Do I need a passport to visit Canada ?

Yes , travellers will need a valid passport to enter Canada. After December 31 2006  Citizens of the USA will need a valid passport to reenter the U.S.

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 http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Please see Heliski News for more details.

How is tipping handled?

Though tipping is not automatically added to your bill, the guiding, lodge and massage staff in the industry are earn a substantial part of their income in this fashion. You will find Eagle Pass Heliskiing envelopes in your room that can be used if you choose to tip with cash. If you would like to tip the staff by credit card, you can do so at the time of check-out where tips can be added directly to your invoice.

When do we need to arrive in Canada?

We recommend that international travellers arrive a day earlier and spend the night in either Calgary, Vancouver or Kelowna to avoid disappointment caused by delayed flights. We recommend that you arrive in Kelowna no later than 12:00noon PST on Saturday 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. Powder Air is an excellent new charter service offering reliable Saturday service from Calgary to Revelstoke and return to Calgary. Return flights depart Revelstoke  at 1:15 PM allowing plenty of time to catch Saturday evening transatlantic flights. Follow the link below for more information.

What time do I need to arrive in Kelowna or at the lodge
The latest you would want to arrive in Kelowna would be 12:00 noon PST on Saturday at Kelowna International Airport. If you are driving to the lodge you will want to arrive no later than 5:00PM PST on Saturday afternoon.

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

For all 7 day and private packages we have a complimentary scheduled shuttle.For three and four day packages no shuttle service is provided but can be arranged on request for an additional fee.

Do I need my own skis?
EPH will provide powder skis and poles for your 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.

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 8 weeks prior to your trip. This should include a stretching program and at least 30 minutes of cardio three 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 really not a good option and we recommend synthetic base layer or the merino wool underwear. Make sure your goggles work! It’s no fun if you can’t see. There will be gloves, goggles and a limited amount of clothing available for sale at the lodge.

How do I drive to the lodge?
Griffin Lake Lodge is our base of operations. It is well signed and lies near the Trans Canada highway 27 km (16 miles) west of Revelstoke. The lodge is approximately 2 hours drive from Kelowna or Kamloops airports. Check the lodge's own website location page for a interactive Google map and detailed driving instructions.

Can I use my own VHF radio while skiing?
Yes you may use your radio but you must have your own frequency for talking to one another on the slopes. We recommend you also have our operational frequency but use of the EPH frequency is limited to emergency situations.

Can I bring my own pack, avalanche probe and shovel?
Yes you may but you have to be prepared to ski with it all day. You cannot leave packs in the helicopter. Many guests find a very low profile pack that they can wear while sitting in the heli to work the best. Keep in mind that each group of four will take turns carrying two guest packs while in the field.

Is there any form of compensation for group organizers?
If you as an individual organize and bring a group of 4 guests to EPH you will receive 4% of each individual’s trip price in the form of credit on your current or future trips with EPH. If you organize and bring a group of eight guests you will receive 6% of each individuals trip price in the form of credit on your current or future trips with EPH.
If you organize and bring a group of twelve guests you will receive 8% of each individual’s trip price in the form of credit on your current or future trips with EPH.
Organizing a group is defined as completion of booking and registration process with full payment and delivery of the ski package. Please contact our office for complete details.

How long does it take to achieve the guaranteed vertical?

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 and the weather and snow conditions. Most guest's have acheived their guaranteed vertical early in the last day of their heliskiing package.

What are the amenities at the lodge?

The lodge offers wireless internet and phone service as well as massage .

There are many other activities centered around the town of Revelstoke including the local ski resort which now boasts the highest vertical in North America, snow mobile tours, x-country skiing, snowshoeing, a modern aquatics center, museum, shops and much much more.

Photo below :dramatic heliski terrain in Van Wykk Creek in our southern Monashees area