British Columbia is becoming heralded as the world's number one skiing destination. Consistent heavy snowfalls and a variety of mountain ranges provide the province with the best attributes for any skier. In addition to the numerous ski resorts that litter BC, you will also find the ultimate skiing and snowboarding experience - HELISKIING.

Even within this niche category, there are differences. Daily heliskiing operations offer the 'first timer' an introduction to the thrill of skiing virgin powder. Remote destination lodges offer multiple day packages and are considered to be the 'crème de la crème' by powder hounds from around the planet. 

From the Pacific coast of Canada, 800 miles across to the Rockies you will find a number of ranges each offering their individual climate.  In general, the Coast Mountains in the west provide a moist and milder climate, conducive to very heavy snowfalls and sometimes rain in winter. As warm and moist air masses travel east from the Pacific over the glaciated areas of the Coast Range and into the South Chilcotin range, the air is cooled and the snow becomes light and fluffy. Moving east, temperatures drop and the Monashees, Purcells and Selkirks offer probably the best tree skiing in the world.

Are you thinking of trying heliskiing for the first time?  Perhaps you are simply returning for your annual pilgrimage to BC's awesome peaks? We suggest that you contact the heliski operator directly and find out what they have to offer.  If you are a first time heli-skier / heli-snowboarder and are looking for a unique trip, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains recommends the following options:

1.  Take a trip to Whistler and then try a day of heliskiing from one of the Whistler based operations.
2.  Take a trip to Whistler for 3 or 4 days and then 3 or 4 days in a remote lodge.

If you are a seasoned heliskier:

1.  Warm up for a couple of days in Whistler, recover from your jetlag if you are coming from afar and then indulge yourself with either 7 days of heliskiing from a remote lodge or
2.  Investigate the ultimate luxuries of Private Helicopter Skiing from one of the remote lodges.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

- How many groups per helicopter
- Type of Lodging
- How much vertical footage guaranteed
- Extra vertical charges
- Availability - many operations become booked very quickly and space is limited.  Be prepared to book up to 12 months in advance for the popular weeks.