences, helping to create memories that will last a lifetime. Our destinations stretch from Canada’s snow-capped mountains to Turkey’s beautiful Alpine terrain.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the most sought-after and exciting heli skiing trips we have available, covering the full scope of the packages while highlighting the vibrant and deep cultural history of each destination. Whether you’re a first-time heli skier with limited experience or a long-time adrenaline junkie in search of the next great thrill, we at Pure Powder have exactly what you need.
Heli Skiing Canada: The Destinations On Offer
At Pure Powder, our heli skiing destinations are among the most beautiful, culturally rich locations in the world. Some of these options include heli skiing in Canada, Alaska, Iceland, Turkey, Japan, Chile, and more. Each location comes with diverse and fascinating cultures, traditions, and history. From incredibly unique cuisine options to exciting annual festivals, the experience opens you up to new worlds.
With Pure Powder, you have the opportunity to do more than just go skiing. The cultures of Canada, Alaska, Iceland, and our numerous other travel destinations are all ready to welcome you. We offer a variety of programmes of differing durations and degrees of difficulty. Pure Powder offers the best heli skiing in Canada, with trips that cater to all skill levels.
Heli Skiing Canada: Beyond The Slopes
Canada is the perfect skiing destination, with several trip options in the mountains of British Columbia alone. Our Canadian trips come with the most options, with several unique programmes and a wide range of lodging options.
Trips In Canada
Choose the Canadian heli skiing package that best suits your needs and experience. In British Columbia, you can choose from the following travel experiences:
- Classic Heli Skiing
- Small Group Heli Skiing
- Private Heli Skiing
- Powder Introduction Heli Skiing
- Relaxed Powdered Heli Skiing
- Family Powdered Skiing
- Steep Shots and Pillow Shots Heli Skiing
- Heli-Assisted Ski Touring
Heli Skiing Canada: Lodging Options
The alternatives for trips vary from lodge to lodge, with some providing more options than others. Our main lodging choices include the following:
Adamants Lodge: A beautiful remote lodge based in the Northern Selkirks range of British Columbia with easy access to varied skiing terrain perfect for heli skiing. Programmes are moderate to fast-paced and are suitable for experienced skiers. Limited to small group skiing.
Kootenay Lodge: This town-based lodging is located in the peaceful, charming town of Nakusp. These courses are ideal for strong skiers because of their quick tempo. Limited to small group and classic programmes.
Valemount Lodge: An exclusive private lodge for up to ten guests in the Cariboo mountain range with a seemingly endless expanse of skiable terrain.
Revelstoke: A town-based hotel in Revelstoke boasts North America’s highest vertical slope, catering for intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders. Limited to classic heli skiing or private heli skiing.
Bobby Burns Lodge: A remote heli skiing location within reach of Calgary. Intended for experienced skiers looking for steep vertical slopes. Limited to classic heli skiing and private heli skiing.
Bugaboos Lodge: A remote fly-in-only lodge with perfect terrain for all levels of skiers. All trip packages are available for this location.
Galena Lodge: Perfect for veteran heli skiers, Galena Lodge boasts deep snow, steep tree skiing, and exhilarating, steep lines. Limited to classic heli skiing and ski touring.
Monashees Lodge: An exceptional helicopter skiing location with some of the best tree skiing in the world, suitable for advanced skiers. Limited to classic heli skiing and private heli skiing.
Bighorn Lodge: The ultimate private lodge that facilitates a unique luxury experience. Voted World’s Best Ski Chalet at the World Ski Awards for four consecutive years, this option is only available for private heli skiing trips. It’s suitable for both newcomers and advanced skiers.
Cultural Highlights
Canada is home to 1.6 million indigenous peoples, with over 200 of these communities found in British Columbia. Indigenous Canadians belong to three groups: First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. First Nations have been in British Columbia since the beginning of recorded history, with tens of thousands present when Europeans first colonised the province in the mid-18th century.
Métis people contain a mix of European and First Nation ancestry but stand as a distinct nation. The Inuit people are indigenous to the northern regions of Canada. The vibrant history of Indigenous peoples in B.C. is celebrated through what’s locally known as a powwow, in other words, a festival or gathering filled with dancing, chanting, socialising, and singing as a way to honour and preserve their culture.
Many of these celebrations are open for the public to join, allowing you to learn more about the deep history of local life while you enjoy your adventure. Of course, cuisine is a huge part of any culture, and Canada is no different. While heli skiing in Canada, exploring the culinary world is a must. Try out some wild salmon, taste the perfectly cooked game meats, or treat yourself to one of the many maple-syrup-inspired dishes.
You could even plan your trip to coincide with the Revelstoke Winter Carnival, a three-day-long celebration that blends skiing with local traditions, live music, and all sorts of unique festivities. The festival showcases local businesses with fun community-driven events to raise money for local non-profit organisations.
