North Cascade Heli

Get ready for your heli-skiing trip with North Cascade Heli by preparing now. Read on to learn how you can plan ahead to make the most of your trip with us in the North Cascades. 

Fitness & Conditioning

Improving your physical fitness before your trip will maximize your heli-skiing experience. You must be ready to ski and ride the diverse conditions that may be encountered in our backcountry terrain including deep powder, corn snow, wind crust, treed runs, etc. Naturally the best way to prepare is to ski or snowboard as much as possible before arriving in Mazama. If your days on the mountain will be limited before your heli-ski trip then increase your endurance, stamina, and strength however you can. It'll pay off when you're slashing thousands upon thousands of vertical feet of powder in the North Cascades.

Ski/Snowboard Gear Preparation

  • Tune and wax your skis or board (use all temperature wax). 
  • Verify that your bindings and boots are clean and functioning correctly.
  • Ensure that zippers, straps, and buckles on all of your gear are functioning correctly.

Essential Heli-Skiing Gear List

  • Powder skis >110mm underfoot or powder snowboard (K2 demo skis or boards are included in your package).
  • Ski poles (collapsible poles for snowboarders optional)
  • Ski/snowboard boots 
  • Mid-weight thermal base layers (top and bottom)
  • Mid-weight fleece or wool top
  • Compressible down or synthetic puffy vest or jacket
  • Water and windproof jacket and pants (hard shells preferred) 
  • Water and windproof ski or snowboard gloves 
  • Goggles (flat light and bright light lenses for variable conditions or photochromic)
  • Sunglasses
  • Wool or synthetic socks (extra pairs)
  • Neck gaiter or Balaclava
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Ski hat
  • Water bottle (1 liter)
  • Helmets are optional
  • Backpack approximately 20 liters (provided at no extra charge by NCH if needed)
  • Shovel, probe, avalanche transceiver (provided at no extra charge by NCH if needed)
  • Casual attire for Après including snow boots and a heavy warm jacket

Regarding apparel: layering is key so that you can easily shed or add layers as conditions dictate. Do not wear cotton. You should have a variety of layering options for variable weather conditions. Many people tend to overdress and thus overheat and sweat too much. Avoid adding extra weight to your pack with unnecessary items. If you have any questions please ask. 

Travel

  • Check the weather forecast and expected road conditions several days before your trip and plan accordingly. For current pass and road conditions check http://www.wsdot.com/traffic/passes/
  • Arrive the night before your first scheduled day of heli-skiing so that you are not rushing to get here in the morning and possibly delaying heli-skiing.
  • Remember that Washington Pass is closed for the winter, so the only access to Mazama is via Highway 20 from the east.
  • Be prepared for potentially intense winter driving conditions in the Methow Valley.