Frequently Asked Heli Skiing Questions
Planning a heli skiing trip raises many exciting questions, and we're here to help you prepare for the experience of a lifetime. Explore our FAQs to find answers about everything from trip logistics to what makes Tyax Heliskiing truly unique.
If you still have questions, we're more than happy to answer them...just drop us a line.
Single group heliskiing means no waiting and maximum flexibility. In the morning, there is no wait for the helicopter to pick up and drop for the second, third or fourth group. No waits at lunchtime or fuel flights where multiple groups can get backed up. Skiing with a single group means we can access our favourite terrain – near or far – quickly and easily. We have increased flexibility in variable weather as the need to plan ahead for three groups is dissipated. For more details, see why single group heliskiing is better than multiple small groups.
Many heliski operations charge for additional footage above and beyond the vertical metres included in a package. The average cost is $15 per 1,000 metres. If you ski 45,000 metres in a week, you would be paying an additional $700 above your original package price. But with Unlimited Vertical, you pay none of these additional fees when you meet and/or exceed your guaranteed vertical.
Not only do you gain all of the incredible benefits of Unlimited Vertical, but you also have a vertical guarantee should Mother Nature not cooperate. See package pricing for more details.
If you are an advanced intermediate skier or better and confident in off-piste/powder snow conditions, physically fit with a good attitude and a keen sense of adventure, you are definitely a good candidate for a heli skiing trip with Tyax.
Want to be sure? of yourself skiing off-piste, and let our experienced guides evaluate your skill level.
Heli skiing in British Columbia is ski heaven; just imagine light and dry powder, with NO tracks to cross over. Welcome to our world!
No! We’re lucky to sit on the eastern slopes of the Coastal Mountains, where deep snowpacks abound. By the time the storms roll over the high Coastal Mountains, they’ve cooled off, providing us with light dry powder. A rainy day in Whistler usually means lots of snow at our lodge!
While Tyax is widely known for its expansive alpine terrain, our 830,000 acres include a variety of everything including trees. Terrain selection is dependent on weather and snow conditions. Our guides are chosen not only for their safety skills and mountain-savvy, but also their love of skiing.
The number of runs depends on many factors – group ability, snow quality, stability, run length and weather. Typically, on a full day of skiing, we will ski at least 10 runs and have skied as many as 25 runs in one day! Vertical varies from 3,000 metres on a weather day to 13,000 metres on a sunny day with the right snow conditions with an average of 7,000 metres for many years. An average week of skiing averages from 40,000-55,000 metres.
Yes, you do need to sign a waiver. Safety is the number one priority at Tyax Lodge & Heliskiing, and extensive resources are allocated to create and maintain the best risk management program. You will participate in mandatory safety briefings and training before heading into the field to go heliskiing. Our guides and pilots are some of the best in the business and have the highest levels of training and vast experience in the mountains. However, heliskiing does contain inherent risks which exceed the risk of some other forms of recreational skiing and other risks that may be associated with your day to day living; these risks cannot be completely eliminated. You are required to understand and accept these risks before you can ski with us, and we do require this consent in writing. We must receive a complete and witnessed waiver with your full contact details and signature.
Prior to heliskiing, all participants will be required to sign a “Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement”. Learn more at our Forms page.
Yes, there is complimentary WiFi throughout the lodge. We do ask that guests be mindful of downloading and streaming as the bandwidth is limited, but you will have full access to the internet.
No, there is no cellular service at Tyax Lodge & Heliskiing. As the lodge is in a true wilderness environment, cell coverage is unavailable. Having said that, if your phone has W-Fi Calling, you can make/receive calls.
It is highly recommended that all guests purchase additional insurance coverage for their trip. The following insurance coverage is highly recommended; trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption insurance, medical insurance and evacuation insurance. Please contact Acera Insurance for more information.
Tipping in Canada and in the heliski industry can seem complicated, especially if you’re visiting from a place where tipping is not the norm. To provide our guests with honest guidelines, we have compiled a breakdown of what to expect while you are at the lodge, provided that we meet and exceed your expectations.
While most amenities are included in your package, items such as alcohol, massage treatments, and service are not included.
There are many team members working in front and behind the scenes to ensure an unforgettable stay. To ensure excellent service to you as our valued guest, there is an automated base gratuity added to your daily dining experience on your beverage bill. You are able to leave a gratuity at the end of your trip to the ‘house’, which will be distributed among all lodge based team members. If you would like to recognize a specific employee, we will ensure that your specified gratuity is directed exactly as specified by you.
Our guides and pilots work very hard to get you to the best snow and terrain possible with the highest safety standards. They always appreciate being recognized for their efforts. At your discretion and as a guideline, our heliski guests generally contribute $50-180 per day to our heli team.