Alaska: The Vast Wilderness And Local Heritage
Alaska is the stuff of dreams for adrenaline junkies the world over. If you’ve already experienced the best heli-skiing Canada has to offer, consider the powerful powdered terrain of Alaska. The magnificently steep slopes made famous by hundreds of extreme ski movies are not for the inexperienced or faint of heart. They are, however, perfect for skilled heli skiers seeking big open bowls and ultra-aggressive “movie lines”.
Trips In Alaska
In Alaska, we have the following trip packages available:
- Small Group Heli Skiing
- Private Heli Skiing
Lodging Options
There is a single lodging option available for Alaskan trips in the gorgeous, remote mountains.
Tordrillo Mountain Lodge: A remote luxury lakeside lodge surrounded by the open, glaciated terrain of Alaska, with a maximum capacity of 8 to 12 guests at any one time. With over 1.2 million acres of terrain, 600 inches of light snow every season, and long runs of 4,000 vertical feet, this is a premium location for expert skiers.
Cultural Highlights
The Alaskan Native peoples are a culturally diverse group with customs and traditions rooted in community and a deep respect for nature that stretches across generations. Together, they’ve helped shape the cultural fabric of Alaska through celebrations of the land, the sun, wildlife, the wilderness, and more.
The Native Alaskans use dance and music to tell stories of their history, honour their ancestors, and demonstrate their profound respect for nature. Among the most well-known is the centuries-old Celebration Festival based in Juneau. Taking place twice a year since 1982, the festival is one of the largest gatherings of Native peoples and the biggest cultural event in the state. The cuisine comes with plenty to offer, particularly for people drawn to seafood, with Alaskan King Crab and wild-caught fish among the most popular.
Alaska wouldn’t be the same without its winter sports festivals, celebrating uniquely local sports. The nation’s official sport is dog mushing, a race in which groups of canines pull contestants on sleds through courses in the snowy mountains. You can find friendly community races taking place almost every weekend, or you can attend one of the high-stakes events for pros like the Open North American Championship or the Fur Rendezvous Open World Championship.
Iceland: Majestic Landscapes And Incredible Skiing
The magical, volcanic landscapes of Iceland are perfect for helicopter skiing. Our trips to Iceland are small-scale adventures across 1,500 square miles of breathtaking slopes and skiable terrain. Another lovely option outside of the heli skiing Canada has to offer.
Receive a midnight sun skiing experience across steep couloirs or long, mellow descents that take you right to the shore of the Arctic Ocean. The views are unparalleled, and several other exciting activities are easily accessible, including snowmobiling, kayaking, fly fishing, and dry-suit surfing.
Trips in Iceland
In Iceland, we have the following trip options available:
- Small Group Heli Skiing
- Private Heli Skiing
Lodging Options
We have a singular lodging option in Iceland that ranks among the best on the planet:
Deplar Farm: Deplar Farm is an Icelandic helicopter skiing lodge in the Troll Peninsula of Northern Iceland. The lodge is inspired by traditional Icelandic farmhouses with spectacular views in every direction, making it one of the finest heli skiing accommodations in the world.
Cultural Highlights
Iceland’s famous Viking history dates back to the 9th century, when Norse settlers arrived from Scandinavia, setting up the first permanent colonies in The Land of Fire and Ice. Viking customs, governance systems, and mythology became a part of Icelandic culture, and Nordic traditions remain a part of modern-day Icelandic life.
Traditions like Thorrablót, a mid-winter feast in honour of Icelandic culture and heritage, and Sólarkaffi, a vibrant event celebrating the return of the sun, are two of the many Nordic celebrations still around in the 21st century. No trip is complete without exploring the local cuisine, and Iceland is famous for its unique and delicious foods such as Hákarl, a fermented shark dish that dates back to Viking times, or one of the many Icelandic lamb dishes, known for their rich flavour.
Skiing season also coincides with the Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavik, an annual event honouring the beauty of winter and the return of the sun. Open to the public, the festival has light installations, musical performances, and outdoor activities. All major museums and community pools participate, making it a true reflection of Reykjavik’s capital area and its many faces.
Heli Skiing Canada: In Conclusion
The allure of Pure Powder’s helicopter skiing trips extends far beyond just the skiing – the vibrant, diverse, and unique cultures of each destination make for experiences that open you up to new worlds. From the best heli skiing in Canada to the winter festivals of Iceland, Pure Powder gives travellers the chance to engage deeply with local heritage and traditions.
At Pure Powder, we offer helicopter skiing trip packages across many breathtaking destinations for ski enthusiasts of all levels. With us, you’ll not only conquer the slopes; you’ll also get the chance to dive into the rich culture of each location. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today and one of our friendly team members will be only too happy to assist you.
