Winter Activities: Helicopter tours take you to pristine ski slopes in Canadian Rockies

Pristine powder and amazing runs in Banff National Park await you on your heli-skiing vacation to the Canadian Rockies.

BANFF, Alberta – The Canadian Rockies are replete with first-class skiing opportunities, but for something really off the beaten track, we recommend you add a helicopter flight to your trip.

After all, a helicopter can get you to places you just can’t reach by road.

Here are a couple of special package tours to get you started on an adventure we think you will treasure forever.

A company that has been offering heliskiing tours for 36 years, RK Heliski is a pioneer of the industry, and as such they are experts at providing a first-class experience.

RK’s tour takes you to the remote and pristine Purcell Mountains, where you will be treated to a full day of breathtaking skiing on huge slopes filled with untracked snow and long, gladed tree runs. Other than a few other tour groups, no one else comes up here. It is the next best thing to skiing your own private mountain.

Even better, there’s enough variety to provide plenty of entertainment for most skill levels. Whether you’re an intermediate, advanced or expert skier, you will find a wide array of choice with which to fill your day of skiing.

Your tour also includes breakfast and a mountainside lunch. A certified guide will accompany your group, and you will be trained in helicopter safety and avalanche transceiver skills. Ski rentals will be provided as needed, though if you plan to snowboard you must bring your own board.

Also, please be sure to dress appropriately – this includes not only warm clothing but boots, goggles and other such equipment. Be advised that cell phones and personal music devices are not permitted, and you must be at least 14 years old to participate. All minors must be accompanied by an adult on every run. Finally, you must be at least an intermediately skilled skier, and you must be in reasonable physical condition.

The tour departs daily from Banff at 6:15 a.m. and from the heliplex at Panorama at 8:15 a.m. Transportation from and to Banff and Lake Louise hotels is available at an extra cost.

Another tour to the Purcell Mountains is run by Purcell Heli-skiing. For the most part, the same conditions apply, but tour organizers emphasize a safe, rewarding experience, eschewing vertical record runs for trips that cater to a wider range of skill levels.

In addition, Purcell Heli-skiing will offer you a lesson on deep powder skiing, and they are more willing to extend the age range for the tour, though each participant must demonstrate a basic skill level to be invited.

For more information, call 1-877-565-9372.