Risk Awareness at Powder Mountain

We’re thrilled you’re considering Powder Mountain for your backcountry adventure. Safety is our top priority, and we want to ensure you’re fully informed about the risks and the precautions we take to keep you safe. Cat/Heli-Skiing comes with inherent risks, but with the right knowledge, preparation, and equipment, the rewards are immeasurable. As a member of HeliCat Canada, we’re dedicated to the highest operating standards in the industry. We encourage all guests to familiarise themselves with HeliCat Canada’s Safety & Risk Awareness learning to ensure you are completely informed on the risks, dangers and hazards involved in cat-skiing and heli-skiing.

Our Approach to Safety

At Powder Mountain, we take a proactive and methodical approach to managing risk. Here’s a brief overview of how we manage safety throughout your adventure:

  • Experienced Guides: Our guides are highly trained and certified in avalanche safety, wilderness first aid, and risk management. They have years of experience operating in the Coast Range Mountains and are committed to your safety.

  • Avalanche Forecasting: Every morning, we review the latest avalanche forecasts and perform real-time hazard assessments to ensure conditions are safe for skiing and snowboarding.

  • Safety Equipment: All guests are provided with essential avalanche safety equipment, including an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel. We ensure these items are in top condition before the tour begins.

  • Continuous Hazard Assessment: During the day, our guides constantly assess conditions to ensure that we are skiing in terrain that poses the least risk. Decisions are made based on current weather, snowpack conditions, and avalanche risk.

A Day in the Life of Our Guides

To give you a sense of our daily process, here’s a snapshot of how we ensure safety:

  • 0715: Our road sweep cat departs, checking trail conditions. Tour cats are prepped for the day.

  • 0730: Our lead guide presents the day’s avalanche hazard forecast, and the team discusses terrain options.

  • 0800: Guides conduct final gear checks, and the team suits up for the day.

  • 0835: Guest orientation begins, covering safety procedures around cats/helicopters, avalanche awareness, and emergency protocols.

  • 0930–14:30: Guides continuously monitor snow conditions and terrain, adjusting plans as needed to mitigate risks.

HeliCat Canada: Your Resource for Safety Guidelines

We encourage you to visit HeliCat Canada’s Safety Page for an in-depth look at the safety measures, training protocols, and guidelines we follow.

A red snow grooming machine on a snowy mountain with ski tracks, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and trees under a clear blue sky.
Snow-covered mountain peaks with pine trees on the slope under a clear blue sky.
A group of people in winter clothing walking through deep snow in a snowy forest, with a snow grooming machine in the background and snow-covered trees surrounding them.
Ski skier sliding downhill in fresh snow with snow-covered trees and clear blue sky in the background.
Snow-covered mountain landscape with rugged peaks, a red helicopter on the snow, and a clear blue sky.
Close-up of a large ice formation with icicles hanging from the edge against a blue sky.