Silvertip Lodge

Silvertip is an excellent choice for: 

• Skiers chasing cold, dry powder. Silvertip sits on the western edge of the Cariboo Mountains, where Pacific moisture meets the cold interior air, creating an excellent combination of snowfall and low-density snow.

• Skiers who love trees. The naturally spaced forests are a major part of Silvertip's appeal, offering exceptional tree skiing with long, consistent fall-line runs.

• Skiers looking for a remote lodge experience. With no road access and virtually no development around the lodge, Silvertip offers a level of isolation that few heli-ski operations can match.

• Travellers who want remote without the road trip. Fly into Vancouver, connect to Silvertip's private charter to Williams Lake, then take a 45-minute helicopter flight to the lodge. For guests from major Western North American gateways, same-day access can be possible without a rental car or long ground transfer. 

• Small groups and private trips. With only 16 guests, two groups of eight, private A-Star options and lodge buyouts, Silvertip works particularly well for groups that want a more exclusive experience.

• Skiers who don't want to watch the vertical meter. Classic programs include unlimited vertical with substantial minimum guarantees.

• Guests who care about the whole lodge experience. Exceptional food, wine, spa facilities and the spectacular lakeside setting make Silvertip more than just a place to sleep between ski days.

Silvertip may not be the best fit for:

• Skiers who prefer warmer conditions. Silvertip's interior location makes very cold weather more likely than at coastal operations, particularly in January and early February. The upside is excellent snow quality, while heated helicopters and the option to return to the lodge for lunch help on the coldest days.

• Those looking for a larger, more social lodge. With just 16 guests, Silvertip has a small, intimate atmosphere. Guests who prefer a larger operation and a busier après scene may be happier elsewhere.

Silvertip sits on the western edge of the Cariboo Mountains, where Pacific moisture meets cold interior air. The result is a strong combination of snowfall and snow quality, with up to 60 feet (18 metres) of snowfall annually and cold temperatures that help preserve it as light, dry powder.

The tenure features a mix of open subalpine terrain, alpine bowls, broad faces and naturally well-spaced forests, creating long, flowing lines with plenty of room to move. The interior forest is generally more open than the dense coastal forests farther west, making it possible to ski aggressively through the trees while maintaining good visibility.

A 2017 forest fire opened up several areas within the tenure, including some of the terrain most frequently accessed from the lodge. These burns have become a welcome addition to Silvertip's skiing, creating open glades with excellent sightlines down the fall line. For skiers who enjoy finding natural openings in the forest, they provide some particularly fun and fast lines.

The 144,353-hectare tenure gives guides plenty of options as snow, weather and avalanche conditions change. Many runs fall in the 700–1,000 metre vertical range, with longer descents available when conditions allow. Alpine terrain, open bowls, burns and forests can all come into play over a multi-day trip.

Silvertip typically operates a Bell 212, carrying eight guests and two guides. The spacious cabin and relatively small group make for a comfortable setup, while private groups of up to three guests can opt for an A-Star and a more exclusive program. 

For skiers who like cold, dry snow, open terrain and fast, flowing lines, Silvertip offers a particularly compelling combination.

“Ski how you like, as long as you like.” That's the philosophy behind Silvertip's classic unlimited-vertical program. Guests can keep skiing without watching a vertical meter or worrying about running out of allowance. Every trip also comes with a substantial minimum vertical guarantee, providing confidence that you're getting the skiing you've paid for.

Trip Length - Guaranteed Vertical

4 Days - 40,000 ft / 12,200 m

5 days - 50,000 ft / 15,240 m

6 days - 70,000 ft / 21,300 m

If the guaranteed minimum isn't reached, Silvertip provides a $100 credit for every 1,000 feet of vertical missed. The credit can be applied toward a Silvertip trip the following year.

The unlimited program applies to Silvertip's classic packages. Private programs work differently, with a set amount of helicopter time included and a minimum number of guaranteed flight hours, with additional helicopter time available for purchase.

Silvertip follows the professional standards expected of a HeliCat Canada member, with guides who bring extensive mountain, avalanche and emergency-response training to the program.

Silvertip states that all of its guides hold certification from either the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA) or the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG). Guides also hold Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) Level 2 Avalanche Forecaster certification and current Advanced First Aid.

Guests are equipped with an avalanche airbag, transceiver, probe, shovel and radio, with instruction provided in avalanche companion rescue and helicopter safety before heading into the mountains.

Silvertip is a 16-guest wilderness lodge spread across a 7,250-square-foot triple A-frame main lodge and a separate lakefront cabin. The main lodge has eight guest rooms with private ensuites, with two additional rooms in the cabin. Single rooms are available for an additional charge, subject to availability.

