Heli Assisted Ski Touring

• We require all skiing/snowboarding guests to have previous ski-touring/split-boarding experience.

• Intermediate to Expert skiers/boarders. This is not a beginner product.

• If your ability level is not suitable for the terrain and helicopter transportation is required, any additional costs will be the responsibility of the client.

• If you need a refresher on avalanche safety, we encourage you to do an AST refresher course from a professional or use an online resource like Avy Savvy

• Age Requirement: 15 +

• Medium – High (Depending on objectives)

• The number of runs skied in a day is dependent on the fitness level and skier ability of the group.

• Up to 4 people + 1 ACMG guide

Single Day Touring

• Skis/Splitboard

• Air-bag style backpacks (if desired)

• Drinking water

Multi Day Touring

• Food & beverage purchasing (including drinking water and preparation is the responsibility of the guest - The guide will provide their own meals.

• Food and beverages must be packed in sealed luggage or coolers (not grocery bags). Coolers must not exceed 23” wide or 22” high. Length is not a concern.

• Skis/Splitboard & skins

• Avalanche safety gear - Airbag packs are at the discretion of the guest, and allowed in the basket of our aircraft.

• 3 Season Sleeping Bag (Internal temp can be regulated by the available heater)

• Pillow case (to place over existing vinyl pillow cover for sanitary reasons)

• Hut Slippers

• Outerwear

• Portable battery bank for personal devices (optional) - Charging is not possible at the Yurt.

• Devices: Speaker, inReach, Cameras etc.

  Save list for later

Multi Day Touring

We advise guests to bring two separate bags so that they are ready to ski immediately after dropping their overnight bag.

• Two bags maximum per person:
  1x Day pack for skiing.
  Max 30lbs/40L

• 1x Overnight Bag
  Max. 45lbs/70L(ie. Duffel)

  No loose items, pack everything inside.

• 1x Cooler per group:
  Max dimensions: 22” W x 23” H. Length is not a concern.

• 1x Ski/Board equipment per person Please have skis/poles strapped together. Powsurf is also acceptable for use around the Yurt.

We require guests to have all of their gear packed in a tight efficient manner. No loose items so that unloading and loading is easier. We advise against grocery bags or tote bags or any bags without proper zippered closures.

Space is limited inside the aircraft, so please be selective about what you need to bring.

We advise guests to wear their ski gear and ski boots for the initial flight in.

Flight In

• 9:30am: Meet at Pemberton Base for safety briefing, loading aircraft, payment, and any additional requirements

• 10:00am : Liftoff from Pemberton Base

• 10:10am: Drop gear at Yurt

• 10:20am: Continue flight up to peak for first run drop-off by helicopter (conditions dependent)

Flight Out:

• 10:15am: Ready and waiting for aircraft

• 10:30am: Departure for Pemberton Base

• What will happen in poor weather?

  • We are happy to give our best predictions on weather updates leading up to your trip. If we think the weather will be questionable for your date, then you will have two options which you must make a decision before 4:30pm 2 days day prior to departure:

    • Postpone to another date – No charge.

    • Proceed with the chosen date. If trip proceeds, great! If trip does not proceed, you will be responsible for a $300 non-refundable deposit.

• What is the difference between the zones?

  • If you have spent a lot of time touring in the Sea to Sky, then you may be familiar with these regions, and have a certain desire to ski a particular region.

  • If you don’t have a certain zone in mind, then each area offers a great mix of alpine bowls, tree skiing, and featured terrain. If you’d like to enjoy a longer flight, then choose a further region. If you’re looking to be more economical, then pick a closer destination.

• What is the difference between flying from Whistler and Pemberton?

  • Only Single Day Heli Touring experiences have the option to fly from Whistler. Multi Day Touring must depart from Pemberton.

    • The primary difference here, is the flight time. Pemberton is a little bit closer to the skiable terrain, and therefore the flight is a little shorter and less expensive.

