Standards
Safety is of the utmost priority at Stellar Heli Skiing. Our guides, and pilots, are expertly trained to manage the risks associated with wilderness skiing and travel.

The safety briefings and training you will receive upon arrival at the staging area are designed to explain the possible risks and prepare you to participate in managing them if the need arises.

The British Columbia Heli Ski and Snowcat Operators Association, (now Heli-Cat Canada), sets strict safety standards for operating Helicopter/Snowcat ski operations. Only by skiing with a member of Heli-Cat Canada, such as Stellar, 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 offering a skiing program tailored to on-the-ground conditions and the guests’ needs.

Helicopters
High Terrain Helicopters has been in operation for 14 years with an excellent reputation for safety and client enjoyment. Their pilots are highly capable, experienced, and specially trained in our mountain environment. As active participants in our safety network, they provide safety talks and moniter our guest’s compliance.

The A-Star Eurocopter used by Stellar carries one pilot, a guide and four clients. Ongoing helicopter maintenance is provided by a full-time engineer. The helicopters are equipped to land on snow, have a side basket with a lid to carry skis, and radios to ensure continuous communication between pilot, guides, the base operation, and outside resources.

As is standard with Heli-Skiing, continuouscontact is made from the backcountry to the base every half hour to ensure the maximum efficiency in accident response time is observed.

Safety Equipment
All guests are given an avalanche transceiver which they are required to wear during their day of skiing/boarding. Whether you are a pro at transceiver use or new to the device a mandatory training session and practice avalanche scenario are given before you go out for the first day.

The helicopter is equipped with an oxygen tank for emergency situations, and has quick access to a doctor’s kit.

Each group carries two guest packs equipped with avalanche shovels and probes. 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 before you book with us and arrive for your vacation.