If you’re a strong intermediate who already skis in the trees after a storm, you’re likely good enough to heli- or cat-ski. But if you want to make sure you’re ready before you head into untracked powder, check out Sun Peaks’s HeliCat Warm-Up Camps offered throughout the season. The two-day program, offered by off-piste camp co-ordinator, heli-ski guide and CSIA instructor Bodie Shandro, has a maximum size of four and includes coaching to improve your technique in powder and trees as well as avalanche awareness, companion rescue and backcountry hazards recognition. “The impetus for developing the course came after seeing so many heli-ski guests arrive without a warm-up, or not having skied in a year or more, only to be completely burned out by day one or two,” says Shandro. As well, “There’s so much going on [during a heli- or cat-ski orientation] that not all of the information sticks.” When you’re shelling out for private powder, why not arrive prepared?
