Where is Crescent Spur Heli-Skiing?
Crescent Spur Heli Skiing is located in the Rocky Mountain trench between the Rocky and Cariboo Mountains, 160 km east of Prince George, BC, in the tiny community of Crescent Spur (pop. 20).
How do I get there?
Most guests fly to Prince George, our nearest airport. Both Air Canada and WestJet provide daily nonstop service from Vancouver International Airport. Please give our office a call before making your travel plans. We have a scheduled transfer between Prince George Airport and our lodge at the beginning and end of your package. If your travel plans do not permit you to meet the schedule of this service, you may arrange a separate transfer schedule for an additional fee. For those of you who wish to drive, our lodge is accessed via Highway 16, then an all season gravel road to the lodge. We will send specific directions to Crescent Spur and the lodge upon request.
For those guests who need to stay overnight in Prince George or Vancouver we have preferred rates set up at a few hotels. In Vancouver, the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel; in Prince George, the Coast Inn of the North and the Four Points Sheraton. Please call our office for more information.
What is the lodge and skiing elevation?
The lodge sits at 2200 feet elevation, and skiing occurs between 9000 and 3500 feet.
What types of runs do you ski?
We have over 200 runs on 1500 square miles of terrain at Crescent Spur - alpine bowls, spectacular glaciers, and open forest. Runs vary in length from 1500 to 4000 vertical feet.
How many runs do you do per day?
We usually ski about 10-15 runs per day - fewer in the early winter and more in the spring.
What kinds of packages do you offer?
At Crescent Spur we offer two vacation types. You can choose a private week that is tailored around your own group of 10 people. Alternatively, smaller groups or individuals are welcome to join us for our 20 person semi-private adventures. Each of our weeks is run as one or the other. Bookings are available in 5 or 6 day packages. See our Packages and Booking Page for more information.
What is the maximum number of guests you can accommodate?
We ski with a maximum of 20 guests per week in our semi private weeks. We ski in two groups of 10 with two guides each group. Our private weeks have a maximum of 10 guests, again with two guides.
Do the packages contain a set amount of vertical or unlimited vertical?
There are typically two types of packages offered in the heli-ski industry. One package offers a set amount of vertical footage. Extra vertical is then charged once the package vertical has been skied and the guest makes the choice to continue skiing. The second package offers unlimed vertical. Please read our article on the extra vertical debate.
When is the best time to come heli-skiing?
This is the most commonly asked question! Any week of the season can see excellent powder snow, or challenging conditions. In general however:
Early winter brings lots of snow, with a greater likelihood of taking advantage of our extensive open forest terrain. However, sunny days will allow us to ski in the alpine. Temperatures will range throughout the winter from -20C (with the odd few colder days!) to +5C.
Mid winter brings a mix - we have some of our deepest snow in February, but we also have weeks of blue sky and sun.
Spring skiing generally brings more convective weather, meaning that storms move in, deposit 10-30 cm of new snow, then move out, allowing us to enjoy the new snow in sunshine. This time of year the days are longer and sees us skiing more in the alpine and on our glaciers.
Our reccomedation is to reserve the week that fits best into your personal schedule as virtually all of the weeks have the potential to be the best of the season, or (hopefully not) the most challenging of the season.
How fit should I be?
Heli-skiing and boarding is most enjoyable when you are fit. Plan to start a fitness program that includes stretching and aerobic exercises at least 8 to 10 weeks prior to your arrival.
How good a skier or boarder do I have to be?
We welcome first time heli-skiers and heli-boarders and suggest that as a skier you be a parallel skier comfortable with skiing most of the runs at a major ski area, and as a boarder that you are comfortable boarding in the trees as well as open areas. The guides make every effort to choose runs that will suit your ability and interests and will provide instruction to those who wish.
Are there many non-skiing days?
We have very few down days at Crescent Spur. In an average season, we will have 1 to 1.5 days (in the entire season!) when we cannot ski due to weather or flying conditions.
