Great Canadian Heli-Skiing is celebrating its 25 anniversary this year and for the past 13 years owners, Greg and Maaike Porter, have been giving guests some of the best skiing experiences you can find in the world.
“My wife and I were living in Mississauga and running a small business before this. We decided we wanted to live in small town B.C. We came out looking and found Great Canadian Heli-Skiing and Heather Mountain Lodge. The experience that was provided there was something that was interesting to us,” Porter said. “We thought we could really take our small business skills that we had gained and apply it to this one.”
Since purchasing the company Porter said the adventure has only continued for him.
“I love skiing and snowboarding. So does my wife, so this has been pretty natural to tie into this.”
He said that small business is also a passion of his, and he feels it is important in this type of business.
Porter added that the scenery itself was a key to making the jump to British Columbia from Ontario.
“Compared to somewhere like Mississauga, where if you want to recreate you have to get in your car and fight traffic for three hours. Then you get somewhere that is packed with people and you climb and paddle. That does not even mention the 45 minutes you have to travel to commute to work everyday. It was really a decision where you want to come to a place where you can work and play in your backyard,” he said.
Porter said the great part of the area is that every time people go out they have the chance to experience something different.
“It is an experience where we are looking after customers who are looking for something unique. Many people who come to the area are looking for something in the mountains and away from the hustle and bustle of it all,” he said.
When asked to describe the heli-skiing in the area Porter said it was some of the best in the world.
“People travel from Australia, China, Germany, the United Kingdom and many other places just to come to this area for the powder snow. When you think about how far people are willing to come and travel to get here, it is the best description for how lucky we are,” he said. “It really is world-class, and there is nothing like this in the world. The consistency of the snow, the terrain we have and the peaks that we have. Along with the security we have with our operations in B.C. and in Canada for heli-skiing is something the world knows about,” he said.
Porter also explained the difference that people will notice when they go heli-skiing.
“I think the difference from resort skiing is just the wilderness component of it. I sometimes really enjoy when I am at the back of a group, so I can wait a moment and be able to sit on top of the world. The scale and size is huge. You become small in this vast landscape and I think it is discovered by people when they are there,” he said. “The hook is, of course, fresh snow and skiing fresh lines that are untracked. I think every person that skis dreams of skiing those fresh tracks, and that is something we provide.”
As for what else the company can offer for its customers, Porter said everything from the lodge, which is located at the east gate of Glacier National Park, to the slopes, is there for a full, fun experience.
“The lodge was built in 1996. It is interesting for guests and locals who come out there during the summer. During the summer, from the middle of June to the middle of September, we open up the doors for anyone who is travelling by, and we have our restaurant which is open for dinners,” he said.
It is also a popular destination for wedding ceremonies and big family style dinners .
“I love people and enjoy having dinner with my guests at the lodge during the winter. They bring interesting stories with them from all over the world,” he said.
Going forward Porter has plans for a bigger and better future for the company and the people who come to play in the snow.
“I am excited about the future. Olson Construction and Canadian Timber Frames built two new private cabins with extraordinary views of the glaciated peaks of Glacier National Park, which are perfect for a luxurious upgrade for our winter guests or a romantic getaway during the summer.”
Porter also wanted to thank the hard-working staff who have helped him over the years running the business.
“I mentioned the highlight of the past 13 years has been to meet guests from around the world, pursuing their passion for skiing and dreaming up ideas and delivering them with our management team, Deane Pickering (office manager), Rob Dalinghaus (guiding operations manager), Greg Golovach (head guide), Carrie and Dan Bracko (lodge managers). “
One extra piece of information Porter spoke about was that Great Canadian Heli-Skiing has been a pioneer in “boutique heli-skiing.”
“By offering exclusively small groups of four per guide and also pioneering ‘unlimited vertical’ where all your heli-skiing is included, no extra charges for extra runs or vertical,” he said.
To learn more about what the company can offer you can drop by the companies website at www.canadianheli-skiing.com
