FAQs

We are located 150 kms north of Revelstoke, BC, Canada. In other words, "the middle of nowhere."

• Classic Program Guests: Getting here requires flying to Kelowna, BC (YLW) and taking our private shuttle to our staging along Kinbasket Lake where we then heli across to our lakeside lodge. We can also coordinate a private heli charter from Kelowna or Revelstoke directly to the lodge. 
• Private Program Guests: Getting here requires flying to Kelowna, BC (YLW) and jumping on a private executive heli that transfers you and your guests directly to and from our lodge.

Small group can mean different things at different operations. At Mica, this means there will be 4 guests + 1 lead guide for each ski group; you fly together, you ride together. If you join us with three friends you will be partnered up. Otherwise, our guides will discuss your experience and skills and will group you will similarly skilled riders. In our opinion, small groups are the best way to heliski. Guides can cater the program and terrain selection to better suit the snow conditions and abilities of your small group. No pressure, all the fun.

For each trip, we welcome up to 21 riders maximum. Our classic program caters to 16 guests (4 groups of 4) and our private program hosts up to 5 guests in their own group.

Our tenure is about 300,000 acres or 500 square miles throughout 11 valleys in the Canadian Rockies. Our ski runs range from 600-1800 vertical meters. 

• Classic program shares two A-Star helicopters between 4 groups of 4 guests (16 guests maximum).
• Private guests have their own Koala helicopter at their group's disposal.

WATCH: IN GOOD HANDS: Mica Heli Flight Program

We recommend skiers and boarders be an intermediate to advanced ski resort rider. If you feel relatively comfortable on varied terrain and snow conditions, you should be fine. As you progress through the trip your confidence will grow and you will be exposed to more challenging terrain. The best way to learn to ski deep powder is to join us and ski deep powder!

The real key is FITNESS. You will be riding consecutive days and the fitter you are, the better your ski holiday will be and the more fun you will have. Fitness is just as important as your ability, if not more so. View the training program our team of guides and adventurers follow and get started with this home workout.

It depends, largely, on what kind of skiing you like to do (and when we have availability). December typically has the floaty, bottomless blower pow with shorter days and cozy lodge nights. January and February are tree-skiing heaven. March gets us into longer days with more frequent bluebird skies letting us explore more of our glaciated and wide open terrain. April is consistently a mixed bag of bluebird and storm powder. But then again, we are dealing with Mother Nature, so you need to be prepared for just about any kind of conditions at any time.

Bring your boots, helmet, goggles and water/wind proof outer winter wear. We provide all backcountry equipment – powder boards or skis/poles and snow safety gear.

Prior to your first day of skiing, our guiding team and pilots will provide a comprehensive safety training session covering the use of radios, avalanche transceivers, rescue techniques and a helicopter safety briefing. Our team will spend as much time with you as you need to feel comfortable using this equipment.

View our state-of-the-art snow safety equipment and ski/snowboard fleet here. All equipment is maintained daily on-site by our ski-tech.

Travel Tip: We recommend you always fly with your boots as your carry-on luggage. For international guests, if your luggage does not make it, we can still get you out riding with borrowed gear.

Proper layering is essential. We recommend bringing a wool baselayer, midlayer jacket (thickness varies for each person’s body temperature), face gaiter and a Goretex outer layer. Helmets are mandatory and do ensure your goggles fit your helmet and face well so you don’t fog up.

View and download our recommended packing checklist here.

Absolutely! Our culinary team prepares every meal from scratch. Prior to joining us, our guest services team connects with each guest to ensure we are aware of any dietary requirements.

WATCH: IN GOOD HANDS: Mica Heli CULINARY Program

Absolutely. It is your vacation so you choose to ride as long, or short, of a day as you wish. In fact, some guests prefer to go out later in the morning, ski a half day or come in earlier to relax before après begins. Your guide and pilots will accommodate this request by coordinating the timing with one of our helicopters coming to the lodge to refuel. 

Due to our location and weather, we are fortunate to experience very few full down days a season. Should you experience a down day on your trip we organize an array of fun activities both inside and outside, weather pending. If you prefer to enjoy quiet time reading by the fireplace or soaking in a hottub, that is also available to you. In addition, we do have a snowcat at the lodge so if the weather and conditions allow, we will take guests complimentary skiing above our lodge.

Yes, we do welcome non-skiers to relax in the stunning setting of our remote wilderness. There is a day rate for non-skiers that includes their shared accommodation, food and transportation from Kelowna to our lodge.

We do not have cellular coverage but do provide complimentary high-speed internet and telephone service. WiFi calling is available if your device is enabled; WhatsApp, FaceTime and Skype are all viable options for communication with the outside world (should you want to be connected).

Yes. All guests are required to complete our Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement (the "Waiver"). By signing the Waiver, you accept the risks, dangers and hazards associated with heliskiing.

Please REVIEW OUR WAIVER prior to booking.