Learn more Great Canadian Heli-Skiing

Equipment

What do I need to pack?

First and foremost, we strongly recommend that you bring your well-fitting ski boots as carry on during your flight. We can figure out just about everything else should there be any missing luggage. For skiing its all about layers. A gore-tex non-insulated shell plus several synthetic shirts and pants with varying thickness will allow you to adapt. Remember - no cotton, it gets wet and stays cold. There is no need to bring an extensive wardrobe, as the lodge is very casual.

What type of skis and snowboards does GCH provide?

Great Canadian Heli-Skiing provides guests with Atomic powder skis and Burton snowboards and include all poles, transceivers and rescue equipment. The Atomic Heli-Daddy and Snoop Daddy are designed for the heli-skiing industry and set-up with Salomon bindings. The Burton Fish, Malolo, and Supermodel are set up with large shovel nose and set back stance to offer the ultimate flotation.

What about boots?

You need to bring your own boots. Comfort and a smooth forward flex are the most important attributes. New boots are most often not comfortable. Tight racing boots are miserable. Preferably, what you want, is a boot that does not have abnormal pressure in the toes, ankle or lower part of the calf. Please remember that we supply skis and poles but we do not supply boots; so take your boots on the plane as carry on luggage!

How about Helmets?

Some guests wear helmets and we would encourage you to do so, but they are not mandatory. Helmets that offer a low profile or ¾ coverage shell and a removable neoprene ear cover are the way to go for Heli-Skiing, as the ear covers can be removed easily depending on the temperature. Helmets that fully cover the ear (e.g. race helmets) are a safety hazard if they prevent you from hearing the guide's instructions.

Can I use my own transceiver, probe, and shovel?

Transceivers: Yes, however you are required to be trained with and wear a GCH transceiver since we and your ski companions are assured that they are properly maintained and easy to use. You may use your own transceiver in the event of a search if you are most comfortable with it, but it must remain in your pocket and turned off until such time.

Probe and shovel: Yes providing you have a low-profile backpack that you can comfortably wear while sitting in the helicopter. Removing or leaving your pack in the helicopter is not an option.

Can I bring my own A.B.S. balloon?

Yes, the use of ABS balloons is permitted at Great Canadian Heli Skiing. The pack should be a low profile pack and have a removable trigger. According to transport regulations the pack (the cartridge) cannot be allowed in the main compartment of the helicopter under any circumstances and therefore will be removed and transported in the ski basket on the outside of the helicopter.

Lodge Life

Can I Bring my iPod or personal music player?

While you are more than welcome to have your music in your room, we cannot allow it out in the field. For your safety and the safety of others in your group, you must be able to hear the guide at all times and react to external stimuli.

Can I connect with the outside world at Heather Mountain Lodge?

Yes! High tech communications enable you to slip in and out of the real world so you can enjoy the remoteness of the lodge. We have wireless Internet, cell phone and satellite TV.

What do you carry in your Store?

Arcteryx, Powder PipeLine and Smith are just some of the quality brands of technical and outdoor clothing and gear that we carry in our store. We have selected a group of technical Arcteryx pieces that are perfectly designed for heli-skiing. We also carry custom boot and board bags, Kicking Horse Coffee, and many souvenirs.

What additional charges might there be?

With Unlimited Vertical you will certainly not have to pay any extra for skiing. A typical end of trip bill will include, liquor, retail, massage, gratuities and your deposit for next year.

Experience

What is your average snowfall?

Our average annual snowfall is over 14 meters (46 feet) and will typically build a base of more than 3.5 meters (12 feet)! Check out our website under ‘weather’ for more details.

At what altitude do you ski?

Our runs are at an altitude on average between 3000 and 1833 meters (9000 and 5500 ft) with the highest drop-off at 3200 meters (10,500 feet). The altitude at which we will ski will be determined each day by the guides and pilots, depending on visibility, snow stability, and quality. Heather Mountain Lodge is located at 1055 m or 3460 ft.

How fit should I be? Can I ski for a Week?

Fitness is often more important than ability. The more fit you are, the more fun you will have and the less likely you are going to encounter an injury. One guest told us that his conditioning made a huge difference in how much fun he had. If you are joining us for a week you might find it reassuring to know that it is common to feel slightly tired at the end of your third day of heli-skiing. As you take off for the second half of the week, your technique excels, your muscles acclimatize and your heli-skiing typically is lifted to the level, which can only be acquired by committing to a week’s dedication to powder turns.

When is the best time to come?

