Getting Ready

Do whatever you can to increase your level of fitness before arriving for your day of heliskiing. Skiing always is a good training! Keep in mind that heliskiing can sometimes involve landing at 10,000 feet, or 3,000 meters above sea level. The reduced amount of oxygen can affect those who are not in reasonable shape. If you live near sea level, it is best to spend a few days acclimatizing at a mountain resort before going up higher. A time tested rule of thumb is that a generally fit person, capable of consistently skiing or boarding down the fall line on intermediate (blue) runs at a mountain ski resort, will have a great heliski or heliboarding experience.

What to Bring Heliskiing
Bring your ski boots or snowboard boots and board. Bring your skis if you choose to use your own.  We encourage our guests to use our 'big basketed' ski poles as they work best for your ski bundle.  For sunny days, make sure to bring sunglasses and skin protection. Clothing should be layered for sub-zero temperatures. At altitudes exceeding 3000 meters (10,000 ft) and with annual snowfalls of 1100 centimeters (36 ft) goggles, hat and ski gloves are necessary. Neck warmers are a favourable addition. It is best to dress warm and in layers. Backpacks are not allowed, however, a small fanny pack is acceptable.

A typical day at rk heliski
Guests are greeted at rk's Heliplex base lodge at 8:00am and can begin to check-in. Staff will confirm that your waiver and rental forms have been completed. We will also ask everyone to step on the scale, just to ensure an accurate body weight. This is namely necessary for helicopter considerations. At this time, everyone will receive their own avalanche transceiver. If you are a skier, we will require one of your ski boots to set up your powder fat skis.
After you have checked in, you can relax in the Choppers Landing Restaurant and enjoy a hearty breakfast.  Breakfast is a low key and enjoyable start to your day. A hearty hot breakfast will be provided, surely enough food to keep you fueled until lunch. Towards the end of breakfast an rk guide will introduce him or herself and start the moring's safety briefings.  They day's heliski group will have lots of time to get geared up then head outside for the remaining safety discussions. With your guide and group, your assigned transceiver and other safety equipment, you will begin your avalanche safety talk or "Companion Rescue Training." After your CRT, you will participate in a helicopter safety orientation. At about 10:30am, one group of heli-skiers will fly directly from the Heliplex lodge to the beautiful Purcell Mountains. The other groups are shuttled to the nearby Coppercrown staging site where they will be picked up by helicopter; also bound for the Purcells.