RK HeliSki

Overall Rating

RK HeliSki

RK HeliSki4.7/58
RK HeliSki4.7 out of 5 based on 8 reviews
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RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC
RK Heliski, Panorama Resort BC

RK HeliSki

Overall Rating

RK HeliSki4.7/58
RK HeliSki4.7 out of 5 based on 8 reviews

RK Heliski

Heli skiing is paradise for skiers and boarders who love fresh powder, face shots and no crowds. With 40 years of experience, RK Heli-ski Canada has a very long history, and their expertise and commitment to safety and customer service is paramount. RK is very popular with holiday-makers at Panorama ski resort, but considering that heli-skiing is not permitted in Alberta, lots of Banff and Lake Louise skiers also go with RK Heli-Ski.

Heli Skiing Packages

BC heli skiing is the ultimate so you can expect great quality, but RK Heli-ski has some distinctive elements above many of their competitors. This is one of few operators that offer the option of single day heli-skiing. One day is ideal if you’ve never heli-skied before, or don’t want to commit to a multi-day package because it’s too expensive, or you can’t get a leave pass from your spouse.

Of course the only problem is that once you’ve been heli-skiing you’ll get hooked and want to do multiple days. They provide an incentive to do their 3-day package at a discounted rate per day.

If you are a heli junkie looking for max vert; RK Heli also offer private packages.

Here are some details for the RK Heli Ski packages and if you have a question or want to check availability, you can make a booking request

One of the major benefits of heli-skiing with RK Heliski is that you can combine heli and resort skiing at Panorama. You can choose your own Panorama accommodation to suit your taste and budget in Panorama village, and you don’t have to be separated from your partner or family if they don’t heli-ski. You don’t have to stay in a remote lodge with people that you don’t know, and best of all, you can enjoy all that Panorama village has to offer in terms of après and dining. Resort skiing also provides a back-up option in the event of the chopper being grounded due to inclement weather.

The other option is to stay in Banff and combine heli-skiing with resort skiing at Sunshine, Lake Louise or Norquay. RK Heliski provides shuttles from hotels in Banff to their base in Panorama.

Where is RK Heli Ski Located?

The day lodge and base of RK Heli-ski is located within the Panorama village, and is walking distance to all Panorama lodgings, but this is not necessarily a short walk. If you don't want to walk, RK provide shuttle vans to pick you up from your accommodation.

Panorama is in British Columbia, not far from the town of Invermere. The closest gateway airport is Calgary (3.5 hours), from which there are airport shuttles available. Panorama is about 1.5-2 hours south of Banff, Canada.

RK Heliski Terrain

RK Heliski terrain is within the spectacular Purcell Mountains and the operation has access to 1,500 square km of terrain with 120 landings and 900 runs. The terrain is varied from tree skiing to open alpine areas that include glaciers. The run length is typically pretty long with approximately 800 to 1,000 metres of vertical.

RK Heli-ski can cater for a range of ability levels, and if you’re not confident about your off-piste ability, you can partake in a powder lesson at the Panorama ski resort before trying heli-skiing.

Terms & Conditions

RK HELISKI DEPOSIT POLICY

  • 3 & 5 Run Powder Adventures & Bell 212 / ASTAR Semi Private Packages - full payment is due at the time of booking.
  • Bell 212 / ASTAR Private Platinum Packages - a 50% non-refundable deposit is due upon booking. Full payment is due 10 weeks prior to your first ski day.

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

Heliski package deposits/payments are non-refundable in whole or in part. If you choose to stop skiing prior to completing your package on any given day no refund will be issued for the un-skied runs. All skiers are expected to be in suitable physical condition to complete your purchased number of runs in your package. In the event that you have not purchased trip cancellation insurance and you are unable to ski on your confirmed ski date, RK Heliski will not be held responsible for refunding any portion of your payments received. Payments received are non-transferable to other RK Heliski programs.

Weather or Mechanical No-Fly Days - If inclement weather, mechanical reasons or avalanche conditions prevents the helicopter from flying on your designated day, you will be provided with a partial or full refund based on the following conditions:

  • If RK Heliski cancels on the day of your trip, we will try and re-book you if possible. If RK Heliski is unable to re-book, clients can either opt for a full refund or apply payment towards an excursion for a later date. Refunds will be issued in the same manner as the original payment. Direct refunds will be issued to travel agents for agency bookings.
  • If RK Heliski cancels the day after breakfast and our mandatory safety training, a $50.00 administration fee will apply. Clients can either request RK Heliski refund the balance or apply the remaining balance towards an excursion for a later date.
  • In the event that RK Heliski has proceeded with your day but the guaranteed number of runs could not be achieved. RK Heliski will refund you $190.00 + GST(5%), for each run not completed.
  • Important! If inclement weather, mechanical reasons or avalanche conditions prevents the helicopter from flying on your designated day, any transportation costs from Banff or Lake Louise will not be refunded.

Trip Cancellation Insurance - it is recommended that guests seek insurance.

