Heli-skiing can be about steep couloirs, big fast turns and chalking up maximum vertical but it doesn't have to be. If you are looking for a more mellow trip or a gentle introduction to heli-skiing – one focused on the quality of the snow and the all-round experience - you are in the right place. We offer everything from a one-day introduction in Whistler or Revelstoke to a full week of indulgence at a luxury wilderness lodge in Canada.
Heli-skiing can be about steep couloirs, big, fast turns and chalking up maximum vertical. But it doesn't have to be.
If you’re looking for a more mellow trip or a gentle introduction to heli-skiing, one focused on the quality of the snow and the all-around experience, you’re in the right place. We offer everything from a one-day introduction in Whistler or Revelstoke to a full week of indulgence at a luxury wilderness lodge in Canada.
Take a look at our top recommended destinations for first-time heli-skiers.
Revelstoke is a great introduction to heli-skiing, offering a combination of reliable powder and varied terrain. Nestled between the Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges, this region receives an extraordinary 40 - 60 feet of snow every year, which is around double that of Europe’s most snowy resorts. It's this consistent, deep powder that makes Revelstoke one of the best places for first-time heli-skiers.
Another thing that makes Revelstoke particularly special for newcomers is its world-class tree skiing. The ancient forests here date back over 700 years, dotting the landscape with towering red cedar and hemlock trees that create natural lines for your descent, not to mention protection from the weather. For those with the ability to ski confidently in trees, the forests add another dimension to the skiing or snowboarding and make "down days" a rarity.
The flexibility of Revelstoke's heli-skiing makes it ideal for beginners who want to ease into the experience. Whether it's a one-day gentle introduction or a week of luxury in a 5-star chalet, there's an option to suit everyone. Staying at Revelstoke ski resort is a great way to build confidence on groomed runs and acclimatise to the mountains before taking to the skies, as well as enjoying the comfort and exclusivity of a private mountainside lodge.
Thanks to its strategic location on the east side of Canada’s Coast Mountains, Tyax Lodge promises plenty of sunny weather alongside great snow. It's this, combined with excellent and extensive alpine terrain that make Tyax Lodge an appealing heli-skiing trip for first-timers.
Something that sets Tyax Lodge apart for beginners is the single group experience. With only one group of nine skiers per helicopter, compared to the Canadian standard of three or four groups, you’ll enjoy minimal waiting time between runs but can easily sit out a run if you want to take a break. This approach is more personal and less pressured, making it ideal for a first-time heli-skiing experience.
The lodge itself balances the rustic charm of the Canadian wilderness with luxury, perched on the shores of Tyaughton Lake surrounded by towering mountains and ancient forests. Despite its remote setting, the lodge is very accessible, being only a 30-minute drive and short helicopter flight from Whistler, making it ideal for combining resort skiing with wilderness adventure.
Perhaps one of the most appealing elements of this first-time heli-skiing trip is the unlimited vertical policy, meaning you can ski as much or as little as you feel comfortable with, without worrying about additional charges.
Whistler is our favourite ski resort in North America for many reasons. This world-renowned destination offers the ideal blend of luxurious resort amenities and a gentle introduction to helicopter adventures, making it especially appealing for newcomers wanting to test the water.
What makes Whistler stand out as a heli-skiing trip for first-timers is its variety of wide-open, low-angle terrain that’s great for practising. Some heli-skiing groups here focus exclusively on intermediate skiers, allowing you to try a few runs to build confidence. For families travelling together, Whistler also caters exceptionally well to mixed-ability groups, so adventurous members can explore the backcountry while others can stay on groomed runs with specialist instructors.
The resort itself boasts North America’s most extensive lift-accessed terrain and one of the longest vertical drops at 1,530 metres. Beyond skiing, resort guests can indulge in the world-class dining scene, upscale après-ski and some of the world's most exclusive mountain chalets overlooking the Blackcomb mountains.
With local connections developed over two decades, we can arrange everything from single-day heli-skiing experiences to bespoke itineraries featuring private helicopters.
For one of the most accessible and affordable introductions to heli-skiing in Europe, the Spanish Pyrenees should be your top choice. Based in the charming village of Arties in the Aran Valley, this hidden gem provides a perfect blend of culture and adventure, all within reach of excellent resort skiing at Baqueira-Beret, a favourite of the Spanish royal family.
The freedom and flexibility offered by the Spanish Pyrenees make it a great heli-skiing trip for first-timers. Unlike the Swiss and Italian Alps, this region offers unrestricted access to 400 square kilometres of exclusive heli-ski terrain. This means you can enjoy multiple drops and ski where the snow is best.
One standout feature of the Spanish Pyrenees for first-time heli-skiers is its moderate terrain. This accessibility makes it ideal for families wanting to introduce teenagers to heli-skiing, or mixed-ability groups where some members might prefer resort skiing to the back country.
Programmes include enough runs to give heli-skiing a try without committing to full days, making the Spanish Pyrenees a fantastic base for first-time heli-skiing trips in Europe.