You be the judge, our operating season is from mid-December to the beginning of April. There are desirable qualities throughout the season. To follow are some generalizations ready to be proven wrong by Mother Nature:
December to January – Mostly Tree Skiing, Some Alpine Glaciers and Bowls.
Mid-January, February, Mid-March – Alpine Glaciers, Bowls and Tree Skiing.
March to Early April – Alpine Glaciers and Bowls, Reduced Tree Skiing.

How are the groups set up?

We ski with four guests per group. During your vacation we encourage our guests to ski with others who have similar interests or abilities. As a result of using small groups, compatibility is most often attainable.

What Does an Unlimited Vertical day look like? Can I ski as late as I want?

We run a very similar length of day to a ski resort. Our guests day runs from 9:00am to 4:00-4:30pm (see Daily Itinerary). This allows for a fulfilling day of skiing for our guests while allowing for our guides day to start at 7:00am and run to 6:00pm with pre and post meetings to plan for your enjoyment and safety. On average guests ski 6,500 vertical meters (21,450 feet) a day (see Typical Day below) while a big day is over 10,000 vm (33,000 feet). Like all other operations we still guarantee the minimum that you will ski, however Great Canadian Heli-Skiing does not charge the extra vertical rate of $100+ per 1,000 meters to keep skiing beyond the guaranteed limit. In actual fact, we have only refunded about $4000 in the past three years for vertical metres not skied, and because of our location, only endured two down days.

Do I have to ski all day?

No. The helicopter refuels mid-day. This is your opportunity to go back to the lodge. Please advise your guide in advance if you wish to ski a partial day.

What activities are there for ‘down-days’?

Actually, we are not very good at this because we don’t have to be. On average we have 2-4 days a year that we do not ski. (In 2008, we did not have any!) . Our onsite heli-pads, powerful helicopters, small groups, and fantastic treed lodge runs offer the magic formula for accessibility. We do have snow shoeing trails and we are half-way between Kicking Horse and Revelstoke Mountain Resorts, yet we almost never ski them as the potential to go heli-skiing is high. Honestly though we haven't had more than two down days in the past three years, so we haven't given sking elsewhere much thought

Does GCH offer any discounts for organizing a group?

Yes. If you are to organize a group of 12 or more skiers you will receive a 10% discount or one free space.
Individual discount is offered when you rebook the following season before your departure. Also ask for information on Great Canadian Heli-Skiing Season Passes for individuals and groups.

Registration and Deposits

Read our website on the tours that we offer. Select a tour and a date that suits you. Read the Great Canadian Heli-Skiing Waiver before you book your package. This waiver will affect your legal rights and you will be required to sign a copy of this waiver before being allowed to ski/ride with us. Give us a call.

Here is our waiver, in several languages:
English, French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Danish, Italian, Japanese

Contact our Office at: Phone: 1-250-344-2326 or 1-866-424-4354 Fax: 1-250-344-2316

Email: info@canadianheli-skiing.com with any questions or with a booking request.

Initial Deposit

To secure your space, we require an initial deposit of $500 for 2, 3, 4-day packages, $1000 for 5 and 6 day packages, or 15% for Privates and Semi-Privates. The deposit is refundable up to May 1st. After May 1st, all deposits become non-refundable. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Wire Transfers and Personal Cheque.

Final Deposit

Final balance of Deposit is due 14 weeks prior to your trip, or November 1st, whichever comes first. Any spot held will be subject to cancellation if the full deposit balance is not received by the final deposit date. If you are booking after November 1st, the final deposit will be necessary upon the booking date. We accept MasterCard, VISA, Personal Cheque or Wire transfers. Deposits are considered payments upon your departure date. Any additional charges or refunds will be presented at this time. Deposits in US funds will be credited to your account at the exchange rate that we receive upon deposit at the bank. This rate is always subject to change.

Wire transfers should be made to the account of:

Great Canadian Heli-Skiing Ltd,
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce,
520-9 Ave N Golden BC CANADA PH:1 250 344 2244
Bank #010, Transit # 00350, Account # 40 11112
Swift Code: CIBCCATT
Be sure that transfer instructions include your name and trip date.

Vertical Refunds

Refunds are $100 per 1,000 vertical meters not skied based on the following guarantees:

• Private and 6 days - 30,500 vm
• 5 days - 22,000 vm,
• 4 days - 17,500 vm,
• 3 days - 13,000 vm, and
• 2 days - 8,800 vm.

Refunds are given only for mechanical delays or inclement weather. Refunds will not be given for any unused part of a package due to physical and skiing abilities.

