Heli skiing in BC Canada

Whistler Heli skiing is an internationally known skiing operation that has been running for 28 years. Snowwater is a lesser known operation outside North America and distinguishes itself by being a smaller operation that caters to advanced skiers that wants to ski as much terrain as possible.

Snow & Terrain

The Kootenays of British Columbia are famous for the world’s finest powder and tree skiing. The snow that falls in the West Kootenays is the lightest, softest and purest variety and has an average annual snowfall of approximately 42 feet. The snow is referred to locally as “Cold Smoke”. It is perfect snow for heliskiing or boarding. The terrain is 80 000 acres of pristine Kootenay wilderness in the southern interior of British Columbia Canada: old growth tree skiing, big bowls & tons of powder. An unbelievable experience!

Whistler offers excellent snow as well with an average of 35 to 40 feet of snowfall per year (at 5000 feet). The skiable terrain is huge with 500 000 acres of glacier and tree skiing. Terrains are chosen based on skiers’ ability. Great powder skiing and boarding!

Accommodations

High in the Selkirk Mountains you’ll stay at Snowwater’s exclusive timber frame mountain lodge (6400 feet). Guests stay in a cozy, intimate environment. The lodge area is very comfortable, has excellent food and has a very remote cabin feel to it but with all the comforts you need for a great time. Access to world class heli skiing is just 12 minutes away!

Whistler heli skiing accommodates guests at the Crystal Lodge. This resort hotel is located in the Whistler Village (Whistler Blackcomb). It is an ideal place for shopping adepts and has many tourist attractions if heli skiing is not the only reason for your visit to B.C.

Number of Guests

Snowwater limits the number of guests to 12 people per night. The owners believe this ensures a quality experience this allows the staff to cater to each individual’s needs. Snowwater aims to provide an exciting and intimate mountain experience both on and off the slopes.

Whistler on the other hand welcomes on average of 50 skiers per day but can service up to 120 heli skiers.

Packages & Runs

Snowwater offers 1 day heli skiing packages as well as 3, 5, and 7 day packages. On average guests get to ski 6 runs a day. Packages include accommodation at Snowwater’s ski lodge. Runs average 1 500 to 4 000 vertical feet per run.

Whistler offers 3, 4 and 6 run day packages and caters to intermediate (no powder snow experience necessary), advanced and expert skiers and boarders. Runs average 2 000 to 3 000 vertical feet per run.

Parting thoughts…

Both operations are world class; it all comes down to what experience you’re looking for.

 Snowwater stands out as being a small-scale operation, unique and that gives guests lots of attention.  Snowwater also guarantees skiing since they are equipped with snowcat backups in case the helicopter is grounded due to heavy snow conditions. Groups are small, generally 3 groups of 4 skiers and 1 guide per helicopter.

Whistler heli skiing is more of a large-scale commercial heliskiing, where groups of up to 12 skiers share the use of a single helicopter, skiing mainly on well-established runs.