Snow Trips In Canada - British Columbia: Vertical Feet: 3,800+
In loud, rhythmic bursts, the sky cracks. The bird cometh. From behind a steep, glacially ravaged ridgeline, a Bell 212 helicopter swoops towards the earth. At the bottom of the Blockhead Glacier, deep in British Columbia’s Purcell Mountains, you huddle by a red marker flag with nine other skiers and snowboarders as the pilot positions his bird for landing. Wind blasts through your goggles and snow stings your cheeks. The six-million-dollar machine gently slides to a halt. Guides load skis and boards, while you scramble inside. You’re dropped at the top of a gloriously remote peak. The silence of the Rocky Mountains resonates from the powder-filled bowls and corniced peaks that stretch as far as the eye can see.
This will be just one of four or five drop-offs you can expect on a heli-trip in the Purcell Mountains. The Purcells, which comprise the southern heart of the BC Rockies, receive 36 feet of snowfall annually. With peaks above 11,000 feet and serious glacial activity, it is one of the province’s wildest heli-ski venues—which is saying something, since BC has some of the most spectacular heli-skiing in the world.
Most heli-ski operations in BC offer guaranteed vertical, or a run minimum. For day users, this usually includes the aforementioned amount, with each run averaging between 1,500 to 2,500 vertical feet. For seven-day trips, vertical guarantees average about 65,000 ft with a $70 charge per 3,280 ft over that and conversely, a similar rebate if, due to poor weather or mechanical problems, the guaranteed vertical is not reached. Time in the mountains is highly variable, but riders can expect to be shredding from 9am to 3pm in conditions ranging from waist-deep snow in steep trees to wind crusted glaciers; full-on whiteouts to wide open clearcuts. Rarely will you cross tracks and certain conditions can be extremely challenging, so if you’re about a beginner to intermediate rider, inquire with operators for introductory packages.
There are 13 heli-ski operations in BC. Most operations include fat-ski rentals and avalanche rescue gear in the price. At most operations skiers and boarders should be strong intermediates, as snow conditions can be unpredictable and terrain steep and difficult.
If you’ve got the dough and you want a snow adventure among some of the planet’s wildest mountains, a day of heli-skiing in British Columbia will take you to places few have ever gone.
OUTFITTERS
RK HELI-SKI PANORAMA, CANADA
RK epitomizes the typical big BC heli-ski operation—they have an excellent safety record, great guides and a location with sick terrain and rich snow. rk heliski specialized in daily heliskiing and heli-boarding. With 40 years of experience, you can be sure you will fulfill a dream at rk heliski. Located in the Central Purcell Mountains of British Columbia Canada, you can plan your heliski holiday in advance of arriving to Canada or any day of the week while you are skiing in British Columbia. rk heliski will provide transportation from Calgary International, Banff, or Lake Louis to the rk heliski base lodge located at Panorama Mountain Resort.
RK Heliski
Box 695, Invermere, B.C. Canada, V0A 1K0
Toll Free: 1-800-661-6060
Local Phone: 250-342-3889
Fax: 1-250-342-3466
Web: http://www.rkheliski.com/
MIKE WIEGELE'S HELI-SKIING, CANADA
Wiegele’s explores two of BC’s biggest and most snow-blessed ranges, the Monashees and the Cariboos. Coupled with outstanding food and 5 star log-lodge accommodations, Wiegele’s is known amongst the heli-ski elite as the world’s premiere operation. Nestled in the heart of the Monashee and Cariboo mountains - and with more than 10 metres of snowfall each year, Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing is renowned for majestic mountains, pristine powder and exceptional ski terrain. Select a professionally guided three, five or seven day heli or snowcat vacation, then enjoy the advantages of our perfect powder, luxurious Heli Village Resort and "unlimited vertical" policy. Each week during the 2009-2010 - 40th Anniversary season, Mike, Bonnie & Michelle would take the stage in the Silver Buckle Lounge and tell the stories that came to be the legendary heliski resort. Bonnie Wiegele is one the sharpest storytellers you will ever come across and kept us entertained and laughing every week.
1 Harrwood Drive
Blue River, BC CANADA, V0E 1J0
PO Box 159, Blue River, BC CANADA, V0E 1J0
T.F. 1.800.661.9170 (North America only)
Tel. 1.250.673.8381
Fax. 1.250.673.8464
Email: reservations@wiegele.com
Web: http://www.wiegele.com
CANADIAN MOUNTAIN HOLIDAYS
CMH offers you a choice of 11 different areas throughout BC and Alberta, such as Kootenays, Revelstoke, and Bugaboos. Since 1965, the team of professional guides at CMH Heli-Skiing have introduced skiers and boarders to some of the most spectacular heli-skiing in BC, Canada. Based from 11 lodges in the Cariboo, Monashee, Selkirk, Purcell and Kootenay mountain ranges. Join skiers from around the world for The World's Greatest Heli-Skiing in such remote backcountry ski locations as the Bugaboos, Monashees, Galena and the Cariboos for endless powder runs, epic tree skiing and unrivaled fun.
Canadian Mountain Holidays
Box 1660, Banff, Alberta Canada, T1L 1J6
217 Bear St., Banff, Alberta Canada T1L 1J6
Tel: 403.762.7100
Fax: 403.762.5879
Toll Free: 1.800.661.0252
E-mail Inquiries: info@cmhinc.com
Web: http://www.cmhski.com/
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