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First-Time Heliskiing: Tips and Tricks for Beginners
For beginners, heliskiing offers a chance to experience the mountains in a way that is impossible at a traditional ski resort. Unlike the busy chairlifts and groomed trails of typical ski areas, heliskiing takes you to areas that are accessible only by helicopter, providing both solitude and a thrilling sense of adventure. With personalized attention from expert guides, you’ll be able to enjoy this unique experience without the stress of navigating the backcountry on your own.
Before you take flight and descend into the untouched powder of the backcountry, there are a few key preparations to make sure you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime. From physical fitness to packing the right gear, these steps will help ensure your experience is safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
Your First Heliskiing Adventure
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know for your first-time heliskiing trip, with useful tips and tricks to help you feel confident and excited for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Physical Fitness
Heliskiing is a physically demanding activity that requires stamina, strength, and agility. While you don’t need to be a professional athlete, being in good physical condition will make your experience much more enjoyable and safer. The better your fitness level, the more you’ll be able to keep up with the physical challenges of navigating deep snow and skiing for multiple runs.
Focus on these areas as part of your training:
Cardio: Skiing involves a lot of energy expenditure, so having good cardiovascular fitness will help you last longer on the mountain. Try activities like running, cycling, or hiking to build your endurance.
Core Strength: A strong core is key to balance and control when skiing, especially in deep powder. Incorporate exercises like planks, Russian twists, and leg raises into your workout routine.
Leg Workouts: Skiing engages your quads, hamstrings, and calves, so strengthening your legs with squats, lunges, and calf raises will help you maintain energy throughout the day.
Skiing Skills
While heliskiing is an adventure that welcomes beginners, having a certain level of skiing skill is important. You should be comfortable on blue runs (intermediate) at a ski resort, with good control over your turns and speed. Keep in mind that skiing on powder is different from resort skiing—it requires a bit more skill and a different technique.
If you’re new to powder skiing, practice on your local slopes or even take a few lessons to get used to the different dynamics.
Adjusting to Powder
For many first-timers, the biggest challenge of heliskiing is adjusting to the deep, light powder snow. Unlike groomed resort slopes, powder skiing requires a slightly different technique. Here are a few tips to help you find your balance in the deep snow:
Stay centered: Keep your weight centered over your skis, with your hips forward and your knees slightly bent. This helps you maintain control and avoid sinking too deep into the snow.
Use a wider stance: Powder skiing demands more stability, so widen your stance slightly to give your skis better flotation. Don’t be afraid to use a gentle, more deliberate turn to navigate the snow.
Don’t rush: Take your time to find your rhythm and adjust to the different feeling of powder skiing. It’s okay to slow down and focus on technique—this is all part of the learning process.
Remember, the more you practice, the better you’ll get. Soon enough, you’ll feel more comfortable and even start enjoying the feeling of floating through the snow.
Mindset Matters
Heliskiing is an adventure, and maintaining the right mindset is crucial. While it’s natural to feel nervous or excited, try to stay calm and focused on the moment. Take each run one step at a time, and don’t worry if it takes a little while to get the hang of it. The experience is about more than just skiing; it’s about enjoying the stunning landscapes, the thrill of the helicopter ride, and the camaraderie with your fellow adventurers.
Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Every turn you make is a victory, and by staying positive, you’ll build your confidence and be ready for even more challenging runs.
Safety First
Safety is paramount in heliskiing, and it’s especially important for beginners. While the thrill of the mountains can be overwhelming, taking the necessary precautions ensures that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.
Trust Your Guide
The guides at Great Bear Heliskiing are experienced professionals who know the terrain and conditions inside and out. Their job is to ensure your safety while making sure you have a fantastic time on the mountain. Trusting their guidance is key to having a positive experience, especially as a beginner.
Your guide will set the pace for the group, and it’s important to follow their instructions at all times. Whether it’s adjusting your speed, making a specific turn, or staying within a designated area, following their guidance ensures that you and your group remain safe. If you’re ever unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask your guide for tips or clarification.
Additionally, always stay within the group. The beauty of heliskiing with a guide is that you’re part of a small, controlled group, which ensures that everyone stays safe and has the support they need in the backcountry.
Avalanche Awareness
One of the biggest differences between heliskiing and resort skiing is the exposure to avalanche terrain. At Great Bear Heliskiing, you’ll be provided with essential avalanche safety equipment (beacon, probe, and shovel) and trained in how to use it. It’s vital to pay attention during this training, as these tools are crucial in the event of an emergency.
Even though your guides will take every precaution to avoid dangerous areas, understanding avalanche safety is an important part of the experience. Always check your gear before each run, and make sure you know how to use the avalanche transceiver (beacon) and other safety equipment.
Stay Hydrated
Heliskiing is physically demanding, and it’s easy to forget about hydration or rest when you're caught up in the excitement. Be sure to drink plenty of water and take breaks when needed. Your body will thank you for it, and it will ensure that you can keep skiing with energy and focus throughout the day.
If you start to feel fatigued or unwell, let your guide know. It’s important to listen to your body and take breaks when necessary. Remember, this adventure is about enjoying the experience, not pushing yourself too hard.
The Great Bear Experience
While the heliskiing itself is the highlight of the adventure, the experience at Great Bear Heliskiing goes far beyond just skiing down pristine slopes. The lodge and surrounding environment are an integral part of the experience, offering relaxation, camaraderie, and luxury after a thrilling day in the mountains.
The Lodge
After a day on the slopes, you’ll return to the cozy and welcoming lodge, which is designed to offer the perfect mix of comfort and alpine charm. The lodge is the heart of the Great Bear Heliskiing experience, where you can unwind with fellow adventurers and share stories of your day’s runs. The atmosphere is casual, yet luxurious, with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
Gourmet Dining and Après-Ski
Great Bear Heliskiing’s team ensures you’re well-fed throughout your stay. After your adventure-filled day, relax with a gourmet meal crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy hearty dinners that fuel your body after an active day on the mountain, while indulging in fine wines and great conversation. For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, the après-ski vibe in the lodge offers a chance to savor delicious drinks in front of a roaring fire.
Scenic Helicopter Rides
The helicopter ride to and from your skiing destination is just as exciting as the skiing itself. Soar over towering peaks, glaciers, and snow-covered valleys as you take in some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the world. Each flight offers a unique perspective of British Columbia’s rugged landscape, making every trip in the helicopter a memory in itself.
Our Reputation
The Robb Report has recognized Great Bear Heli-Skiing in British Columbia as the ultimate destination for an unforgettable ski adventure—even for first-timers in the backcountry. Nestled in the Central Coast Mountains, our exclusive lodge welcomes just 12 guests at a time, providing personalized guidance, gourmet dining, and access to 2,400 square miles of untouched powder. With expert staff and two A-Star B3 helicopters, we make your first heli-skiing experience seamless, safe, and unforgettable.
The Spirit of Adventure and Connection
One of the greatest aspects of the Great Bear Heliskiing experience is the sense of community. You’ll share this incredible adventure with a small group of like-minded people who love the mountains as much as you do. It’s a chance to bond over a shared love for adventure and challenge, whether you’re swapping stories on the chairlift or sitting down for a warm meal together at the end of the day.
Heliskiing is an adventure that transcends ordinary skiing—it’s about pushing your boundaries, immersing yourself in nature, and experiencing the thrill of untouched snow in the company of expert guides. Great Bear Heliskiing in British Columbia offers the perfect setting for first-timers to take their first steps into this extraordinary sport. With careful preparation, the right mindset, and the support of a skilled team, you’ll find that heliskiing is not just achievable, but truly unforgettable.
