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Stellar Heli Skiing \ Guides & Safety
 

Standards

Safety is of the utmost priority at Stellar Heli Skiing. Our guides, and the pilots we use, are well trained to manage the risks of wilderness skiing and travel. The safety briefings and training you will receive upon arrival at the staging area are designed to explain these risks and to allow you to participate with us in managing them to the fullest extent possible. Heli-Cat Canada operators association, sets strict safety standards for operating a Helicopter and/or Snowcat ski operation. Only by skiing with a member of Heli-Cat Canada can you be assured of skiing with certified ski guides who follow a strict set of operating procedures. Stellar Heli Skiing follows a comprehensive snow and avalanche management system which includes procedures for collecting weather and snow information; evaluating snowpack stability; assessing hazards in the terrain; and determining an appropriate skiing program tailored to on-the-ground conditions and the needs of the clients.
   

Helicopters

Our helicopter service provider, High Terrain Helicopters has been in operation in Nelson for 18 years with an excellent reputation for safety and client enjoyment. High Terrain’s pilots are highly capable, experienced, and specially trained in our mountain environment. As active participants in our safety network, they monitor our guests’ compliance and give a safety talk around the helicopter just before the groups lift off for their first run. The helicopter we use is the A-Star Eurocopter which carries four clients a guide and the pilot at one time. Ongoing maintenance is provided by a full-time engineer based in Nelson, BC. The helicopters are equipped to land on snow, have a side basket with a lid to carry skis, and radios and SkyTracker GPS to ensure continuous communication between pilot, guides, the base operation, and outside resources. As is standard with Heli-Skiing, contact is made from the backcountry to the base every half hour to ensure continuous contact is maintained and the maximum efficiency in accident response time is observed.
   

Safety Equipment

All skiers are given an avalanche transceiver to wear during their day of skiing. Whether you are a pro at transceiver use or new to the device a training session is given before you go out for the first day, followed by a practice avalanche rescue scenario. The helicopter is equipped with an Trama Pack for emergency situations, and has quick access to a Advanced First Aid kit should the need arise. For each group there are two guest packs equipped with avalanche shovels, probes and extra radio. These packs must be worn on every run.
 

Waiver

In spite of all safety precautions, accidents and avalanches can happen. This is part of the intrinsic risk of skiing in the wilderness. Before we can invite you to enjoy exploring our terrain with us you must sign our liability waiver acknowledging that you understand and accept the risks involved and do not hold us responsible for any misfortunes even in the face of gross negligence. Please read through the copy of our waiver closely so you are familiar with the rights you are signing away before you book with us and arrive for your vacation. Waiver PDF