First Time Heli-Skiing: What to Expect and What to Bring

Heli-skiing, heli boarding with Northern Escape

What to Expect

Let’s start by dispelling a myth: you don’t need to be an elite skier to go heli-skiing. You don’t have to be an expert who leaps out of a moving chopper and launches off cliffs. If you’re a strong intermediate (blue-square) rider or above on your local mountain, you have enough skills to try heli-skiing for the first time.

Snow conditions and temperatures play a major role in how challenging or easy the terrain will be. Terrace BC is located in the Skeena Valley and surrounded by rainforest. Conditions can change dramatically from day to day. Your guide will provide details on snow conditions and terrain selection each morning before skiing.

When skiing in the alpine with fresh snow, you’ll be making longer turns at higher speeds. These conditions tend to be enjoyable and less physically demanding. The subalpine terrain in our tenure offers fun features like pillows and trees to turn through. Although this terrain is not as steep, you’ll make more turns, which can be a bit more work than skiing in the alpine.

The last part of heli-skiing that requires some getting used to is taking your skis off and strapping your poles to them so the guide can load them into the helicopter. Someone in your group will also be responsible for loading your backpack into the helicopter. After the first day, this process becomes easy, and you’ll have tips from the guides on how to make your laps quicker.

What to Bring

When traveling to a remote lodge, it’s important to bring everything you need for a ski trip without forgetting the essentials.

Ski Boots
Packing your boots onto the plane as a carry-on item is highly recommended. If your luggage doesn’t make it, outerwear can be replaced. If your boots don’t make it, you may not be skiing right away.

Skis
If you’re bringing your own skis, using a roller ski or snowboard bag will make life easier. At Northern Escape, we provide guests with high-end powder skis and poles if you want to save on baggage fees and avoid the hassle of traveling with your own gear.

Outerwear
Bringing a waterproof shell jacket and pants is crucial for staying warm and dry all day in the mountains. If your outerwear isn’t Gore-Tex, it’s not the end of the world; however, it’s important that the waterproof rating is high (20,000 mm or higher).

Layers
Being able to add or remove layers throughout the trip is helpful as conditions change. Bring:

• A single top layer, such as a down sweater or vest, that can be removed if you get too warm
• A good mid-weight layer made of merino or synthetic material
• A base layer such as merino wool to keep you warm and comfortable if you’re working up a sweat

Keep your face covered with goggles and a balaclava or neck tube—the wind from the helicopter landing and taking off can be very cold. Bring a pair of gloves or mitts and glove liners to help with warmth and moisture-wicking throughout the day.

Helmet
Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended. Not only does it provide protection, but it also helps keep moisture out of your goggles and retains heat. It’s always good to bring a goggle wipe (microfiber cloth) just in case.

Overlooked Items to Bring

• A good attitude—every day in the mountains offers adventure and unique experiences.
• Swimsuit: Because every heli-skiing day should end with a dip in the hot tub.
• Slippers: Often overlooked but essential Canadian mountain holidays. They’ll be the first thing you want to put on when you get to the lodge.
• Comfortable clothing: Bring what you’d normally wear at home; most heli lodges have a casual dress code.
• Travel insurance: Never travel without it, and make sure your policy covers heli-skiing and medical evacuation. See our Booking Policy page for more information.

Other useful items: personal medication, ibuprofen, sunscreen, something to read, and maybe a harmonica.

Do Not Bring

Please do not bring electric jackets, foil-lined jackets, magnetic jacket closures, or electric gloves (unless you have Raynaud’s syndrome—if so, bring this to your guide’s attention). Also leave your family’s FRS two-way radios at home, as these can interfere with the safety equipment we provide.