Revelstoke Archives - Page 5 of 7

Heli Skiing – Ski Magazine’s Number 1 Must Do

Ski Magazine recently announced their Skier’s Life List: the top 25 things a skier must do. Heli skiing was awarded the number one spot; “Being a skier means many things. But we all share the same dream, and it sounds like this: thwap-thwap-thwap”.

Heliskiing simply offers access to the best of the best skiing. Pristine powder snow, untouched terrain, stunning scenery and long vertical descents. Revelstoke is famed for having the best heli skiing in the world, a combination of huge snowfall, dry powder snow and exciting terrain features including high alpine glaciers and fun-packed tree skiing.

Bighorn is the world’s most luxurious heli ski lodge. Located in the heart of Revelstoke, it has its own helipad for private small group heliskiing. This is the way to try heliskiing! A bespoke experience to fulfill your dreams, combined with the ultimate in luxury accommodation and service.

Check out Ski Magazine’s complete life list here.

It’s Already Snowing in Revelstoke

Early snow in Revelstoke Revelstoke has enjoyed its first snow of the winter and we can’t wait for another epic season to get underway. Check out this photo from the Ripper Chair webcam, its sure to get your ski legs twitching in anticipation! With an average of 12-18 meters of snow per winter, Revelstoke Mountain Resort is officially one of the snowiest resorts in the world. Plus, the snow in Revelstoke is perfect powder – light, dry and deep.

Bighorn is the perfect compliment to this powder paradise. The world’s most exclusive ski chalet offers both private heli skiing direct from the house helipad and lift skiing at the incredible Revelstoke Mountain Resort. This is as good as it gets!

Добро пожаловать в Бигхорн – Bighorn launches website for Russian guests

Private heliskiing at Bighorn in Canada Bighorn is getting a lot of attention from Russia, where people like to ski hard and relax in style. Our Russian client base love the private heli skiing on offer at Bighorn, matched by exclusive use of one of the finest ski lodges in the world. We have now launched a new Russian language version of our website to provide more information for Russians interested in heliskiing in Canada.

Бигхорн – это лучшее жилье хелиски в Британской Колумбии. Сервис 5 звезд и удобства предлагают лучшее в роскоши Канадских Гор

www.bighornrevelstoke.com/ru

Robb Report Describes Bighorn as “A Heli-skiers Haven”

Robb Report Bighorn Coverage

The Robb Report is the definitive guide to global luxury. This month’s issue describes Bighorn as “A heli-skier’s haven raising the bar”. The author goes on to explain how the Bighorn concept excels in providing unbeatable access to the world’s best heliskiing.

“We landed atop one peak and shuffled out of the helicopter, which soon took off in a flurry of powder. Then in the quiet, with heavenlike views all around, we started down our first run. At the bottom I checked my watch: less than an hour earlier I was still in bed.”

Bespoke private heli skiing is backed up by North America’s best chalet accommodation. The author praises the award-winning chef’s delicious cuisine and the sumptuous facilities including spa, outdoor hot tub and movie theatre that allow guests to completely relax after an incredible day’s skiing.

Read the full article here

Dream heli skiing from Bighorn

Looking Forward to Winter

Amazing early snow in Revelstoke

With weather forecasters already debating whether it will be an El Nino or La Nina winter, we are gearing up for another awesome season of snow in Revelstoke. Whatever the weather pattern, Revelstoke’s snow fall history means we can be confident of around 12 metres (39ft) of snow per season, putting it in the super-snow league way above all European resorts (Lech is the snowiest Alpine resort averagng 7m per winter). Not only does Revelstoke get a lot of snow, but its location in the interior of British Columbia means snow is light and dry – perfect for getting the most out of the exciting terrain.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort has announced a tentative opening date of 1st December 2012, with good early snow expected. Last season, when Bighorn opened on December 10th, there was already 287cm snow accumulated at RMR making for a great opening week. Check out some footage showing the awesome conditions on the opening day here. This year we’ll be ready for guests on December the 8th, with Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing available to whisk you into the wilderness for the best start to the season imaginable!