Cancellations and Insurance

Cancellations

We will refund all deposits made, less the non-refundable initial deposit; in Canadian Funds, for cancellations received in writing or by fax, 14 full weeks prior to the commencement date of your trip, or November 1st, whichever comes first. If you are unable to make your holiday after the cancellation date, the package you purchased is non-refundable, however you may transfer to another person if you find a replacement.
Please note - the nature of our business requires that we make significant commitments of highly trained personnel and very expensive equipment well in advance of your skiing with us. We do this to ensure you have the best holiday possible when you arrive. As such, we cannot refund, in full or any unused portion of a trip, to customers who find they must cancel after the final deposit date.

Cancellation & Interruption Insurance - 2009/2010 season summary

For your peace of mind, and to avoid any financial hardship an unexpected cancellation could cause, Uniglobe Specialty Travel has arranged for travel insurance coverage especially for your holiday package with Great Canadian Heli Skiing.

*Trip Cancellation

If you have to cancel your Great Canadian Heli Skiing trip, return home prematurely, or if you’re delayed in returning home, you could incur some serious cancellation and interruption expenses. Cancellation & Interruption Insurance protects you from over 44 specified risks that could stop you from travelling as planned. If your trip is cancelled due to a covered risk, you will be reimbursed up to the sum insured for the non-refundable portions of your trip. Airline tickets or other transportation costs, which are not part of your Great Canadian Heli Skiing package, are not covered however, a quote can be provided.

*Trip Interruption

If you must curtail your trip early because of a covered risk, this insurance will reimburse you for the unused non-refundable prepaid travel arrangements and the cost of an economy airfare to return you to the starting point in your scheduled itinerary with Great Canadian Heli Skiing.

Risks Insured:

A couple of the covered risks for cancellation, interruption, delay, are:

• The emergency medical condition, or death of you, your immediate family, your travelling companion, or travelling companion’s immediate family.
• Delay of a private automobile resulting from the mechanical failure, weather conditions, traffic accident, or emergency police directed road closure including Avalanche Closures, causing you to miss or resulting in the interruption of your travel arrangements, provided the auto was scheduled to arrive at the point of departure at least 2 hours before the schedule time of departure.

Important:

• This insurance does not cover any loss for cancellation or interruption when you are aware, at the time the required premium is paid, of any reason that might reasonably prevent you from travelling as booked.
• This insurance does not pay for any expenses incurred for cancellation or interruption as a result of you or your spouse’s medical condition, if at any time in the 90 days before your effective date, that medical condition has not been stable.
• When a cause for cancellation occurs before the date of departure, you must cancel the trip immediately and advise RBC Assured Assistance at the same time. Our maximum liability is the amounts or portions indicated in the trip contract that are non-refundable at the time of the cause of cancellation.

Emergency Hospital & Medical Expenses for Visitors to Canada

For visitors to Canada, you will have up to $150,000 coverage for emergency medical care and emergency medical transport. This insurance covers the reasonable and customary medical expenses you actually incur outside your country of residence for necessary medical care or surgery. These expenses only cover in excess of those covered under any other insurance or benefit plan.

Important:

• This insurance contains exclusions for pre-existing conditions. Please refer to the policy for coverage details.

Premium based on 1 week duration in Canada for insuree age 50 - $37.73 CAD.

Travel Assistance:

Teams of specialty trained, multilingual coordinators, doctors and nurses will help you get the care you need, contact your family, arrange emergency transportation home, if necessary, and even transmit messages for you. They will also communicate with your medical provider, discuss the billing arrangements and usually coordinate the payment of the emergency services you receive.

Enrollment

Start your protection immediately by simply mailing or faxing the enrollment form (available on request) fully completed, for each person to be insured, along with the required premium.

Effective Date of Coverage

Your Cancellation\Interruption Insurance will become effective on the date your enrollment form is received along with the appropriate premium. Insurance should be purchased at time of deposit. Premiums MUST be paid no later than date of final payment.

Example

Trip Cost Per Person	Premium Per Person
$3000 CAD	$174 CAD
$4000 CAD	$214 CAD
$5000 CAD	$254 CAD
$6000 CAD	$294 CAD
$7000 CAD	$334 CAD
$8000 CAD	$374 CAD
$9000 CAD	$414 CAD
$10000 CAD	$454 CAD
$11000 CAD	$494 CAD
$12000 CAD	$534 CAD

Rates

Trip Cancellation\Interruption is available at the following sample rates. Premiums shown in the table are for a person aged 45 travelling for 7 days and are rounded off. Exact premium will vary and is dependent on age and length of trip (additional taxes apply for those who are residents of Ontario, Québec & Newfoundland).

