The appeal of heli skiing Canada is hard to match. Majestic, beautiful and perhaps the premier heli skiing destination for anyone who loves the sport. The North American paradise offers some of the most awe-inspiring and breathtaking wilderness landscapes, with deep powdered snow and a myriad of beautiful terrain that suits skiers of any level.
Whether you’re a snowplough rookie looking to hit the slopes for the first time or a heli ski expert seeking steep descents and high adrenaline runs, Canada’s remote and towering mountain ranges, consistent snowfall and veteran guides make it one of the world’s best destinations for heli skiing.
With our curated packages here at Pure Powder, you have the chance to experience all of this while enjoying some of the world’s best and most luxurious remote lodges, with only the best in top-tier safety measures and pro-guidance all the way. In this article, we’ll cover why Canada stands out as the ultimate heli skiing destination, covering all the information you need.
Why Is Canada the Ultimate Heli Skiing Destination?
There are plenty of reasons why Canada ranks as one of the best places for heli skiing. First and foremost, the spectacular mountain ranges. Canada is renowned for having extensive mountainous regions with pristine and vast wilderness covered in powdered snow, making it any heli skier’s dream. The terrain spans over 160,000 kilometres of rugged and remote landscapes, from gentle alpine bowls and wide open slopes to steep chutes, trees and glaciers.
The wide-ranging and unspoiled mountain wilderness stretches across British Columbia. This makes it not only a dream for skiers and snowboarders but a snowy paradise for people looking for a thrilling and remote adventure nestled in nature.
Canada is also known for what many call “champagne powder”, which attracts skiers from all over the world. Champagne powder is a light and dry snow that creates a unique skiing experience unlike anything else in the world.
Not only is the snow lighter, but it’s notably drier when compared to what you’ll find in other regions of the world. This simply means it has less moisture, more grip and more float. This type of snow is perfect for heli skiers who love off-piste skiing. The thrill of carving through untouched power with precision and ease awaits those taking on the exciting challenge of heli skiing Canada.
Of course, the sheer scope of Canada instantly makes it an attractive destination. Canada boasts hundreds of thousands of acres of pristine and untracked terrain – essentially offering the perfect playground for heli ski enthusiasts.
Exploring British Columbia
When heli skiing Canada, skiers are treated to some of the world’s most remote and secluded areas, often surrounded by incredible views and swaths of snow-covered slopes. British Columbia is hailed as the heart of Canada’s heli skiing scene, known for its deep snow and vastly varied terrain.
B.C. offers skiers a diverse range of environments, from jaw-dropping, wide-open bowls to steeper, tree-lined descents – all nestled in the marvellous backdrop of the Coast Mountain and Rocky Mountain ranges. For example, both the Selkirk and Monashee ranges in B.C. are popular regions thanks to their deep powder and expansive runs, while the Cariboo mountains give newbies wider, beginner-friendly conditions.
British Columbia is also home to gorgeous remote lodges and town-based locations designed to offer skiers a relaxing experience in between runs. Pure Powder is partnered with CMH, who offer a wide range of accommodation options when heli skiing Canada. A few of the popular lodges found in British Columbia include:
Adamants Lodge: The Adamants Lodge is only accessible by helicopter and sits nestled at the junction of four valleys. The lodge can accommodate up to 32 guests with spacious rooms and a range of amenities.
Bobbie Burns Lodge: The Bobbie Burns Lodge can only be accessed via helicopter, but remains one of the closest lodges to Calgary, meaning less time travelling and more time skiing and enjoying life in the lodge. The lodge is also home to the largest CMH wine cellar.
Gothics Lodge: The Gothics Lodge is tranquil and calming with a rustic tone. The remote lodge is perfect for unwinding and relaxing after a long day of skiing with comfortable and spacious bedrooms available. The surrounding snow is perfect for intermediate skiers.
Valemount Lodge: The Valemount Lodge is a 10-person private lodge that can cater for up to ten skiers taking on the world of heli skiing Canada. The rooms each have a private bath and balcony with spectacular mountain views. Guests also enjoy a fine dining experience and local wines every evening.
British Columbia also stands out as a go-to destination for heli-skiers due to its reliable snow conditions. The combination of its geography and climate means the snow season can last from late November right through to April, with consistent snowfall that creates the perfect conditions for off-piste exploration.
At Pure Powder, we have a team of seasoned experts to make sure that each and every one of our clients is matched up with the perfect ski terrain, depending on their individual skill levels and preferences.
We also partner with some of the best ski lodges and have exclusive partnerships with local operators and premium services to make sure that all heli skiing enthusiasts have access to the best in quality accommodation and guides. Not only are these guides skilled heli skiers themselves, but notably experienced navigators of the surrounding terrain, giving guests personalised instructions and guidance throughout the time heli skiing in Canada.
What is the Difference Between Heli Skiing and Traditional Resort Skiing?