    • If you’re staying/living in Whistler, you may like the convenience of flying from Whistler - you will enjoy a slightly longer scenic flight.

• How many runs will we get?

  • The first run of the day will be starting from the peak of the mountain where the helicopter drops you off.

  • After this, the number of runs is greatly dependent on the ability and fitness levels of the group. An accomplished group would likely ski 3-4 more runs in a day.

  • Vertical ft. is also dependent on the group.

• How good do you have to be?

  • We ask that guests have some experience with ski touring or splitboarding in the backcountry before joining us.

  • Guests should be confident skiing black runs in deep powder on the ski hill.

• Lunch?

  • We provide a pack lunch from Portobello. We do not provide drinks, and recommend guests bring their own water bottle and a thermos of coffee or tea.

• How long is the day?

  • Liftoff from Whistler is approximately 9:45

  • Liftoff from Pemberton is approximately 10:15

  • End of day (on a standard day), is at least one hour before sunset earlier in the season, or closer to 4pm later in the season.

This trip is subject to all AlpX’s Booking Policies / Terms & Conditions:

• Book in Advance - Guides are in high demand and low supply. Please book ahead to avoid disappointment.

• Late Arrival or Departures - Flights are booked within a tight schedule, and guests arriving late to their flights may miss their opportunity to fly out on that given date. No refund will be given for missed flights. If a day is cut short due to weather, there will be a discussion in advance of the day for options. If the guest participates in all flights and uses the services of a guide then no refund will be given.

• Payment & Confirmation - All rates are quoted in Canadian currency and are subject to taxes. Full payment is due upon booking. Confirmation is made by email.

• Weather Conditions - All tours and adventures are subject to weather, availability of aircraft, guide availability, and civil emergencies.

• Refunds - Guests must cancel outside of 48 hours of the anticipated activity to receive a full refund. If there is a cancellation by Blackcomb Helicopters as a result of inclement weather, the guest will not be responsible for the helicopter rate, but may be accountable for an admin fee ($300). If inclement weather is anticipated, a guest will be given the option to cancel by 12pm on the day prior to their flight to avoid any guide fees. If the guest chooses to proceed despite a weather warning, they may incur a fee for their guide, if the day does not proceed. If the day is able to proceed, the rate will remain the same as initially advertised.

• Cancellation Policy - Cancellations must be made to Blackcomb Helicopter directly email or phone and are not considered cancelled until acknowledged by return email or phone call by Blackcomb Helicopters staff. Inside of 48 hours, no refund will be given (medical reasons may be an exception).

• End of Day - Guides will determine the end of day. Many factors will be considered when doing so. An average day would be approximately 6hrs, but this may vary.

• Insurance - We do not request proof of insurance coverage, but please ensure that you have appropriate coverage to ensure that you are adequately covered for any eventuality. We highly suggest that you purchase trip cancellation insurance to avoid penalties related to a change in plans.

• Age Limitation - Heli-Touring is for guests aged 15 or older.

• Waiver - You will be required to sign and return an electronic waiver and release of liability and a medical form before your first day of skiing.

Tenure & Sustainability
In the tourism sector, a tenure exists to help balance the interest of commercial operators with the interests of public use, wildlife use, environmental presence, and first nations support. AlpX has the title to a wide variety of tenured terrain in the Sea to Sky with several different activities permitted in each area. We are responsible for staying within the limitations outlined in our Tenure Management Plan. This includes using the correct regions exclusively for the activities permitted, limiting the number of users to what has been approved, and operating in a safe and sustainable manner. Tenure holders must abide by the provincial Backcountry Recreation/Tourism Wildlife Guidelines.

Carbon Offsetting
As a 100% Carbon Offset company since 2018, Blackcomb Helicopters//AlpX offsets the emissions from your trip. This includes emissions created by your flight, shuttle, and our base of operations. If you would like to further reduce your footprint by doubling your contribution, we invite you to do so during checkout. Donations will go towards the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Learn more about our carbon offsetting here.