The Most Luxurious Heliski Lodge in the World

Last week the definitive guide to the most exclusive and indulgent chalets in the world was launched. The Luxury Chalet Collection has named Bighorn as one of the top 20 properties in the world.

The gourmet cuisine and stunning design, coupled with exceptional feedback from guests, were factors in selecting Bighorn to be part of the collection. With first class facilities such as a movie theatre, games room, indoor pool, giant outdoor hot tub, spa and cocktail bar, Bighorn truly is the ultimate ski pad. Offering dedicated service from a team including an award-winning chef and expert housekeeping staff, guests can relax in the lap of luxury.

The private helipad at Bighorn really sets it apart from the competition, providing guests with a unique opportunity. Offering both heliskiing and exciting resort skiing at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, guests have access to the best snow, terrain and scenery anywhere in the world.

Bighorn in Tatler

Bighorn features in this month’s Tatler magazine. Given that Tatler is the guide to glamour and high society, we wanted to share their thoughts.

The Wild Ones reviews the ultimate ‘grown up cribs’ for house parties. Describing Bighorn as “the king of heli lodges”, the property wins praise for “the most awesome heli-ski terrain” and “some of the best lift-accessed skiing in North America”. Many of the outstanding facilities got a mention including the “terrifically grown up dining room” and “super-charged teppanyaki grill” as well as our indoor pool, home cinema and “vast games room”.

In summary Tatler says “Come here to ski hard and play hard”. We couldn’t agree more.

view the full article

The Best New Ski Gear for Winter 2012/13

Testing the latest ski equipment in Revelstoke Each year, we look out for the big new product launches and we’re already itching to see how the latest ski products perform on the slopes. Admittedly we still have a few months to wait, but we wanted to share the insider’s guide to what will be causing a stir on the slopes next season.

1) Salomon BBR Skis

Salomon launched the BBR ski last year. With it’s novel V-shape and surf-led design it got noticed, but there were plenty of skeptics out there. If this new shape was so great, why hadn’t it been done before? It seems the haters were proved wrong as reports of amazing flotation and a great turning radius justified the radical design. Next year Salomon are expanding the BBR range to a total of 6 skis, for a full spectrum of abilities. With Revelstoke’s deep powder and awesome backcountry terrain, we’ll be skiing on the BBR 10.0, the biggest ski for advanced skiers who want the most fun. Salomon says it “uses the versatility of the V-shape and a metal backbone reinforcement to give expert skiers a single ski to tackle everything in the resort and far beyond the boundries”.

2) Zeal Optics ION Goggles

This revolutionary goggle, new for 2013, has an in-built camera and video technology. It shoots 10 megapixel photos and HD video, with an in-goggle viewfinder. No more annoying helmet mounts or missed shots. Plus it looks good and blends technology with style and function – it has a 170 degree lens for optimum visibility. We can’t wait to film our first run through the pow in Revelstoke!

3) Noronna Recon

As massive fans of Noronna’s ski jackets, pants and onesies, we are excited to see their latest offering. Blending technical excellence with fashionable colors and styles, this is perfect heliski wear that also looks cool in resort. For next season, channel your military side with the new Recon jacket and pants. Developed with Norwegian, Swedish and Danish Special Forces, it is Noronna’s most durable and weatherproof offering, suitable for all outdoor activities.

Heliski Safety

Helicopter safety Heliskiing is perceived as a risky activity, although it actually has some safety advantages over resort skiing given that most ski accidents are caused by collisions on crowded pistes. It should be accepted that there are dangers however, but following a few simple precautions can prevent accidents and ensure the safety of your group.

1) Ski with a partner

Keep an eye out for your buddy and make sure you are aware of where they are skiing. If you are following each other, ski near each other’s tracks and call out for each other when skiing trees. Revelstoke is famed for its incredible tree skiing, but be aware of tree wells – deep holes next to the snow shadow of the trunk. If you fall down a tree well you’ll need your partner close by to pull you out.

2) Listen to your guide

It may sound obvious, but make sure your brain is in gear and you are listening to what your guide says. Your safety is their number one priority, so you should always heed their instructions. Often they will tell you to ski to the left or right of their tracks, this will be to avoid a hazard. Always stop above your guide – they may have stopped for good reason; above a crevasse, cornice or to asses snow pack. If they tell you to ski a pitch one at a time, then there is good reason for being cautious.

