Sunday, November 27, 2011 - Silver Star Magazine S13
The Eagle has landed For many a die-hard skier the dream of heli-skiing is just that, a dream, one that in most cases is as unattainable as the Holy Grail. Well no more! Eagle Pass heliskiing and Silver Star Mountain Resort have teamed up to offer you day heli-skiing right from in the resort. No more requirements for a week-long trip deep into the Monashee’s or Bugaboo’s. You enjoy the slopes of Silver Star one day and climb aboard your very own powder chariot the next. A day of heli-skiing with Eagle Pass from Silver Star starts at 7:30am when you will get outfitted with the latest Head skis designed especially for heli terrain and conditions. At 8 am you head outside for beacon training and a helicopter safety briefing and by 9:30 am you will be airborne on a 12 min flight to the Monashee’s for your day of heliskiing. For $1175 you’ll ski 6 to 8 runs (11,000 to 17,000 vertical feet) which is more skiing than the competitors offer plus you get the added benefit of your own radio and BCA flotation backpack. “What’s really neat about the way we’ll be operating out of Silver Star is that by flying a Bell 212 with 10 guests and two guides we can split into two smaller groups when we reach the skiing terrain and challenge each group appropriately,” says Matt Pinto, Director of Ski Operations for Eagle Pass. “It’s what a lot of other operations would charge a premium for, and it’s our regular offer!” A great way to make sure you are ready to get the most out of your heli-skiing adventure is to take a ‘Powder Prep’ lesson with the Silver Star Snowsport School. You will learn what to do a little different with wide powder skis under foot, gain confidence skiing glades and steep terrain, and get an idea of what you can expect from the helicopter and guide experience. Of course if you love the work your Ski Pro is doing they would be more than appreciative for you to take them along so they can continue the lesson in the big mountains!
It is recommended that you are a strong intermediate or advanced skier/boarder and don’t mind venturing off the groomed slopes on powder days at the resort. Most slopes are between 20 and 40 degrees, and when conditions allow you will hit the steep slopes. If you have fun skiing runs like Gypsy Queen and Sunny Ridge on a powder day or can’t get enough of runs like Chute 5, Holy Smokes, and Attridge then you are ready to heli-ski. heli-ski.
Bookings for day heli-skiing with Eagle Pass can be made in person at the Silver Star Information Desk in the village or by calling 250-558-6019.