Heli Skiing

What Is Heli Skiing?

A Brief History of Helicopter Skiing

Hans Gmoser usually gets credit for being the father of the sport of heli skiing. The enigmatic Austrian moved to Canada at a young age and began guiding in the Rocky Mountains, where he pioneered several challenging routes and first ascents. As a filmmaker, he produced highly acclaimed skiing and climbing films. He was also one of the founding members of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG), Canada’s premier guide certification agency. In 1963, he first tried using a helicopter to shuttle skiers up remote slopes in the Bugaboo Mountains in the Purcell Range. He returned to the Bugaboos in 1965 to run the Read more

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Heli Skiing, Weather

Best Time to Go Heli Skiing in Canada

BC is the birthplace of heli skiing (or heliskiing or helicopter skiing as it’s variously known) and is home to more heli ski operators than anywhere else in the world. The rugged, majestic mountains, deep snowpack and world-class lodges have made it a mecca for those seeking the ultimate powder skiing experience. But it’s important to understand the different heli ski regions of Canada’s westernmost province, and the conditions in each throughout the winter so you know when to go heli skiing in BC.

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Heli Skiing

Heli Skiing Helicopters

Get to know our Koala Helicopters- the ‘Ferrari’ of Heli Skiing Choppers

There are many reasons why we stand above others when it comes to offering the best experience for our guests. Our guests often notice the quality of food & service, how DEEP our powder is, and the amazing tree & high alpine terrain we offer. But there is one element that is often overlooked by guests- and that is how amazing our Koala Helicopters are. While other operations offer many different types of 4,5 & 10 passenger helicopters, no one can match the speed, power, comfort and overall experience of our 6-pax Italian designed Koalas. In our ‘Classic’ Package at Yellow Cedar Lodge- we fly a maximum of 3 groups of 6 and still fit in 6 guests, a guide, and a pilot very comfortably. And in our ‘Elite’ program with Accommodations at our Mountain Lodge- we only ski in groups of 5. So no tight squeezes here. Everyone can fit in to our Elite groups with plenty of extra leg, shoulder and arm room. Here is all you need to know about your sweet ride in the mountains.

Agusta Koala Helicopter

The AW119 Koala is a ‘flying Ferrari’ for the Mountains of British Columbia

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Heli Skiing

Planning Your First Heli-Ski Trip? Everything You Need to Know

This guide is going to cover every detail of your heli-ski trip, so you get the most of it.

It’s no surprise to say, heli-skiing has it all. It may feel like your first date, yeah it can excite the hell out of you.

Let’s start by breaking a myth… myth? Yes! You read it right. You don’t need to be an elite skier for this to happen! Contrary to what you might think, heli-skiing isn’t just for the world’s elite shredders. You don’t have to be an expert who leaps out of a moving chopper and fall straight into a powder bath to your knees. Yes, if you’re confident on an intermediate (or blue-square) ride on your local mountain in six inches of powder snow, you have all the skills you need to take a heli-skiing blast. Read more

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Heli Skiing, Lodges/Dining

The New Lodge Will be Ready for this Season!

New Lake Front Heli Skiing Lodge!

We are very excited to see all the progress on the new lodge build. It is exciting to know that we will be getting the keys in time for the next winter season and that our guests will be welcomed into a new era of the Northern Escape journey. IDL Projects is chomping at the bit to get in there and start putting some hammers to nails. We have moved the snow from the summer access road and they will be in there next week!

Drawing of the new lodge on the lakefront looking North.

 The View of the Lodge Looking North.

 

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Gear, Heli Skiing

for 2019!'>Introducing the Blizzard Rustler 11
for 2019!

Northern Escape Heli Skiing is excited to introduce the Blizzard Rustler 11 to our already stacked ski fleet. With so many amazing skis to choose from, let us help you make the right decision with some background information to get the best experience out of your heliski trip!Blizzard Rustler 11 ski in green.

Blizzard’s Carbon Flipcore D.R.T technology reduces the torsional strength of the rockered tip and tail making these skis extremely playful in the deep North Coast powder and because of the camber underfoot, holding an edge on the steeps is a breeze. This award-winning ski is an all day, all conditions favorite of many freeride athletes and now, you, our guests can also enjoy the ride. Read more

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Heli Ski Zones, Heli Skiing

My Town Heli Skiing Region

Located 38km North West of Yellow Cedar Lodge

My Town region of Northern Escape heli skiing terrain.The My Town heli skiing region is a great mix of alpine and tree skiing.  My Town is an excellent destination to rack up some vertical on a little bit of everything circuit with loads of variety.

Northern Escape welcomes international heli skiing guests from all over the world.  Our huge terrain (over 5,500 sq. km), easy access, amazing heli ski zones, and our small group heli skiing packages make for the perfect heli skiing experience!

 

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Booking, Heli Skiing

Our New Year’s Classic is Back!

New Years Fireworks over the mountains.

At Northern Escape, over the years, the dates over the New Year have blessed us with some of the deepest, lightest powder ever and some of the best heli skiing we have ever had! Now throw in a New Year’s Eve party, fireworks and fantastic people from all around the world, and there is no better way to bring in 2019!

We offer 2 packages during the New Years week to accommodate varying budgets and personal holiday commitments.  Choose the 5 day package to start the party off right and put a smile on your face for all of 2019. Choose the 7 day package to give yourself the gift of champagne powder to end 2018, and face shots to bring in the new one!

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Heli Skiing

Heli Skiing FAQ & Answers

In this heli skiing FAQ blog, our expert guides have put together a Q&A to provide answers to many of the frequently asked questions we get asked about heli skiing in Canada.

Heli Skiers getting on a bus, to answer some heli skiing FAQ.

25-min Shuttle Bus to the Lodge

This is the time of the year when our office starts getting busy. There’s lots of planning to do for the winter ski season and soon enough, we will be getting plenty of questions as you start getting ready for your heli skiing trip in Canada.

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Does Northern Escape Heli Skiing have Wi-Fi?

Yes! Both of our lodges include free Wi-Fi.

Will I be able to get cell phone reception?

Yes. It may be spotty at certain places but we will show you the best spots to make a cell phone call.

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Heli Ski Zones, Heli Skiing

Fjordland Heli Ski Zone

Location – 45km NW of Yellow Cedar Lodge

Fjordland Heli Skiing Zone from the air!

Our Fjordland heli skiing zone is another favorite and one of the 12 exceptional heli skiing zones in our 5,500 sq. km terrain here at Northern Escape Heli Skiing.

Fjordland is the ideal place to make your first decent when heli skiing in British Columbia Canada. This heli skiing zone is 50% glaciated, which makes it an amazing place to spend a day.

Essentially, the surface has only been scratched in this far off limitless destination. The view from the top says it all! And, like the name implies, the Fjordland heli skiing zone offers perfect alpine skiing that leads you down over 3200 vertical feet through steep trees and avalanche paths to the valley bottom.

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