For packages valued over $12,000 CAD per person please contact Uniglobe Specialty Travel for a quote.

This is Not an Insurance Policy

This section is provided to you as a brief summary of coverage and is not the full contract nor shall this be deemed to be a replacement of the contract. The policy is the complete contract and contains important information including benefits AND exclusions applicable to you. Please read your policy carefully. If you would like to review it prior to purchase please contact Uniglobe Specialty Travel.

Visitors to Canada Emergency Medical Insurance

We urge you to ensure you are protected from unforeseen expenses by having the right worldwide assistance available when you need it.

To book your insurance, or to find out more information, please contact:

Robin MacKenzie
Uniglobe Specialty Travel Ltd.
1.866.667.0811 or 250.837.2544
New email: revelstoke@unigloblespecialty.com

Saturday Shuttle

Those joining us for a Private or 6-day package may choose to let GCH do the driving. Our departs the Calgary International Airport Saturdays between 1:30 and 3 pm. Our escort will meet you at Meeting Place ‘C’ near the international arrivals between 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Please ensure that your flight arrives no later than 1:30 pm to allow for collecting baggage and clearing customs. Considering that some guests have arrived the night before, the shuttle will depart at 3:00pm sharp.

We recommend that overseas travelers arrive Friday evening to avoid jet lag. When booking your return flight, keep in mind that the shuttle will return you to Calgary the following Saturday by 12:30 pm. Please do not book your departing flight for any earlier than 1:30 pm.

Staying in Calgary

We recommend that guests stay at the Delta Calgary Airport Hotel Tel: 403-291-2600 ext. 6347. Ask for ‘Great Canadian Heli-Skiing’ rates when making reservations.

Self Drive

Heather Mountain Lodge is the most accessible Heli-skiing lodge by car. Most of our guests choose to drive themselves by rental car and enjoy the magnificent scenery from Calgary. It is a 3.5-hour drive on the Trans Canada Highway. You will pass through beautiful Banff, Lake Louise and Golden with plenty of opportunities for pre and post-resort skiing. Check-in time is 6 pm and dinner is served at 7 pm, so book your flights accordingly. Here is a printable map and driving directions from Calgary airport or here for the pdf.

Hire a Car

Alternately you may choose to hire a car and driver. We recommend “Sun Dog Tours”. Please contact them for rates and availability 1 403.762.4343

Driving Directions

From Calgary to Heather Mountain Lodge

From the Calgary International Airport, head south on “Barlow Trail” to the Trans Canada Highway (#1 HWY-16th Avenue). Head west on the #1 out of Calgary. From the city limits, it is a nice divided highway all the way through Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise but changes to single lane west of. Just before reaching Golden you will travel through 15 km of the Kicking Horse Canyon.

Use caution in this area. Once you reach Golden, Heather Mountain Lodge is 55 km or 45 minutes further west, remaining on #1 highway. You will find the Lodge on the right (north) side of the highway and marked by a lighted sign at the turn and a few small signs noting ‘Great Canadian Heli-skiing’ and ‘Heather Mountain Lodge’ prior. Once you turn off the highway, the Lodge is to your left and 100 m up the road.

The entire trip should take approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.

*Please note that dinner is served at 7:00pm daily so please try to arrive prior to 6:00pm for check-in.

Enjoy your trip and drive carefully. If you have any problems, the phone number at Heather Mountain Lodge is 1-250-344-7490

Here is a printable map and driving directions from Calgary airport or here for the pdf

Clearing Customs

We strongly recommend that all international guests check with Canadian Boarder Services Agency (www.cbsa.gc.ca) to ensure that travel documentation is up-to-date and that you will have no surprises, which would inhibit your entry into Canada. All travelers including US citizens must carry a valid passport to enter the country.

Canada Customs has been reviewing minor misdemeanors, so it has been suggested that anyone traveling internationally go through the steps to have their record cleared.

Suggested Heli-Skiing Packing List

• 1 pair of well fitting ski boots (not brand new). Bring them on the plane with you.
• Ski goggles (high quality with an anti-fog lens)
• Water proof or water resistant outwear (something that you can put layers underneath)
• 2 pairs of ski gloves or mitts
• 1 pair of glove/mitten liners; these are ideal for extra warmth and suitable during rescue briefing and lunchtime
• 2 hats; 1 for colder days and 1 for warmer days
• Synthetic long underwear (tops and bottoms); no cotton!
• Ski socks (2-3 pairs)
• Wind-stopper vest or jacket (ideal for lunchtime)
• Light fleece jacket (ideal for layering)
• Sunscreen and Lip cream (small tube)
• Sun glasses
• Camera and film
• Compact down jacket (optional)
• Swim Suit and Robe
• Casual clothes to wear around the Lodge

Print-ready list (pdf)

The Lodge (Altitude: 1055m/3460ft.)

