Experience report

Guillaume Ebener

Stöckli Heliski 2022

Guillaume was surprised to find that he had won the STÖCKLI competition, the prize, a week of heliskiing for two in Canada! The news was too good to believe and after making sure it wasn’t a scam, he asked his friend Nicolas to share in the experience. After a quick look at the White Wilderness Heliski website, the two friends prepared for the trip of a lifetime.

Having never been on a heli-skiing trip before, we set off with an open mind, not knowing exactly what to expect. When we arrived, we were warmly welcomed at the lodge. The lodge consists of beautiful Canadian style log buildings and cabins. The buildings house large and comfortable guest rooms, a beautiful spa, and games room with billiards, ping pong table, darts, etc. The main building houses an elegant restaurant, where Chef Kevin prepares gourmet food and a cozy bar. Downstairs is the ski room where all the safety equipment is kept and the STÖCKLI skis which were waiting for us.

After a restless night of sleep due to jet lag, we were greeted with a delicious breakfast. After breakfast the excellent Lead Guide Mike began the ski experience with the very complete indoor safety briefing. Then it was time to suit up for an avalanche search exercise and a presentation of our rather special ski lift for the week: two azure blue A-Star helicopters.

All guests are provided with an avalanche transceiver, avalanche airbag back pack complete with all the necessary safety equipment, a radio and our skis for the week, a brand-new pair of STÖCKLI Stormriders.

Around 11am we take off for our first look at the mountains of British Columbia. The snowy weather didn’t seem to worry our pilot Ryan nor the guides who accompany us. Despite the snowfall, we ski slopes like in the movies. Thanks to the small groups and helicopter, we link the descents at a rapid pace. After a few runs the guides prepare a table in the snow for our picnic lunch, complete with soup, sandwiches, hot tea, sweets and cookies. Then it’s back to skiing until afternoon. By the end of the day our legs were feeling it. Heli-skiing is truly a magnificent experience!

Back at the lodge everyone met around the bar where we were served local drinks and a hearty snack. The group is made up of several sub-groups: fathers and sons, friends, some people who have come alone and a small group accompanied by the friendly Dani Mahrer, the former ski champion. Everyone is smiling and enjoying the experience, but this is only the beginning!

After the aperitif, it’s time for everyone to relax in the spa, have a massage or to extend the aperitif before dinner. This is when we discover that the caloric balance of the week is going to be unfavorable: Chef Kevin and his team are geniuses! That evening, like all the following evenings, the starter, main course and dessert were worthy of the greatest brasseries, made with exceptional products: lobster, scallops, lamb, etc. It was a real treat!

On our second day of skiing, we were blessed with some sunshine. Out of the helicopter windows we admired our vast playground. White Wilderness Heliskiing has the exclusive use of over 2500 square kilometers of mountains which offer a lifetime of possibilities. From lower elevation tree skiing for overcast days to majestic glaciers and alpine slopes. Skiing in small groups of 4 guests on runs such as Cabin Run, Strawberry Short Cake, and Corner Pocket. On each descent we enjoy new scenery and leave tracks in the virgin snow.