Powderhounds Review of RK Heliski

Pros

  • RK is conveniently located at Panorama ski resort and provides the flexibility of single or multi-day heli-skiing, and you can mix and match your holiday with heli and resort skiing.
  • Considering that heli-skiing is not permitted in Alberta, RK is also conveniently located for those on a holiday in Banff and Lake Louise.
  • The operation is really well suited to first timers and includes a very comprehensive safety briefing and professional guides. Of course, experienced heli-skiers will also enjoy a day out with RK (particularly with a semi-private package).
  • Within their extensive terrain RK can take out multiple groups each day. This means that they can generally segregate groups according to ability, which minimises concerns about trying to keep up, or frustrations associated with hanging around waiting for slower skiers. Nevertheless, keep in mind that the group sizes are large.


Cons

  • The guest to guide ratio for the standard packages is large at 10:1.
  • If you partake in a 3-run package and others in your helicopter choose to do 5 runs, then you’ll be dropped off at the bottom of a run to wait, and potentially you may get a little cold. Clearly the solution to this is just to make the extra investment in another two runs! 

See our heli skiing ratings to see how we rated RK Heliski versus other operators.

Reviewed in 2010

STORY
I was driving down the road when overhead I heard a helicopter. The sound brought back beautiful memories of heli-skiing in Canada. The sound of this chopper wasn’t quite the thumping noise of the big Huey helis used by RK Heli-ski, but it was enough to make my heart race a bit faster.

Only two weeks prior to this I had the good fortune to ski with RK Heliski in Panorama B.C. A ski trip to Panorama just wouldn’t have seemed complete without a RK heli-skiing experience. The day started at the RK lodge where I met my group of fellow heli-skiers who were from the UK, Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. It seemed a little strange that anyone would leave Europe to go skiing elsewhere, but when they explained that there are very limited heli-skiing opportunities in Europe, it made more sense.

Most of the group were ‘heli-ski virgins’, and my experience was made even more exciting because I could live vicariously through the first-timers. As we drove out to the staging area I could sense their nervous anticipation. Their conversation was animated, but I could hear the anxiety in their voices.

We piled into the huge “Huey” helicopter, and as we left the ground those closest to the windows starting pointing with delight. The looks on their faces were priceless – a combination of exhilaration and pleasure. It definitely made me more excited as together we enjoyed a long and spectacular ride into the Purcell ranges. One girl was a bit worried that she would have to jump out of the helicopter ‘Warren Miller style’, and even though I reassured her that it would be much more sedate, I’m not sure she believed me. Apprehension was written all over her face.

Once we exited the chopper all the heli-virgins relaxed as they clicked into their skis, an experience that felt familiar. Up high in the alpine the views were amazing, and there was a sea of cloud hanging around in the valleys. A major weather inversion was happening, and even though it had been freezing down at the Panorama Village, up here the sun was beating down on us.

It hadn’t snowed for two weeks so there was no champagne powder or face-shots to be had, and the top of the run was incredibly wind-affected. Our guide Andrew apologised, but it didn’t really matter as it made me appreciate the conditions further down the run. Generally there was soft packed snow, and in a few places it was a little more packed and felt like a perfect groomer. All the Europeans were very stylish skiers, and feeling rather inadequate I decided to hide at the back of the pack. It didn’t matter that I was one of the last to ski down as there were always freshies to be had on either side of the previous skiers.

The first run seemed to go on forever. It was quite warm and the sweat was pouring off many of the faces in the group. As I crouched down to await the arrival of the chopper, I was very happy to feel the cold relief of the snow on my legs. The chopper approached and I watched the sheer panic on the faces of some of the first-timers. I could sense their alarm that the chopper was going to land on them. Of course it didn’t, and I had a giggle to myself as I remembered having the same fear when I first went heli-skiing.

Thankfully for the next couple of runs we stayed in the shade. It was much cooler and the snow was a little softer. The runs were long and had great fall line, and on a few steep pitches the powder was knee deep. The smiles of the Europeans became even wider as they did their pretty turns down the mountain. I commonly followed one German fellow down the mountain who seemed to do five turns to everyone else’s one. He must have wanted to get extra value for money. I tried to do powder 8s over the top, or ski right next to his tracks, but it was impossible. Crazy German!

I got to witness some more crazy German antics on the subsequent runs. I had the video and still camera out, and with the lure of becoming a “famous” ski model on Powderhounds.com, the Germans started launching themselves off anything they could find. There was plenty of Kodak courage and corresponding face plants. One of the guys was an aeroplane pilot, and it was obvious that he loved to fly in all respects! This is one of the things I love about heli-skiing. Men who work in serious jobs get to let off steam, and heli-skiing turns them into young boys. For us females, of course we continue to act in a very mature manner when heli-skiing?!

It seemed fitting to join the Germans for some schnapps on the way back to Panorama. Back at the day lodge over après beverages we were handed RK pins and certificates. I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to do with the certificate. Maybe it will help me get a job one day?!.

A Must Do !!!!

Wayne Monslow
28/03/2018
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Intermediate
  • Rider Age
    51-70
  • Rider Country
    UK
  • Month Visited:
    March
  • Admin Rating
    1

A Must Do !!!!

