The History of Heli Skiing
Heli Skiing in the Skeena Mountains
The History of Heli-Skiing: From the First Flight to Today
Heli skiing, the ultimate adrenaline rush for thrill-seekers, has its roots deep in the rugged mountains of Canada. It all began in the early 1960s when Hans Gmoser, an Austrian mountaineer, realized that helicopters could be used to access remote and untouched powder slopes in the Canadian Rockies. Gmoser, who had moved to Canada to explore the mountains, started offering helicopter-assisted skiing expeditions for a select few. His innovative approach was the catalyst for an entirely new adventure sport.
In 1965, Gmoser founded the first heli-skiing operation, Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH), in British Columbia. This marked the beginning of a new era in skiing, offering access to vast, pristine terrains that were previously unreachable. The helicopter allowed skiers to bypass long uphill climbs, opening a world of adventure that was unparalleled at the time.
The concept quickly gained traction, attracting
adventurous skiers from around the world. By the 1970s, heliskiing began spreading globally, and by the 1980s, the sport continued to flourish with advancements in helicopter technology and improved safety measures such as avalanche transceivers and certified guides. What once seemed like an elite sport was now within reach of a broader range of skilled skiers eager to explore deep powder skiing and remote mountain landscapes.
At Northern Escape Heli-Skiing, we are proud to be part of the modern heli-skiing legacy. Founded in 2004 in Terrace, British Columbia, by a a few skiing friends, we have become one of the most prominent names in the industry. Known for offering access to some of the best snow in the world and unmatched ski terrain, we specialize in small-group, personalized experiences with a strong emphasis on safety, sustainability, and exceptional service. Our unique Snowcat Backup has revolutionized the industry, nearly eliminating the no-fly days with continued deep powder skiing.
Today, heli-skiing continues to evolve, with innovations in technology, safety, and environmental sustainability, but the essence remains unchanged: the pursuit of adventure in untouched, breathtaking terrains. From its humble beginnings to a global phenomenon, heli-skiing has transformed the sport of skiing into thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for those seeking the ultimate challenge
Looking to plan your next Canadian mountain holiday with Northern Escape Heli-skiing?
Contact us today!