Safety & Risk Awareness
Staying safe in the backcountry & around aircraft
At Coast Range Heli-Skiing, safety is not just a priority; it’s a fundamental commitment to ensure an exceptional experience for each guest while adventuring in the mountains.
Safety Commitment
Heli-skiing, heli-biking and other helicopter-supported mountain activities are inherently adventurous and involve risks that cannot be completely eliminated. These risks include the potential for serious injury or death. The mountain environment is constantly changing and presents natural hazards including steep and complex terrain, avalanches, rockfall, tree wells, crevasses, snow and ice conditions, changing weather, wind, visibility, and other hazards associated with remote and mountainous environments. Conditions can change rapidly, and hazards may not always be visible or predictable. There are also risks associated with the operation of helicopters and other equipment used during our activities. Mechanical and equipment-related hazards can arise despite appropriate inspection, maintenance and operational procedures. Guests are responsible for using equipment as instructed, understanding its limitations, and reporting any concerns or defects to our team.
Human factors are another important part of mountain safety. Decisions, communication, fatigue, fitness, experience, individual ability and behaviour can all influence the safety of a group. Our guides and staff are trained to assess and manage these risks, but safety is a shared responsibility. Every guest and team member has a role to play in maintaining a safe environment, following instructions, communicating concerns and making responsible decisions. We use established procedures, training, equipment, communication systems and professional judgement to identify and manage risk. However, no system can eliminate all hazards or guarantee safety in a dynamic mountain environment. By participating in our activities, you acknowledge that you are entering a remote and inherently hazardous environment and accept that serious injury or death is a possible outcome. Our goal is to manage risk responsibly while providing exceptional mountain experiences, but eliminating risk entirely is not possible.
Our team works tirelessly to provide a high standard of safety and risk management. From pre-trip briefings to in-the-field practices, each aspect of our operation is built on a foundation of care, caution, and awareness. We partner with leading safety equipment providers, employ highly trained and certified professionals, and continuously review our protocols to uphold the highest safety standards. All guests receive thorough briefings on the use of the supplied safety equipment (shovels, probes, transceivers, airbags and radios), and how to behave around our aircraft.
Safety & Risk Awareness
Prior to participating in any heli-skiing or similar activities with Coast Range Heli (any such activities, the “Heli Activities”), we ask that all participants carefully review the Heli Cat Canada Safety webpage regarding safety and risk awareness. Heli Activities take place in wilderness areas and involve the risk of injury. The information contained on the HeliCat Canada Safety webpage is intended to inform you of the risks, dangers, and hazards you may encounter while participating in Heli Activities, and to help you stay safe while enjoying these activities.
Our Aircraft & Pilots
Coast Range Heli is proudly partnered with one of British Columbia’s premier helicopter operators - Blackcomb Helicopters - to fly our guests. Blackcomb Helicopters operates a fleet of Airbus H125 aircraft that are rigorously maintained to the highest safety standards and are piloted by seasoned professionals and locals. You can’t ask for a more knowledgeable group of pilots - they know this area like the back of their hands.
Experienced Guides
Our guiding team consists of ACMG/IFMGA-certified guides with extensive experience in alpine environments. Their expertise and dedication to safety are invaluable to every Coast Range Heli adventure. From assessing weather conditions to avalanche risk management, our guides ensure that your experience is thrilling yet carefully managed.
Waiver
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 day.