What happens if I choose not to ski/board one day?
We do not refund for unskied footage if you choose not to ski a day or a part of a day, or if lack of fitness or ski ability prevents you from reaching your package vertical. Once your package vertical is reached, you will only be charged for the days that you choose to go out with the group.
Do you offer a discount for organizing a group?
Our group booking policy offers a 5% commission to an individual who books 10-20 spaces in our semi-private packages. Please read the guidelines for this new policy, or contact our office for more information.
What if I introduce a new skier to CS?
We have a "Bring a Friend" program whereby you receive a $350 credit to you for each new guest you refer to us. Please download the Bring a Friend Form.
Do you have a guest appreciation program?
We have a lot of wonderful guests that return year after year. The best compliment we can receive to to have a guest say "I'm coming back next year!". We thank our guest for their loyalty to Crescent Spur with the following:
* 5 trips with CS - guests will be presented wiht an Arcteryx windbreaker- the Epsilon AR jacket
* 10 trips with CS - guests will be presented with an Arcteryx ski suit - the Theta AR jacket and Minute Man ski pant
*15 trips with CS - guests will be presented with a Stormtech travel bag
* 20 trips with CS - enjoy a free ski week with us!
What should I bring?
We recommend a one or two piece powder suit shell, with layering of thinner undergarments, warm gloves or mittens, and a helmet or warm hat. Don't forget good quality goggles and sunglasses. Our retail shop has a selection of undergarments, goggles, glasses and powder gloves and mitts. We strongly suggest that you take your ski boots on the plane as carry on luggage. We will provide you with specialized powder skis and poles. We do not provide snowboard rentals. Après ski attire is casual. Don't forget your bathing suit for the hot tub.
What is not included in the package price?
Massage services, liquor, gratuities, and retail purchases, extra vertical (for vertical skied beyond what the package includes), non scheduled transfers between our lodge and Prince George Airport, emergency medical evacuation (see insurance).
Do you have a liquor license?
We have a liquor license and a full service bar. We request that ALL liquor consumed in the living, dining and bar area of the lodge be purchased through our liquor license, as required by our licensing regulations. While we have a good selection of wines and liquor in stock, we would be happy, with sufficient notice, to purchase specialty products if desired. Please call our office for more information.
Do I need insurance?
We STRONGLY recommend the purchase of both HOLIDAY CANCELLATION INSURANCE and EMERGENCY EVACUATION INSURANCE. Emergency evacuation by helicopter in the event of an injured skier is billed to the injured party. If you wish to purchase this insurance, please call Sanderson Travel Insurance Inc. at 1-877-226-8728 or your insurance broker. They will explain what kind of situations the insurance would cover, and what other types of insurance you may require, such as disability or life insurance.
Can you accomodate special dietary needs?
Our chefs will make every effort to accommodate your diet. Please let us know a few weeks prior to your arrival what your special dietary requirements are.
Do you have phone and internet?
We have satellite internet here in Crescent Spur, two computers for guest use and hook up for laptops.
Travel Tips?
- Passport requirements for travel to Canada and return from the US or abroad - effective January 2007. Please read these requirements carefully.
- Carry boots as carry on luggage.
- Plan to arrive in Prince George early afternoon.
- Allow at least 1.5 hours for connecting in the Vancouver Airport. Although one hour is a legal connection time, during the winter it is often difficult to get through customs with all baggage within an hour. We strongly recommend allowing yourself at least 1.5 hours between flights.
- We have special rates for our guests at both the Coast Inn of the North and the Four Points Sheraton in Prince George, and The Delta Airport Hotel in Vancouver, should you wish to arrive the day before. Please call our office for more information.
Why choose Crescent Spur Heli-Skiing?
- Maximum of 20 guests per week (or 10 guests in our private weeks)
- 2 guides per group, providing a higher level of service
- small group atmosphere, highly personalized service
- skiing in 2 mountain ranges allows us to pick the best terrain for snow, weather, flying and skiing conditions.