Town of Banff

Helicopter and Snowcat Skiing

Helicopter and snowcat access to the backcountry allows competent skiers and snowboarders to experience the thrill of powder-filled backcountry skiing without the time-consuming and often technically challenging ski in.

Aided by a helicopter or a snowcat, groups of skiers and/or snowboarders travel with a professional, certified ski guide deep into the mountains, where they make several runs throughout a typical day. Terrain includes:

• Alpine snowfields (snow-covered glaciers)
• Powder bowls
• Tree skiing

Several different heliski and snowcat companies in this area offer packages of various lengths and costs, from single day trips to week-long excursions. Although these businesses are based in the Town of Banff, these trips are not offered within Banff National Park.

Most operators include comfortable, if not luxury, backcountry accommodations for the length of the trip, as well as meals and snacks.

Many companies also provide skis, poles, avalanche transceivers, and avalanche training as part of their package.

Helicopter Skiing/Snowboarding Operators

• CMH Heli-Skiing (Canadian Mountain Holidays) - 12 lodges spread throughout the Columbia Mountains, B.C (Ski terrain: Selkirks, Purcells, Bugaboos, Cariboos, Monashees).
• Chatter Creek - Golden, B.C. (Ski terrain: Purcells)
• Mica Heliskiing - Revelstoke, B.C. (Ski terrain: Selkirks, Monashees)
• Mike Weigele - Blue River, B.C. (Ski terrain: Cariboos, Monashees)
• Purcell Helicopter Skiing - Golden, B.C. (Ski terrain: Purcells)
• RK Heli-Skiing - Panorama, B.C. (Ski terrain: Purcells)
• Selkirk Tangiers Heliskiing - Revelstoke, B.C. (Ski terrain: Selkirks, Monashees)

Snowcat Skiing/Snowboarding Operators

• Chatter Creek - Golden, B.C. (Ski terrain: Purcells)
• Cariboo Snowcat Skiing - Valemount, B.C. (Ski terrain: Cariboos)
• Great Northern Snowcat Skiing - Trout Lake, B.C.(Ski terrain: Selkirks)
• Modern Snowcats - Revelstoke, B.C. (Ski terrain: Selkirks)
• Monashee Powder - Coldstream, B.C. (Ski terrain: Monashees)
• Mustang Powder - near Revelstoke, B.C. (Ski terrain: Monashees)
• Powder Cowboy - Fernie, B.C. (Ski terrain: Lizard Range)
• Powder Springs Resort - Revelstoke, B.C. (Ski terrain: Selkirks)