Whistler (BC), Canada – Sometimes you just want it all. And that includes an opportunity to carve some tracks not just via chairlift, but by snowcat or even helicopter — all right from the resort. With guided expertise, of course.
There are numerous locations in British Columbia where you can combine both, or even all three. To start, you’ve got a lot of ground to cover with Whistler Heli-Skiing, an outdoor adventure crew whose exclusive tenure encompasses 174,824 hectares (432,000 acres) of classic, big-mountain terrain. Check in at the base of Whistler Mountain, and choose from three-, four- and six-run packages, each offering an opportunity to flex your powder muscles.
www.whistlerheliskiing.com
Family-friendly Silver Star Mountain Resort, near Vernon, beckons skiers, boarders and Nordic fans alike, but those eager for a high-flying rush have options too, thanks to Kingfisher Heliskiing. Here, the Keefer Lake Wilderness Resort tenure in the Monashee Mountains transfix with 47,348 hectares (117,000 acres) of awe-inspiring alpine and excellent tree skiing. Pick up and drop off is on-mountain, and Day Skiing Packages available in December and January with B.C.’s newest small-group heli-ski operator promises all the powder-packed bells and whistles.
www.kingfisherheliskiing.com
The sky’s the limit at Revelstoke Mountain Resort — the only resort in the world to offer lift, cat- and heli-skiing from one village base. Here, one- to seven-day excursions through 202,342 hectares (500,000 acres) of light, dry powder is a guaranteed adrenalin rush with Selkirk Tangiers Helicopter Skiing, while Revelstoke Catskiing showcases fabulous alpine bowls and naturally gladed slopes favoured by backcountry enthusiasts. Decisions, decisions.
www.selkirk-tangiers.com
www.revelstokemountainresort.
Ideally situated at Panorama Mountain Village, near Invermere, RK Heliski takes advantage of its prime location to customize one heli of an adventure just beyond the resort’s family friendly slopes. Departing from the village, enthusiasts can hit the heights to explore 1,500 square kilometers (579 square miles) of deep powder in the Purcell Mountains. Option: sign on for daily runs or book your own fresh-powder private tour.
www.rkheliski.com
For backcountry fans, Big Red Cats, at Red Mountain Resort in Rossland, is a big deal. Among the largest cat-skiing operations on the planet, these pros promise equal-opportunity traction for intermediate, advanced and expert levels, with specialized trips that delve into the deep powder that spans 7,689 hectares (19,000 acres) along eight peaks. Time spent in the trees that’s sure to prove a leg-burning good time.
www.bigredcatskiing.com.