Where’s there’s excitement and exploration to be had, Banff Adventures is ready to spring into action! As a team, we’re dedicated to bringing our customer's incredible experiences, full of lifelong memories. Whether our adventurers are little and mighty, or seasoned winter veterans, we’re here to share the Rocky Mountains with everyone, giving each person the chance to experience the wild like never before.

Banff has a reputation for being a must-visit spot for adrenaline junkies and powderheads alike. For those seeking the ultimate snowbound adventure, heli-skiing is the perfect way to combine breathtaking views with blood pumping action. If you’re thinking about taking part in one of these amazing tours for the first time this winter, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Always Listen to Your Guides

Your Guides are there to make sure you have fun, but also stay safe. Remember that the appeal of heli-skiing is that you have the chance to explore largely untouched powder, meaning that there are a unique set of challenges to be accounted for. Throw in the noise of a helicopter and the potential for weather changes, and you’ve got a tricky mix of circumstances for your guides to navigate. Do yourself, and the rest of your crew a favour by heeding their advice, warnings, and sticking to the areas as directed.

Know Your Skill Level and Be Honest

While you don’t have to be an expert skier to try heli-skiing, those with intermediate skills or higher will have an advantage over novices. Because of the remote location and longer runs, heli-skiing can be more demanding on your body, making it best to have a decent fitness level, or at least some exposure to endurance-demanding activities before you set off. Instructors and guides will also want to pair groups based on experience levels (or be aware of the least experienced in the group if you’re booking as a crew), so being honest from the start will help keep everyone safe and reduce the chance of avoidable injuries.

Layer up

Just like a regular day on the hill, it’s best to dress in layers so you can stay warm and dress down as needed. Keep in mind that you’ll be higher up and exposed to more wind and moisture, meaning temperatures could be quite cool. Coming prepared to brave the elements will help you make the most of your day and keep you comfortable while in action!

Stay fueled

As we mentioned above, heli-skiing can be more demanding on your body than typical downhill runs, so it’s important to rest and refuel in between runs. Be sure to drink enough water to stay comfortably hydrated (you’ll typically want to stop for a drink after each run), and give your body extra energy to burn by starting your day with a decent breakfast full of protein and complex carbohydrates. Finally, don’t forget to give your body a chance to recover at the end of your day by eating a meal full of enough nutrients to offset all the calories you’ve burned!

Ready to take to the skies and hit the powder? Contact us today to learn more!