Heli-Skiing

Heli-skiing departs from Panorama, BC. 

We recommend that you check https://drivebc.ca/ as this page provides information on current driving conditions and possible avalanche control work along your route.

We run on Mountain Standard Time. This is the same time as Alberta. Please note that this is not the same time as Revelstoke and the majority of British Columbia. 

Tour includes the use of Armada Powder Skis/Poles or Burton Fish Snowboard; A hearty, hot breakfast & packed picnic lunch in the field and après snack; ACMG Guide service; Mammut Pulse Avalanche Transceiver, guest pack with avalanche probe/shovel/radio.

Clothing should be layered for sub-zero temperatures. Don’t forget to bring goggles, hat, ski gloves and ski/snowboard boots. Please note that heated gloves are not permitted as they interfere with the avalanche transceivers. For sunny days, sunglasses and skin protection are certainly recommended. Helmets are not provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. Any extra items can be left securely at the lodge while you are out skiing, and valuables can be placed in the safe.

Guests are welcome to bring their own skies and snowboards, or to borrow the powder skies and snowboards free of charge. Skiing guests are with poles that have powder baskets. It’s strongly recommend that first time heli-skiers use the provided Powder Skis or Burton Powder Snowboards. If you choose to bring your own, your guide will assess them to ensure that it is suitable for the conditions.

Shuttle transportation from Banff is available for an additional $170 per person on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. A minimum of 5 people are required for the transportation to run. 

If you are confident on black runs, are in good physical shape but are unfamiliar with powder then the answer is yes with the advancement of customized powder skis and snowboards. Please note that you must safely be able to get down a black diamond run. 

The definitions for each are as follows:

• Intermediate Skiers / First Time Heli-skiers: You are reasonably fit and ski black runs (steep red runs in Europe) with confidence and without hesitation. You may have limited off piste (ungroomed) powder or tree skiing experience. You must safely be able to get down a black diamond run.
• Intermediate Snowboarders / First Time Heli-boarders: You can snowboard on black runs consistently linking turns without hesitation and have confidence at high speeds. You are capable of riding in an existing straight track through lower angle terrain. Limited powder experience. Good physical shape.
• Advanced Heli-skiers: You are physically fit and have off piste powder and tree skiing experience. You can ski most types of terrain and descend black diamond runs comfortably.
• Advanced Heli-boarders: You can ride blue runs with confidence and enjoy the challenge of black runs. Able to traverse in a single track through flat terrain. Some powder experience and in great physical shape.
• Expert Heli-skiers: You are in top physical shape and have experience skiing off piste in powder and can ski all types of downhill ski runs including trees, moguls and steep pitches with confidence.
• Expert Heli-boarders: You can confidently ride all mountain terrain. Many seasons of powder experience. Excellent physical shape.

This varies dependent on the snow conditions, terrain and the groups' ability level. Our skiing is sold by the run. The glacier runs are longer than tree runs. Runs will average 800 vertical metres. 

You'll be provided by a hearty lunch consisting of sandwiches, chocolate bars, cookies, fruit, juice and hot tea. A lunch spot with mountain vistas is chosen each day at the base of one of the runs. Special dietary requirements can be met when we have prior notice.

No. Each guest will be provided with a small backpack containing top of the line rescue equipment.

Yes, all wilderness activities in British Columbia require participants to sign a release of liability waiver form prior to taking part in the activity. A parent or guardian must complete a liability release for persons under 19 years of age in advance of the tour date. 

Heliski package deposits/payments are non-refundable in whole or in part once pre-payment has been made. If you choose to stop skiing during your heliski day prior to completing your package, no refund will be issued for the un-skied runs. In the event you have not purchased trip cancellation insurance and you are unable to ski on your confirmed date, Banff Adventures Unlimited will not be held responsible for refunding any portion of your payment. If we have to cancel due to poor and un-safe weather conditions, we will offer to reschedule or you will be entitled to a full refund.

Please note that the transportation component of a reservation cannot be refunded.