Heli Skiing - what snow conditions to expect?

There's so much expectation on any heli skiing or cat skiing(http://www.sevendescents.com.au/cat-skiing.php) trip. Whether it's your first or 21st heli ski experience we all conjure mental images of skiing deep pillow lines as if we were Seth Morrison, or carving high speed turns through untracked bowls as seen in every Warren Miller instalment. We can't help these imaginings, as they are ingrained in the DNA of every skier or boarder.

On the first day when I arrive at the heli ski lodge buzzing with excitement and nerves, no doubt the first or second question I will try to peel off to the staff is ‘so...what's it like up there?? Are the conditions good?' I like to try and act all casual like it does not matter and I've seen it all before, but really I'm waiting and decoding every word....does ‘solid' mean firm snow or great powder conditions? does ‘sick' mean there some kind of inversion rotting the snow up there, or is it really f'ing good? What???

Unfortunately it's not always face shots and Matchstick Production film ski lines. Before getting down, know the reason the industry thrives and why most skiers keep coming back is because ‘yes, sometimes it really is that good, and it is so good that it is actually unexplainable unless you were there that day'. If you have had one of those days you'll know what I'm talking about...resort skiing is never the same, it's just practice for your next heli or cat ski day.

The best breakdown of what snow conditions to expect at a good heli ski or cat ski operation was offered by a lead guide at Powder Cowboy (also guiding at Island Lake Lodge). I've checked this breakdown with other Mountain Guides who agree this is right for what to expect in snow conditions .

% of the Time & Conditions

10% of the time => Conditions => Ok, it's crap. But, it sure beats working. Often this is the no ski day or part ski day. The visibility may poor, the conditions are crusty, heavy, whatever.... Conditions for the lodge hot tub now become optimal, and beers still taste great! Snow conditions will be better tomorrow!

30% of the time => Conditions => Damn Good! It's a great day but perhaps not up to your overhyped expectations. Visibility might be average or conditions do not allow you to ski the real steep stuff, but you're still scoring powder and its 20 times better than being on a ski hill!

30% of the time => Conditions => Awesome! Perhaps not ski film trailer material (some clouds, powder has a hint of heaviness) but you'll have your best day of the year (not just ski day...all 365 of them) and You'll be telling anyone who will listen to your rants

30% of the time => Conditions => EPIC!!! So good you'll be shaking from endorphin overload and the experience will scar your mind on how good skiing can be. This is why we do it...and why we keep coming back.

There is now Heli Skiing almost everywhere in the world from India, Turkey and Russia in the Northern Hemisphere to New Zealand and Chile in the South. Every operation has it's day but there is a good reason why almost 95% of the world's heli skiing takes place in Canada....consistently plentiful high quality snow conditions across a season that can last 3+ months (vs 1 month in many other spots). There is also amazing variety in heli ski locations throughout British Columbia. Traditionally it has been around Revelstoke (Selkirk and Monashee Ranges) but there has been a growing trend to Coastal Range Heli skiing with great operations from Whistler up to Northern British Columbia.

Contact Seven Descents you're thinking about embarking on your first heli skiing trip or you've tried it before and you're looking for something special. We will advise what location and operation will best suits you and your preferences. We have exclusive booking promotions. See our range of British Columbia Heli Skiing(http://www.sevendescents.com.au/heli-skiing.php) options on our website.