You've been daydreaming about it. You've always had it on your bucket list. And now you're gearing up for the ultimate ski adventure—Whistler Heli-Skiing. This is your guide to taking your skiing sky-high.
First things first—What is Heli-Skiing?
Whistler Heli-Skiing offers a peak backcountry skiing experience, granting you exclusive access to untouched powder and thrilling terrain that can only be reached by helicopter. Depending on weather and snow conditions, we will select a zone in the diverse coastal tenure of Whistler Heli-Skiing. Once the helicopter lands, following your guide, you ski or ride down to enjoy the thrill of pristine areas that conventional lifts cannot reach.
Are You Ready to Go Heli-Skiing?
You don’t need to be a professional or even an expert, but it’s recommended that you have at least a strong intermediate skill level. You should also be “ski fit,” and have the necessary strength and endurance to ski effectively and safely. Whistler Heli-Skiing caters to various skill levels and preferences, offering a range of packages, ensuring a personalized experience for every guest.
Why Choose Heli-Skiing at Whistler Heli-Skiing?
Whistler Heli-Skiing has exclusive access to an expansive 432,000 acres of tenure (a mind-blowing 50 times the size of Whistler Blackcomb itself). With 176 high alpine glaciers, playful treeline terrain, and views for miles, our guides choose runs curated specifically for you and your goals. And with heli-skiing in Canada, you can expect plenty of snow—lots of it.
Everything to Know Before You Go
Heli-skiing is a big adventure, so there are a lot of questions to cover, visit our FAQs for even more information.
- Be physically prepared: Before heli-skiing, it's essential to have at least a strong intermediate skiing ability, be in good physical condition, and warm up on the resort slopes at Whistler Blackcomb if you haven't skied in a while. If you aren’t quite sure if you’re ready, we recommend exploring Dawn Patrol—a guided, First Tracks experience on Whistler Blackcomb with lift-line priority. It's a great opportunity to connect with your guide, receive personalized tips, gauge your skill level, and build confidence for your heli-skiing adventure. Take your time exploring exclusive access to hidden powder stashes and hard-to-find spots only locals know about.
- Gear up for success: We highly recommend ski and snowboard rentals specifically tailored for heli-ski conditions. Our rental techs, who double as your guides, can set you up with the right tools for the job. Be sure to bring your own ski poles and ski or snowboard boots, so we can fit them to your powder skis or board.
- Layer up: Your ski attire should be similar to what you would wear for a day at Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort. The layer system is best but avoid the temptation to over-dress as you’ll be working up a sweat.
- Safety first, always: Our guides prioritize safety through stringent procedures and advanced technology for weather and avalanche monitoring, ensuring guests are in secure hands. All skiers and boarders will be provided with an avalanche transceiver and a small backpack that includes a shovel and probe. Watch our safety video here.
- Follow guide instructions: Listen carefully to your highly skilled and certified guides to ensure your safety while taking you through the best slopes and terrain for your skill level. Trust their knowledge, experience, and commitment to provide you with the best adventure possible.
- Go with the flow: The route choice for the day depends on factors like weather, snow conditions, and the group's skill level. While it's great to have preferences, always keep in mind that Mother Nature is the boss.
- Leave only tracks: Remember to respect the environment. Make sure to leave only tracks on the mountain. As part of Vail Resorts' "Commitment to Zero," which aims for zero waste to landfills by 2030, guests are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottle.
- Embrace the adventure: Most importantly, enjoy the ride! Whistler Heli-Skiing offers a unique opportunity to explore vast and pristine alpine landscapes; soak in every moment.
If you’re ready to discover the unknown and make it your own, we’re here to show you the way. Now, we suggest you explore what a typical day will look like (spoiler: this will not be a typical day of skiing or riding).
We can’t wait to show you the powder possibilities—the sky’s the limit, literally.
