The distinct whoompf of the helicopter cuts through the stillness of the mountains. My buddy yells, “Get ready! It’s coming!” A grin spreads across my face as adrenaline surges through my veins. We had just finished a 3,000 vertical foot run that would top the best lap at any resort, not just for the snow, but for the solitude. No crowds. No chaos. Just pure powder bliss. Over the ridgeline the chopper swings into view and drops toward the LZ. We toss our bags in a pile aboard and hop in. Before we can catch our breath, the helicopter lifts off again climbing toward our next line. So what is heli-skiing and why YOU should do it THIS year?
Heli-Skiing Explained
The concept is straightforward: instead of riding a chairlift to the top, a helicopter flies you to a peak where you ski (or snowboard) down fresh, untouched snow. The runs are carefully scouted ahead of time, taking into account the weather and conditions to reduce risk and help keep things safer. While earning those turns brings a real sense of accomplishment, and cat skiing lets you ride during storms, heli skiing has a big advantage: it covers a much larger area. For example, the heli ski company we used, Northern Escape, covers over 833,571 acres, while one of the largest cat skiing operations, Baldface Lodge, has 32,000 acres. That vast area gives them a much better chance of finding great snow when the weather isn’t cooperating, like during rain or dry spells.
Is Heli Skiing Right for Me? What You Need to Know
Strong intermediates to experts will have a blast heli skiing. While powder skiing skills definitely help, modern heli skiing gear designed for different types of snow, especially deep snow, makes it easy for most people to pick it up quickly. The key to a great day might actually come down to something else entirely — physical fitness. On big powder days at a resort, you might ski 10,000 to 12,000 vertical feet. Even on average cat skiing days, you can log between 8,000 and 12,000 vertical feet. But with the right weather, heli-skiing is fast. You can rack up 20,000 to 30,000 vertical feet in a day with only short breaks in between. Our friend who had not trained ahead of time had to take a few breaks during our four day heli trip with Northern Escape — it is that demanding.
Why Heli-Skiing Is Safer Than You Think
While ski movies make heli-skiing look extreme and the news highlights rare accidents, the reality is that you’re more at risk driving to the mountain than you are on a heli-ski trip. Heli-skiing is guided backcountry skiing, meaning your guide’s job is to mitigate risk and keep you safer out there as you navigate the terrain. The important thing to remember is that it is still backcountry skiing, so the snow can be unpredictable and comes with inherent risks. By listening closely to your guide, you can minimize those risk factors and focus on enjoying the experience.
The 3 Types of Heli Skiing: Which One’s Right for You?
You can break heli skiing down into three main types: Private, Single Day, and Multi Day. No matter which type you choose, the first morning always includes training on how to get on and off the helicopter, plus essential avalanche safety instruction.
Single Day
Great for first-timers who want to get a feel for heli skiing. It’s a solid intro to what a typical day looks like and how the whole experience flows. To keep things simple, these operations are usually based near a ski resort or mountain town, making the logistics super easy.
Multi Day
Perfect if you have a few days to spend and want plenty of time on the snow. Multi day trips come with guaranteed minimum vertical feet, and you’ll have a maximum you can ski during your stay. Most of these trips are based out of remote lodges tucked deep in the mountains, where it’s all about the full experience not just the turns.
- Groups get sorted by skill level at the beginning of the trip, so you’ll be shredding with people who match your pace and style building that fun, team like vibe
- Less chance of cancellations since the operation can wait out bad weather like fog or storms, unlike a single day trip
Private
This is the most expensive option and truly the Rolls Royce of heli skiing. With this package, you use smaller, more agile helicopters that get you out there faster, which means:
- More vertical feet because you spend less time flying
- Lower chance of a down day due to weather
- Feeling like the boss for the day
Things to Know Before You Book Your Heli-Ski Adventure
From our experience, there are a few things you should know before hitting that “Buy” button. Most heli ski operations offer either an “Unlimited Vertical” or “Limited” option. Both let you ski or ride as much as you want, but if you choose the “Limited” option, once you hit your threshold, say 5 runs or 50,000 vertical feet, you’ll start getting charged extra. That added stress of worrying about going over can take away from the fun. If you can swing it, prepaying for unlimited vertical is usually cheaper, and if you don’t hit the minimum, you can even get some money back.
Look at What Heli They’re Using
Those epic powder movies make it look like your crew has the helicopter all to yourselves. While it’s possible to book a private heli, it comes at a premium. On multi-day and single-day trips, each helicopter typically carries two to three groups. Keep an eye on the maximum group count and the type of helicopter being used. For example, a Bell 212 or Bell 205 could carry up to 30 people, plus the pilot and guides. Don’t stress too much though—these helicopters are fast, so pickups at the bottom are usually quick.
Down Days Are Inevitable
Helicopters can handle snow and rain, but when it comes to flying, visibility is everything. If a big enough storm moves in, there’s a high chance could grounded. In spots like Alaska, it’s not unusual to spend a week waiting for that one perfect flight window. But head to the Selkirks, and it’s a different story. According to Emma Mains at Selkirk Tangiers, they only average one or two down days a month. And if you’re not the type to sit around waiting for the skies to clear, some operators such as Northern Escape Heli even offer cat skiing as a backup plan.
Where to Go Heli-Skiing?
Helicopters open the door to some of the most remote mountains in the world, with heli-skiing operations in far-flung locations like Kyrgyzstan, Japan, Chile, and even Russia. It’s important to research any operator carefully and understand their safety practices. When it comes to heli-skiing, however, Canada is widely considered the gold standard for guided backcountry skiing. With over 60 years of experience, every Canadian operator must be a member of the nation’s HeliCat Association, which ensures they meet strict operational standards and maintain proper accreditation.
Heli-Skiing Seasons: When to Go and What to Expect
While the exact timing depends on where you’re heli-skiing, here’s a general guide on what to expect when booking a trip.
Early Season:
Expect deep powder in beautifully spaced glades with plenty of fresh snowfall. Storms move quickly, so access to the alpine can be limited. For most operations, this is December. In northern British Columbia or Alaska, shorter daylight hours may also play a role in the window of skiing on that day.
Mid-Season:
Storms slow down, giving you a mix of tree skiing and alpine runs. This is usually January and February and is also the most expensive time to visit. Far north locations may still have shorter days, but temperatures remain cold and snow conditions are typically excellent.
Late Season:
Weather warms up, offering sunny skies and corn skiing in the alpine. The last week of March into April can bring one or two big storms, making it feel like mid-winter. Many areas still have plenty of snow later in the season, though demand decreases. Alaska bucks this trend, with late March and April being ideal due to longer days and continued snowfall.
