Aug

Heli-skiing in British Columbia

Neil Skilton Category

ash

heli skiing, heli-ski British Columbia, off piste, ski, Skiing, Skiing Holidays

The day you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. It’s a crisp morning heli-skiing in British Columbia, and the fresh mountain air fills your lungs as you head outside to admire the spectacular scenery. A hearty and delicious breakfast is devoured and will provide necessary fuel for the day ahead.

Route up. Image: Flickr/lucelu

Morning briefings on the weather, snow conditions and departure times are relayed by the lead guide to the small group of enthusiastic, yet slightly nervous people, among who you stand. You feel excited, yet there has been a knot in your stomach since you awoke. Avalanche beacons are tested and everyone gets a good opportunity to perform several practice searches.

Outside, by the helicopter, you’re introduced to your pilot and given a review on helicopter safety procedures. Then it’s into the chopper and before you know it the ground is disappearing. Nervous, excited exchanges of glances between your co-passengers intermit with views you’ve only ever seen out of ski movies.

This is the largest, single heli-skiing area on the planet, with more than 9,500 square kilometers, and it is all at your disposal. By now the adrenaline is kicking in and you hardly even notice the cramped conditions in the helicopter, shoulder to shoulder and legs intertwined. At the arrival on the summit, the tension breaks and everyone shares a moment taking in the stunning vista.

A final safety briefing is held then you’re off! Before you know it, you’re carving out wide, deep turns in powder drier than you had ever thought possible. All around is silence save the rhythmic ‘whoosh’ of pristine snow spraying out and evaporating away.

Route down. Image: Flickr/lucelu

The butterflies have disappeared and you are left with that magical floating sensation that only a skier or boarder can describe. All too soon you’ve arrived at the safety point to hoots from your friends, and you wonder how you’ve been left so out of breath. Your heart is pounding a hundred beats per minute as you declare, “That was the best run of my life!”

Back into the helicopter and this time it’s grins all around. Although the din of the blades drowns out any chance of realistic conversation you all know what each other is thinking. Heli-skiing in British Columbia changes your perspective of the mountains, and you soon start to pick out and fantasize about your next lines. More epic runs fill the day, and by the end your legs are glad for that pre-season workout you gave them. The statement “That was the best run of my life” has been echoed all day, and finally, on returning to the lodge for après drinks and exceptional food, a correction is made. “That was the best day of my life!” Only maybe, that is, until tomorrow!

About the author

Neil Skilton wrote 7 articles on this blog.

"Snowboarding is just the tip of the iceberg of my passion for adventure sports and travel. Beneath also lies a love of rock climbing, surfing and mountain biking. Cooking, eating, reading and writing take up the rest of my time!"