The moment you set foot into Heather Mountain Lodge you’ll realize you have arrived at a very special place. The craftsmanship and design are clearly reminiscent of a bygone era. Beautiful, massive fir and larch beams are pinned together with oak and mahogany dowels and the exposed joinery techniques are a tribute to the timber frame craft. The large, vaulted ceiling dining room offers panoramic vistas of the rugged Selkirk Mountains while you enjoy the high mountain cuisine prepared by our excellent chefs. The lodge and the hotel rooms are in two separate buildings, joined by a heated pathway. So you have the option of being social in the lounge or escaping to the quiet of your room.

Recently re-decorated guest rooms are sure to provide comfort, privacy and with wireless internet and the option of Satellite television you can now choose to keep up to date on news and events. A few of the amenities we offer are the services of an in-house massage therapist, as well as a ski shop and outdoor hot tub.

Most importantly, the lodge is equipped with on-site heli-pads literally 50 steps from our Lodge . No shuttle’s are required, all of your heli-skiing flies directly to and from our lodge.

Lodge Communications

Heather Mountain Lodge utilizes the latest technology to provide the best communication services available. Every room now offers Internet connections and phone. We also have a computer for guest use in the lounge and fax service available from the front desk.

We now have cellular phone coverage. If your service is CDMA compatible, your personal phone will have service. There are also phones in every room but with only two outgoing lines, we apologize in advance for any delays you may experience.

Lodge Expenses

Heather Mountain Lodge accepts cash in Canadian and US dollars, traveler’s cheques, Master Card and Visa. We do not accept personal cheques at the lodge. Optional expenses could include single room upgrade, LCD television upgrade, ski shop, liquor, massages, and gratuities.

Gratuities

Please feel free to include a gratuity at the end of your ski trip if you feel that the staff service throughout your stay was exceptional. Simply indicate what amount you would like to leave for the guiding team or the lodge team. All staff will be aware of your contribution.

Smoking Policy

There are new strict bylaws in British Columbia regarding smoking; therefore, while on the property at Heather Mountain Lodge we kindly ask that you only smoke in the designated areas. When skiing or at lunch please be sensitive to other guests by consulting with your guide as an appropriate time and place to smoke. Always smoke downwind of others and always have a small canister or bag in which to collect your extinguished cigarettes.

Powder Privileges Loyalty Program

At Great Canadian Heli-Skiing we simply love what we do - and we couldn't do it without you, our loyal guests! Winter of 2005 we introduced a new customer appreciation program to honour returning guests. Depending upon how many accumulated skiing days the honourees have, they are presented with a very special gift, decorated with the exclusive Powder Privileges emblem.

We hope to welcome many more to this club over the years to come and always strive to provide our guests with an experience that will become the basis of a lasting relationship, We would like to extend our thanks to all of our guests, new and old friends alike.

The customized gifts, decorated with our exclusive Powder Privileges Program emblem...
10 days: ARC’TERYX Thermal Pro Covert fleece pull-over
25 days: ARC’TERYX Wind Pro Gamma AR soft-shell jacket
50 days: ARC’TERYX Gore-Tex Theta AR shell jacket
100 days: Custom-made powder skis and snowboards, hand-made in B.C.

We are so proud to partner with these small Canadian companies, who’s dedication to quality and detail have launched them into industry leaders.

www.priorskis.com — www.priorsnowboards.com — www.arcteryx.com

Arrival Day

Room Check-in at Heather Mountain Lodge is 6:00pm. If you arrive earlier, make yourself at home, enjoy a drink in the lounge or take a tour of our property. After you are unpacked and settled in, join us in the lodge with your boots, so the guides can get your skis set-up after dinner.

We welcome you to the dining room at 7:00 pm for dinner and introductions. After dinner guides will escort you to the Ski Room located in the lower level of the lodge to choose equipment, weigh in and complete some administration. Afterward enjoy entertainment in the lounge.

Typical Day

6:30 - 7:30am — The guides rise early to go over snow conditions and make decisions on where you will be skiing that day. The Canadian Helicopter flight personnel prepare and inspect helicopter.

8:00am — Breakfast. We offer a wide selection of nutritious choices to start your day - everything you need to hit the powder. Please bring your reading glasses on your first morning, as Release of Liability Waivers will be signed at this time.

