Whistler Heli Biking

• Optional: Shuttle to/from Whistler Village (10 pax capacity)

• Heli flight to the top of the trail

• Certified bike guide (Guided program only)

• On-hill patrol and injury response.

Not included: Bike rentals, insurance

• Advanced to Expert Level (This is NOT for beginners)

• Due to the length of the trail, riders are encouraged to be able to ride a Black Diamond Downhill/Enduro Trail on a regular basis. This trail is rated as “Dark Blue” as there are sections that can be more challenging than a traditional blue.

• Be aware that bike trail ratings in Whistler are typically more challenging than a comparable rating back home. A Blue here = Black elsewhere.

• There are NO mandatory drops, bridges, or gap jumps. There are some mandatory rock rolls, berms, and steep sections.

• A rider should be able to ride a Black Diamond trail in the Whistler Bike Park (eg. Original Sin & Angry Pirate)

• AlpX will have a bike patrol staff perform a sweep after all riders have started down the trail to ensure safety, and trail etiquette (not riding off-trail or disrespecting the land).

• All riders will be equipped with a radio to contact the bike patrol staff in case of injury or emergencies. Serious injuries may be provided with a helicopter evacuation, potentially subject to additional fees.

• Minimum age: 15 years old

We are pleased to be able to offer a guided option for your ride. While this trail does not have many forks or wrong turn options, it is very much a ‘backcountry’ experience and does not have cell service throughout, or any aid stations along the way.

For riders who would love to have somebody guiding them through the technical sections, fixing their mechanical issues, and ensuring close communication and contact with our operations base, we highly recommend taking a guide with you on your day.

The peace of mind of having a guide to ensure a seamless worry-free day is well worth it in our opinion!

Typically the guide group ratios are 1:4 riders.

View Equipment Checklist

Please dress the same way you would for riding the Whistler Bike Park.

· Extra clothing and food & water

· Helmets are mandatory.

· Personal protection equipment highly recommended (Knee pads, Elbow pads, gloves, chest protector, mountain bike specific footwear)

· Goggles or sunglasses recommended.

· Sunscreen.

· Personal pack with: tire repair, first aid kit, cell phone, and space to carry a radio.

· Nothing may be left in the helicopter or at our staging area. Come ready to ride.

· Cameras may NOT be used while loading/unloading helicopter. If you have a GoPro or a handsfree device, this may be used. Selfie Sticks and drones are not allowed.

· Come ready to ride, and DO NOT bring anything you won’t be taking on your trip. Ensure your gear is functional, tight and tidy before getting on the shuttle or leaving your vehicle.

• Absolutely NOTHING can be strapped to a bike. This includes tubes, water bottles, GPS devices, or any other zip-tied/Velcro accessory. Mud guards are allowed if they are secured with 4 zip ties and show no signs of wear.

E-Bikes are not allowed.

Please ensure you have the appropriate equipment and are prepared for your day in the backcountry.

1. Stay on the Trail
This trail routes through an area of sensitive alpine and sub-alpine tundra, as well as old-growth forest. Off-trail riding will not be tolerated. We have worked hard to offer an incredible trail and damaging the environment around it will have negative effects on the surrounding flora and fauna, as well as degrade the quality of the program for others. Keep it awesome, keep it on the trail.

2. Respect Wildlife
Keep from harassing wildlife by respecting them; this is their home, not yours. Do not feed wildlife, and properly dispose of your food and other consumable items. This is particularly important during sensitive times such as mating or nesting season where the slightest stress can cause great and long-lasting disturbance. Do not chase, pester or approach wildlife. Acknowledge that they are there and carry on your way without leaving an impact.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly
If you pack it in, pack it out. In fact, take any waste you find with you whether it is yours or not. We would very much prefer if you used the washroom before your flight. The trip is not that long, and as a grown adult we believe you’re strong enough to hold it. However, emergencies do happen and if required, dispose of human waste in "cat holes" that are at least six to eight inches deep and two-hundred feet from water. To promote decomposition, a site with organic soil will be chosen. The cathole will be covered and disguised when finished. Toilet paper and hygiene products must be packed out and will not be left in the cathole.

4. Plan Ahead and Prepare
Many unnecessary impacts can be avoided when you know what you are getting into before hand and you plan your trip accordingly. For example, knowing the terrain you will be encountering and the local hazards will help you to avoid sensitive and high traffic areas while preventing emergencies and costly evacuations. Planning also allows you to make sure your group isn't too large and to minimize potential waste by repackaging food and supplies among your party.

*Please read your confirmation email for a more accurate itinerary.

Wave 1:

• 9:00 a.m. Arrive at Heli Staging area, North of Whistler Village by shuttle or self-drive (check details in confirmation email)

• 9:15 a.m. Expectations, etiquette and overview of your day at the heli-staging site

• 9:30 a.m. Helicopter Safety Briefing

• 9:50 a.m. Group 1 Lifts

• 10:10 a.m. Group 2 Lifts

• 10:30: Group 3 Lifts

Wave 2:

• 10:30: Arrive at Heli Staging area, North of Whistler Village by shuttle or self-drive (check details in confirmation email)

• 10:30-11:05: Expectations, etiquette and overview of your day at the heli-staging site

• 11:10: Group 4 Lifts

• 11:30: Group 5 Lifts

• 11:50: Group 6 Lifts

Ride the trail. Woo. We expect riders to be ~1.5hrs from liftoff time back to our base.

12:00pm – 3:00pm Shuttle departs heli-staging area approximately once every hour back to village.

If your heli-bike day is cancelled due to weather conditions, you will be contacted between 7:45 and 8:00 a.m.

Tenure & Sustainability
In the tourism sector, a tenure exists to help balance the interest of commercial operators with the interests of public use, wildlife use, environmental presence, and first nations support. AlpX has the title to a wide variety of tenured terrain in the Sea to Sky with several different activities permitted in each area. We are responsible for staying within the limitations outlined in our Tenure Management Plan. This includes using the correct regions exclusively for the activities permitted, limiting the number of users to what has been approved, and operating in a safe and sustainable manner. Tenure holders must abide by the provincial Backcountry Recreation/Tourism Wildlife Guidelines.

Carbon Offsetting
As a 100% Carbon Offset company since 2018, Blackcomb Helicopters//AlpX offsets the emissions from your trip. This includes emissions created by your flight, shuttle, and our base of operations. If you would like to further reduce your footprint by doubling your contribution, we invite you to do so during checkout. Donations will go towards the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Learn more about our carbon offsetting here.

This trip is subject to all AlpX’s Booking Policies / Terms & Conditions.

· All guests are required to sign a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement before being allowed to ride with us. By signing this document, guests will waive certain legal rights, including the right to sue. All claims – irrespective of a guest’s nationality – shall be governed in all respects by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of British Columbia, Canada.

· ALPX has no control or responsibility for the weather.

· Alcohol, non-prescription drugs, and medical marijuana are not permitted while riding with ALPX.

Payment:

• A 25% deposit is required to confirm your reservation. This is refundable per the cancellation policy. The remaining payment will be charged on the day of your flight.

Cancellation Policy:

• >14 days: no fee - deposit will be refunded.

• 7-14 days: 50% of total cost will be charged.

• < 7 days: 100% of total cost will be charged.

• Cancellations due to weather will be made at the discretion of AlpX and will be refunded or rescheduled.

• Name changes/transfer allowed - you must contact us to update passenger details.

Waiver:
Each guest will be required to sign a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement before the trip start date. Your booking is not confirmed until all waivers have been submitted.