Heli skiing has been on our bucket list since we started skiing and after watching too many ski videos it was too hard to resist. After a bit of research and some recommendations we decided to go with Eagle pass Heli ski based in Revelstoke, BC, Canada. Consider this a beginners guide!
Eaglepass were different to the other operations in the size of group; 4 skiers and one mountain guide. We had spoken with lots of people about which operation to go with and they came highly recommended. People in our Revelstoke guesthouse had gone with another company and complained that the big groups (10 +guide) had meant they felt like they were waiting all day, they had actually had a couple where the husband had paid for the wife to go with him and she had ended up sacking it after two runs, an expensive date!
From start to finish they were incredibly professional in everything they did and made us feel at ease and confident at every step of the way. Our first day we booked was cancelled due to freezing fog (only the second of the season). Eaglepass offered a refund or for another day to be booked, we went with the latter. We felt sorry for those that wouldn't get another opportunity but thats the chance you take I guess.
Eaglepass were different to the other operations in the size of group; 4 skiers and one mountain guide. We had spoken with lots of people about which operation to go with and they came highly recommended. People in our Revelstoke guesthouse had gone with another company and complained that the big groups (10 +guide) had meant they felt like they were waiting all day, they had actually had a couple where the husband had paid for the wife to go with him and she had ended up sacking it after two runs, an expensive date!
From start to finish they were incredibly professional in everything they did and made us feel at ease and confident at every step of the way. Our first day we booked was cancelled due to freezing fog (only the second of the season). Eaglepass offered a refund or for another day to be booked, we went with the latter. We felt sorry for those that wouldn't get another opportunity but thats the chance you take I guess.
Heliski lifts
It is worth it just to fly about in a helicopter all day. I had never been in one before and it was brilliant. Truthfully a wee bit unnerving at first when you are dropped off and the snow is blowing in your face. Also when it lands when coming to pick you up but you sort of get used to it. You are supposed to keep looking at it so it doesn't land on you, the pilot was incredible and lands 6" from your legs.
Heliski Snow
The snow was totally unreal. Deep and fluffy. There had been 30cm overnight so it was fresh. Worth paying the money to ski untouched slopes of snow like that alone.
Heliski Best Runs
There are named runs amongst the thousands of acres of hills in Eagle pass’s tenure but the only one I remember was called “unbelievable” but in all honesty though they could all have been called that! We ended up having 9 runs through the day, each better than the last. So good it makes everything else seem average.
It is worth it just to fly about in a helicopter all day. I had never been in one before and it was brilliant. Truthfully a wee bit unnerving at first when you are dropped off and the snow is blowing in your face. Also when it lands when coming to pick you up but you sort of get used to it. You are supposed to keep looking at it so it doesn't land on you, the pilot was incredible and lands 6" from your legs.
Heliski Snow
The snow was totally unreal. Deep and fluffy. There had been 30cm overnight so it was fresh. Worth paying the money to ski untouched slopes of snow like that alone.
Heliski Best Runs
There are named runs amongst the thousands of acres of hills in Eagle pass’s tenure but the only one I remember was called “unbelievable” but in all honesty though they could all have been called that! We ended up having 9 runs through the day, each better than the last. So good it makes everything else seem average.
Heliski Equipment
Eaglespass provided us with an ABS avalanche backpack, shovel, probe and walkie talkie. Prior to going anywhere you have an hour safety talk;
Heliski Cost
The cost is extortionate, but (probably) worth it when its most likely a one off. We paid £700 each to go for the day and ended up having 9 runs in all. That includes pick up, ski rental (if you need powder skis), training, 6 runs guaranteed, lunch and beers afterwards. An incredibly memorable day.
Eaglespass provided us with an ABS avalanche backpack, shovel, probe and walkie talkie. Prior to going anywhere you have an hour safety talk;
- How to use your backpack (remember to disengage it before throwing it back into the helicopter basket)
- Carry your skis so you don't hit the blades (drag them low)
- Using your probe
- Use the shovel properly
- Use the walkie talkie (put it on the right channel!)
- How to get into the helicopter and not touch expensive bits you shouldn't
- Where to leave your skis when being picked up
Heliski Cost
The cost is extortionate, but (probably) worth it when its most likely a one off. We paid £700 each to go for the day and ended up having 9 runs in all. That includes pick up, ski rental (if you need powder skis), training, 6 runs guaranteed, lunch and beers afterwards. An incredibly memorable day.
Heliski Overall
A simply incredible day! From learning how to use the safety equipment (probe, transceiver and air back pack), the flights and the actual skiing, everything about it was brilliant. One of the most memorable things we’ve ever done. If you get the chance to, do it!
To book some heli- Eaglepass Heliskiing
A simply incredible day! From learning how to use the safety equipment (probe, transceiver and air back pack), the flights and the actual skiing, everything about it was brilliant. One of the most memorable things we’ve ever done. If you get the chance to, do it!
To book some heli- Eaglepass Heliskiing