Heli-Skiing & Snowboarding in Whistler

Endless backcountry alpine experience with zero lift lines: heli-skiing is the ultimate ski or snowboard experience
All tours include transportation to and from the Whistler base, lunch, avalanche safety equipment and experienced guides to take you on your adventure
Advanced and expert skiers and boarders welcome. Being physically fit is key to enjoying your day
Multiple day heli-ski packages are also available

2023/24 Heli-Skiing Tours

Whistler Heli Skiing tours can only be booked online 3+ days in advance. To book your heli-skiing tour within 3 days, please call 1.800.944.7853.

Tour	Description	Regular Season
3 Runs	Designed for ski fit, strong intermediate to advancers skiers and snowboarders. Must be skiing/riding blue and black runs and have attempted skiing the bowls on a powder day with reasonable success.	Starting from $1,520 per person
4 Runs	Designed for ski fit, advanced to expert skiers and snowboarders that are comfortable in powder but want to move at a moderate pace.	Starting from $1,660 per person
6 Runs	Designed for technically strong, experienced and physically fit skiers and snowboarders that are powder experts looking for a faster pace and lots of vertical.	Starting from $1,998 per person
Heli Assisted Ski Touring Full Day	Bouncing out of Squamish or Whistler into the untracked backcountry goods. Ski tour for a full day and return back to the valley with an afternoon pick up. Up to 4 skiers per group.	Starting from $2,850 per group
Semi Private Heli-Skiing	Two groups up to four guests and one guide per helicopter. Designed for ski fit, advanced to expert skiers and snowboarders.	Starting from $8,100 per group
Private Heli Skiing	The most exclusive trip, a group of 4 and a private A-star helicopter in 247,000 acres of terrain. Designed for ski fit, advanced to expert skiers and snowboarders that are comfortable in powder and want to ski together as their own group.	Starting from $12,550 per group

Choosing your ability level

Choose your ability level while taking into consideration your skills, ski fitness, number of recent skiing/riding days, the terrain and the pace of the day for each package. Blue/black runs refer to run classifications at Whistler Blackcomb which may be more advanced than your local ski area

Advanced: You are ski fit and have been skiing/boarding for years. You routinely ski/board black runs. You enjoy and seek out powder snow
Expert: You are both ski fit and can ski long, off-piste pitches without stopping and rarely fall. You have plenty of powder experience

Why should I go heli-skiing or boarding in Whistler?

Whistler is the perfect place to experience heli-skiing or heli-snowboarding. Featuring ultimate vertical, sky high views, a thrilling helicopter ride and the most adventure you can pack into a day, a heli-skiing or boarding tour will be the highlight of your trip. 90% of heli-skiing in the world happens in British Columbia and the heli-skiing area around Whistler is more than 50 times the size of the Whistler Blackcomb ski area. The extent of the terrain means there is variety and fantastic conditions for all weather and snow types.

In Whistler, you can also enjoy the convenience of staying in-resort while accessing the wilderness. Choose from a wide variety of accommodation, and enjoy the dining, shopping and other winter activities on offer.

How good of a skier or snowboarder do I have be to go?

We recommend that you be of advanced or better ability and ski fit. If you over estimate your ability it will affect the pace of the day, terrain selection, and other guests’ enjoyment. Logistically it is very difficult for us to remove you from the field, have you sit out a run, or move you to a different group, so an honest analysis beforehand is critical.

Do you have to jump out of the helicopter?

Definitely not! The helicopter lands at the tops of the heli-ski runs to allow all skiers to exit the helicopter. The guides will then unload the skis, poles, and snowboards.

When is the best time to go heli-skiing in Whistler?

The most popular months to heli-ski in Whistler are February and March. Snow and weather conditions are generally most reliable at this time of year. December and January often see frequent snowstorms so the heli-skiing can be outstanding. March and April see longer days and amazing spring skiing.

What kind of terrain do you heli-ski on?

This is weather dependent. On clear days you can expect to ski on the many glaciers in the area. If the weather does not allow us to get to the glaciers, you can expect to ski in the sub-alpine tree runs. The guides will select terrain suitable for each group's abilities, but always consider snow, weather, and avalanche conditions.

Is it possible to rent powder skis or snowboards?

Your heli-ski day will be a lot more fun with the right ski and snowboard equipment. Powder skis and powder snowboards are available for rent from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM the evening prior to your ski day. Please bring your own ski poles and ski or snowboard boots.

What should I wear and bring?

We recommend that you wear what you would normally skiing or snowboarding. Synthetic and wool layers are good options. Goggles and a warm hat or helmet are mandatory. Sunglasses (with retention straps) are best kept for springtime use.

How old do you have to be to go heli-skiing?

Whistler Heli-Skiing does allow minors to go heli-skiing provided they are 14 years old or older and they are an advanced level skier or snowboarder. If they are under 16 years old then they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Below are questions you should ask yourself before booking a Heli Skiing Experience

Are you the type of skier who can stay in balance when off groomed runs, in soft snow, variable snow conditions but certainly not smooth?
Is your fitness where it should be for backcountry skiing, especially if there are limitations in your skiing ability that will require more effort?
Are you in the right package or will you hold others back?
Are your skis ideal for heli-skiing, especially if you’re not an expert? Most guides have 115cm underfoot
Are you the type of snowboarder that can traverse and carry momentum across flat ground in soft snow without getting stuck?
Do you have the right equipment? Is your snowboard rockered and long enough or might the nose get buried in soft snow continually because it’s a ski hill board?
Can you easily link turns on a snowboard or do you end up side-slipping a lot?
Can you be challenged by variable terrain given weather considerations (steeper rolls, some tree skiing etc)?
Will you be able to complete all the runs in your package or will you have to abort the day impacting the value of your purchase and logistics for the entire program?

Tips

Book your heli-skiing for your second ski day. This gives you the first day to warm up your legs and is early enough in your trip in case your heli-skiing day needs to be rebooked because of a inclement weather.
Your heli-ski day will be a lot more fun with the right ski equipment. The heli-ski rental shops have powder skis for intermediate to expert skiers. Please bring your own ski poles and ski boots, which can easily be fitted to the rental skis. Rental rates from $50 per day.
Packages can be completely customizable, different lodging options and heli-skiing packages are available. Call 1.800.944.7853 for more details

Whistler Heli Ski Area Map

The Whistler heli-ski area is made up of several zones and is approximately 50 miles north/south by 30 miles east/west (80km by 50km). Experience skiing or riding in an area that is 50 times the size of the Whistler Blackcomb ski area!