Heli-Skiing Tits Deep Pow: Selkirk Tangiers/Revelstoke, B.C.

Keenan Grady | Post Tag for BackcountryBackcountry
family heli-photo

The stoke was real as we (my family, girlfriend, and I) pulled into the Selkirk Tangier parking lot.  It was snowing heavily and a bit breezy.  We were all hoping for the best in terms of being able to actually ski.  We went through the standard gearing up and safety procedures: avalanche training and helicopter safety shpeal.  We lucked out and turned out to be in the first group that got to hop in the bird.  As the rotors wound up, we all thought this would be it!

the classic rotor wash of the landing zone

Once in the air, there was very little- to no visibility.  We had to set the chopper down and attempt to wait out the weather front.  Minutes ticked by and it didn’t look like there was any blue sky in sight…

Finding the (not so) elusive Selkirk powder
Finding the (not so) elusive Selkirk powder

After playing with our emotions for nearly over an hour, we ended up bagging it for the day.  Quite unfortunate, but obviously the only safe decision.  The management handled this situation expertly and rolled our skiing credit over into the following day with the same group!

 

Waiting for the chopper to depart-so we can ski in peace. Thanks to Alain Sleigher Photography
Waiting for the chopper to depart-so we can ski in peace. Thanks to Alain Sleigher Photography

The next morning we arrived at the Selkirk Tangier parking lot before the sun actually rose…Meanwhile it looks like only a light fog with a chance of afternoon sunshine.  What follows was the best day of heli-skiing I’ve had in my life:

finding the white room. Alain Sleigher Photography
finding the white room. Alain Sleigher Photography

 

Michelle gets it. Alain Sleigher Photography
Michelle gets it. Alain Sleigher Photography

 

Even my dad can get some great turns! Alain Sleigher Photography
Even my dad can get some great turns! Alain Sleigher Photography

 

My brother Ryan needs a snorkel! Alain Sleigher Photography
My brother Ryan needs a snorkel! Alain Sleigher Photography

big thanks to Alain Sleigher Photography for all the great action shots


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