Here again is our waiver, in several languages:
English, French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Danish, Italian, Japanese

9:00am - 10:45am — (First Day Only) - On your first ski day we will all participate in the heli-briefing and companion search training. Light snacks will be served in the Ski Room before you head out. Everyone must attend.

9:00am — First group lifts off from on-site helipad at the lodge.

12:30 — Lunch out in the field with hot soup and tea to accompany your picnic lunch prepared by our HML chefs.

4:00 - 4:30pm — Final turns, arrival to the lodge Note: December and early January’s last run is earlier due to earlier dusk.

4:30 - 6:00pm — Guides/Pilots Meeting - discussion on the days skiing and plans for tomorrow.

4:30pm — Après ski snack and cold drinks are served in the Ski Room.

5:00 - 7:00pm — Free Time, Massage, relaxation.

7:00pm — Dinner-the other highlight of the day!

8:30pm — Entertainment in the lounge. Final night is ‘Reward Night’ and all Powder Privilege Recipients will be honored.

Check-Out Day (Saturday, Tuesday)

Week Long Guests — Breakfast will be at 7:00am for those departing at 8:00am on our Saturday shuttle to Calgary. Check out and settling bills occurs between 7:00 - 8:00am.

2, 3, 4 & 5 Day Guests — Guests who are departing after skiing on their final day, please ensure that you have all your things packed and set aside near the door of your room so that housekeeping can prepare for those guests arriving. Due to the hectic nature of these mid-week x-change days, we kindly ask that all guests are checked out of their rooms between 4:30 - 5:00pm at the latest.

Unlimited Vertical

Unlimited Vertical is freedom to simply heliski in the moment. We have stripped away the distractions of quantities so we can float on quality. There are no extra vertical charges at Great Canadian Heli-Skiing all your skiing is included.

If you are an experienced heli-skier you are familiar with the extra vertical charge to keep skiing on the last third of your holiday beyond the packaged vertical guarantee. If you are a first time heli-skier and do not know what an “extra vertical charge” is, you now have the option to never need worry about it. Our motivation to start offering Unlimited Vertical holidays was when one of our successful and influential guests commented at the end of a final day, “That was a great day, but I can’t help but feel like I am skiing with my credit card in my back pocket. Can’t you simplify it? Just come up with a price and let us ski.” After thinking it through the answer was clear, Yes We Can. With 20 years of data on what the average skier skis and a desire to offer exceptional service, we counted the nickel and dimes and launched our Unlimited Vertical Program. Since the program got it's start in 2006 we have refunded only about $4000 total for vertical metres not skied.

So whether this is your 10th or your 15th run of the day, 100,000 or 150,000 vertical foot of the week, we want to deliver you the best that heli-skiing has to offer. This is why we think Unlimited Vertical is worthy of our world famous powder snow, our small groups of 4:1, and our A-star B2 Helicopters. From start to finish it offers unparalleled customer service.

Terrain & Climate

Our Ski Area

The interior ranges of British Columbia – the Selkirk (Rogers Pass) and Purcell mountains – are possibly the most famous skiing mountain ranges in the world. They can offer phenomenal amounts of light, dry powder snow, good flying conditions, tens of thousands of square kilometers of wilderness and ideal skiing weather. Great Canadian Heli-Skiing has an exclusive license to vast terrain in the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges, along the north and east borders of Glacier National Park. Our map is posted on the (weather and) map page.

Terrain

There are hundreds of ski runs for your use, offering every type of terrain – glaciers, open bowls, gladed trees – and every slope angle and exposure. Great Canadian stands out in the industry because of the quality and the accessibility of our terrain above our base at Heather Mountain Lodge. This accounts for minimal days a year when we are unable to ski due to adverse flying conditions. Most of our runs average in length from 460 to 760 vertical meters (approx. 1500 - 2500 vertical feet). Our longest run is 1900 vm (6 232 vertical ft)!! Usually, we ski at an altitude between 3000 and 1833 meters (9000 and 5500 ft) with our highest peak reaching 3,078 meters (10,100 feet).

Temperatures

Winter temperatures, on average, range between -7° to -15°C (20° to 5° F). Occasionally temperatures can fall below these ranges producing very cold weather -30° C (-18°F).

Snow Conditions

Our average annual snowfall is over 14 meters (46 feet) and will typically build a base of more than 3.5 meters (12 feet)! The Selkirk’s and Purcell’s are renowned for the deep, dry consistent snow packs that are ideal for heli-skiing. However, skiing conditions and stability in the mountains can deteriorate with excessive exposure to wind, sun, snow or possibly rain. While nature will dictate the conditions, our guides will focus on finding the best skiing available. Check out our on-line weather and conditions updates at the weather (and map) page.

