Whether you’re an experienced skiing enthusiast or new to the sport, helicopter skiing in Canada offers more than just incredible slopes. You’ll find gorgeous views, diverse cultures, and unmatched remote lodges hidden from the non-stop noise and movement of the city.
You don’t have to be an extreme athlete to start heli-skiing, anyone who loves the sport can get involved. At Pure Powder, we organise skiing trips for people throughout the world – from world class skiers seeking a new challenge to heli-skiing beginners in search of expert guidance and coaching.
We pride ourselves on being the largest heli-skiing specialists based in the UK, organising more trips globally every year than all of our local competitors put together. Together, we’ve made dreams of helicopter skiing become reality for many.
In this article, we’ll uncover the beauty of helicopter skiing and why the versatile slopes of Canada are among the best and most sought-after in the world. From the different types of heli-skiing trips to the remote lodging options available, we’re here to help you plan the perfect trip.
Types Of Helicopter Skiing In Canada Trips
Now a staple destination for those who love skiing, Canada’s heli-skiing options offer something for everybody. We organise our Canadian helicopter skiing trips with CMH Heli Skiing, the largest heli-skiing company in the world, trusted by thousands of people seeking adventure every year.
With reliable and deep snow powder, minimal down days, beautiful remote lodging options, and a skiing area the size of Switzerland, heli-skiing across the slopes of Canada is a life changing experience for many. Not all trips are the same, so we’ve covered the options you have on hand in the sections to follow.
Classic Helicopter Skiing
We all remember the classics, and classic helicopter skiing is no different; it’s never going out of style. By far the most popular trip type, classic heli-skiing is the perfect all-rounder for groups of around 10 or 11, with 3-4 groups per helicopter.
Part of the classic helicopter skiing trips appeal is getting in 8 to 12 runs per day. An expert guide accompanies each group to find the best powder , help avoid any mishaps, answer your questions, and advise everyone regarding safety procedures.
These trips usually run throughout all of the winter season, December to April, giving you plenty of flexibility to book a spot. Pure Powder does the work to make sure your helicopter skiing trip meets all of your skiing needs.
Small Group Helicopter Skiing
Our small group option is classic helicopter skiing with speedier turnarounds, meaning more runs per day and more powder for you and your friends to enjoy. You can either come with a ready-made group of four, orjoin another group in need of a fourth.
The small group option is more personalised and less crowded, giving you a more intimate yet exhilarating heli-skiing experience. Adventurers of the snow love this option for its exclusivity and quick turnaround times.
Private Helicopter Skiing
The private heli-skiing experience is for those who want the ultimate exclusive skiing trip, with a dedicated helicopter for you and your group. A helicopter ready and waiting for your call means trips tailored to meet your exact needs.
Accommodation wise, you can opt for private lodging or shared accommodation. Both still come with a private helicopter – you come and go as you please with the helicopter serving as the ultimate luxury skiing vessel, taking you to any slope of your choice.
Powder Introduction Program
The powder introduction skiing trip is crafted for strong piste skiers with limited powder experience. For newcomers to helicopter skiing trips, the CMH coaching program supports the expert development of your powder skiing skills in a relaxed group with likeminded skiers hoping to improve on the mountain slopes.
The coaching programme is made up of a groupof 10 guests and two guides to offer assistance regarding technique and safety, helping you improve skiing skills across multiple terrain types. You don’t have to worry about anything too steep, but the program does include challenging enough slopes to keep you learning, adjusting, and developing.
At the end of your powder introduction helicopter skiing trip, you’ll have new confidence in your skills, and you may even make some new friends. If you’ve got intermediate to strong skiing skills, but have minimal experience riding backcountry slopes and deep powdered snow, the powder introduction coaching program is perfect for you.
Relaxed Powder Skiing
The relaxed powdered skiing trip option is for those who want high-quality powdered skiing at a more comfortable pace. You’ll also get increased support with three guides assigned to each group of 9, ready to offer more personalised assistance where needed.
The relaxed trip program is also for heli-skiers who know the slopes and value quality over quantity, with the best snow conditions and turns carefully picked out to give you an incredible skiing experience. The slower pace allows for a more tranquil experience overall while still experiencing some of the best slopes in British Columbia.
Family Helicopter Skiing
For the ultimate family vacation, consider a family helicopter skiing trip; an unforgettable experience just waiting to happen. CMH’s family skiing trips are curated specifically for the whole family to enjoy with under 18s getting in at half price.
The family-friendly slopes make for an incredible bonding experience. You’ll be skiing in groups of 10 guests with two guides, and you can get in about 8 to 12 runs per day. These trips take place on specific dates throughout winter, so booking in advance is key. Choose from a 5,6 or 7 day trip and have one of your most memorable family trips.
