Great Canadian Heli Skiing

What Great Canadian Heli Skiing does

Great Canadian Heli-Skiing (GCH) is a privately held, boutique helicopter-assisted skiing operator founded in 1988 in Golden, British Columbia, and operating from Heather Mountain Lodge between Golden and Revelstoke. The company pioneered the small-group heli-skiing format (4 guests per guide) and the unlimited vertical pricing model, and currently serves affluent advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders seeking exclusive backcountry powder in the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges, an exclusive tenure roughly 14 times the size of Whistler-Blackcomb. Its operational backbone comprises A-Star B2 helicopters (operated by Silver King Helicopters), an in-lodge Salesforce-based guest portal, powder-specific ski and snowboard fleets (Armada, Burton), and a Flywire-integrated deposit and payment stack. The lodge reports an industry-leading 98% historical fly-day rate (an average of just two down days per season) supported by its Rogers Pass location, which receives the highest average annual snowfall in Canada.

GCH monetizes almost entirely through high-ticket, all-inclusive multi-day packages sold direct-to-consumer, with tiers spanning the Classic shared small-group package (starting ~$4,500 CAD per person), Group Booking, Private Helicopter, and Private Lodge (full lodge and helicopter buyout), plus add-on modules such as the First Time Heli-Skier's Week (~$6,799-$6,999 CAD) and cabin upgrades ($175-$320 CAD/night). Distribution is concentrated on the company website and phone-based sales (toll-free North American and international lines), supported by content marketing (blog, social channels, email newsletter, and SEO), with no third-party reseller channel disclosed. Customers are predominantly individual high-net-worth adventure travelers from North America and internationally, including a meaningful cohort of repeat guests; sales are further structured by sizeable upfront deposits ($1,500-$12,000 CAD depending on package length and tier).

Since 2021 the business has operated as part of the Heli portfolio of heli-ski operations, while the founding Porter family (Greg and Maaike) has continued to manage operations through the Best Day Ever Management Group, which also operates Heather Mountain Lodge. The leadership team includes the first female CEO of a heli-ski operation (Maaike Porter), the first female board member of industry association HeliCat Canada (Sue Gould), and guides with ACMG credentials including Sylvia Forest (first female president of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides).

Name

Great Canadian Heli Skiing

Legal name

Great Canadian Heli-Skiing

Website

https://canadianheli-skiing.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Great Canadian Heli-Skiing is a boutique Canadian heli-skiing operator founded in 1988, offering all-inclusive small-group (4 guests per guide) and private packages in the Selkirk and Purcell mountains of British Columbia for affluent advanced skiers and snowboarders worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Heli-Skiing Adventure Tourism

NAICS

Skiing Facilities (71392), Skiing Facilities (713920), Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation (487), Tour Operators (56152)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Air Transportation, Nonscheduled (4522)

akta.pro primary industry

Guided Backcountry & Off-Piste Services (Ski Touring, Splitboarding, Heli/Cat Skiing) (THAAAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Mountain & Ski Luxury Resorts (THAGACAB), Snow & Mountain Unique Stays (Chalets, Ski Cabins) (THAMADAL), Winter Adventure & Mountain Resorts (Ski, Snowboard, Snow Activities) (THAAAAAK)

Keywords

• Heli-skiing services
• Backcountry skiing
• Powder skiing packages
• Mountain lodge hospitality
• Guided ski adventures

Headquarters

HQ city

Golden

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. All-Inclusive Heli-Skiing Packages: Comprehensive vacation packages bundled as all-inclusive offerings. Packages include helicopter access, guided skiing/snowboarding, accommodations at Heather Mountain Lodge, meals (hot breakfast, field lunches, three-course dinners), use of powder-specific equipment (skis, boards, poles), avalanche safety equipment, and unlimited vertical skiing. Package tiers range from Classic (small group) to Private Lodge (exclusive buyout). Pricing varies by package type, duration, and season.
2. Package Add-ons and Upgrades: Revenue generated from optional upgrades including Private Cabin upgrades ($320 CAD per night single, $175 CAD double), private helicopter charters, and private lodge buyouts. Additional revenue from bar beverages, massage services, and retail purchases at the lodge boutique.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Great Canadian Heli-Skiing operates a boutique heli-skiing experience in the Selkirk and Purcell mountains of British Columbia, offering all-inclusive packages (Classic, Group Booking, Private Helicopter, Private Lodge, and First Time Heli-Skier's Week) that include helicopter access via A-Star B2 helicopters, guided powder skiing/snowboarding with 4 guests per guide, unlimited vertical, accommodation at Heather Mountain Lodge, gourmet meals, and complimentary powder-specific equipment.

