You’ll arrive at camp by helicopter to find everything set up and waiting for you. We’ll take care of the planning, wayfinding, and provide the essentials you need so you can focus on exploring hidden terrain and skiing once-in-a-lifetime lines.
Whitecap Basecamp is the ultimate backcountry winter camping experience. Enjoy the most luxurious camping setup available while exploring nearly untouched terrain – it’s truly the best of both worlds.
From our communal tent, you’ll meet up, plan for the day, share aprés and mealtimes, and put your feet up when you need to.
Unwind in a cozy cot in your heated sleeping tent equipped with all the creature comforts – a sound system, generator, cots, and a propane stove – you’ll sleep like a log and wake up ready for another day of adventure.
You and your crew will be led by an ACMG guide and supported by a tail guide who will work with you to unlock the best possible terrain.
All trip dates include three days of skiing or snowboarding. Dependent on transfer dates, some trips will span four nights to enjoy the basecamp setup.
The Evacuation Fund can be purchased from Whitecap Alpine for $50 at the time of booking your trip. For those that opt in to the Evacuation Fund, Whitecap will cover the cost of helicopter extraction to a higher level of care in the event of a medical emergency (under the advice of the Medical Director). This must be purchased prior to your trip start date and will last for the duration of your trip. The Evacuation Fund is included in the Flexi rate.
Yes, each guest must read, understand, agree to, and complete the following:
Whitecap and Whitecap International cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy and all cancellations must be received in writing.
All guests initially meet in Pemberton at the Pemberton Airport Terminal building for a trip briefing and helicopter orientation.
The terminal building is just east of the Blackcomb Helicopters office and Hanger. Please park directly opposite the terminal entrance.
Once the pilot is happy with the weather window and everyone is clear on the logistics for the day, we will drive in convoy to our staging area at the Red Barn, in D’Arcy. It is about 45 minutes east of the airport. Please ensure you have transport to D’Arcy organized. We encourage carpooling where possible. Vehicles can be left at Pemberton Airport if necessary.
Please arrive ready to ski. We will ask you to change into your ski boots in D’Arcy for the helicopter transfer. From there it is a short 10 minute flight into the Basecamp zone.
Luggage allowance of 15kg (40lbs) per person including personal alcohol. This does not include skiing equipment.
Pack personal gear into a small duffel or into your daypack. Avoid large duffel bags or rigid frame travel bags.
Wear bulky and ski clothing as well as ski boots in the helicopter.
Heli Drops are based on flight time starting at $1900+gst per 30 minutes. Depending on how many people are doing the drop you can expect to spend anywhere between $500 and $800 plus tax. The program runs as a value added program and we generally use it when the weather and conditions are conducive.
Yes, airbags are an excellent way to decrease your chance of being buried in an avalanche. They are not mandatory, but if you do own one, please feel free to bring it with you.
Please let the Whitecap staff know you have an airbag upon your arrival at the airport as it will have to go in the basket of the helicopter.
Helmets are always a great idea, but they are not mandatory.
Whitecap highly recommends that all guests purchase trip cancellation, trip interruption, and medical insurance. If we can provide direction or guidance in regards to insurance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Travel insurance can be purchased from your local travel insurance company. For residents of BC, cancellation insurance can be difficult to purchase. We recommend Acera Insurance: https://acera.ca/coverage/travel-tour-operator/
PHONE & EMAIL
250-542-8577 1-877-542-8577
travel@acera.ca
At Whitecap we only work with the best fully certified ACMG Ski Guides in the winter and hiking guides in the summer. All of our guides are knowledgeable about the terrain and the snow conditions they will be taking you in. Assessing snow stability and evaluating avalanche hazard is always our first priority.
Two people will sleep in each tent, and there will be one sizeable communal yurt for cooking and hanging out.
Each tent is 9’6” x 9’6” with a vestibule for gear and a ceiling hammock for drying. Each will have a propane stove for heat, and they are tall enough to stand in.
We proudly partner with Blackcomb Helicopters, which as of January 1, 2019, became the first full-service helicopter operator in the world to offset 100% of its carbon footprint.
Through a significant contribution to a forest conservation project on Quadra Island, as well as local green tech and travel initiatives, BH is offsetting its carbon footprint through the sequestration of greenhouses gases by preserving forests, encouraging greener travel for commuters, and incorporating energy savings and lower emissions in new building design. You can learn more about Blackcomb Helicopters’ ‘Fly Carbon Neutral’ program here:
We will arrange pre-made meals that are simple to prep for the group. The guide, camp manager and group will cook.
We will accommodate any dietary restrictions in our meal prepping.
Hell yeah! Just ensure you keep within your personal bag weight limits to avoid extra charges.
Smoking outside the tents or yurts is allowed, but be prepared to pack out any butts.
Please show up with a full water bottle.
We will fly in a few jugs and then melt and boil snow beyond that.
You can tip the staff by emailing us to create a tip invoice for you or we can do that at the office at the end of your trip.
Signing up for the Evacuation Fund covers the cost of the helicopter evacuation in an emergency if you fall ill or get injured and need to immediately be taken to a higher level of care.
If you’re not feeling well, it’s crucial to inform us right away so we can work together to decide what the best course of action should be.
Things to consider if you are sick prior to your trip:
Health Risks: Traveling while sick can lead to worsening symptoms in remote locations with limited access to medical care.
Contagion Concerns: If your illness is contagious (such as a cold, flu, or stomach bug), you risk spreading it to others, potentially impacting fellow travellers or staff. This is especially concerning in confined spaces with limited ventilation and sanitation.
Impact on Your Experience: Illness can significantly impact your ability to enjoy the trip. The physical demands of being in the backcountry, combined with being unwell, can make it harder to participate in activities or fully enjoy the experience.
Safety of Others: When traveling in remote areas, it’s important to prioritize the health and safety of everyone in your group, as well as the staff. Your condition may require additional care or resources, which could take attention away from others.
If you are feeling unwell, it’s better to delay your trip or seek medical advice before heading to a backcountry lodge. By doing so, you ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for yourself and others.
To keep other guests and staff healthy please let the staff know as soon as you start to feel any symptoms.
Pending on the severity of your illness different measures will be taken.