terrain selection

There are many variables that are considered when choosing where we ski for the day. Safety is always the number one priority and considerations such as fog, wind, snow stability, solar radiation, group abilities, and conditions for flying are all factors that are part of the terrain selection decision making process.

Our wide variety of terrain allows us most of the time to find areas that accommodate these ever changing variables.

Our guides and pilots are always communicating their observations in order to choose the best ski area. Observations through snow pit data, weather stations, communications with other ski areas and operators and field observations provide important information for consideration.

When the weather cooperates we can access our high alpine terrain and can offer ski runs of over 4,000 feet in vertical length. When we are unable to access the high alpine we have amazing sub-alpine and tree skiing to calm the powder itch. Under these conditions we can access ski runs of 1,500 to 2,500 feet in vertical length, a lot of the time offering some of the best powder snow conditions.

We are sometimes asked about steep and deep. Heliskiing is not about extreme, our primary goal is to find the best powder and ski/board conditions for our guests.  When conditions allow, we can ski more aggressively when a group is up to the challenge.  It is very difficult to forecast these conditions in advance.

One of the benefits of small group heliskiing is the ability to group skiers/boarders according to ability or request.  We try to group intermediate skiers/boarders or those looking for a more relaxed pace together and group the advanced/expert skiers/boarders or those looking for a faster pace together.

This provides for more skiing and less waiting, and allows us to best provide for the experience our guests are looking for.

Our ski terrain ranges in altitude from 4000 feet to about 9000 feet above sea level mostly in the alpine, as this generally guarantees the best ski and snow conditions around.

Our heli-ski area allows us access to over 200,000 acres of terrain. This provides hundreds of runs in our inventory and always ensures fresh tracks!!