Terrain, ability and group
A true wilderness skiing experience with 300,000 permitted acres to explore. A unique combination of longitude, latitude and altitude in the North Cascades offers extraordinary terrain and snow conditions. Guests are served in small groups of 4 guests to 1 guide from the Heli Barn in Mazama, Washington in the Methow Valley. Runs generally start around 8,000 feet and pick-ups are generally at 5,000 feet - high alpine terrain and deep, dry powder difficult to access without the helicopter. Terrain includes big alpine bowls, chutes, ramps, couloirs, glades, and treed runs, across zones including Silver Star, Kangaroo, Cutthroat, Liberty Bowl, and Way Out West.
Proficiency and experience in backcountry touring is required. Groups can be combined to build a load, but it's recommended to build a full load of four guests with the same experience, abilities, and objectives.
- Sport
- Ski + Snowboard
- Minimum age
- 18 years
- Adults only
- Yes
- Guiding
- Guided daily trip
- Coaching
- Guiding
Package
Included
- Certified guides.
- Small groups of four with one guide.
- Helicopter access to and from the field each day.
- As many daily ascents and descents as possible, depending on group objectives, fitness, ability, weather and snow conditions.
- Safety equipment: BCA Tracker 2 transceiver, shovel, probe, and backpack (if needed).
- Delicious heli-ready sack lunch prepared by the Mazama store.
- Bonus heli lap (weather-permitting).
Not Included
- Lodging.
- Ground transportation.
- Alpine touring equipment or splitboards.
- Washington State sales tax of 8.4% (not included in the quoted price).
Accommodation, travel and itinerary
Accommodation
Lodging is not included in the trip price. Recommended options in the Methow Valley near the Heli Barn in Mazama:
The Inn at Mazama and Cabins of the Methow: boutique lodge and cabins at Wilson Ranch, a 5-minute drive from the Heli Barn. 15% off nightly rate with North Cascade Heli promo code (innmazama.com).
The Freestone Inn and Cabins: located on the 120-acre Wilson Ranch in Mazama, a short walk to the Heli Barn.
North Cascades Mountain Hostel: private rooms, cabins, and shared dorms in downtown Winthrop.
Sun Mountain Lodge: full-service resort lodge near Winthrop.
Other Methow Valley lodging can be arranged via Methow Central Reservations.
Getting There
North Cascade Heli is based at the Heli Barn, 31 Early Winters Dr, Mazama, WA, on the Wilson Ranch adjacent to the Freestone Inn and Cabins, 1.5 miles west of the Mazama Junction off Highway 20. Highway 20/Washington Pass is closed from the west during the winter season, so the only winter access to Mazama is via Winthrop; from Winthrop drive 15 miles west on Highway 20 and turn at the Freestone Inn sign, then follow signs to the Heli Barn. Approximate driving times to Mazama: about 5 hours from Seattle, 4 hours from Spokane, 3 hours from Wenatchee, and 7 hours from Portland, depending on weather and road conditions.
If flying to Washington State, consider flying into Spokane or Wenatchee and renting a vehicle (4x4 recommended) to avoid driving over mountain passes. Ground transportation to the Methow Valley from the Seattle, Wenatchee, or Winthrop airports is available through Methow Motion (reservations recommended). Ground transportation is not included in the trip price.
Itinerary
1 Day Heli Assisted Tour itinerary:
Arrive at the Heli Barn by 8 AM
Check in with the office
Indoor safety briefing
Weigh-in
Outside avalanche transceiver orientation and search practice
Helicopter procedures briefing
Sign the Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk (mandatory before flying)
Get your heli-ready lunch
Launch to the field
Return to the Heli Barn in the afternoon
Spend a full day ski touring for turns after a helicopter drop-off early in the morning at a spectacular and remote highpoint in the mountains. Soon after departing the heli-barn, you take a run right away - no long uphill approach needed. Following your guide, you and your group will tour to your heart's desire while covering backcountry travel skills. The day can be customized to fit your objectives, whether that's pounding out vertical or an adventurous tour among the peaks.
Dates and prices
| Dates | Season | Duration | From | Availability | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 15 – Jan 15, 2027 | 2026/27 | 1 days | 950 USDPer person, 1-day trip, plus WA sales tax | Available | Book on Company |
Prices, taxes and fees, required extras, inclusions, availability, and booking terms can change. Confirm the current price and trip details on the company website; source last reviewed August 17, 2026.
Good To Know
Multi-day options are also available at this operator: 2-day tour at $1,850 per guest, and 3-day tour at $2,700 per guest (both plus tax), or book as many days as you wish and get $50 off each additional day. This record covers the 1-day tour.
A modern ski touring setup is strongly recommended; Goat's Beard Mountain Supplies in Mazama rents touring gear, including splitboards, for those who need it. Space and weight limitations in the helicopter require efficient packing - a daypack of about 30L, fully loaded to no more than 20 lbs, is recommended.
A required deposit of full payment is due to reserve a spot. Proficiency and experience in backcountry touring is required to join this trip.