We’ve addressed most points throughout the site, and here are a few other common ones. Anything else? Just ask: 1-800-715-5532.

FAQ

LOCATION

Where is Crescent Spur Heli-Skiing?

Crescent Spur Heli Skiing is located in the Rocky Mountain trench between the Rocky and Cariboo Mountains, 160 km east of Prince George, BC, in the tiny community of Crescent Spur (pop. 24).

 

How do I get there?

Most guests fly to Prince George, our nearest airport. Both Air Canada and WestJet provide daily nonstop service from Vancouver International Airport. Please give our office a call before making your travel plans. We have a scheduled transfer between Prince George Airport and our lodge at the beginning and end of your package. For those of you who wish to drive, our lodge is accessed via Highway 16, then an all season gravel road to our heliski lodge. We will send specific directions to Crescent Spur and the lodge upon request.

What is the lodge and heliskiing elevation?

Our lodge sits at 2,200 feet elevation, and heli-skiing occurs between 9,000 and 3,500 feet.

 

 
HeliSKIING

What types of runs do you ski?

We have over 200 runs on 1,500 square miles of heliskiing terrain at Crescent Spur. These are comprised of the some of the best BC’s Rockies have to offer: alpine bowls, spectacular glaciers, and open forest. Runs vary in length from 1,500 to 4,000 vertical feet.

 

How many heliskiing runs do you do per day?

We usually heliski (or heli board) about 10-15 runs per day—fewer in the early winter and more in the spring.

 

Are there many non-heliskiing days?

We have very few “down” days at Crescent Spur. In an average season, we will have 1 to 1.5 days (in the entire heliskiing season!) when we cannot heliski due to weather or flying conditions.

 

When is the best time to come helicopter skiing?

This is the most commonly asked question! Any week of the season can see excellent powder snow, or challenging conditions. In general however:

Early winter brings lots of snow, with a greater likelihood of taking advantage of our extensive open forest terrain. However, sunny days will allow us to go heliskiing in the alpine. Temperatures will range throughout the winter from -20C (with the odd few colder days!) to +5C.

 

Mid winter brings the widest variety of terrain choice. We have some of our deepest snow in February so the tree skiing is exceptional; we also have days of blue sky and sun for alpine runs.

 

Spring heliskiing generally brings more convective weather, meaning that storms move in, deposit 10-30 cm of new snow, and then move out, allowing us to enjoy the new snow in sunshine. At this time of year the days are longer, allowing for more heliskiing in the alpine and on our glaciers.

Our recommendation is to reserve the week that fits best into your personal schedule as virtually all of the weeks have the potential to be the best heliskiing of the season, or (hopefully not) the most challenging heliskiing of the season.

 

What happens if I choose not to heliski/heliboard one day?

We do not refund for unskied footage if you choose not to heliski a day or a part of a day, or if lack of fitness or ski ability prevents you from reaching your heliski package vertical. Once your package vertical is reached, you will only be charged for the days that you choose to go out with the group.

 


PACKAGES

What kind of heli-skiing and helicopter boarding packages do you offer?

At Crescent Spur we offer two heliskiing vacation types. You can choose a private heliskiing week that is tailored around your own group of 10 people. Alternatively, smaller groups or individuals are welcome to join us for our 20 person semi-private heliski adventures. Each of our weeks is run as one or the other. Bookings are available in 5 or 6-day heliskiing packages. See our Packages and Booking Page for more information.

 

What is the maximum number of guests you can accommodate?

We heliski with a maximum of 20 guests per week in our semi-private weeks. We heliski in two groups of 10 with two guides each group. Our private heliskiing weeks have a maximum of 10 guests, again with two guides.

 

Do the heliskiing packages contain a set amount of vertical or unlimited vertical?

There are typically two types of packages offered in the heli-ski industry. One package offers a set amount of vertical footage. Extra vertical is then charged once the package vertical has been skied and the guest makes the choice to continue heliskiing. The second package offers unlimited vertical. Please read our page on the extra vertical debate.

 

Do you offer a discount for organizing a group?

Our group booking policy offers a 5% commission to an individual who books 10-20 spaces in our semi-private heliski packages. Please read the guidelines for this new policy, or contact our office for more information.

 

What is not included in the heliskiing package price?

Massage services, liquor, gratuities, and retail purchases, extra vertical (for vertical skied beyond what the package includes), non-scheduled transfers between our lodge and Prince George Airport, emergency medical evacuation (see insurance).

