Terrain

The base for TLH Heliskiing is on the shores of beautiful Tyaughton Lake, approximately 125 miles (200 km) north of Vancouver, British Columbia.

Snowfall

The average annual snowfall at 5,900 feet (1,800 meters) is approximately 45 to 60 feet (14 to 18 meters) which leaves us with an average base of 10 to 12 feet (3 to 4 meters) of snow on the ground. It's not unusual to find over 16 feet (5 meters) of snow at higher elevations on the glaciers.

Temperatures

Temperatures are generally well suited for skiing and range from -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F). At worst, there can be short spell of rain or periods when the temperature can drop to -30ºC (-22ºF).

Snow Conditions

Records show that during 75% of our season the snow conditions are excellent to good. However, you must be aware that helicopter skiing is not always perfect and conditions may occasionally be very challenging. Our guides strive to seek out the best conditions to be found on any given day.

Down Days

On average, it is only about one-half a day per week that conditions prevent us from skiing or snowboarding.

Tyax Lodge

Tucked away in the South Chilcotin Mountains lies the largest log lodge in the West. Nestled on the shores of Tyaughton Lake with views of snow-covered peaks up to 9,000 feet. Tyax Lodge will be your remote mountain home while enjoying some heli-happiness with us.

Rooms

All our heli-packages include double occupancy accommodation at Tyax Mountain Resort. If you would prefer to guarantee yourself a single occupancy room, simply request a single occupancy room at the time of your reservation. Daily maid service is included for each room.

All rooms at Tyax Lodge include:

• one queen bed and one single bed
• en-suite bathroom and balcony
• Satellite T.V.
• phone
• hair dryer

Safety is our first priority and as a result our clients have the opportunity to experience exciting and challenging skiing and riding with safety and enjoyment.

Helicopters and Pilots

Our guests enjoy the comfort and reliability of an 11 passenger, jet-powered, twin engined Bell 212 helicopter. For smaller private groups we use a Bell 407 helicopter. Our pilots are chosen to meet the same high standards as our guides and have a wealth of experience flying in the mountains. Helicopter maintenance is provided by our on-site team of engineers.

Our Guides

Our guides are chosen not only for their guiding skills and qualifications, but also for their enthusiastic and outgoing personalities. They are professional guides who have passed a series of comprehensive examinations to qualify them as members of the A.C.M.G. and the U.I.A.G.M., the recognized Canadian and International Mountain Guide Associations. They are experienced at balancing exciting and challenging skiing with the safety and enjoyment of the entire group. Our guides also participate in yearly refresher courses, both at TLH and as part of their ongoing training as certified mountain and Ski Guides.

Mountain Safety

Weather and snow conditions are continuously monitored by our guides and snow safety team. Terrain and specific runs are discussed based on the current conditions every morning. In addition, together with other leading heli-skiing companies in British Columbia, we sponsor an ongoing avalanche research project with the University of Calgary. In spite of our best efforts, there are inherent risks and hazards associated with helicopter skiing that are beyond our control and that you must share with us. It is therefore important to follow the directions of your guides at all times.

ALL guests visiting TLH will be trained to use the PIEPS  Transceiver. It is an avalanche rescue transceiver with dual frequency functionality. Simple one touch button operation is intuitive and easy to use - even for the uninitiated.

ABS Packs

We provide ABS packs for all our guests and insist on their use. You are welcome to bring your own but we prefer that you use ours as we perform weekly safety checks on each pack. An ABS pack contains a double airbag that inflates either side of the backpack when activated in the event of an avalanche. It is designed to minimise the chances of complete burial as it keeps your body in a horizontal and upwards moving position in the avalanche minimising the risk of injury.

Emergencies

Continuous radio contact between the pilots, guides and the lodge ensures reliable communication in the event of an emergency. There are always 2 radios in each group. One radio that the guide carries and another in the guest pack which is then worn by the last skier or rider in the group. The guest pack contains a radio, extra probe, extra shovel, spare gloves and hat, heat packs and a first aid kit. The guides carry emergency equipment in their packs, additional equipment is carried in the helicopters and there are several rescue caches within our ski area. If needed, two hospitals and additional helicopter bases are within 30 minutes flying time.