We have a sweet deal for anyone who has always dreamed of doing a deep powder Canadian heli-skiing trip. Now is the perfect time to check this off your bucket list. We are offering Unofficial Networks guests a 15 % discount. Plus the Canadian dollar is very low so you can save another 30%+ off with the exchange rate. That’s up to 45% off. And this is not just any heli-skiing/heli-boarding experience. This is is a 5 Star holiday with a boutique remote wilderness luxury lodge, gourmet food, a spa, and the best deep dry champagne powder in British Columbia. What’s the catch? The only catches are it is only valid for the March 10-14 Tour (4 days/nights). And only to the first 8 people who book it. For more info & inquiries, Email: rob@silvertipheliskiing.com
The Unofficial Networks team went to sample the goods in January & Silvertip Heliskiing lodge delivered big. Here is our full Review of Silvertip Heliskiing & everything you need to know about what to expect:
There are many variables that go into being a premier heli-skiing outfit including terrain, conditions, location, types of helicopters, guides, accommodations and overall experience. Our recent adventure to Silvertip Lodge in the Cariboo Mountains of British Columbia left us impressed and ready to spread the word about this ultra remote Canadian heli-skiing haven.
LOCATION:
Silvertip Lodge advertises that it is located DEEP in the Canadian wilderness and if there were any doubts about this claim, they were put to rest as we flew on their 16 seat Bell 212 helicopter for 45 minutes over pristine backcountry while hugging Quesnel Lake which at a maximum depth of 1676′. Quesnel Lake is the deepest fjord lake in North America and 3rd deepest lake in North America (deeper than Lake Tahoe).
While the location of the lodge is quite remote, getting there is a cinch. All you have to do is get to Vancouver International Airport which has direct flights from just about everywhere. From YVR you take a 5 minute drive to a private terminal where you are met with a chartered twin engine turboprop that whisks you Williams Lake where you hop on the helicopter. No need to rent a car or even leave the airport. PRO TIP: If your flight gets there early book a room at the Airport Fairmont and enjoy a night’s sleep before your adventure begins.
TERRAIN:
Flying into the lodge you get a pretty good idea of what kind of mountains you are about to ski, but the magnitude of the terrain can only be truly appreciated once you’ve lifted off from the lodge and start flying around the seemingly endless peaks of the Cariboos. Skiing is just a short hop from the lodge and like Lead Guide/Operations Manager Dale McKnight likes to say “This is not a vacation, this is helicopter skiing. If you’re looking to relax go to Mexico.”
Dale wasn’t kidding, right out of the gate the first day it was non-stop action packed vertical feet with little lunchtime interludes and then back into powder hunting mode. Because of Silvertip’s ultra remote location, there is literally no competition in their 555 square mile tenure. For a bit of perspective 16 guests have 120 named runs with an average vertical drop of 4,000 feet all to themselves.
From laying down tracks on powder fields in wide open alpine bowls to descents down untouched burnt forests, the terrain is truly exceptional and the guides know exactly how to make the best use of it day in and day out. So many zones, so much variety, after 3.5 days of non-stop skiing we left feeling as if we had just barely scratched the surface of what Slivertip has to offer.
CONDITIONS:
From the moment we stepped out of the helicopter on the first morning we got our initial taste of that champagne powder the Cariboo Mountains are famous for and it didn’t let up till we sadly had to leave.
The mountains around Silvertip average around 60 feet of snow annually, so there’s a high probability the faucets will be on when you take your trip. Many veteran heli-skiers will advise against booking an early season trip to wait for better snow conditions but our mid-January adventure was a full on powder skiing bonanza. Obviously conditions will vary with any heli-skiing operation but Silvertip seems to be in a sweet spot when it comes to the white stuff.
HELICOPTERS:
WOOP, WOOP, WOOP….before Silvertip’s main workhorse even emerges from behind the treeline, you can hear that something monumental is about arrive. Silvertip uses a specially configured Bell 212 helicopter that maximizes comfort for guests so you don’t feel like you’re in a flying sardine can. The telltale thump of the blades is more than enough to get your blood pumping before you even step on board.
The 212’s twin-engine design provides all the power and lift capability you need to get large groups to high elevation landing zones. Despite their impressive size, 212s maintain impressive maneuverability and we were amazed by ace pilot Sean’s ability to put her down in tight spots to keep the powder train running full speed ahead.
Make no mistake about it, A-Star heli-skiing is great, but once you’ve luxuriated in the ample interior space of a 212, it’s impossible not to appreciate the difference.
GUIDES:
When it comes right down to it, heli-skiing guides can make or break your experience in the mountains and we are happy to report the on-mountain staff at Silvertip is top notch. There’s a fine line between providing guests with maximum thrills and keeping them safe and the guides at Silvertip absolutely nailed it. Our guides Dale and Andy expertly led our group to terrain that was commensurate with our skill level, filled with blower pow and above all safe. Well done gentlemen!
ACCOMODATIONS:
Silvertip Lodge was originally built as a fishing and hunting outpost in 1967 before getting acquired by Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH) who saw the property for what it was, an incredibly remote jump off point for people from around the world to come explore a unique mountain range with world class skiing. The lodge changed hands a few times before it was sold to the current owners who are committed to providing the best possible experience for their guests.
The main lodge has rustic charm that can’t be manufactured. Its twin A-frame structures have been tied together creating a spacious but cozy atmosphere and the moment you cross the threshold you can feel the accumulated good vibes of decades of satisfied guests. Its the perfect balance between luxury and rugged. Unpretentious while maintaining a premium atmosphere, the perfect setting to relax and unwind after a killer day of skiing.
Recovery is critical when on a multi day heli-skiing trip and Silvertip has every amenity one could wish for to restore the body after a day furiously burning calories chasing powder. Facilities include a piping hot sauna, steam room, massive hot tub with a commanding view of Quesnel Lake, full-time massage therapist, and a guided group stretch in the morning. Its up to the individual to take advantage of all they have to offer in the way of rest, relaxation and recovery and we partook in it all.
If you’re a foodie you won’t be disappointed in the culinary creations of executive chef Colin Davison. Guests are invited to take a peek into his workspace to get a preview of the evening’s menu and when we poked our heads in the double swinging doors of the commercial grade kitchen, Colin was always working on something special that primed our appetites. Meal after meal, it seemed like Colin was participating in a personal game of one-upsmanship and we were all the winners. Pro tip: if you like to fish, consider picking up one the rods they have on the dock and landing an afternoon rainbow (Quesnel is renown for its exceptional angling opportunities) you can bring it to Colin and eat it for dinner!
OVERALL EXPERIENCE:
Silvertip prides itself in its small group sizes, maximum 16, and unlimited vertical feet which is potent combination that any heli-skiing connoisseur will immediately recognize. What that equates to is a massive tract of mountains to ride with an intimate group where you aren’t constantly distracted by doing the math on how many runs you have taken and when the additional charges for vertical feet will kick in.
Some heli-skiing outfits have a vertical feet threshold that once you exceed you need to pay more to keep skiing and it can get expensive very quickly. Silvertip doesn’t play that game and rest assured they don’t skimp on vert. Our group consisted of many heli-skiing veterans who unanimously agreed they got more than their money’s worth of powder turns. It is telling when the majority of a heli-skiing group are return customers, and that’s exactly what our crew was.
We had a fantastic time with Silvertip and anyone who books in March can look forward even longer days which translates to bigger vertical and improved chances to get into the alpine. With exchange rates at a 20 year low, now is the time to experience Silvertip Lodge. More info HERE.
Photo credit: Silvertip Lodge & Eric Berger