Base Depth vs Ski Depth: Why it Matters in Heli Skiing
Why Early Season Delivers the Goods for Deep Powder Heli Skiing
At Northern Escape, one of the questions we’re often asked is, “When is the snow the deepest?”
While the snow is technically the deepest at the end of the season after cumulative snowfall is counted, that isn't the snow you ski through. Throughout the year the temperatures and weather create layers of snow that you can't ski through. That's why it surprises most first time heli skiiers to know that December offers the deepest snow for heli skiing in Canada.
And here’s the thing: ski depth is usually way deeper in December than just about any other month, as the base slowly builds. The reason is, with our location in Northern BC, the big Pacific storms start rolling in by mid October and they really don’t let up until February or later. Those early season snow falls take time to ‘bond’ or settle, so we’re usually skiing waist deep powder and even deeper in December.
So while the heli ski industry typically sees the deep, powdery snow deliver face shot ski depth in December, the snow is at it's deepest accumulation levels in April - but that's layers of different crusts underneath each snowfall, with layers typically becoming thinner as snowfall lightens towards the spring season.
The excitement we all crave has to do with ‘ski depth’ NOT the ‘base’ or snow depth. How much you ‘sink in’ is the ski depth, so ‘chest deep’ means you’re sinking into your chest, and that’s the holy grail of helicopter skiing.
During the early season we do about 75% of our skiing in the trees. Stability is better, the snowfall is protected from wind and sun, and all the features, jumps, and pillows are a skier’s natural playground. Of course, we need enough snow to cover any obstacles but that usually occurs by mid November. You only need 2m (6’) on our ski terrain, and a meter (3’) at our pickup points, to be safe and have a ton of fun. Consistent storm cycles and lower temperatures favour frequent reloads, delivering the deep powdery snow that British Columbia is famous for.
Technique and Gear for Deep Powder Skiing
When skiing or boarding in deep powder, it’s all about flotation. You want as fat a ski or snowboard as you can get your hands on to provide a larger surface area so you stay on top of the snow. When it comes to technique you want to make a nice platform with those big planks, with some advance heli skiers using some hops between turns. While it may be intimidating, finding terrain that’s a little steeper and getting some speed up while keeping your weight slightly back can help keep you on top.
Ski Depth and Base Depth FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Ski Depth and Base Depth: Understanding the Numbers Behind Deep Powder Skiing
1. What’s the difference between ski depth and base depth?
Base depth refers to the total settled snowpack on the ground, that is the foundation built up over the season. Ski depth, on the other hand, measures the new snow that fell in a specific period often reported every morning. At Northern Escape Heli Skiing, we have a dedicated snow safety team tracking both to give guests an accurate picture of current deep powder skiing conditions before every heli skiing day, with daily field trips throughout our tenure to provide an accurate picture of conditions, allowing us to plan the best heli ski vacation for our guests.
2. Why does ski depth matter for heli skiing and heli boarding?
When you’re heli skiing or heli boarding, the ski depth determines how light, dry, and powdery the snow will feel - the classic surfing on snow feeling that every rider craves.
A fresh 30–50 cm of powder means face shots all day, but the secret is that the snow base will determine the heli ski experience for our guests, especially later in the season. Our helicopter ski guides monitor new snow daily and plan weeks in advance to ensure you’re skiing in the best terrain for maximum fun and safety.
3. How much base depth do you need for safe heli skiing?
A strong, consistent base depth is essential for helicopter skiing because it covers hazards like rocks, stumps, and creeks.
At Northern Escape, we typically operate on a reliable base of 2–4 metres, which provides the perfect canvas for fresh storms to layer new powder on top.
If you’ve never skied in deep powder snow, it’s quite unlike anything you’ll ever have at a ski resort. The technique required for skiing deep snow in British Columbia can take some getting used to. But after a few waist-deep runs, you’ll quickly discover why December may be the ultimate month for deep powder skiing.
4. Does more snow always mean better conditions?
Not always. For the ultimate luxury ski holiday, it’s the quality and density of snow that matters, no matter where you ski.
The coastal mountains of British Columbia, where Northern Escape Heli Skiing's 3,373 sq km of terrain is located, receive consistent dumps of snow with just the right moisture content for smooth, bottomless turns and amazing helicopter snowboarding and skiing.
5. Why do different resorts report different snow depths?
Weather patterns, elevation, and even how snow settles can make numbers look inconsistent.
Because heliski operations like ours ski in vast backcountry terrain and not groomed runs, we rely on real-time guide observations instead of lift-area snow stakes that don't take into account the many variables that affect ski conditions. Having a full-time dedicated team that's out in the field every day is just one of the key features that makes Northern Escape Heli Skiing unique, and why guests often find the snow even deeper than reported!
6. How do guides measure ski depth at Northern Escape?
Each morning, our heliski guides dig snow pits in multiple zones to record new snow depth, base depth, and snowpack stability.
These measurements not only help plan your best runs but also inform avalanche safety and unlimited vertical opportunities every day and for weeks to come.
7. What’s the average ski depth during peak heli-ski season?
From December through March, the Northern Escape Heli Skiing region averages 300–500 cm of new snowfall per month, building a massive base of over 3 metres.
That’s why we’re known for some of the deepest and most reliable snowpacks on the planet, ideal for heli ski and heli boarding adventures.
A Premium Small Group Heli Skiing Experience
Since 2004 Northern Escape Heli Skiing has operated small group heli skiing in Northern BC’s Skeena Mountains, near Terrace, BC. Our boutique heliski experience, new Mountain Lodge, snowcat skiing backup and big mountain, deep powder skiing attracts riders from around the world. Our lodges are easily accessed from Vancouver via Terrace Airport. For more information, compare our packages or see our booking page.