The lodge has the character of a classic Canadian wilderness retreat—rustic but polished, with soaring timber-framed spaces, comfortable furnishings and a warm, lived-in feel. Set on a private 14-acre property on the western shore of Quesnel Lake, the main dining room looks across the water toward the surrounding mountains. The scenery is the backdrop, while changing light, cloud and weather constantly alter the way it looks.

A separate spa chalet houses a wood-fired sauna, steam room and massage room, with an outdoor hot tub for soaking after skiing. For the more adventurous, the lake provides a distinctly Canadian cold plunge: cut a hole through the winter ice and jump in.

Down days can be spent cross-country skiing or snowshoeing around the property, while fishing is another option when the lake is open.

With only 16 guests and a handful of shared spaces, Silvertip has the feel of a private wilderness lodge rather than a traditional heli-ski resort.

Food is a significant part of the Silvertip experience. The culinary program features renowned chefs, fresh baking, fine wines and thoughtful dining, with meals served in the main dining room overlooking Quesnel Lake.

The atmosphere is intentionally warm and intimate, with meals served in a relaxed setting that suits a lodge hosting just 16 guests. After a day in the mountains, guests can settle in with good food and wine while taking in the changing light and weather across the lake and surrounding mountains.

The bar offers a broad selection of beverages and a first-class wine list, with personal service throughout the evening. Après at Silvertip is less about a big scene and more about unwinding with the small group you're sharing the lodge with.

For private groups, Silvertip also offers the option of returning to the lodge for lunch rather than having a traditional mountain picnic. It's a nice option for groups looking for a more relaxed midday break, or on particularly cold days when warming up in the lodge makes sense.

Silvertip's remoteness comes with a surprisingly straightforward travel day. All packages include chartered transportation from Vancouver to Williams Lake, followed by a 45-minute helicopter flight directly to the lodge. There is no rental car, long ground transfer or remote road journey to contend with.

Arrival day

• Check in at the Sky Service terminal near Vancouver South Terminal by 11:15 a.m.

• Private charter departs at 12:00 p.m. for Williams Lake Airport.

• One-hour charter flight to Williams Lake.

• 45-minute helicopter transfer to Silvertip Lodge.

• Arrive at the lodge, have lunch and complete the safety orientation before settling in for the evening.

Ski days

Skiing begins at approximately 10:00 a.m., with guests typically returning to the lodge about an hour before sunset. Après snacks and drinks are followed by dinner in the lodge.

Departure day

Guests ski in the morning before flying from Silvertip to Williams Lake and then returning by charter to Vancouver. The charter is scheduled to arrive at the Sky Service terminal by approximately 3:00 p.m. Silvertip recommends booking onward commercial flights from Vancouver after 6:00 p.m. to allow for the terminal transfer and a comfortable connection.

Getting There From Elsewhere

The Vancouver charter makes Silvertip particularly accessible from major Western North American gateways. Guests can fly commercially into YVR, transfer to the nearby Sky Service terminal, and continue directly to the lodge without renting a vehicle or undertaking a long ground transfer.

Luggage

Because all luggage travels by helicopter, guests are asked to bring one soft-sided bag weighing 30–35 lb, plus a carry-on containing ski boots. Skis, poles and avalanche safety equipment are provided by Silvertip, including a selection of powder skis and snowboards suited to the Cariboo Mountains.

Add-On Skiing

• Cypress Mountain: An easy day trip from Vancouver for a quick resort-skiing add-on.

• Whistler Blackcomb: Easily accessible from Vancouver and best suited to a couple of extra days.

• Mount Baker: A straightforward day trip for powder-focused skiers, though a long one.

Planning your trip: We'll help coordinate your flights, transfers, and lodge schedule so you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time thinking about the skiing.

2027 rates. Silvertip offers 4–6 day heli-skiing packages, with rates varying by trip length and time of season. The 2027 season runs from January 6 to April 3. 

Classic Program — per person, CAD

Package - Rate

4-day program* - $11,387–$12,416

5-day program - $15,162–$15,734

6-day program - $16,391

Rates vary by time of season, with early-, peak- and late-season pricing.

*A 4-day program is actually a 5-day itinerary: travel to Silvertip on Day 1, three full ski days on Days 2–4, a half-day of skiing on Day 5, followed by the return charter to Vancouver.

All Packages Include

• Unlimited vertical

• Chartered transfers between Vancouver and Silvertip Lodge

• Accommodation at Silvertip Lodge

• Skis, poles, snowboards, avalanche airbags and transceivers

• All meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages

Additional costs: Alcoholic beverages, massages, extra transfers, retail purchases and single-occupancy rooms.

Private trips: Private and buyout rates vary by group size and program. Contact me for private-trip pricing.