Safety

There are inherent risks to heli-skiing, which you will be taking while on a heli-ski vacation. Before you are able to join us heli-skiing, you will be required to sign a waiver, thereby accepting the risks.

Here again is our waiver, in several languages:
English, French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Danish, Italian, Japanese

Helicopters and Pilots

We use the ultimate heli-skiing machine, the AStar B2. These are powerful, very comfortable helicopters, ideal for mountain flying. All of our helicopters’ onsite engineers, and our high hour, mountain-trained pilots are supplied and serviced by Canadian Helicopters, the largest helicopter company in Canada. Canadian Helicopters has the extensive infrastructure to ensure the rigorous maintenance schedule and safety inspections required for helicopters.

Guides

Great Canadian Heli-Skiing holds your safety as our priority. Our guides are experienced and certified (ACMG and CSGA) professionals. They are all trained in snow safety, weather analysis, and emergency medical techniques and mechanized ski guiding. Day by day they will find the best of what Mother Nature has to offer.

Each morning and each evening they meet to evaluate and discuss conditions based on their own observations as well as data supplied by remote weather stations and the Canadian Avalanche Association information exchange.

Snow and Avalanches

Our guides are constantly practicing snow and avalanche management as they analyze the changes in the conditions and make guiding decisions accordingly. Each morning and evening our guides meet to evaluate and discuss the weather, snow stability and terrain based on field observations and data supplied by remote weather stations and the Canadian Avalanche Association.

Emergencies

Continuous radio communication between the guides, the helicopter and our base is maintained. The guides carry extensive emergency gear in their packs and on the helicopter. HeliCat Canada & CWSAA – We are proud members of the Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) and HeliCat Canada Association.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Ability

In order to fully enjoy your heli-skiing holiday you must be a strong intermediate skier/snowboarder. This means you have skied/snowboarded regularly over the last several years and are capable of controlling yourself on treed ski runs, traverse slopes and can maneuver over variable mountain conditions. For example, at your local ski resort, if you are able to descend a black diamond run and maintain control you will likely be prepared for our terrain. Any experience that you have had in skiing powder would be an additional asset. We suggest regular skiing/snowboarding and fitness conditioning before your heli-ski vacation.

Grouping

We ski with four guests per group. Because of this awesome ratio, we try to accommodate our guests as much as possible, by allowing them to group themselves. During your vacation we encourage our guests to ski with others who have similar interests or abilities. As a result of using small groups, compatibility is most often attainable. The guides do reserve the right to rearrange the groups, as they deem necessary.

Heli-pad and Staging area

The Heli-pad is located 50 steps from the lodge doors. There is no drive to get to the helicopter in the morning, nor is there a long walk from it in the evening. In the Ski Room you will find storage compartments, boot and glove dryer, washrooms, and a changing area.

Why Us

At Great Canadian Heli-skiing we understand that shopping for your dream heliskiing vacation is exciting but might also be tedious. There are 18 operators to choose from, just in Canada, each with their own strengths. We thought that it might be helpful if we gave you some information on what features are important to consider.

Top five reasons to choose GCH

1. Small group heli-skiing 4:1 ratio
2. Unlimited Vertical on each trip
3. Closest proximity to Calgary Airport, easy driving
4. Flexible start and end dates on some packages
5. Lowest down day record in the industry

Size – helicopter, group ratio, # people per week.

There are three types of helicopters that are generally used for heli-skiing. The Bell 212 – this large machine has a fifteen-seat configuration, with one pilot and up to fourteen passengers. This is the best choice if you want to ski in a group larger than 4 or 5.

The Euro copter A-star or Bell 407 — these are small maneuverable machines, which hold 5-7 passengers including pilot. They are quiet (Bell boasts that these machines don’t have to yell to make a statement!) and provide unparalleled visibility for all. The A-star has been described as the heli-equivalent of a Porsche.

The type of helicopter used will determine how many skiers are in your group. With the large helicopters, you will ski in groups of 11 with one or two guides. With the smaller helicopters you will ski in groups of 4-5 skiers per guide. We feel that the smaller the group, the more likely that you will be skiing with others of comparable ability and the guide to guest ratio is smaller. Keep in mind that you will only ski as fast as the slowest skier in your group.

Generally, each helicopter will provide service to more than one group unless you are in a Private Package, ferrying each group up as the other skis down. Therefore, with a larger helicopter and larger groups there will be more people in the terrain and possibly in the lodge. It is worth considering which experience will suit your expectations best.

