When it comes to exciting heli skiing, Canada is the place to be, with some of the most thrilling descents, consistent snow, and top-notch helicopter skiing infrastructure and practices. With 65% of the country’s land mass covered in snow for multiple months of the year and very few down days, there is not only plenty of skiing opportunity, but the chance to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Pure Powder helicopter skiing experience.
In this quick read, we will cover some of the top destinations and lodges you should know about before booking your next North American heli skiing trip. So, join us as we explore the exhilarating world of Canadian heli skiing and light a fire in the heart of every ski enthusiast.
What To Expect When Heli Skiing In Canada
As the birthplace of heli skiing, Canada is considered the global Mecca of our beloved sport and has a lot to offer when it comes to both leisure time and pure skiing excitement. Heli skiers travelling to the country can expect magnificent scenery, pristine, untouched powder snow conditions, a diverse variety of terrain unlike any other, and expert guidance to help them through it all. Outside of skiing, you can expect to find immense cultural diversity, local cuisine to tantalise your tastebuds, and beautiful indigenous flora and fauna in all directions.
With Pure Powder at your back, these trips are a seamless experience. From the moment you leave your door until your return, we will offer concierge-style assistance and advice, facilitating an unforgettable adventure. We offer many different kinds of trips, including small-group heli skiing with the choice of private or tailored tours, private heli skiing, powder introduction programmes, and much more. You’re welcome to assemble your own group, or feel free to join like-minded skiers of a similar skill level.
We have decades’ worth of experience in the industry, and you would be hard-pressed to find a more competent and knowledgeable operator anywhere in the world. We didn’t become the most prolific heli ski operator in the UK overnight, and we encourage you to put our vast experience to use.
Heli Skiing Canada: Destinations To Consider
If Canada is considered vast, then so too are its provinces. Being the third-largest province in the country, it’s safe to say that British Columbia offers an untold number of skiing opportunities and experiences. There are the majestic mountain ranges of Monashees, Selkirks, and Purcells, as well as the laidback settings of Revelstoke and Golden, all with untouched powder just waiting to be skied.
Bugaboos Lodge: Where It All Began
The Bugaboos Lodge in the heart of the Purcell Mountains holds the prestigious title of the birthplace of heli skiing. It was here, in the 1960s, that the illustrious mountaineer Hans Gmoser, along with a former Olympian, worked on the idea of taking a helicopter into otherwise unreachable areas of the backcountry. Gmoser knew that there was incredible skiing potential hidden amongst these backcountry peaks, and a new era of skiing adventures began.
These days, the Bugaboos Lodge is much more than the few rustic cabins that it once was, and it has asserted itself as one of the most established heli ski lodges in Canada, if not the world. With majestic views of granite spires and towering glaciers, the lodge was constructed to emphasise the seemingly endless vistas in all directions. The views from the rooftop hot tub are said to be some of the best on the planet, so do make sure you don’t miss out on an opportunity to relax and soak in the landscape around you.
However, what truly sets the Bugaboos apart is the immense variety of terrain. Adventurers of all skill levels, from first-time heli skiers to hardened veterans will be able to experience new opportunities and routes each day, ensuring that no two runs will be the same. The terrain around the lodge is also known for its reliable snowfall, equating to an annual average of 12 metres, meaning that there is plenty of pristine powder in the 1,017 sq. km area to explore.
Other amenities at the Bugaboos will ensure that your trip will not be forgotten any time soon, even if on the odd day skiing isn’t possible due to the weather or environmental conditions. The lodge boasts a multitude of activities to keep you busy, including a climbing wall, a small gym, a pool table, and table tennis. If you want to kick your feet up and relax, there is a sauna, steam room, and rooftop hot tub, as mentioned.
There is Wi-Fi throughout the lodge, two guest computers, and a telephone should you need it. If the heli skiing wasn’t enough to sate your desire for winter activities, there is a cross-country track (skis and boots provided), as well as the option to go snowshoeing. For avid ski enthusiasts, a stay at Bugaboos Lodge is an unmissable experience that will surely stick with you for a lifetime.
Kootenay Lodge: Experienced Skiers Paradise
Nestled between the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges, Kootenay Lodge is a town-based accommodation that serves as a pivotal location for resort skiing and heli skiing alike. The lodge is set in the laid-back town of Nakusp, which is easily accessible from Kelowna and is considered a premier heli skiing destination. It shares a locale with The Lodge at Arrow Lakes, a quirky, eccentric hotel that has large and comfortable rooms and is home to the locals’ favourite restaurant.
The skiing terrain that surrounds Kootenay is a cut above the rest and features some of the most remarkable runs in the world. Thanks to deep powder and consistent and reliable snow conditions during winter, you’ll be carving through wide-open alpine bowls or navigating the tree-lined slopes – there truly is no limit to the skiing fun one can have on these backcountry slopes.
