Daily heli-assisted touring in the North Cascades for private/paired guests.
Our guided Heli-Assisted Touring program offers a unique and economical way to experience prime backcountry touring terrain in the North Cascades. The early-morning helicopter flight straight to the goods eliminates the long energy-draining approach - and we land you on a peak for a warm-up run right off the bat.
From the trip description by North Cascade Heli
On-snow support
- Independent: Below this trip's level of support
Ski or ride independently, without trip staff accompanying you on the mountain.
- Hosted: With your guide
Trip hosts ski or ride with the group, help everyone get oriented, and share local knowledge.
- Guided: Included
Professional guides lead the group and select suitable terrain and routes based on conditions and ability. Instruction is not included.
- Coached: Not confirmed
Professional coaches lead the group, select suitable terrain, and provide instruction and personalized feedback to help you improve.
- Backcountry guidingGuided daily trip
- 1 guide : 4 guests
Terrain, ability and who it is for
- Backcountry-touring proficiency and experience required.
- Groups may be combined; a full group of four with similar experience, abilities and objectives is recommended.
- Four guests per guide, based at the Heli Barn in Mazama, Methow Valley, Washington.
- 300,000 permitted acres in the North Cascades. Runs generally start around 8,000 ft, with pickups around 5,000 ft.
- Alpine bowls, chutes, ramps, couloirs, glades and tree runs.
- Zones include Silver Star, Kangaroo, Cutthroat, Liberty Bowl and Way Out West; helicopter access reaches remote high-alpine powder.
- Sport
- Ski + Snowboard
- Minimum age
- 18 years
- Adults only
- Yes
From the trip description by North Cascade Heli
What the price includes
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
- Lift pass
- Meals
- Transfers
- Lodging.
- Ground transportation.
- Alpine touring equipment or splitboards.
- Washington State sales tax of 8.4% (not included in the quoted price).
Not confirmed by the company: Lesson.
Day by day
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.
- Step 1: Arrive at the Heli Barn by 8 AM
- Step 2: Check in with the office
- Step 3: Indoor safety briefing
- Step 4: Weigh-in
- Step 5: Outside avalanche transceiver orientation and search practice
- Step 6: Helicopter procedures briefing
- Step 7: Sign the Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk (mandatory before flying)
- Step 8: Get your heli-ready lunch
- Step 9: Launch to the field
- Step 10: Return to the Heli Barn in the afternoon
From the trip description by North Cascade Heli
Where you stay
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.
From the trip description by North Cascade Heli
Pins show the approximate main trip area—not a route, meeting point, or full itinerary. Confirm exact locations in the company's trip details.
Dates and prices
- Jan 15 – Jan 15, 20272026/27 · 1 day950 USDPer person, 1-day trip, plus WA sales taxAvailableChoose these datesBook 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; details as of 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.
Bring your own reusable water bottle that you can fill up at the Heli Barn - we're no longer providing plastic water bottles to reduce waste.
From the trip description by North Cascade Heli