Top 5 Tips for Planning Your BC Heliskiing Trip
We’re asked all the time about what a potential heliskier needs to do in order to experience heli-skiing for the first time. We could fill your head with all sorts of “must dos” and “don’t miss out ons,” but here instead is the short and fun list of Tyax’s Recommended 5 Tips for Planning Your BC Heli Skiing Trip.
Tip #1: Get in Shape
By this we don’t mean you have to run 20 kilometres, 7 days a week, but neither can you be a self-described couch potato. Set yourself up for running 2-3 times per week, at something more than a sedate walk. Stretch your legs out and stretch your time out while on the road. Your running regimen should be more than a quick clip to the fridge for another beer (although that is another type of training we recommend). Grab your dog, your wife/husband, your kids, your friends, and set about improving your cardio and commit to reestablishing your fitness level to “moderate” rather than “I need a break after bringing in the groceries” level. Chances are that getting yourself together after the mountain yard sale will tire you out more than the skiing. Besides, this gives you a way of enjoying your heli-skiing holiday to BC more than just the week you are out here at Tyax, by building the anticipation months in advance. Now rest assured, we also planned ahead even though YOU may not have. With only one group per helicopter, if your legs are screaming at you, you do have the ability to sit one out in the helicopter while your friends are out taking advantage of our “Unlimited Vertical” policy. Don’t be THAT guy.
Tip #2: Carry your ski boots on the plane with you
This may seem like a no-brainer, but trust us, each year we are scrambling when someone’s luggage goes missing and heads to Bangladesh rather than British Columbia. Let us set the stage for you to envision… you’ve forked out a not-insignificant amount of money to fulfil your lifelong dream of a week at a destination heli-ski lodge. You’ve convinced the family that this is an excellent use of money, and despite the boss shooting you the stink eye every time he sees you, you’ve committed. You’ve arrived in Vancouver, but your ski boots have not. Instead of feeling great in your own boots, you’ll get to experience that unique sick feeling when each morning you’ll get to put your feet into a pair of ill-fitting rentals. Don’t be THAT guy.
Tip #3: Travel and/or Medical Insurance
Insurance sucks when you have to pay the premiums. Insurance sucks when you have to wade through pages and pages of legalese. Insurance sucks when you have to go to battle with a company to compensate you. Insurance does NOT suck when you have it in your back pocket. No one anticipates blowing their ACL, and your adhering to Tip #1 has ensured that you’ve given yourself a fighting chance. Whether you end up hanging out in the lounge for the rest of your holiday, or decide to head home to get yourself sorted out, having options takes the heat off. Some winters we end up chartering helicopters for emergency transport to a hospital, or making last-minute arrangements for someone that just wants to get home to their own doctor. We’ll take care of all those arrangements, including taking you to our closest hospital to get a doctor’s note, but Trip Cancellation Insurance ensures that you can concentrate on what happens in the unlikely event that you have an injury. This also ensures that the friends you came with don’t have to listen to you complain about how much getting home is going to cost you. Don’t be THAT guy.
Tip #4: Identify your most important ski gear item
Do you have a favourite pair of goggles that act as your good luck charm? Enables you to see in white-out conditions, and never fog up, no matter how hard you are breathing? Have an underlayer that keeps you warm and dry regardless of how hard you are working or sweating? If these are “must have” items in your gear bag, you might think about doubling up. We’ve got an awesome gift shop, and we’ve tried to stock it with things that guests forget or want to add to their clothing arsenal, but for sure we will not have a familiar and well-broken in item that propels you to skier rockstar status. The stuff you have used for the last few seasons and have been an integral part of your gear selection should be packed for the trip. No one cares if it’s brand spanking new. Just bring your “tried and true” gear. Your friends and fellow heli-mates do not want to hear you complain that your hands are cold or wet. Don’t be THAT guy.
Tip #5: Be respectful of your Guide
This tip is not really about planning, but more about once you are here. Our guides are amazing, and they are hired for a combination of their ability to keep you safe, and their ability to show you an epic time in our mountains. They are diehard skiers, and hardcore mountain enthusiasts. They love what they do, and want to pass along that love to everyone that comes to visit. They are experts in every way and without them, Tyax wouldn’t have the history that it does. The guide is charged with your safety, and the reputation of this company. Please listen to their words, and truly hear what they are saying. Recognizing them for their skill set will ensure that you have an epic time while at Tyax. Disrespect will guarantee that you and your group will end up with some unpleasant memories, instead of positive ones. Don’t be THAT guy.
Of course Tip #6 goes without saying… relax, you’re gonna LOVE IT!!!
If you’re amped up and ready for your next heli-skiing BC adventure, inquire as to availability or call us toll-free at 1 (877) 918-8929 today.