While the terrain around Kootenay Lodge is extraordinarily diverse, it is better suited to experienced skiers who range from intermediate to advanced. At Pure Powder, we offer numerous trips that are catered more to first-time or beginner heli skiers, including our Powder Introduction programme. This immense diversity of terrain means each day will present new opportunities and challenges, perfect for ski enthusiasts looking to test themselves and their skills.
Regarding amenities, the lodge has all the essentials one might need: a small gym, Wi-Fi throughout, table tennis, and a small shop where you can find the necessities. The town itself also has lots to offer, and in terms of other activities, guests can keep themselves occupied with curling, ice skating, squash, or fishing. The hot springs one can find close to the lodges are a welcome stop for visitors and come highly recommended after an adrenaline-filled day in the backcountry.
Bobbie Burns Lodge: A Hidden Gem In The Mountains
Even though the Bobbie Burns Lodge is the closest you’ll find to the metropolis of Calgary, it is only accessible by helicopter; it’s remote but perfectly accessible with our assistance. Ultimately, this means less travelling and more skiing, with a focus on the enjoyment that the experience provides. You can expect to find comfortable accommodations with a relaxed and communal feel that will make any skier feel right at home.
Located between the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains, the region has a fantastic skiable area that boasts access to some of the most exhilarating, challenging skiing terrain Canada has to offer. The region offers incredible runs and ample versatility when it comes to skiing opportunities; this is complemented by spectacular views that are as good as any in the world. With a maximum of only 3 groups serviced by one helicopter, the programme is fast-paced, steep, and exciting and a better fit for experienced helicopter skiers.
The lodge includes charming, luxurious rooms with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, ensuring peace and relaxation after a day tackling the slopes. Each room is equipped with modern amenities like Wi-Fi, as well as private bathrooms and comfortable bedding. Après-ski activities include everything from a sauna, hot tub, gym, and climbing wall to table football and darts. Wine lovers will be pleased to know that the lodge houses a tremendous wine cellar to make that post-ski catch-up just that extra bit sweeter.
Valemount Lodge: Exclusivity At Its Best
If you’re looking for an ultra-exclusive heli skiing Canada trip, the Valemount Lodge is certainly the choice for you. Situated in the mesmerising Cariboo Mountains, this private lodge is ideal for private heli-skiing tours and features 1,489 sq. km of terrain to explore, suitable for all levels of skiers – from beginners to experts. The sublime combination of endless Alpine runs and tree skiing ensures that there is something for everyone. With consistent snowfall of up to fourteen metres per year, Valemount guests will be guaranteed prime heli skiing conditions right up until spring.
At Valemount, each room has its own private bathroom and balcony to soak in the surroundings. You can also enjoy opulent amenities, like a sauna, a small gym, a steam room, a hot tub, and Wi-Fi throughout the lodge. There is also table tennis, a pool table, and snowshoeing if you have some leftover energy after a ski session, as well as a computer to stay connected if needed. What sets Valemount apart is that guests can enjoy a fine dining experience coupled with wine from the lodge’s extensive wine cellar. For those who are looking to escape from the busyness of everyday life, there surely isn’t a better choice than Valemount Lodge.
Heli Skiing Canada: Single-Day Trips
Whether you’ve only got limited time left on your trip, you’re not one for overnight stays, or you’re looking to experience the thrill of heli skiing in Canada for the first time, single-day trips are the ideal solution. Taking place in the Purcell area in Golden, BC, 495,000 acres of backcountry tenure await. The strategic location makes it ideal for single-day heli skiing adventures. With its proximity to the Purcell and Selkirk Mountains, it enables skiers to maximise their time on the slopes and get in as many runs as possible.
Single-day heli skiing trips consist of just two groups of eight people; this means quick turnarounds, plenty of personal attention, more skiing flexibility, and practically unlimited vertical. Needless to say, you can certainly expect to have a productive day out in the mountains. Individual skiers or groups are welcomed, and we can easily arrange multiple days if you feel one day isn’t enough to sate your skiing appetite – though it is important to note that accommodation is excluded. Either way, a single-day trip is a great way to round off a Canadian heli skiing tour or experience the perfect introduction to heli skiing.
Heli Skiing Canada: In Conclusion
Canada’s, and more specifically, British Columbia’s, diverse landscapes and reliable snowfall make it one of the best destinations in the world for heli skiing. Each location and lodge offers unique experiences, whether it’s the untouched powder, the amenities, or the service, a heli skiing Canada trip will surely stick with you forever. So, get in touch with us, book your trip, gear up, and get ready to experience the thrill of heli skiing in one of the most beautiful and exhilarating environments on earth.
As heli skiing specialists, Pure Powder provides concierge-style support and assistance throughout your journey to ensure that it’s spectacular. It has never been easier to throw yourself into the incredible world of helicopter skiing, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. So, if you are looking to book a trip to one of these exquisite heli skiing Canada locations or have any questions regarding any of our trips, do not hesitate to contact us and trust us to plan your next adventure.
