Frequently Asked Questions

How does helicopter-assisted ski touring work?

Each day begins with a short, scenic helicopter flight from the valley bottom to access ridgetop or mountain top terrain. Your ski day will start with a descent from the landing. After a full day of ski touring, the helicopter returns to pick up the group in the afternoon at the bottom of your last run. This approach maximizes skiing while keeping the experience focused on human-powered travel in pristine mountain terrain.

Who are your guides?

Our guides are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) and/or the Canadian Ski Guide Association (CSGA), and also hold certification with the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA). Their training and experience ensure the highest standards of safety and guest experience.

Where will my guide take me?

Every morning your guide will choose terrain to start your day based on an avalanche hazard assessment, flying conditions and ski quality. Your guide will choose terrain that balances safety with experience.

Where are you located?

We operate near Invermere, British Columbia, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Guests meet at our staging area at the airport for check-in, safety briefings, and helicopter transport to the day’s terrain.

When does your season start?

We open on January 24th and close on April 9th.

How many guests are in each group?

We keep our groups small—a maximum of 4 guests per guide—to maintain a personalized and safe experience. Smaller groups allow for better communication, flexibility, and efficient travel in the mountains.

What’s included in a trip?

Each trip includes:

• Morning coffee and baked goods during check-in

• Helicopter safety and avalanche companion rescue briefings

• Helicopter flights to and from the ski terrain

• Full day of guided ski touring or splitboarding

• Professional certified guides

•  A pint over at Invermere Brewing Co

Do I need to bring my own equipment?

We encourage guests to bring their own transceiver, probe, shovel as well as ski touring/splitboarding equipment but we do have rentals available from Braille Mountain Initiative. This equipment can be used for the day in exchange for a donation to this charity. Ski boots, snowboard boots and splitboards are not available for rent. Please let us know before your trip if you require equipment.

You must bring your own ski touring or snowboard boots

What level of experience is required?

Participants should have prior backcountry skiing or splitboarding experience, strong downhill skills in variable snow conditions, and the level of fitness required to hike all day in the mountains.

We can create an excellent learning experience for beginner backcountry skiers/splitboarders but this would require a full booking of 4 participants.

What happens if the weather is poor?

Our guides and pilots make decisions based on safety and visibility. If weather prevents flying, we may reschedule or provide a refund according to our booking and refund policy.

What should I bring?

Guests should bring:

• Touring skis or splitboard with skins

• Companion rescue equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel

• Day pack, warm layers, gloves, goggles, helmet

• Lunch, water, and any personal items for the day

How do I book a trip?

Bookings can be made by emailing us, filling out the contact form on our website or by phone. A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, with full payment due 60 days before the trip date. Review our booking and refund policy for full details.

Can I get a refund if I need to cancel?

Yes. Refunds vary based on the timing of your cancellation:

• 60+ days prior: Full refund minus a small administrative fee

• 59–14 days prior: 75% refund

• Within 13 days: 40% refund
  If Altura cancels a trip for any reason, you’ll receive a full refund (minus admin fee) or credit toward a future date.

Is there a minimum number of guests required?

Yes. Trips require a minimum of three participants to proceed. If the trip doesn’t meet this minimum, we’ll contact you to reschedule or provide a full refund.

Will I have to sign a waiver?

Yes, all participants will have to sign a waiver prior to payment and again on the trip date in order to participate in the trip.