While resort skiing is perhaps the most accessible form of skiing to the masses, it’s notably limited to groomed runs and crowded slopes. Heli skiing, on the other hand, opens up a new world of thrill rides, giving skiers the entire mountain to explore. When skiing at a regular ski resort, you only get to ski on man-made trails that are constantly maintained in the name of convenience and accessibility for all.
By contrast, what makes heli skiing so radical is that gives skiers access to the more untouched, natural wilderness. What this means is you experience far less waiting in line, and much more doing what you do best – carving your way through powder-filled bowls.
One of the most beneficial aspects of heli skiing is solitude and space. With Pure Powder, you do not have to worry about long queues or massive crowds on the slopes. We facilitate different trip types to cater for exactly what you need, including classic heli skiing, private heli skiing, small group heli skiing, heli skiing coaching, and more.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Heli Skiing Operator?
As you prepare for your heli skiing trip, the importance of selecting the right heli skiing operator should not pass you by, as this decision affects how smooth and memorable of an experience you’ll have. Operators should put your safety first, work with experienced guides and offer access to a variety of different terrain types that match your overall skill level.
At Pure Powder, we offer our clients the best in tailored heli skiing packages that cater to everyone’s specific and individual needs. Whether you’re an experienced and lifelong heli skiing professional or someone taking on off-paste skiing for the first time, we have a program for you.
In a nutshell, the best operators offer service that is personalised, including proper guidance through everything, from pre-skiing preparation to creating custom itineraries based on your preferences. At Pure Powder, our packages are all designed to ensure that our clients’ heli ski trips are hassle-free and joyous from beginning to end.
What Gear Will You Need for Heli Skiing?
As heli skiing is a different beast from the more traditional resort skiing, you’ll need specialised equipment to maximise enjoyment and safety on the slopes. Pure Powder is partnered with Ellis Brigham and Surefoot, two major players in the world of heli skiing. Ellis Brigham offers the best in ski-suitable clothing while Surefoot is home to world-class skiing boots.
While we do provide the basics like skis, snowboards, and the essential avalanche safety gear you’ll need (transceivers, airbag, and shovels), we do recommend that you bring your own personal items such as high-quality ski goggles, comfortable skiing boots, a strong helmet, waterproof clothing and extra layers for warmth.
Safety is Top Priority in Heli Skiing
Of course, safety is a top priority when it comes to heli skiing. At Pure Powder, all our trips begin with detailed safety briefings where we teach our clients how to use transceivers, probes, and shovels. Following this, our guides assess the current snow conditions to make sure that you’re skiing in safe and controlled areas. If need be, the guides will make adjustments to the routes.
Pure Powder offers the highest level of care before, during and after your trip. As heli ski specialists, we organise trips that are led by expert heli skiers adept at meeting all the necessary safety standards and skilled at responding to emergency situations. As industry leaders, safety is at the forefront of all the trips we facilitate.
Heli Skiing is for People of All Levels
Contrary to popular belief, heli skiing is not only for experts and lifelong adrenaline junkies. At Pure Powder, we offer packages to cater to heli skiers of all levels:
Beginner Heli Skiers: If you’re able to ski with comfort on intermediate (blue) slopes at a resort, you’re more than likely going to be able to do heli skiing. Our guides can help you select the terrain that best suits your skill, which ensures your safety and a memorable experience. We also offer a coaching program for newcomers to the world of heli skiing, perfectly designed to help you develop your off-paste skiing skills.
Intermediate Heli Skiers: These slopes are perfect for those looking to put their skills to the test in the expanse of the backcountry. You’ll get the thrill of powder-filled bowls, gentle tree lines and wide-open slopes.
Advanced Heli Skiers: If you’re someone who is after the ultimate thrill ride with steep descents, tight chutes and adrenalin-fuelled off-piste conditions, then the heli skiing terrain in Canada will without a doubt satisfy your craving for adventure. You can expect technical runs that will push your limits, steep shots and pillow drops and challenging terrain to slide through.
When Is The Best Time To Go Heli Skiing in Canada?
As mentioned above, the heli skiing season in Canada normally runs from late November right up to April and each month offers skiers something different:
December To Feb: During this time, you can expect cold temperatures, but also some of the lightest, driest snow of the year, making these months ideal for adrenaline junkies looking for pristine, powder-filled conditions.
March to April: During this period, you can expect slightly warmer temperatures as well as longer days, making it an excellent time for intermediate skiers.
Heli Skiing Canada With Pure Powder
Heli skiing Canada truly offers an unrivalled experience, with pristine powder, expansive wilderness and the thrilling experience of being out in perfect skiing terrain. Whether you’re new to the sport or an experienced heli ski expert, Pure Powder has a package for you.
With our qualified and expertly trained guides, a range of gorgeous accommodation options and world-class safety measures, your heli skiing dream will easily become a reality. For more information on how to get started, give us a call at +44 (0)20 7736 8191 or head over to our website to explore your options!
