About Coast Range Heli-Skiing
Since 2002, Coast Range Heli, based in Whistler, has offered access to some of the most inspiring terrain in British Columbia’s Coast Mountains. Rooted in small‑group excellence and guided by professionals who know these peaks intimately, the operation has earned its place as one of the region’s most trusted mountain experience providers.
Coast Range Heli built a reputation for delivering exceptional alpine adventures. Guests explored everything from the dramatic face of Mt. Currie to the expansive terrain of Birkenhead and the Duffy, supported by pilots and guides whose deep knowledge of the mountains shaped every run, ride, or hike. Whether welcoming first‑time heli‑skiers or seasoned riders, the focus remained the same: thoughtful guiding, safe travel, and unforgettable days in the mountains.
Today, Coast Range Heli is part of Whitecap, a company with long‑standing roots in the region and a deep history of operating backcountry adventures in British Columbia. Whitecap’s established guiding culture, experienced leadership, and connection to the Coast Mountains strengthen and support everything Coast Range Heli has always stood for, without changing the essence of the operation.
Coast Range Heli offers a range of heli‑supported mountain experiences shaped by the terrain, the culture, and the expertise that have defined the operation since 2002:
Heli‑Skiing — Small‑group powder skiing across a vast tenure of alpine bowls, glaciers, and big‑mountain terrain.
Heli‑Accessed Ski Touring — Remote touring zones reached efficiently by helicopter, combining solitude with world‑class terrain.
Heli‑Biking — High‑alpine singletrack and ridgelines accessible only by air, designed for riders seeking unique backcountry flow.
Heli‑Hiking — Scenic alpine hikes and remote wilderness objectives supported by experienced guides.
Yurt‑Based Adventures — Multi‑day mountain experiences anchored by comfortable, remote yurts in spectacular terrain.
Now based out of Whistler, Coast Range Heli continues to deliver the small‑group excellence, exceptional terrain, and authentic mountain experiences guests have always loved — supported by a guiding organization that shares its commitment to professionalism, stewardship, and deep respect for the landscapes of British Columbia.
A trusted legacy, defined by the mountains and the people who know them best.
Meet the team
The local legends of the skies and slopes. Our team of ACMG/IFMGA Guides and Blackcomb Helicopters pilots have spent decades in the Coast Mountains as locals.
legends of Coast Range Heli-skiing
rich prohaska
In a deep narrow valley in the Coast Mountains, 50km NE of Whistler lies the small settlement of Poole Creek. Here, Rich Prohaska, a self-employed metal fabricator in summer and IFMGA Mountain Guide in winter built a house and raised a family, along with wife Heather. On both sides of the valley, rise mountains with names such as Birkenhead Peak, home to the Birkenhead Glacier and Mt. Oleg perched above the iconic Place Glacier. These ski runs and many more are Coast Range Heli-Skiing tenure, and this was Rich’s “backyard.”
Along with the many guests that followed him around these mountains, so did guides new to the terrain. It was Rich who hosted us, showing us the back bowls of Mt. Currie, which towers above the town of Pemberton, Saxifrage Mountain and the Duffy Lake runs further east.
When spring came, Rich would often head up to the St. Elias Mountain Range in the Yukon Territory to lead climbing expeditions on Mount Logan. This is Canada’s highest mountain at 19,551ft/5,959m, extremely remote and cold, its bulk more than any other mountain in the Western Hemisphere. Rich climbed it a record seven times and had the honour of showing his daughter Naomi, the top in 2017, when she became the youngest person to summit Canada’s highest mountain at age 15.
Rich Prohaska left us in December 2023, but to this day remains a “Legend of Coast Range Heli-Skiing'“. - Mike Sadan