Product overview

Great Canadian Heli-Skiing operates as a boutique heli-skiing company offering small-group (4 guests per guide) experiences in the Selkirk and Purcell mountains of British Columbia. The core offering is the Classic Package, with premium tiers including Group Booking (exclusive party), Private Helicopter (exclusive helicopter), and Private Lodge (full lodge buyout). A specialized First Time Heli-Skier's Week caters to beginners. All packages include unlimited vertical, accommodation at Heather Mountain Lodge, gourmet dining, and use of powder-specific equipment. The company pioneered small-group heli-skiing in 1988 and operates A-Star B2 helicopters with a 98% fly rate.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Classic Package The flagship small-group heli-skiing experience matching guests with up to 4 skiers per guide based on skill level and interests, with unlimited vertical, A-Star helicopter access, accommodation, gourmet meals, and powder-specific equipment included.
• Group Booking Upgrade to Classic package where guests ski exclusively with their own party of up to 4 skiers per guide. Helicopter is shared with other groups but the party flies solo all day.
• Private Helicopter Package Exclusive helicopter and two dedicated guides for parties of 1-8 guests, providing maximum flexibility with schedule and terrain selection, with only the lodge shared with other guests.
• Private Lodge Package Complete exclusive buyout of Heather Mountain Lodge with private helicopters, private guides, private chefs, and sole access to all Selkirk and Purcell mountain terrain. Available with 1 or 2 helicopter options.
• First Time Heli-Skier's Week Specialized week program for first-time heli-skiers and mixed groups with beginners, featuring additional guide attention, independent terrain selection, and an independent schedule running alongside the Classic Program.
• Heather Mountain Lodge Accommodation

Quantifiable outcome

• Guests ski an average of 141,000 vertical feet on a week-long trip
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Silver King HelicopterscoreOthersSilver King Helicopters provides helicopter services for Great Canadian Heli-Skiing operations. They have shown flexibility in supporting GCH through operational changes and delays, with operators Ryan and Missy Hinds providing understanding and support during challenging periods.
• Whitetooth Brewing CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal Golden, BC brewery providing craft beer on tap at Heather Mountain Lodge. Whitetooth creates small-batch Belgian-inspired and West Coast beers using fresh mountain water. Featured brew is Blower Pow IPA. Partnership enhances lodge experience and supports local community.
• ArmadacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerArmada supplies powder-specific skis (JJ and JJ Ultralite models in 165, 175, 185, 192 cm lengths, 116mm underfoot) for complimentary guest use. Armada was founded by professional skiers and was the first rider-operated ski manufacturer.
• Burton SnowboardscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBurton supplies powder-specific snowboards (Fish, Flight Attendant, Hometown Hero, Deja Vu, Feel Good models) for complimentary guest use at the lodge.
• Smith OpticsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner brand providing goggles and eyewear. Logo displayed in partner section of website.
• NorrønaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNorwegian outdoor clothing brand partnered with GCH. Logo displayed in partner section of website.
• Arc'teryxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBC-born outdoor clothing company providing gear partnerships. Logo displayed in partner section of website. Also featured in announcements section about new ski gear recommendations.
• HeliCat CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry association for helicopter and snowcat skiing in Canada. GCH's Sue Gould serves as the first female board member of HeliCat Canada, representing the company's leadership in the industry.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• CMH Heli-Skiing (Canadian Mountain Holidays): The largest and most established heli-ski operator in Canada, offering small-group and group-format packages across multiple lodges in BC. Directly competes with GCH on terrain, vertical guarantees, and luxury positioning, and is the category leader GCH is benchmarked against.
• Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing: Long-standing BC heli-ski operator based in Blue River with its own village/lodging operation and expansive tenure. Competes with GCH for the same advanced powder-skier segment and overlapping North American and international clientele.
• Selkirk Tangiers Heli-Skiing: BC-based heli-ski operator located in Revelstoke offering small-group packages and unlimited-vertical pricing. Operates in adjacent Selkirk terrain to GCH and is a head-to-head competitor for the same drive-in/fly-in guest.
• Last Frontier Heliskiing: Northern BC heli-ski operator out of Bell 2 with very large tenure and small-group packages. Competes for the multi-day heli-only luxury adventurer and overlaps with GCH on customer segment and package structure.
• Eagle Pass Heli-Skiing: Boutique BC heli-ski operation in the Monashees offering small-group and unlimited vertical packages. Directly comparable to GCH in scale, package design, and target customer (advanced/expert powder skiers seeking small groups).

Broad incumbents

• Revelstoke Mountain Resort: Major lift-served ski resort located near GCH between Golden and Revelstoke. While not a direct heli-ski competitor, it competes for the same destination-skier wallet in the same corridor and shapes the comparison set guests use when choosing heli vs. resort.
• Whistler Blackcomb: North America's largest ski resort by terrain, often used as a benchmark in GCH marketing (e.g., '14x Whistler-Blackcomb'). Competes indirectly for destination skiers and frames the lift-served alternative to a heli-ski trip.

Emerging players

• Monashee Powder Snowcats: BC cat-skiing operator offering small-group backcountry powder days. Comparable in target customer and small-group philosophy but uses snowcats instead of helicopters, serving as a lower-price alternative some GCH prospects consider.
• Chatter Creek Cat Skiing: BC cat-skiing operator near Golden in the same regional corridor as GCH. Comparable target market (advanced powder skiers, multi-day packages, all-inclusive lodge) with a different access mechanism (snowcat vs. helicopter).

Others

• HeliCat Canada: Industry association representing helicopter and snowcat skiing operators in Canada, of which GCH is a member and on whose board Director of Guide Operations Sue Gould sits. Not a competitor, but the governing/industry body that shapes standards, safety, and policy affecting all peers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/gcheliski
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/GCHeliski
• Facebookfacebook.com/GreatCanadianHeliSkiing
• Instagraminstagram.com/greatcanadianheliskiing

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Great Canadian Heli Skiing