Heli-skiing is when you take a helicopter to access backcountry ski runs that are otherwise very difficult to reach. It is one of the most exhilarating, and unique, ski activities that you can do.
Loading up a helicopter with some of your best friends and heli-skiing at Tyax Lodge is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Our experienced pilots and highly qualified guides take you to some of the best powder runs in the world in a stunning setting.
Heli-skiing may seem like it is only for expert skiers and snowboarders, but actually, if you’re a fit intermediate skier, you can have a blast heli-skiing. If you’re comfortable skiing any in-bound resort run, then you’ve got what it takes to come heli-skiing at Tyax Lodge.
Getting our guests out of the helicopter is one of our main safety concerns here at Tyax Lodge. Our helicopters land safely on the snow and you exit the helicopter under supervision. The helicopter then collects you at the bottom of the run.
When you come heli-skiing at Tyax Lodge, you only need to bring your ski/snowboard boots and whatever else you wear on a cold day of resort skiing. We recommend that everyone brings their helmet too, but it’s not mandatory. We provide you with skis, boards, bindings, and poles.
We also provide all of our guests with Backcountry Access BCA Float 12 backpacks. In the case of an avalanche, these backpacks recognize the impact and discharge airbags that help to float you to the top of the snow, which increases the chances of rescue. We also have training for the use of transceivers, shovels, and probes.
There are fantastic heli-skiing destinations all around the world, including Japan, Georgia and even India. However, ever since heli-skiing was invented in Canada in the 1960s, it has remained the premiere heli-skiing destination in the world.
Tyax Lodge is nestled in between the Coastal Mountains and the South Chilcotin Mountains in the Goldbridge area of British Columbia. We’re 180km north of Whistler and accessible by road throughout the year. Our ski area spreads over 830,000 acres and we have an annual snowfall ranging between 5-25 meters. This part of BC is famous for having a wide variety of terrain, champagne powder and gorgeous sunny days. This area has such incredible conditions that we’ve been heli-skiing here since 1991.
You and your friends can come heli-skiing at Tyax Lodge between December and the end of March, give or take a few weeks depending on conditions. For December and January, you can expect low temperatures and regular storm cycles passing through. This all leads to dry, deep, powder runs all day long.
In February and March, there are generally fewer storms, but the days are sunny and bright. There’s still plenty of powder and the added bonus of some fantastic conditions for photographs. No matter what dates you come heli-skiing at Tyax Lodge our team will ensure that you have a fantastic experience.
We work alongside the Canadian Avalanche Association to analyze weather and snow data to reduce risks and avalanches as much as possible. Based on this analysis we are able to decide on the safest possible areas to go heli-skiing. We are also a member of HeliCat Canada and we adhere to their strict safety standards for the heli-skiing industry.
All of our heli-skiing guides at Tyax Lodge are qualified members of Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) or International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA). With decades of experience between them, they are able to bring you on some unparalleled heli-skiing, while maintaining the highest safety standard throughout.
Our helicopters are flown by pilots from Wildcat Helicopter. Not only are they expert heli-skiing pilots, but they also have experience in fighting forest fires from the air and conducting nature surveys in the Arctic. Our talented team of on-site engineers keeps the heli-skiing helicopters in top condition, ensuring that all facets of safety are comprehensively covered.
Photo Credits: Guy Fattal