Lodge-based Heli-skiing
At the top of our list is one of the many incredible backcountry heli-skiing lodges in British Columbia, Canada. Delectable food, remote wilderness locations, the best skiing of your life and nobody around for hundreds of miles – sound like your idea of heaven? Us too. Our Whistler-based team has heli-skied all over BC and is able to offer unbiased, first-hand advice – whether it’s your first or 40th time heli-skiing. A classic bucket list trip that we think every skier and snowboarder should experience at least once in their life. The favourable exchange rate of USD, GBP and many more currencies to CAD makes this trip even more affordable than it might seem at first glance.
Best time of year: January — April
Price: Starting at CAD$8,000 pp (based on 3 days, 4 nights heli-skiing)
Looking to turn your next heli-ski trip up a notch? Why not heli-ski first descents from your own private yacht.
Powder road trip in Japan
One for off-piste skiers and foodies! Japan has it all, from waist-deep champagne powder and rich culture to mouth-watering cuisine and the friendliest locals. Originally founded in Asia, Mabey Ski has been curating authentic Japan ski itineraries year after year. Guests can stay in traditional Japanese ryokans, tuck into traditional fare, sip on locally brewed sake and of course ski some of the deepest and lightest powder on the planet. Our road trips run on a flexible schedule where your local ski guide will select the best area each day dependent on snow conditions, weather and the group’s objectives and skill level. Typically we run these road trips on the north island of Hokkaido due to the high concentration of deep-snow ski resorts, however we can also arrange custom trips in and around Hakuba, Tohoku, and many more hidden gem ski resorts. For those looking for a little more indulgence check out some of our favourite luxury chalets in Niseko.
Best time of year: January — March
Price: Starting at USD$3,200 pp (based on 7 days, 8 nights)
Who is Mabey Ski?
Located in the heart of Whistler Village, Mabey Ski creates out-of-the-ordinary ski adventures across the globe. With a focus on escaping the crowds, insider local knowledge, and boots-on-the-ground support, the team at Mabey Ski are constantly challenging more conventional ski holidays and creating ski adventures that allow their guests to experience destinations like a local. Mabey Ski’s team of hardcore skiers have skied all over the world to find those unmarked backcountry huts, mountainside hot springs, and larger-than-life ski guides that become lifelong friends, so that we can create the most authentic and exhilarating ski adventure for you. Looking to push your boundaries on your next ski trip? Chat with one of our local ski experts today.
Sail and ski in Norway
Norway’s spectacular scenery, impressive ski history and abundance of non-ski activities make it the perfect destination for a different style of ski holiday. For those looking for a truly unique adventure, the newly restored HMS Gassten based in the Lofoten Islands provides access to hidden fjords and local experiences. Whether you’re looking to sail through the fjords and ski tour new terrain each day, or simply arrange a day trip from your traditional fisherman’s cabin on the shores of the Lofoten Islands, this ex Navy minesweeper will leave you with memories that last a lifetime. Spend a morning fishing for Arctic cod, and watch your chef prepare it ‘Norwegian-style’ for dinner. Enjoy stunning coastal views from your private deck, relish the chance of spotting the Aurora Borealis, and unwind in local hot tubs on-shore. A once-in-a-lifetime trip you’ll never forget, this has proven to be particilarly sought after by discerning clients looking to celebrate a milestone birthday.
Available as a private charter for up to 8 people, or a larger group for a day trip.
Best time of year: Late February — May
Price: Starting at USD$7,200 pp (based on 5 days, 6 nights all inclusive for 8 guests)
Baffin Island heli-ski basecamp
This bucket list topper is perfect for private groups looking for the ultimate adventure. The purpose-built heli-ski geo-dome basecamp sets the stage for a luxurious yet rugged and adventurous celebration. With the chance to ski and name first descents (mountains that have never before seen ski tracks!), catch and eat arctic char sashimi and heli-ski under the midnight sun, this really is an adventure to remember. The basecamp has more toys at your disposal than you can shake a stick at – think snowmobiles, snow-cat, helicopter, ski touring equipment, fishing gear and more. There’s certainly no shortage of things to do out in this striking landscape. Dine on authentic Canadian cuisine, sip on fine wine and take advantage of your on-site massage therapist to soothe those sore legs after a day of heli-skiing. Guiding you around the enormous granite peaks of Baffin Island is the Weber family – with 3 generations of arctic explorers and true pioneers of exploration in the area, you will have no shortage of mind-blowing tales from Arctic living.
Best time of year: April — May
Price: CAD$180,000 (exclusive buyouts only, for up to 8 guests)
Whistler backcountry basecamp
Created by the Mabey Ski team in Whistler, this overnight trip is like no other in British Columbia. Heli-drop deep into the backcountry, and explore the huge glaciers and open faces with your ACMG ski guide. After a full day of fresh tracks, you’ll make your way back to basecamp – now set up with cozy, winter camping quarters, a communal canvas tent (complete with wood burning stove), and outdoor dining area. After being greeted with a glass of bubbles, you’ll feast on après snacks and a sizzling backcountry BBQ as the sun sets over your wilderness paradise. Following your night under the stars, your freshly cooked breakfast and coffee are served al fresco before heading out on another full day of spring touring. The perfect way to celebrate with friends, guests will return with the biggest smiles, legs burning, bellies bursting and some incredible memories. Whether you’re looking to book a one-off celebration, tag onto a Whistler ski trip, or as part of a longer tailored trip, the team at Mabey Ski are based in Whistler and have decades worth of inside knowledge and local contacts.
Best time of year: March — May
Price: Starting from CAD$2,600 pp (including all food, guiding and heli-transfers)
So there we have it, our top picks to celebrate your next special occasion with a bang! Looking to celebrate a birthday, reunion, honeymoon or maybe something completely different? Chat with our Mabey Ski experts today to book any of these adventures, or look into booking a bespoke ski trip.
FAQs
Q: Can you design a bespoke birthday ski trip?
A: Absolutely! Bespoke ski trips are what we’re known best for – whether you’re looking to explore authentic Japan, disconnect in Canada or push your boundaries elsewhere, chat to one of our experts who can share ideas and inspiration from around the world and come up with a plan for your perfect celebration.
Q: Can you help with a marriage proposal?
A: Yes, we have had the honour of helping several of our guests with marriage proposals, and our guides go the extra mile to help select the best time and location to pop the question. We can arrange a photographer and any other extras like a champagne ski sabre to make the occasion even more memorable.
Q: Can you organise special celebration meals for groups or couples?
A: Whether you’re looking to arrange a romantic picnic, hook-to-table dining, or a mountaintop lunch with private chef flown in by helicopter, we have the expertise and contacts to organise a truly mind-blowing experience for you. As well as hand-carving snow tables and serving champagne from ice bars, we can also help with restaurant bookings, and pride ourselves on our local first-hand knowledge.
Our team of Whistler-based ski specialists create out-of-the-ordinary ski adventures across the globe with a focus on local experiences. We practice what we preach and ski all over the world to find those unmarked backcountry huts, mountainside hot springs, and larger-than-life ski guides that become lifelong friends, so that we can create the most authentic and exhilarating ski adventure for you. If you would like to chat about planning your milestone ski trip, whether it be heli-skiing from a yacht, or experiencing Whistler like a true local, contact our team today.
