Safety & Risk Awareness

The Guides

Our guides have been hand-picked, not only for their guiding skills and certification but also for their enthusiastic and outgoing attitudes. As professionals and qualified members of the ACMG or the UIAGM (the Canadian and International Mountain Guides Associations), they continually balance exciting and challenging skiing with the safety and enjoyment of the entire group.

Gear Checklist

We provide skis, bindings and poles or snowboard, avalanche transceiver and avalanche airbag (see below for more details).  Ski or snowboard boots are not provided;  you must bring your own.  Helmets are not provided; they are not mandatory but always suggested.

Tip:  Consider packing your ski or snowboard boots as a carry-on.

Waiver and Liability

All guests must be made aware of the inherent risks of mountainous areas in winter weather conditions Each participant will be required to sign a copy of the RELEASE OF LIABILITY. WAIVER OF CLAIMS, and ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT before being allowed to ski with Tyax Lodge & Heliskiing. We recommend that you review these documents before confirming your reservation.

Guests will not be able to take part in any portion of any trip with Tyax Lodge & Heliskiing or any partners of Tyax Lodge & Heliskiing without confirmation that the agreement has been acknowledged and accepted.

Snow Stability

Weather conditions and snow stability are constantly monitored in the field and through various forms of data collection in an effort to minimize risk and hazards. Suitable areas are chosen based on these evaluations, however, it is impossible to eliminate a certain element of risk.

Facilitated by the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA), a vast quantity of data is shared amongst backcountry operators and this data is analyzed by our guides every morning and evening in order to minimize risk when operating in the field. In spite of our best efforts, there are risks and hazards associated with heliskiing that you must be aware of and accept.

Helicopters & Pilots

Our guests fly in the comfort and reliability of jet-powered Bell 212 helicopters through our partnership with Wildcat Helicopters. Wildcat has been operating since 1999 and have a carefully selected crew, chosen for their responsible, capable and focused work ethic.

All of our helicopters are maintained on-site by a team of engineers and are kept in impeccable condition.

Safety Equipment & Procedures

All of our guests ski/snowboard with Backcountry Access BCA Float 12 backpacks. These are specifically designed backpacks to help prevent burial in an avalanche while remaining light enough to carry all day. Although the backpacks are used for increased safety, we cannot guarantee they will protect you in every circumstance. Guests will also carry and be trained in the use of Pieps transceivers, as well as shovel and probe techniques.  Please read our Information Sheet about Avalanche Transceivers.

Safety Standards

As a member of the HeliCat Canada association, (which maintains industry standards within backcountry helicopter and cat operators), we are committed to adhering to the strict safety standards set by HeliCat Canada for operating a helicopter skiing area. We review our procedures regularly to ensure we comply with these standards.

Ski Fleet

Snowboards