We brag about the intimacy of our lodge. With a maximum of 24 skiers we all get to know each other but with the rooms in a separate building from the main lodge, you have the option of being social in the lounge or escaping to the quiet of your room.

Staging (where does the helicopter fly from each day?)

GCH takes off and lands literally 50 m from the back door of the lodge. Other operators might not land at their lodge, but bus their passengers to different staging areas and pick-ups each morning.

How much skiing will I get and what am I paying for?

It is important to look at how much skiing is guaranteed and how much is included for the money you spend.

Only two operators (we are one of them) do not charge if you ski over your guarantee. This is called ‘Unlimited Vertical’. All of the others include a set amount of vertical and then you will pay extra for every 1000 vertical meters (vm) over this amount. You might pay more up front for this option but not always. Here is an example of how the charges might work:

Our 3 day package guarantees 13 000 vm. The 3 day trip Feb 9-12 of 2008 skied 24 100 vm. If we charged for extra vertical at a rate of $100. per 1000 vm, they would have had a bill at the end of their trip of $1 110. or they would have had to decide on the second day if they wanted to pay more and keep skiing or go home.

There is always the question of determining how many runs you get for the vm included. This is very difficult to determine due to run length. Honestly, the entire concept of vm can be quite confusing. We have taken this uncertainty out of the equation, and you won’t need to take your wallet out of your pocket to pay for skiing once you have booked.

Should I buy a package or ski by the day?

There are companies who provide skiing by the day. In this case you will have a certain number of runs included for your money. This might be an economical option if it is your first time heliskiing and you want to get an idea of heliskiing.

When you purchase an all-inclusive package you will eat, breathe and sleep heliskiing. You will have a vacation.

How much travel is there before I get to the lodge?

Great Canadian Heliskiing is a 4 hour drive from the Calgary International Airport. You can drive right to us. You don’t have to fly in to our lodge so if something comes up at home and you need to leave – it is much easier. Here is a printable map and driving directions from Calgary airport or here for the pdf
We include transportation for our 7 day guests.

How connected am I to the outside world?

We feel that in order to enjoy your holiday it would be best to leave your work and worries at home, but we understand that sometimes you can’t relax if you can’t check in. We have cellular phone service in every room and you can use your own cell phone when your provider is CDMA. We have wireless Internet in all of our rooms if you bring your own laptop and a guest computer available in the lounge.

Down Days – is there a chance that the helicopter can’t fly?

Each operator must deal with weather. This is the only factor that we cannot control. However, Great Canadian is blessed to be located in the World famous interior powder belt of British Columbia and our lodge is located right in our terrain with runs that are accessible with a short flight. Having fewer people in our terrain also adds advantage since we do not need to call the day immediately when the weather threatens because we have fewer people to pick up. On average we have 2-4 days a year that we do not ski. (In 2008 we did not have any!) It is a good idea to ask other operators what their average is. Over the past three years, we have had just two down days.

Is our Equipment included in the price?

Yes. Everything but your boots. Make sure that you check if the other operators do.

Where am I staying?

Guests of Great Canadian Heli-Skiing stay at our own Heather Mountain Lodge. We accommodate up to 24 guests per week, and all guests staying at the lodge are enjoying the same heli-skiing experience you are. Our helicopter landing pad is about 50m from the main lodge, so there is no travel to a heliplex from the place that you’re staying at.

Powder Privileges Loyalty Program

At Great Canadian Heli-Skiing we simply love what we do - and we couldn't do it without you, our loyal guests! Winter of 2005 we introduced a new customer appreciation program to honour returning guests. Depending upon how many accumulated skiing days the honourees have, they are presented with a very special gift, decorated with the exclusive Powder Privileges emblem.

We hope to welcome many more to this club over the years to come and always strive to provide our guests with an experience that will become the basis of a lasting relationship, We would like to extend our thanks to all of our guests, new and old friends alike.

The customized gifts, decorated with our exclusive Powder Privileges Program emblem...
10 days: ARC’TERYX Thermal Pro Covert fleece pull-over
25 days: ARC’TERYX Wind Pro Gamma AR soft-shell jacket
50 days: ARC’TERYX Gore-Tex Theta AR shell jacket
100 days: Custom-made powder skis and snowboards, hand-made in B.C.

We are so proud to partner with these small Canadian companies, who’s dedication to quality and detail have launched them into industry leaders.

www.priorskis.com — www.priorsnowboards.com — www.arcteryx.com