3) Helicopter safety

You will receive a helicopter safety briefing before your flight, but it pays to fix some key precautions in your mind before you fly:

Approach the helicopter from the pilot’s side and walk rather than ski up to it.

Never walk around the back of the helicopter, the tail blades are dangerous.

Look up and be aware of the rotor blades – drag skis, don’t carry them on your shoulder.

Once in the cabin wear your seat belt and do not distract the pilot or touch any controls.

At the drop-off secure goggles, gloves and backpacks before the heli takes off – if they blow away don’t chase them.

4) Safety equipment

The heliski operators at Bighorn will equip guests with avalanche rescue equipment including a shovel, probe, transceiver and group radio. You’ll receive full training on how to use the equipment, firstly via a safety video screened in the Bighorn cinema room and then by practicing rescue scenarios on the snowy slopes around the lodge.

5) Respect the terrain

Conditions in the mountains change quickly, so ski with respect for Mother Nature. Your guide will give you advice on how and where to ski, but use your common sense – don’t go over an edge if you don’t know what is on the other side, look ahead and plan where you want to ski.

If you ski with respect for the mountains and your guide, heliskiing is perhaps the most rewarding adventure you’ll ever have. Find out more about the ultimate thrill here.

6 Things to Think About When Going Heliskiing

Dream helsikiing in British Columbia

1) Destination

Revelstoke in Canada is hard to beat as an all-round heli ski destination. It has a consistently good snow record and light powder snow that is amazing (and fun) to ski. The terrain is vast and varied – a mixture of high glacial bowls and the world’s best tree skiing. There are several heliski operators including Selkirk Tangiers, CMH and Eagle Pass, each with their own tenure and ski style. The key here is flexibility – you can heliski for one day or one week and there is a world-class resort as back up in case the helicopter can’t fly in bad weather. Revelstoke Mountain Resort also offers fantastic backcountry skiing, cat skiing, ski touring and even dog sledding and paragliding. Alaska may have the best steep skiing, but for all-round adventure BC is your best bet.

2) Best Time of Year

Traditionally, the heliski season in Canada runs from January to March, with February being the most popular month. For those that want sun and more temperate climes March is the best month and for guaranteed fresh tracks, the biggest dumps of snow come in December and January.

3) The Right Equipment

Most heliski operators will include rental of powder skis with your heli ski experience. These skis are wider and aid flotation over deep snow. Layers of clothing work well as you heat up whilst skiing and cool down whilst resting. The experts at Bighorn in Revelstoke recommend a merino wool base layer, down mid-layer and a shell jacket. A spare pair of gloves, goggles with interchangeable lenses and boot warmers are also useful recommendations for skiing in deep snow.

4) Safety

Make sure that your chosen heliski operator uses guides that are fully qualified by a recognised association such as the ACMG or IFMGA. You should receive a full safety briefing and avalanche training before heliskiing, including a rescue simulation to practice using equipment such as transceiver, shovel and probe. Wearing an ABS airbag backpack is another precautionary measure that can be taken and most heliski operators rent these out for a small fee.

5) Helicopter

You can heliski either from a Bell 205 or A Star helicopter. The Bell accommodates 10 skiers plus guides and the A Star takes 4 plus guide. The ultimate heli ski experience is achieved by chartering a private helicopter for your group. This allows you to maximize the amount of skiing you do: a totally bespoke experience tailored to your group’s needs and wishes. Guests at Bighorn in Revelstoke can even fly direct from their private helipad. A private charter comes at a price however, so there are more economical options for shared groups that fly in a Bell and offer the same wilderness ski experience.

6) Accommodation

There are types of accommodation to consider: self-catering apartments, hotels or a private full-service ski lodge. Apartments are the best budget option, whereas hotels offer greater amenities and meal options. For groups, a private lodge is a superb option with Bighorn Revelstoke offering meals prepared by an executive chef, a private helipad and luxury spa facilities. Think about proximity to the ski area, the type of facilities your group needs and the range of activities that are accessible in case of bad weather.