Wayne Monslow
28/03/2018
An incredible day with RK heliski. Very well managed from start to finish with a professional but friendly crew.
It is an amazing day out .... If you can afford it and love to ski .. Go for it.
See our video here

RK Heli, Big Tenure and Big Smiles

Bob Legasa
30/10/2013
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Expert
  • Rider Age
    51-70
  • Admin Rating
    4

RK Heli, Big Tenure and Big Smiles

Bob Legasa
30/10/2013
We hit this one on the money! Freshie resets every night with 2' for our final day.

The hospitality, skiing and professionalism with RK are top shelf.

You have to give heli skiing a go once in your life, might as well start this season. Check out the video recap of the experience.

https://vimeo.com/78065196
See our video here

RK Heli Has It Going On

Bob Legasa
05/07/2013
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Expert
  • Rider Age
    51-70
  • Admin Rating
    5

RK Heli Has It Going On

Bob Legasa
05/07/2013
Bob Legasa Review of RK Heliskiing
For starters, the terrain is awesome! With choices between wide open, big GS type hauling ass glacier skiing to good steeps, perfect spaced trees, plenty of glades and lots of fun features for those who like to send it! Yeah, RK Has it going on.
Bob Legasa Review of RK Heliskiing

This is my second visit there and both times stellar. On our last visit, we hit one out of the park with over 2' of fresh on our second day. Talk about loving life that was an all timer.

Guiding is top notch with many of the guides being there for many years. If they know where the good stuff will be on that day you can rest assured you're going there. Our guide Rod Gibbons was extremely knowledgeable about the terrain and where all the little Honey Holes were.

Bob Legasa Review of RK Heliskiing
If you want to keep heli skiers happy you better have some good grub and cold pints and Choppers Landing does just that, good pub style food and plenty of beer choices.

Like I said RK has it going on. See the video on the RK Heliski page to prove it!

Bob Legasa Review of RK Heliskiing
See our video here

RK 5 run day

Dean
02/05/2013
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Snowboarder
  • Rider Level
    Advanced
  • Rider Age
    18-35
  • Admin Rating
    1

RK 5 run day

Dean
02/05/2013
RK was awesome. Lots of fresh POW, guide was awesome and found us some really good spots to ride. Would definitely recommend RK to anyone looking to do some heli.
See our video here

Rk-Heliskiing Delivers the Best and Deepest Powder in BC

Christian De Jager
21/01/2011
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Expert
  • Rider Age
    12-17
  • Admin Rating
    2

Rk-Heliskiing Delivers the Best and Deepest Powder in BC

Christian De Jager
21/01/2011
This video sums up the absolute Epicness of Rk-Heliskiing. Incredibly deep powder, awesome drops and pillows. Hands down the best day of my life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_emw6oHABM&feature=related
See our video here

RK Rules!

Michele Roane
16/12/2010
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Snowboarder
  • Rider Level
    Intermediate
  • Rider Age
    18-35
  • Admin Rating
    1

RK Rules!

Michele Roane
16/12/2010
I am a RK Staff Member for the 10/11 Winter Season. I had the opportunity to go up snowboarding today (15th Dec 2010) and had the best day ever! Rod and Graham were excellent guides, and the snow was epic.
See our video here

First Time Heliskier

Andrew
27/11/2010
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Snowboarder
  • Rider Level
    Intermediate
  • Rider Age
    18-35
  • Admin Rating
    1

First Time Heliskier

Andrew
27/11/2010
Great powder, great service, great experience!

A large range of packages from single day to custom.
See our video here

RK Heli Ski

16/07/2010

POWDERHOUNDS.COM

Powderhounds Ambassador
Powderhounds Ambassador

POWDERHOUNDS.COM

Powderhounds Ambassador
Powderhounds Ambassador
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Rider Level
    Advanced
  • Rider Age
    36-50
  • Admin Rating
    3

RK Heli Ski

16/07/2010
RK Heliski provides flexibility to get a taste of heli skiing or completely rip it up. Considering that the packages don’t include expensive lodging and all-inclusive meals (from which you only get heli belly), this makes for very inexpensive heli skiing.

For more detailed ratings of RK heli skiing and to see how it compares to other heli skiing around the world, also see our powderhounds heli ratings.

See our video here
select
RK Heliski Day Heli Skiing DETAILS
Price p/p From price based on per person for 3 runs package for 23/24.
Base/invoice currency is in CAD plus 5% GST.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 833

DAY HELI SKIING (PANORAMA)

Location: Canada | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Backcountry
Ability: Intermediate to Advanced
Price p/p From price based on per person for 3 runs package for 23/24.
Base/invoice currency is in CAD plus 5% GST.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 833
If you are staying at Panorama Mountain Resort (or in the Banff area), you can't go past a day or 2 or 3 of heli skiing with RK Heliski. There is a 3-run package for first time/intermediate heli skiers & a 5-run package for those who are more experienced plus a private option for those with their own group of 4-10. More
View inclusions & Add-ons
Click here for rates, dates & availability
Future rates & dates are currently not yet available for this operator. Click here to enquire.
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Custom Booking Period: Dec 21 - Apr 07, 2024
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