The heliskiing nest near Golden in southwestern Canada has a long history. Purcell Heliskiing was founded by a heliskiing pioneer who is still active today and has plenty to tell!

Heliskiing in Canada is a very special experience and no one knows the area as well as he does. Even at over 70 years of age, Rudi Gertsch is still on the road as a guide, tireless and always having fun. The native Swiss is a pioneer of heliskiing in Canada, one of the first heliski guides ever. As long as heliskiing has existed – so long has Rudi Gertsch been on board. The inventor of the exclusive powder experience by helicopter is Heinz Moser. Rudi Gertsch was one of his guides back then, before he emigrated to Canada in 1966 and started his own business with Purcell Heliskiing. Since then, he has been an expert on the Golden area, promoting Golden’s ski community around the world. Today, his son Jeff Gertsch has taken over the business, a heliskiing expert since childhood: Jeff first went heliskiing when he was three years old. Since then, the very relaxed company has become a bit more sporty again. Nevertheless, it’s not about speeding down the slopes or completing as many vertical meters as possible in the shortest amount of time. On the contrary, the family-run business puts a lot of emphasis on enjoyment and a family atmosphere. Heliski Purcell stands for comfortable, relaxed heliskiing and heliboarding for connoisseurs, which is also recommended for heliski beginners.

Purcell Helisking in Canada: Purcell Mountains famous for powder snow

From Golden, helicopters fly to the Purcell Mountains, a mountain range southeast in British Columbia (BC) that is part of the Columbia Mountains, which include the Selkirk, Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. The Purcell Mountains are part of British Columbia’s (BC) famous Interior Ranges, known for fresh powder snow. The steep and challenging runs of the Purcell Mountains are also not far from Lake Louise and Banff (Alberta); therefore, day tours can be arranged – ideal for heli-skiing. In addition to day tours, flexible multi-day packages are also available, which can be combined as desired. There is also an extra offer for the whole family: whether just with the kids or with a family of friends, two to ten guests can experience the private family heliski adventure together. Right on the doorstep is also the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, which is perfect for a warm-up. From there, guests can be picked up directly by helicopter.“