Heli-Skiing in Whistler

Terrain Types and Skill Levels

Whistler's heli-skiing terrain ranges from intermediate powder bowls to expert-only steep faces. Our guides assess your ability during the first run and adjust terrain selection accordingly. Intermediate skiers can enjoy wide-open bowls and gentle powder slopes, while advanced and expert skiers can tackle steep chutes, tight trees, and challenging alpine faces.

Alpine Bowls

Above treeline, alpine bowls offer wide-open powder skiing with minimal obstacles. These runs are ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers who want to experience deep powder without navigating trees or tight terrain. The views are spectacular, and the snow stays light and dry at higher elevations.

Tree Runs

Lower elevation runs wind through old-growth forests, providing protected powder skiing even when alpine conditions are windy or stormy. Tree runs require more technical skill and are best suited for advanced skiers comfortable navigating tight spaces and variable snow conditions.

Steep Chutes and Faces

For expert skiers, we access steep chutes and alpine faces that challenge even the most experienced riders. These runs require strong technique, confidence in variable conditions, and the ability to make quick decisions. Our guides only take expert groups into this terrain when conditions are stable and safe.

Season and Conditions

Heli-skiing in Whistler operates from December through April, when snowpack is deep and stable. The best conditions typically occur in January and February, when cold temperatures preserve powder quality and avalanche risk is lowest. March offers longer days and often excellent spring skiing conditions, while December and April can have variable snow depending on early or late season weather patterns.

Whistler receives an average of 1,100 centimeters (430 inches) of snowfall annually, much of it falling in the high alpine where heli-skiing terrain is located. The Coast Mountains' maritime climate means snow is often lighter and drier than interior ranges, creating the famous "Champagne powder" that heli-skiers seek.

Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. We monitor forecasts closely and adjust operations based on visibility, wind, and avalanche conditions. Safety always comes first—if conditions are unsafe, we reschedule or provide refunds. Most groups experience excellent skiing, but flexibility with dates helps ensure the best possible experience.

Safety and Guides

Safety is paramount in heli-skiing. All our guides are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) and hold advanced avalanche certifications. They have years of experience skiing Whistler's backcountry and know how to read snow conditions, assess terrain, and make decisions that keep groups safe.

Every heli-skiing day begins with an avalanche safety briefing covering transceiver use, safe travel protocols, and communication signals. Guides carry full rescue equipment including shovels, probes, and first aid supplies. Our helicopters are equipped for mountain flying and our pilots have extensive experience in alpine conditions.

Group sizes are kept small—typically 4-6 skiers per guide—to ensure personalized attention and safe terrain management. Guides assess conditions continuously throughout the day and adjust terrain selection based on changing snow stability, weather, and group ability.

Equipment and What to Bring

Heli-skiing requires full alpine skiing equipment: skis or snowboard, boots, poles, and appropriate outerwear. We provide avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) as part of your package, though experienced backcountry skiers often bring their own.

For skis, we recommend powder skis (100mm+ underfoot) that float well in deep snow. Standard resort skis work but can be challenging in deep powder. If you do not have powder skis, we can arrange rentals from local shops in Whistler. Snowboarders should use powder-specific boards with appropriate bindings.

Clothing should be warm, waterproof, and layered. Mountain conditions can change quickly, and you will spend time outside waiting for helicopter pickups. Bring extra layers, gloves, and a warm hat. Goggles are essential for visibility in variable light and snow conditions. We provide detailed packing lists when you book.

Typical Heli-Skiing Day

A full-day heli-skiing experience runs from approximately 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You arrive at our helipad for check-in, equipment fitting, and safety briefing. By 9:00 AM, you are in the helicopter heading to your first run.

The morning typically includes 3-4 runs before a lunch break. Lunch is usually served at a mountain location or back at the helipad, depending on conditions. Afternoon runs continue until late afternoon, with most groups completing 6-10 total runs throughout the day.

Vertical feet skied varies significantly based on terrain, conditions, and group pace. Intermediate groups skiing moderate terrain might ski 12,000-18,000 vertical feet, while expert groups on steeper terrain can exceed 25,000 vertical feet. The focus is on quality runs in great snow, not just vertical feet.

Related Experiences

Glacier Tour

Explore Whistler's glaciers and ice fields on a scenic flight with glacier landing. Available year-round.

Alpine Picnic

Combine your heli-skiing day with a gourmet alpine picnic on a glacier or mountain peak.

Vancouver to Whistler

Arrive in Whistler by helicopter from Vancouver. Perfect for combining with heli-skiing trips.

Frequently Asked Questions