One of our main goals at North Cascade Heli-Skiing is for all of our guests to enjoy a memorable and unique experience. Having a good understanding of the various circumstances surrounding helicopter-assisted skiing/riding is important. The following are some frequently asked questions to which we have answered to the best of our ability. If you have further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact NCHS. Why choose North Cascade Heli-Skiing? There are many beautiful mountain ranges in the world to explore by ski or board. There are also many good heli-ski outfits to help you experience these mountains. We are a small company of guides and staff living at the end of the road in the Methow Valley of Washington state. Our backyard is the rugged east side of the North Cascades – an amazing location for powder skiing and riding, touring and adventure. We go out in small groups of five and come back with big grins.

How good of a skier/rider do I need to be?

All types of mountain conditions can be expected during your trip. The guides at NCHS will do all they can to find the best runs and the best snow, but like everyone else, we cannot control the snow and weather conditions. You should be comfortable skiing/riding in most conditions, whether it is 2 feet of new, cascade cement or wind-effected hardpack. This doesn’t mean you have to ski/ride it pretty, but that you can maintain control in a variety of backcountry conditions.

How important is my fitness level? Your level of fitness is as important as your ability. The better in shape you are, the more you’ll be able to enjoy your experience with NCHS. We recommend that all our guests be active – exercising and stretching – at least four weeks before their trip. How are groups (or loads) organized? Each group, consisting of four clients and one guide, are formed depending on weight, ability and pace. Because of our smaller load sizes, in most cases, we are able to accommodate groups that want to be together for the day. In the interest of making the experience as enjoyable and safe as possible, our guides will use their discretion to make changes if necessary.

Are skiers and snowboarders ever in the same group?

Yes, mixed groups occasionally happen, most often with four guests who know each other, yet if there are problems with chemistry, your guide may make changes with other groups.

How much vertical does NCHS guarantee?

We guarantee six runs per day on our heli-skiing programs. We will ski the longest runs that the weather and snow conditions allow with safety and the choicest powder being foremost in our minds. NCHS guarantees at least 12,000 vertical feet for those six runs with the good probability the total will be higher.

At what altitudes do you operate?

Our 300,000-acre permit area allows us access to mountainous elevations ranging from 4,500-feet to 8,500 feet. The altitudes experienced each day will be determined by our pilot and guides depending on weather and flying conditions as well as snow stability and quality.

When is the best time for heli-skiing?

This is a frequent question and the toughest to answer. Our season begins in mid-January and ends in mid-March this year. The powder is usually good during this entire time. Later in the season, with longer days, spring conditions are more likely – awesome corn on the south-facing slopes and powder on the northern aspects.

Trip Insurance

Many people choose to purchase trip insurance from one of the many companies offering this service on the internet. It can cover all of your expenses such as plane tickets, lodging, guiding fees, etc., in the event that you have to cancel a trip at the last minute or even during the trip. NCHS highly recommends this for all our programs. One of the most reputable companies offering trip protection service is Travelex, please check them out online at www.travelex-insurance.com. If you decide to enroll in this important insurance coverage, when asked for a location number you will need to use the Travelex/NCHS account location number: 47-0047.

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