Heli-Assisted Ski Touring

Trip Details

Meeting point

Organized transport from Calgary International Airport, but other meeting points can be accommodated.

Climate and weather

The Selkirk Range in B.C.’s Columbia Mountains is primarily influenced by a moist, maritime climate (very much in contrast to the Canadian Rockies) with moderate winter temps. During a typical ski touring week, you should be prepared for heavy snowfall and temps from -1C (30F) to -15C (5F). But of course, it can get as cold as -30C (-22F) in a cold mid-winter week and as warm as 10C (50F) during a warm, spring skiing week in May.

For spring skiing weeks, powder snow (dry, cold snow) usually preserves well on the many northerly aspects even if it hasn’t snowed in days. At the same time, the southerly aspects will start to corn up (melt-freeze cycle) with sunny weather, which yields nice spring skiing, if the descents are well timed with the daytime heating. Unfortunately, as with any backcountry skiing, we can’t always exclude (but do our best to avoid) the “in-between stages” of powder and corn: Crud a.k.a breakable crusts!

Medical/Rescue and Trip Cancellation Insurance

We strongly recommend the purchase of a travel insurance package that does cover adventure travel. Common policies sold by travel agents or policies included in your credit card contract tend to exclude “mountaineering”  if you read through the fine print. We recommend an adventure travel policy on our website at http://ontopmountaineering.com/travel-insurance/  which our clients had good experiences with in the past. *NEW: we now recommend including covid-19/pandemic coverage with your insurance policy.

Inclusions

Services included in the total price

• Guiding by two ACMG and/or IFMGA certified mountain or assistant ski guides
• Transport from Calgary (or Banff, Golden or Revelstoke) to the helicopter staging area
• Helicopter transfer in and out of the lodge
• 2 or more helicopter lifts each day to access ski touring terrain
• Lodging in double rooms
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Delicious four- to five-course dinners
• Breakfast buffets, afternoon snacks, picnic lunches
• Use of avalanche safety equipment
• Use of glacier safety equipment.

Not included in the total price

• Additional helicopter lifts for heli-skiing (can possibly be arranged for an additional fee on a day-to-day basis)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Travel/evacuation insurance
• Rental of ski touring equipment (can be added on $)

FAQ

Do I need to sign a Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Agreement (a.ka. liability waiver)?

Yes, you do. Mountaineering, skiing, climbing, hiking, via ferrata and all other wilderness and adventure travel activities are inherently risky with potential for injuries or even death.
It is very important to us that you are aware of those risks before you start the booking process, which includes filling out a booking form and paying a deposit.
With signing the liability waiver, you confirm that you understand the potential risks and hazards, and are willing to accept the risks, which includes giving up legal rights you may have.
This would also be the time to ask questions or address concerns before you book.
For your reference here is a link to our Liability Waiver. Our booking terms & cancellation policy with more details can be found here

Equipment

You need either alpine touring equipment or sturdy telemark gear  – both are available for rental at our base in Canmore. Please call ahead, so we can advise you and set you up with the right equipment. As with all our trips, we will provide you with a detailed equipment list with your booking confirmation.

Can I Do It?

This trip involves strenuous backcountry ski touring both on glaciers and in the trees on alpine touring gear or sturdy telemark equipment.

You must be able to ski safely and in control at all times while wearing a 5-7 kg / 11-15 lb backpack.

You need to be in good physical and mental condition and be ready to be on your feet for about 7 to 8 hours per day. If you are in doubt whether you have the required skills or not, give us a call!