Category: destinations

Cat Skiing – a Memorable Experience for Ski Enthusiasts

If you are one of those true ski addicts than you should put down snow catskiing on the list with things to do before you retire. This is the ultimate experience for winter extreme sports fans and will make you wish never go back to the old skiing way. Cat skiing took birth in 1975 when Allan Drury of Selkirk took the visitors of Kootenays Canada, in a snow cat up the mountain to give them the opportunity to experience snow catskiing in a world premiere. Ten years later de will be defeated by Hans Gmoser who took his guests on a skiing experience, but this time with a helicopter. 95% of cat skiing is happening in Canada due to the great amount of light dry powder that reaches 50 feet every year.

There are numerous cat ski operators around the world, but the most reputable ones are based in different parts of Canada, from British Columbia in the Selkirk Mountains to the south of the Rocky Mountains. Despite the people general belief, that the main cat skiing area is situated in the Rockies, the truth is that the number of snow catskiing operators here is limited because of the mountain structure, high alpine trees and limited snow packs, all these factors contributing to unstable avalanche conditions. Therefore, you have many options to choose from when deciding to plan a snow catskiing trip. The offers vary from an operator to another, in terms of the length of the cat skiing area, depth of snow, the difficulty level of the terrain and quality of the operation services, providing you endless opportunities to make the most out of your holiday.

The only thing that can draw you back is the price, as cat ski experiences are quite expensive, not all people being able to afford such a vacation. However, you might find cheaper packages that may be closer to your budget and still ensure a unique wilderness experience of skiing deep, smooth, untouched powder areas. Your safety will also be ensured by professional guides, but you need to have intermediate skiing skills in order to be able to enjoy such an experience. Moreover, the internet is a very useful instrument that will help you choose the best option for your snow catskiing vacation. There are a lot of sites and forums which provide you useful information about places, companies and even tips on how to make your trip more exciting. You can get information from other skiers, who have already tried snow catskiing and ask for more details and references about their accommodation and services.

On the other hand, you have the possibility to see photos, videos and even live images from different parts of the world where cat skiing is practicable. Therefore, it is very easy for you to see which operator can provide you the best powder, the most cost-effective packages and what company meets your needs better. So, don’t rush into booking the first holiday that you come across and take your time to do some online research in order to opt for the best alternative and find the most suitable option for your preferences.

In conclusion, the first thing to do after deciding to have the most memorable and exciting snow catskiing experience of your life is to inform yourself on all aspects of the holiday, starting with the physical shape that you need to be in and ending with the package of services offered. Even though at first sight cat skiing trips may seem to cost a little to much they worth every penny.

 

Heliskiing Can Be a Family Adventure

At first sight, heliskiing may not seem an appropriate option for a family vacation due to the risks they present. Even though heliskiing requires a high level of responsibility, the safety of your family can be ensured by professional, trained staff of a reliable and well-known Canada heliskiing operator. Avalanches and extreme meteorological conditions are common risks for mountain regions, and it’s the operators’ obligation to predict the weather and avoid accidents. You need a reputable heliskiing BC operator that you can trust with your family’s safety.

After you make sure that you and your family are on good hands, you can enjoy your vacation and have fun, as this is what a heliskiing Canada family trip is all about. Otherwise, you will loose all the beautiful parts of your Canada heliskiing vacation and it would be a shame. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about the strict rules of Canada heliskiing operators that require expert skiing skills as most of them give you the possibility to join intermediate skier groups and receive some training on how to handle rough terrain and learn more about this type of skiing. These operators conceive special packages in order to meet your performances, skills level, background experiences and preferences as they can take your from the most easy to slide off-trail slopes to the most rough terrains, long and full of obstacles. Moreover, you can even let your children enjoy heliskiing by finding an operator which also works with children so that they can keep them safe and teach them the rules and basics of this winter sport.

Even though the age limit (over eighteen) is a very strict aspect for many Canada heliskiing companies, when it comes to children, they may be less restrictive if the parents sign a document in which they specify that they agree letting their children practice this sport. On the other hand, if they don’t enjoy heliskiing or you are afraid to take them with you, you can leave them at the mountain lodge, where specialized staff will supervise them and they can enjoy outside activities, on the nursery slopes or opt for indoors activities according to the option you choose when booking your vacation. Besides all these important aspects that you need to take care of before going into a heliskiing holiday, travel insurance is crucial too, so make sure it covers skiing accidents. Despite the fact that Canada heliskiing companies also provide personal insurance, it is advisable to have your own personal insurance too, as a safety measure.

In conclusion, there are no boundaries regarding the options of a heliskiing BC holiday. No matter who you want to go with, friends or family, Canada heliskiing operators offer great deals and advantageous packages for all types of needs and preferences, adults and children equally. The only limit you may have is your own budget, otherwise the sky is the limit from where you can start your ride on untouched and amazing powder. Still, thanks to the expanding evolution of this winter sport, you have the possibility to find some interesting and affordable packages.