Skiers:

Your heli-ski day will be a lot more fun with the right ski equipment. Powder skis are wider under the boot than most other skis, and generally shorter than regular ski area skis. The Rossignol "XXX Bandit" powder ski is designed for expert skiers, and the Rossignol "Axiom" is suitable for advanced and intermediate skiers. Your own "shaped skis" (not parabolic or racing skis) are really suitable only if you are a very experienced powder or heli-skier. In very deep powder or tricky snow, true powder skis make a huge difference. Talk to our ski tech at the Powder Hut for good advice on equipment. Please bring your own ski poles and ski boots, which can easily be fitted to our rental skis.

Snowboarders:

Snowboarders almost always do better in the powder snow with a longer, wider, and softer snowboard. Short carving boards and long narrow racing boards are not suitable for heli-boarding. Your snowboard should come up at least to your nose. We have Burton powder snowboards available for rent at the Powder Hut. Discuss your equipment needs with our tech. If you have a specialized binding, it can usually be transferred to a Burton powder snowboard.

Rental Equipment:

Powder skis and powder snowboards are available for rent until 7:30 pm the evening prior to your ski date, at the Powder Hut. Our qualified technician will assist you in selecting the right equipment for your ability and the current snow conditions.

Other Gear:

We will provide each person with an avalanche transceiver, and skiers will be provided with "powder cords" or "ski tracers". Your guide will explain the use of these items. Whistler Heli-Skiing is occasionally asked by clients if they may bring their "avalanche balloons" or "ABS". At this time the gas canister that is part of the apparatus is classified as a hazardous good by Transport Canada, and is not certified to be carried within the same helicopter as passengers. The canisters may also be prohibited by airlines and customs.