Frequently asked questions

Guests must fit within one of the below categories. Please keep in mind that your groups day will be planned based on the lowest ability.

Capable (Off-Piste) - not available to singles group

• Skills: You have some experience skiing or snowboarding off-piste. You can make linked turns in powder snow, able to adjust to variable snow conditions, and can handle basic tree skiing.  For snowboarders, you can carry your speed across flatter terrain and traverse in soft snow.

• Challenges: Struggles in deep powder, crusty snow, and steeper terrain. You may need to stop often to maintain control.

Good (Off-Piste)

• Skills: You can maintain consistent turns in powder snow and are comfortable tree skiing. You are ski-fit and can descend longer pitches. You can read varied terrain and adjust to challenging conditions.

• Challenges: Steep terrain, tight tree runs, or complex, variable snow conditions may still require extra caution.

Strong (Off-Piste)

• Skills: You excel in various off-piste conditions, including deep powder and complex, variable snow. You handle steep pitches and tighter trees with confidence and fluidity. You have the ski-fitness to maintain a fast pace.

• Challenges: Some technical descents or exposed sections may be demanding but are generally within your ability.

All packages include 6 heli-skiing runs. If your group has the ability level, fitness level and desire to do more runs, they are on us! This is always dependent on guide and pilot’s discretion within our operational day. (weather, snow conditions, flying conditions, time of day, etc)

We include:

• Avalanche Safety Equipment including Mammut Airbags, shovel, probe & transceiver.

• Powder ski/board rentals to ensure you’re having the best experience. Boots & poles not included.

• Return shuttle transportation from your accommodation in Whistler to the Whistler Heliport.

• A packed lunch.

• ACMG/IFMGA qualified guides.

• All packages include 6 heli-skiing runs.

What to bring:

• Dress like you would on the ski hill.

• Poles, ski/board boots & helmet.

• If you have chosen not to use ski rentals, bring your skis/board.

  • Skis must be minimum 110 underfoot. Boards must be powder boards with a rocker profile.

• A reusable water bottle to put in our pack.

• Sorry, no headphones! It’s important that you’re listening to your guides.

Our shuttle will come from select Whistler accommodation. Please ensure you are letting us know your accommodation location when booking. The shuttle will pick you up at 8:00am.

If you prefer to self-drive we have complimentary parking at our location (9960 Heliport Road, Whistler). We are located approximately 12 minutes drive north of Whistler Village, or 20 minutes drive north of Creekside.

If you wish to use your own skis/boards, they must meet or exceed the below requirements:

• Skis: 110mm underfoot minimum

• Boards: Rockered for Powder

We include rentals in your booking to ensure that everyone is skiing with the correct equipment - this makes your day more fun and safer. Black Tie Whistler is our partner in rentals and will fit you at our base on the morning of the trip. No need to lug it through town from the shop!

Guests must be 14 years or older to heli-ski. This is a backcountry experience where each guest must be capable of assisting themselves and others during an emergency situation.

All guests aged 18 years or younger must have a parent or guardian with them on the experience and to co-sign a waiver.

Yes! Please inform us of any dietary restrictions and the team at Alpha Cafe who provide our lunches will be able to cater to your needs.

Each guest will be required to agree to the terms a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks, and Indemnity Agreement (“Waiver”) before money is taken and the booking is confirmed.

In no event will a guest be permitted to participate in a planned activity/trip without agreeing to the waiver. Please note that, in addition to agreeing to the Waiver electronically, (whether by checking a box prior to check-out, or by completing a Waiver emailed to you), you may also be required to agree to the same waiver in person at the start of your trip.

View our Waiver here.

We highly recommend all guests have trip insurance, and medical insurance that expressly covers heli-skiing as a covered activity.

Customers will receive a refund - a 5% admin fee if cancelled by 10:00am, 7 days before booked day.

All helicopter flights are subject to weather, maintenance and civil emergencies. If we are required to cancel your booking, our team will work with you to reschedule your day. You can also choose to receive a refund - a 5% admin fee or a full credit to reschedule in the future.

All cancellations need to be received in writing at info@coastrange.com. No-shows will be charged the full price.

GoPro’s are welcome however we ask that you do not wear a chest harness attachment to avoid intereference with your transceiver, and pole mounts/selfie sticks cannot be used around the aircraft.

Coast Range Heli-Skiing departs from the Blackcomb Helicopters Base at Whistler Heliport - 9960 Heliport Road.

The Helicopter Evacuation Fund can be purchased from Coast Range for $50 per person/day. For those that opt in to the Evacuation Fund, Coast Range will cover the cost of helicopter extraction to a higher level of care in the event of a medical emergency. This must be purchased prior to your trip start date and will last for the duration of activity.

Please note that the Evacuation Fund is not insurance. Each guest should have their own travel/trip cancellation and medical coverage. Ask your insurance provider if evacuation insurance is included in part of your plan. If not, and if the Evacuation Fund is not purchased, guests should be prepared to cover the costs associated with getting out from the backcountry in an emergency.

A minimum of 3 guests is required for our heli-skiing day to operate. If your date has fewer than 3 guests booked, we’ll do our best to add additional guests to your group so you can enjoy your experience as planned. If we’re unable to reach the minimum, we’ll work with you to find an alternative date or provide a full refund.