As the pinnacle of off-piste skiing, Whistler Heli-Skiing offers the opportunity to carve pristine, untouched powder that's inaccessible by a lift. But before you book your flight, it’s important to determine if you’re prepared for heli-skiing.
Let's explore the level of experience and preparations required for Whistler Heli-Skiing and what opportunities exist for those new to heli-skiing.
Level of Experience
To fully enjoy Whistler Heli-Skiing, participants should bring an adventurous attitude and be open to trying alpine bowls in the right conditions. While you don’t need to be a professional, a strong intermediate skill level is recommended.
This includes the ability to keep control and composure in challenging conditions such as deep powder, varying snow conditions, and the occasional tree.
Check out our Ability Rating Guide to decide your skill level. There are various levels within this category and it's important to select the correct heli-skiing package for your abilities.
Preparations and Fitness
Prior to embarking on a Whistler Heli-Skiing adventure, it's important to ensure that you are physically prepared for the demands of the backcountry. Skiing or boarding in untracked terrain and potentially deep snow can be physically demanding, requiring strong, stable legs and good cardiovascular fitness.
Preparing through regular physical activity, such as skiing, snowboarding, or other forms of strength training and cardio exercise, can help to ensure that you are ready to take on whatever the mountains have in store.
Package Options for Different Experience Levels
When considering Whistler Heli-Skiing, it's important to select a package that aligns with your skiing or snowboarding abilities. Whistler offers a range of heli-skiing packages tailored to different experience levels, from intermediate to expert.
We offer various heli-ski and snowboard day-trip packages to suit your needs, utilizing both four and ten passenger helicopters. Check out our packages here.
Can Beginners Go Heli-Skiing?
While Whistler Heli-Skiing is best suited for strong intermediate and advanced skiers or snowboarders, beginners eager for adventure have other thrilling options. Whistler’s unique Dawn Patrol program caters to each participant's ability level, offering beginners an exceptional on-mountain experience with a professional guide.
The Dawn Patrol Program offers guided ski or snowboard tours at the resort before it opens to the public. Participants gain access to hidden spots, enjoying a local’s perspective while building skills and confidence. It’s the perfect way to beat the crowds on a powder day and progress your abilities—quite literally.
Whatever adventure you seek, it's important to assess your skiing abilities, preparations, fitness level, and experience to ensure your best ski day ever.
