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frequently asked questions

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skiing in powder

Can I bring my small pack (knapsack) with me?
We ask that you do not bring a pack with you when you ski. There is no room on the helicopter for extra luggage and packs add weight to the helicopter, which reduces safety margins. There is no need to bring food or drinks, as that is provided as part of the service. If you feel you must bring some extra items, ask your guide if you can carry the special guest pack. One guest pack is carried by each group to supplement the safety equipment carried by the guide. The guest pack contains a lightweight collapsible shovel, avalanche probe, small first aid kit, spare hat and spare gloves.

Commercial airplanes land at major airports all the time when it is cloudy. Why can't helicopters land on the mountains tops when it is cloudy?
The discussion above explains that helicopter flying in the mountains cannot be done on instruments alone and must be done according to Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Our helicopters are equipped with GPS systems. Even modern GPS systems cannot make it safe to land in the mountains when visibility is reduced by cloud or fog.

Do I have to jump out of the helicopter?
No. Our machines land and the guide directs you safely from the machine.

What do I get for lunch?
A hearty lunch consisting of sandwiches, chocolate bars, cookies, fruit, juice and hot tea. Special dietary requirements can be met with prior notice.

Can I bring a backpack and/or video camera?
Weight restrictions apply for safety reasons. Cameras can be carried in waist packs. One guest will be asked to carry a guest pack containing safety equipment.

What time do we start skiing? Return from skiing?
Groups complete their safety talks after breakfast and will fly directly from the Heli-Plex or are bused to a nearby staging area. Lift off for the first group will be approximately 10:30am returning to the Heli-Plex from 3:00pm on.

Can I be in a fast group?
Groups are determined by stated ability and we direct all clients to our skier ability levels to determine this rating.

What type of equipment should I bring?
Your boots and poles. We have some poles and strongly recommend first time heliskiers use our fat skis.

How do I dress?
Clothing should be layered for sub-zero temperatures. Bring goggles, hat and ski gloves. For sunny days, sunglasses and skin protection - all available in our gift shop.

Do you fly if it is snowing?
Weather determines where we ski or whether we ski at all. While blue skies and deep powder appear ideal, the best conditions often occur below the tree line on snowy overcast days.

What happens if you cannot fly?
A very occasional day is cancelled, and is subject to the terms outlined in our Refund Policy, below.

What is your refund policy?
Because Heli-skiing is about wilderness skiing in an uncontrolled environment, Heli-skiing is not always perfect. Our aim is to give you the best skiing available.

Daily ski packages include continental breakfast; powder rentals; 3 - 5 helicopter lifts; guide service; lunch; souvenir pin and certificate of accomplishment. If weather, or any other unforeseen deterrent prevents the helicopter from flying on your designated day, clients can either opt for a full refund or rebook. If clients choose the refund option, funds will be paid in the same manner as the original payment - cash & travelers' cheques for cash; credit card payments with card refunds; direct refunds to travel agents for agency bookings. If you complete only a portion of your Heli-Ski day because of inclementweather or unforeseen circumstances, refunds will be calculated at the rate of $100.00 per run not skied (this amount covers the flying cost for each run remaining). In instances of illness or death in the family, official medical documentation is required to obtain full refunds. We will make every effort to resell a client's seat in instances of cancellation for reasons other than those listed above. If successful, refunds will be forwarded to the client for the exact amount of the seat sale less $25 processing fee. If we are unable to re-sell the seat(s), no refund will be forthcoming.

We assume no responsibility for refunds on the bus transportation portion of packages i.e. from Banff or Lake Louise to Panorama.

Guests who do not use their full package due to injury, poor skiing ability or insufficient fitness level do not qualify for refunds.

How many vertical feet do we ski each day?
Our skiing is sold by the run. The glacier runs are longer than the tree runs. Runs vary in length and your guide will determine how many runs constitute a full package.

How long does it take to ski a run?
This varies according to the snow conditions, terrain and the groups' ability level.

Can I use my own transceiver?
For liability reasons we request you use our avalanche transceivers.

What about Emergencies?
Accidents and emergencies are primarily handled on site by our certified guides who are trained in emergency medicine. In a rare case, evacuation by helicopter may be required.

Medical evacuation costs are the responsibility of the client. We recommend you carry insurance for this type of ambulance service. For information on obtaining this type of insurance contact: Angela@advantagetravelworld.com