While you may not need to be a professional heli skier to venture through fresh powder slopes, there are a few things to keep in mind before booking your first heli ski trip. Whether you’re in search of a thrill-seeking heli ski adventure with steep slopes or favour a more gentle skiing trip, you’ll need to be a strong intermediate piste skier before you can embark on a heli ski trip.
Here at Pure Powder, we go above and beyond when it comes to matching guests with their perfect heli skiing experience. If you’re a first-time heli skier and are looking for an unforgettable trip to kick-start your heli ski journey, Pure Powder has got you covered. Read on to find out everything you can expect from your first heli-skiing adventure as well as some recommended trips and travel destinations.
Understanding Fitness Levels For Heli Skiing
While you don’t need to be a pro athlete to embark on your first heli skiing trip, it’s important to have some level of fitness and stamina to keep up with off-piste terrain. Unlike regular skiing, heli skiing is a type of backcountry skiing that takes place in remote areas. While these remote locations are carefully selected by heli ski experts and mountain guides, more often than not, the slopes are steeper with more varied terrain.
If you want to be able to heli ski all day and make the most of your trip, it’s helpful to be moderately fit and have higher stamina levels, especially if you’re skiing with a group. This way, you can keep up with the terrain and enjoy the experience of heli-skiing for the first time. If you want to be extra prepared for your first heli ski expedition, you can incorporate some pre-season workouts and regular skiing into your day-to-day routine.
Alternatively, you can opt for a private heli skiing trip if you prefer to ski at a slower pace. With a fully customised experience, you can pick the terrain of your choice based on your fitness and comfort levels. This exclusive package provides you with a private helicopter, fast and flexible skiing and whatever group size suits your needs.
Must-Have Heli Ski Gear
No matter what skill level you are at heli-skiing, having the right equipment is essential. Off-piste skiing equipment allows you to tackle fresh powder and versatile terrain with optimised floatation. While certain accessories are not vital for heli skiing, ski boots are. As boots are a more personal item, it may be best to invest in your own pair before booking your first heli ski trip.
If you want to be fully prepared for heli-skiing, you can also acquire other important skiing gear, such as gloves, goggles, a helmet, face protection and a shell that is both breathable and waterproof. Be sure to layer up before tackling the snow so that you’re prepared for a variety of temperatures and conditions while skiing. If the weather gets cooler or warmer, simply remove or add layers accordingly.
Here at Pure Powder, we rely on our trusted partners at Ellis Brigham and Surefoot to provide our customers with high-quality, durable heli ski equipment that is sure to prepare you for your first heli ski trip. If you want to kit yourself out for any of our curated heli ski expeditions, our equipment partners have got you covered.
First-Time Heli Skiing: What To Expect
A typical first day for heli skiers begins with an early morning stretch class to get you in the right shape for your adventure filled day ahead. A hearty breakfast will set you up for success, and then after a detailed safety briefing, you will head to the heli pad to take your heli flight into the backcountry terrain. Flights vary from between 5 and 10 minutes and in no time you will be enjoying untracked powder with just your guide and your group to keep you company.
This thrilling experience is sure to get your adrenaline pumping and have you coming back for more runs throughout the day. After you’ve had enough heli skiing for one day, you’ll head back to your lodge and enjoy some downtime, chilling in the outdoor hot-tub, before resting up and doing it all again tomorrow.
Recommended Trips For First-Time Heli Skiers
If you’re not sure which heli ski trip to book for your first time, look no further than Pure Powder. Finding the right heli ski expedition for your comfort and skill level can be tricky, which is why we take pride in finding trips tailored to your needs. Here are a few heli ski trips we recommend at Pure Powder for first-time heli-skiers:
Powder Introduction Programme
Develop your heli ski skills with our powder introduction programme. Designed by heli ski experts at CMH, this programme is sure to provide you with the training and experience you need to embark on your heli skiing journey. If you’re an intermediate skier looking to advance to heli skiing, this is the perfect programme for you. This way, you can develop the skills and confidence necessary to traverse steep alpines and virgin powder.
