Can I bring my small pack (knapsack) with me?

We ask everyone not to bring a pack with you when you go skiing, because there is no room in the helicopter for extra luggage and packs add weight to the helicopter. There is no need to bring food or drinks, because that is provided as part of our service. One guest pack is foreseen per group in addition to the safety equipment carried by the guide. The guest pack contains a lightweight collapsible shovel, avalanche probe, small first aid kit, spare hat and spare gloves.
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Commercial airplanes land at major airports all the time when it is cloudy. Why can't helicopters land on the mountains tops when it is cloudy?

Visual references like tree tops and ridges are necessary when flying helicopters in the mountains. Flying a helicopter in the mountains must be done according to the Visual Flight Rules (VFR). During days or periods of marginal weather, we will only ski runs that are accessible below cloud cover and tree line.
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What happens if you cannot fly?

It happens very occasionally that a day is cancelled. In case that it does happens, refunds are subject to the terms outlined in our Refund Policy, which you can find below.
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What is your refund policy?

Heli-skiing is not always perfect, because it is skiing in an uncontrolled environment. If weather or any other unforeseen deterrent prevents the helicopter from flying on your designated day, clients can either opt for a full refund or rebook. If clients choose for the refund option, funds will be paid in the same manner as the original payment - cash & travelers' cheques for cash; credit card payments with card refunds; direct refunds to travel agents for agency bookings. If you only complete a portion of your heli-ski day, because of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, refunds will be calculated at the rate of $100.00 per run not skied (this amount covers the remaining flying cost for each run). You can read our full refund policy here.
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What about Emergencies?

Accidents and emergencies are primarily handled on site by our certified guides, who are trained in emergency medicine and first aid. In a rare case, evacuation by helicopter may be required.

Emergency Medi-Evac Plan (EMP): rk heliski offers coverage for such incidents at a rate of $19.95 + GST. In the case that you become injured or ill during your heli-ski day, it may be necessary for you to be flown back in the helicopter to the Heliplex or to the Invermere and District Hospital prior to the end of your day. Skiers are responsible for the cost of the helicopter flight time. An approximate flight time of 0.7 hours may result and cost up to $2,100 CAD. This coverage must be purchased prior to departing the Heliplex for skiing. The EMP does not include any provincial ground or air ambulance transfers, should they be required. Please check with your travel agent to ensure if your medical travel insurance covers these costs.
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Do I have to jump out of the helicopter?

No. Our helicopters land and then the guide directs you safely away from the machine.
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What do I get for lunch?

rk will provide a hearty lunch consisting of sandwiches, chocolate bars, cookies, fruit, juice and hot tea. A lunch spot with mountain vistas is chosen each day at the base of one of the runs. Special dietary requirements can be met when we have prior notice.
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Can I bring a camera and/or video camera?

Weight restrictions apply for safety reasons, but cameras or video cameras can be carried in waist pockets.
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What time do we start skiing? Return from skiing?

Groups will complete their safety talks after having breakfast. Afterwards the groups will fly directly from the Heliplex or are bused to our nearby staging area. The first group will lift off at approximately 10:30am and will return to the Heliplex—around 3:00pm or so.
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Can I be in a fast group?

We direct all of our clients to our skier ability levels to determine if their level is advanced, intermediate or expert. The skiing groups are determined by this stated ability.
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What type of equipment should I bring?

Bring your boots and poles. We do have some poles. We strongly recommended that first time heliskiers use rk's DeCosse Custom Skis or Burton Powder Snowboards.
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How do I dress?

Clothing should be layered for sub-zero temperatures. Don't forget to bring goggles, hat and ski gloves. For sunny days, sunglasses and skin protection are certainly recommended. Forgot something? No problem, since everything is available in our gift shop.
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Do you fly if it is snowing?

Weather determines where we ski or whether we are able to ski at all. While blue skies and deep powder appear ideal, the best conditions often occur below the tree line on snowy overcast days.
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How many vertical feet do we ski each day?

Our skiing is sold by the run. The glacier runs are longer than tree runs. Runs vary in length and your guide will determine how many runs constitute a full package.
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How long does it take to ski a run?

This varies dependent on the snow conditions, terrain and the groups' ability level.
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Can I use my own transceiver?

For liability reasons we require you use rk's avalanche tranceivers.
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