How it all started - rk heliski history

rk heliski, originally named Radium Hot Springs Glacier Skiing was founded in 1970 by Roger Keith Madson and was incorporated in the spring of 1972. The original operation utilized a short take-off and landing aircraft based from the airstrip in Radium. At this time Forster Creek, Horsethief Creek, Glacier Creek and Toby Creek were all major drainages used for skiing.

In the winter of 1975, a joint partnership was formed with Hans Gmoser of Canadian Mountain Holidays, called Radium Bugaboo Heli-Skiing. This firm operated out of Radium utilizing helicopters for transportation until 1979. The partnership then moved to Panorama Resort and continued to operate as CMH Panorama until 1981.

In 1987, the present Heli-Plex facility was constructed. During this period Radium Hot Springs Glacier Skiing separated its affiliation with CMH and became Panorama Heli-Ski and R.K. Heli-Ski Panorama. Currently the operation is marketed as rk heliski.

In the fall 2002 Roger Madson passed away. He was considered local legend and is greatly missed by the people of the Columbia Valley. His company, rk heliski, was sold to small group of investors who, to this day, keep Roger’s legacy alive in the Purcell Mountains.