This programme provides the perfect amount of support and tuition so that you can learn all there is to know about backcountry skiing while still enjoying your time. If you’ve never experienced powder, your guides will help you prepare so you can take your skiing to the next level. Additionally, you’ll also be paired with like-minded skiers in groups 10 guests and 2 guides, allowing you to ski at a slower pace and with hands-on assisted.
This unique introduction programme is available in several remote locations, including the Revelstoke Lodge located near the Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges. This way, you’ll have access to a variety of terrain, from the voluminous snowfall of the Monashee to the consistent pitch of the Selkirk. This versatile location makes it the perfect place for first-time heli skiers to hone their skills and become acquainted with the sport. With the powder introduction programme, you can match your ski style and skill level perfectly to the varied terrain of this location.
Relaxed Pace Heli Skiing
Looking for a quality heli ski experience that offers adventure at a gentler pace? Our Relaxed Pace Heli Skiing expedition is the way to go. Whether you’re new to the world of heli-skiing or are a mature heli ski enthusiast, this trip is sure to provide you with an exciting experience that is better suited to your pace. This is the perfect trip for heli-skiers who require more hand-holding and support, which is why it works well for amateurs or first-time heli-skiers too.
Additionally, you’ll be teamed up with 9 other like-minded heli-skiers, so you won’t have to worry about not being fast enough for your group. Paired with your group will be 3 guides, ensuring that you have undivided attention from the jump. With quality turns and carefully selected snow conditions, you’ll have access to some of the finest alpines available.
This incredible trip is available at several locations, including the Bugaboos Lodge nestled in the shadows of the Bugaboos mountain range. Located in the remote Purcell Range of British Columbia, this stunning lodge is the birthplace of heli skiing, boasting ski operations from as far back as the 1960s. From stunning mountain views and surrounding granite spires to a rooftop hot tub and steam room, this iconic lodge has got it all. Whether you’re a veteran heli-skier or are looking to experience some new adventure, the Bugaboos Lodge offers a variety of trips that fit all levels of heli skiing.
Family Heli Skiing
If you prefer a more relaxed yet thrilling heli ski experience for you and the family to enjoy, look no further than our family heli skiing programme. This programme offers the ultimate powder skiing experience for the whole family, providing you with 2 guides and half-priced heli skiing for children aged 12-18. As these trips are family-friendly, you can expect gentler, yet equally as exciting runs for you and your loved ones to experience.
With 2 guides per group, you can rest assured that you and your family will have access to all the guidance they need to traverse untracked snow and unique terrain. Not only will you be able to improve your heli ski skills, but you’ll also be skiing with other families. This way, you can ski with others of the same skill level, make new friends and get the chance to ski between 8 and 12 runs.
To experience this fun family programme, you can book your first trip with us at 1 of three lodges located in Canada, including the classic Cariboos Lodge. This cosy lodge is found in the shoulders of the Cariboo mountain range, adorned with gigantic glaciated vistas and carved valleys right outside your window. What better place to hone your heli ski skills than with the stunning snow-capped peaks and ancient glaciers of the Cariboo mountains? This high-country hideaway provides you with the perfect backdrop to kick-start your heli ski journey while offering you a range of luxuries, like a massage room and an outdoor hot tub.
Start Your Heli Ski Adventure Today With Pure Powder
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be an expert skier to embark on your heli ski journey, especially when you’re booking with Pure Powder. If you’re overwhelmed with the many options available for ski trips but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered. Our coaching programmes accommodate powder skiing novices, providing you with the skills and experience you need to hone your skills with all the added fun and thrill. From our classic heli ski trips to our powder introduction programmes, we offer a diverse range of trips to choose from that best suit your needs.
As off-piste and heli skiing experts with over four decades of experience, we know what it takes to arrange an unforgettable experience that is tailored to your heli goals and skill level at no additional cost! To embark on your heli ski journey, get in touch with us via our online contact form or drop us an email at info@purepowder.com to find out more about the services we offer.
