FAQ

What is the best week for the best snow conditions?

Within the Monashee Mountains, snowfalls are expected at anytime on a regular basis between early November and late April. The largest, most popular, and successful Heliski operations in the world are based in these same mountains. Why? Primarily for the consistent dry snowfall and the variety of terrain. December is known for consistent snowfalls and large storms. At Eagle Pass Heliskiing, much of December is spent getting ‘face-shots’ in the trees. The days are shorter, but the storms are regular! January and February are the most popular months and are marginally cooler. The solar effect on the powder is often negligible, even when the sun is out. In March and into April the days are getting longer, the snow pack and coverage is at its deepest, and the chances of getting some clear days for alpine skiing increases. These are the months for guests that aim to get into the open alpine bowls or have the desire to do ‘a lot of vertical’.

Do I need a passport to visit Canada?

Yes, travelers’ will need a valid passport to enter Canada. After December 31, 2006 Citizens of the USA will need a valid passport to re-enter the USA.

This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all United States citizens entering the United States from countries within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports. This new requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States. Most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and to a lesser degree, Mexican citizens will be affected by the implementation of this requirement. For more information, please visit the link below. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

How is tipping handled?

Tipping is not automatically added to your bill. However, the guiding, lodge, and massage staff in the heliski industry earns a substantial part of their income through tips. If you would like to tip the staff by credit card, you can do so at the time of checkout where tips can be added directly to your invoice.  A minimum 10% gratuity is customary.

When do we need to arrive in Canada?

We recommend that international travelers’ arrive a day earlier and spend the night in Calgary, Vancouver or Kelowna to avoid disappointment caused by delayed flights. We recommend that you arrive no later than 12:00 noon PST at Kelowna International Airport.

Where do I fly to?

Kelowna, British Columbia. For international flights the best points of entry into Canada would be either Vancouver or Calgary. United States residents may find it easier to connect to Kelowna via Seattle. You would then fly to Kelowna International Airport.

What time do I need to arrive in Kelowna or at Echo Bay Lodge?

The latest you would want to arrive into Kelowna International Airport would be 12:00 noon PST. If you are driving to the lodge, please arrive between 16:00 and 17:00 PST.

What if I can’t make the shuttle?

You have two options. You can rent a vehicle from the airport, or we can arrange a special pick up for you – please contact our office for details.

Is there an additional fee for the transfer from Kelowna?

Yes. There is a charge for transfer to and from Kelowna. Eagle Pass can provide a list of shuttles/transfers available or provide helicopter transfer. Please contact our office for details.

Do I need my own skis or snowboard?

Skiers: EPH will provide powder skis and poles for you to use. There will be a variety of skis to choose from. You must bring your own boots and we recommend you carry your boots as carry-on luggage. You can bring your own skis provided that they are wide modern powder skis.

Snowboarders: EPH has 2 Burton Fish powder specific snowboards for guests use.  If you would like to use one of these boards, please check with our office for availability.  You are welcome to bring your own board but please make sure that it is an appropriate deep powder board.  You must bring your own boots and we recommend you carry your boots as carry-on luggage.

What type of training do I need prior to the trip?

The best training you can do is to get out skiing as much as possible before your trip. If this is not possible, then we recommend starting a training program at least 6 weeks prior to your trip. This should include a stretching program and at least 30 minutes of cardio 3 times a week.

What should I wear?

Many guests prefer one-piece powder suits but two-piece suits will work as well. At a minimum, your suit should be very water repellent and many Heliskiers find Gore-Tex clothing to work very well and keep them dry. A main consideration is being able to layer your clothing. Cotton is not a good option and we recommend synthetic base layer or merino wool under layers. Make sure your goggles work! It is no fun if you can’t see. There will be gloves, goggles and a limited amount of clothing available for sale at Echo Bay Lodge.

How do I drive to Echo Bay Lodge at Mulvehill Creek?

Our lodge at Echo Bay is located 19km south of Revelstoke along HWY 23 South (This Highway heads to the Ferry and towards Nelson). Echo Bay Lodge is approximately 2 hours drive from Kelowna or Kamloops airports.

Can I use my own VHF radio while skiing?

At EPH, we provide each guest with a pre-programmed radio for use in an emergency.  To avoid losing, damaging, or hassles while flying we suggest that you use ours.

Can I bring my own pack, avalanche probe and shovel?

We provide all guests with Backcountry Access rescue equipment. This includes BCA Float 18 airbag backpacks, and BCA shovels and probes.

Are helmets allowed while Heliskiing?

Yes, Canada West Ski Areas Association recommends wearing helmets for skiing and riding.  Skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to educate themselves on the benefits and limitations of helmet usage.  The primary safety consideration is to ski and ride in a controlled and responsible manner.

Is there any form of compensation for group organizers?

Yes. Please Contact Us for details.

How long does it take to achieve the guaranteed vertical?

Our vertical guarantee is 3000 M per day (9900 feet). Packages with Eagle Pass are “Unlimited Vertical” which means you ski as much as you want to. The time it takes to reach your guarantee depends on a number of factors including personal fitness, ability, the pace you choose to ski, if you stay out all day, the weather and snow conditions.  3000 M is typically between 5-7 runs. We will provide our guests with a credit of $139 per 1000m for vertical guarantee not met. This is to be put towards a credit to their next ski package with EPH. This credit CAN NOT to be used for any incidentals at the lodge at cash value. The credit can only used as credit or deposit for future ski packages.

Can I bring my own alcohol?

Yes, you can bring your own alcohol to consume in your room.  You are not allowed to drink the alcohol you bring in any of the licensed areas such as the dining room and lounge.  Echo Bay Lodge stocks a wide variety to suit most tastes.  If there is something in particular you are looking to have while with us, feel free to inquire and if we don’t have it in stock, we will do our best to try and accommodate your requests.