Steep Shots And Pillow Drops
Of course, helicopter skiing attracts adrenaline junkies, and we know adrenaline junkies love steep shots and pillow drops. For the most adventurous and brave heli-skiers out there, this trip option takes you deep into the most challenging of skiing terrain.
Not for the faint of heart, these trips are for advanced helicopter skiers looking to push boundaries and test the limits. Divided into 9 guests per group with two expert guides, these trips mean steep lines and big bowls.
The freeride nature of the trip helps you hone your freeriding skills in challenging mountains and hills of snow, our experts ready to offer guidance and assistance wherever and whenever you need it. If high-quality, challenging, and adrenaline-pushing adventures appeal to you, then this may be exactly what you need.
Assisted Helicopter Skiing Touring
You can also opt for the assisted helicopter skiing touring option, a unique ski tour trip that starts with a helicopter drop off at the beginning of the day. In your group of ten like minded skiers you’ll get the chance to explore high-alpine skiing terrain and acres of powdered slopes.
You’ll earn your turns after the initial helicopter drop off, meaning you’ll have to hike back up the mountain rather than have the helicopter on hand to take you back up. Your legs may have to work, but you can still get around 3-4 runs in per day, and nothing beats the satisfaction of earning your way to the top.
Heli-Skiing In Canada Lodging Options
No trip is complete without gorgeous remote lodging surrounded by nature and breathtaking views. All across British Columbia, Pure Powder connects you with the best options available for the trip of your choice.
There are several CMH helicopter skiing lodges and town-based locations available for accommodation, all right next to the terrain for your helicopter skiing experience. A few of the most popular lodging options include:
Adamants Lodge
Adamants Lodge is a gorgeous remote lodge with a spectacular view in the Northern Selkirks area of British Columbia. The lodge offers seamless access to a variety of powdered slopes for skiers to enjoy.
Suitable for strong skiers, the routes are moderate to fast pace, a welcoming prospect for more advanced heli-skiers. The lodge itself can accommodate up to 32 people and sits perched at the junction of four beautiful valleys.
Adamants Lodge is only available for those who have chosen the small group skiing trip. Around you sits over one thousand square metres of skiing terrain with an annual average snowfall of 18 metres.
Bobbie Burns Lodge
Sitting within easy enough distance from Calgary, the Bobbie Burns accommodation is an expert heli-skiers dream destination. The lodge is only accessible via helicopter and is best suited for advanced skiers hoping to triumph over the steepest of slopes and the biggest of verticals.
The lodge itself is a tranquil, comfortable, and communal atmosphere, surrounded by over 1,700 square metres of inviting powdered hills waiting to be explored. The massive variety of skiing terrain makes this lodge extra appealing for the expert skier
The routes are challenging and quick-paced, and you’ll need to be fit, experienced, and skilled at helicopter skiing. The lodge is available for both classic skiing trips and private helicopter skiing trips.
Bugaboos Lodge
Bugaboos is a remote fly-in only lodge considered the birthplace of helicopter skiing with a full range of trips and terrains to match all levels of skier. Consisting of about 60% trees and 40% alpine, the routes are plenty, the terrain serving as the perfect attraction for powdered snow skiing fanatics.
The founder of CMH began heli-skiing operations at the Bugaboos Lodge and it remains an incredibly popular heli-skiing destination. The accommodation itself was created to give you the best view of the granite spires and icy glaciers, with a rooftop hot tub adding that extra touch of style and comfort.
The trip options for this lodge includes classic heli-skiing, heli-skiing touring, family helicopter skiing, the powder introduction and the powder masters programs. Located in the Purcell mountains, over 1,000 square metres of helicopter skiing terrain awaits you.
Cariboos Lodge
The Cariboos Lodge is a popular accommodation option for skiers of all levels, with versatile terrain and gorgeous views of the vast Northern tenure. The fly-in lodge is a beautifully designed cosy retreat spot where post-ski relaxation is the name of the game.
The mountain views are best enjoyed next to the open fireplace where you can truly take in your surroundings. Its Northern location means prime conditions up until spring with over 1,400 square metres of skiable terrain. Whether you’re a seasoned helicopter skiing expert or new to the world of powdered snow, the lodge offers routes for all levels of skiers.
Helicopter Skiing The Canadian Slopes
The lodging options listed above are just a few of plenty, with accommodation and routes available for every level of skier – from powdered snow beginner to adrenaline chasing expert. If surfing the powdered mountain slopes of British Columbia interests you, Pure Powder is here to help you plan the ultimate helicopter skiing trip.
As the largest helicopter skiing specialists in the UK, we know exactly what it takes to organise unforgettable trips that excite even the most advanced of skiers. Reach out to Pure Powder today to learn more about how we can help you find the perfect slopes.