 

PREPARATION

How fit should I be to go heliskiing?

Heli-skiing and heli boarding is most enjoyable when you are fit. Plan to start a fitness program that includes stretching and aerobic exercises at least 8 to 10 weeks prior to your arrival. Read our Skills Page for more information.

 

How good a heli-skier or heli boarder do I have to be?

We welcome first time heli-skiers and heli boarders. If you are a parallel skier comfortable with most runs at a major ski area—as a boarder you should be comfortable boarding in trees as well as open areas—you should be fine. Our heliskiing guides make every effort to choose runs that will suit your ability and interests and will provide instruction to those who wish.

 

What should I bring?

We recommend a two-piece powder suit shell, with layering of thinner undergarments, warm gloves or mitts, and a helmet or warm hat. Don't forget good quality goggles and sunglasses. Our retail shop has a selection of undergarments, Arcteryx outerwear, goggles, glasses and powder gloves and mitts. We strongly suggest that you take your ski boots on the plane as carry-on luggage. We will provide you with specialized powder skis and poles suited for heliskiing. (We do not provide snowboards or telemark skis.) Après ski attire is casual. Don't forget your bathing suit for the hot tub.

 

Do I need insurance to go heliskiing?

For your convenience, we offer cancellation insurance and Medical and Emergency Evacuation insurance as an add-on to the package price. It will be offered at the time of final payment and is an easy way to remove the extra step of having to find your own insurance. If, however, you truly want to take a chance and not insure, you can opt out. In this case you are not covered, and NO refund will be issued should you be unable to take your holiday with us, or if your holiday is interrupted due to injury (or any other cause that would have otherwise been covered by the insurance company). Further, you will be responsible for the added helicopter cost of an emergency evacuation from the mountains to our lodge or nearest medical facility, should an injury require this evacuation. You may, of course, purchase your own insurance. If you choose against us purchasing coverage on your behalf, you will be charged the final payment amount without the insurance cost.

 

Do you have any travel tips?

• Passport requirements for travel to Canada and return from the US or abroad. Please read these requirements carefully.

 

• Take your boots on the plane as carry-on luggage.

 

• Plan to arrive in Prince George early afternoon.

 

• Allow at least 1.5 hours for connecting in the Vancouver Airport. Although one hour is a legal connection time, in the winter it is often difficult to get through customs (with all baggage) within an hour. We strongly recommend allowing yourself at least 1.5 hours between flights.

 

AFTER HOURS

Can you accommodate special dietary needs?

Our chefs will make every effort to accommodate your diet. Please let us know a few weeks prior to your arrival what your special dietary requirements are.

 

Do you have a liquor license?

We have a liquor license and a full service bar. We request that ALL liquor consumed in the living, dining and bar area of the lodge be purchased through our liquor license, as required by our licensing regulations. While we have a good selection of wines and liquor in stock, we would be happy, with sufficient notice, to purchase specialty products if desired. Please call our office for more information.

 

BENEFITS

What if I introduce a new heliskier to Crescent Spur?

We have a "Bring a Friend" program whereby you receive a $350 credit (to you) for each new guest you refer to us. Please download the Bring a Friend Form.

 

Do you have a guest appreciation program?

We have a lot of wonderful guests that return year after year, and the best compliment we can receive is having a guest say, "I'm coming back next year!" We thank our guests for their loyalty to Crescent Spur with the following:

 

5 trips with CS: Guests will be presented with an Arcteryx windbreaker (the Epsilon AR jacket).

 

10 trips with CS: Guests will be presented with an Arcteryx ski suit (the Theta AR jacket and Minute Man ski pant)

 

15 trips with CS: Guests will be presented with a luggage from Eagle Creek.

 

20 trips with CS: Enjoy a free week of heliskiing with us!

 

THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION

Why choose Crescent Spur Heli-Skiing?

• We have a weekly maximum of 20 guests (or 10 guests during our private heliskiing weeks)

 

• Our heliskiing guests enjoy the comfort, safety, and convenience of having 2 heliski guides per group, which provides a uniquely high level of service

 

• Crescent Spur Heli-Skiing has a small group atmosphere, with highly personalized service

 

• Heli-skiing in 2 mountain ranges allows us to pick the best terrain for snow, weather, flying, and heli-skiing conditions.