A trip to Tyax Lodge & Heliskiing can be wonderfully combined with a detour to the famous Whistler-Blackcomb. In the largest ski area in North America, you can get a feel for the skis and snow and maybe even a few freeride tips from real experts, such as the coaches from Extremely Canadian.
Heliskiing in Canada is something very special. I'll never forget the trips with Kenny to CMH. I'm already looking forward to the next ones with TRAVELZONE.
It's always worth spending a few days in a ski resort before heliskiing. After all, the time with the helicopter is too precious to really get used to the place. In the case of Tyax Lodge & Heliskiing, however, there is another reason for a short stopover: Canada's top resort Whistler-Blackcomb is right on the way between Vancouver and the comfort lodge on Tyaughton Lake.
Of course, heli-skiing is the ultimate for many winter sports enthusiasts, but ski vacations in Whistler are probably not far behind. The numbers alone are impressive. There are more than 200 slopes spread over 33 square kilometers of skiable area on the two opposite peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb, which are connected by the gigantic Peak 2 Peak gondola. Its cabins soar up to 436 meters above Fitzsimmons Creek over a length of 3,024 meters. More than 1,600 vertical meters between the highest point of the resort and the base will make even fit skiers break out in a sweat.
Whistler-Blackcomb, which is now part of the Vail resorts, offers almost endless possibilities for skiers and snowboarders, for young people and the young at heart, for beginners and experts. Some have fun in the terrain park, others cruise down the wide pleasure slopes. And still others plunge into the powder in Whistler's backcountry. By now at the latest, anyone who is on their way to heliskiing should be listening closely. After all, what better way to prepare for a deep snow adventure than in challenging off-piste terrain that is easily accessible via lifts and is even located within the secured ski area?
Well, some of the runs labeled Black or Double Black Diamonds - the steepest and most challenging in North America - are a short climb away. But you should definitely make the effort. The reward is snow-covered bowls, adventurous steep slopes and couloirs and even tree skiing. In the Alps, a natural slalom between the trees in a ski resort would be unthinkable.
You can certainly make your own way through Whistler-Blackcomb. But if you want to make the most of your stay in the Coast Mountains, you should ask our TRAVELZONE ski experts about the Extremely Canadian coaches. They know the two mountains like the back of their hand and can find untracked deep snow even days after the last snowfall. More importantly, guests can improve their off-piste skills and test their own limits in special "Steep Skiing & Snowboarding" courses.
"Some of our customers simply want to explore the backcountry with us, others want to work on something, such as jumps or tree skiing," explains coach Dan Raymond, who used to train the Canadian national halfpipe team. "And others want to prepare specifically for a heliski trip." After a camp like this at the latest, any doubts about whether you are good enough for heliskiing should be dispelled.
Like snowboarder Dan, many of Extremely Canadian's more than 50 coaches have an illustrious past, be it in a national selection, as a participant in the Freeride World Tour or as an ace in racing. Darryl Bowie is one of the freestyle pioneers from the Garhammer generation. Even after thousands of days of skiing, he brings an enthusiasm for his sport that is easily transferred to the course participants.
"You can only manage the steepest descents with the right technique and the necessary self-confidence," summarizes Darryl. He and the other coaches teach their guests both during the one- or two-day camps. Steep entrances, narrow gullies, rocks, ice or deep snow - what may have caused some people to break out in a cold sweat beforehand appears to be a respect-inspiring but manageable challenge at the end. A video analysis of your own skiing style further enhances the learning effect.
After a day in the snow, the lively ski and snowboard scene meets down in the village. Right next to the lifts, bars tempt you with après-ski offers, a party atmosphere, sometimes with live music. And between brand stores and top hotels, numerous excellent restaurants open their doors. However, you should definitely not get carried away with the nightlife. Because regardless of whether you've just warmed up in Whistler or improved your off-piste skills at Extremely Canadian - you'd better be in full possession of your strength for the subsequent heliskiing with Tyax Lodge & Heliskiing.
Strong enough?
Not sure if you're strong enough for heliskiing? Get in touch with us. We're also happy to do a video check-up. We have been heliskiing with thousands of skiers and know all the areas. So we can assess with you where you will have the most fun in the powder!
