The Spearhead Range in Garibaldi Provincial Park is one of British Columbia’s most iconic backcountry ski touring destinations. Each winter, it draws local and international skiers to experience its glaciers, alpine terrain, and world-class traverses.
What many users may not realize is that commercial heli-skiing is currently permitted in the Spearhead Range under a Park Use Permit held by Whistler Heli-Skiing. This permit is set to expire in November 2026, and its future is now under review.
As part of long-standing management direction, BC Parks will decide whether heli-skiing in the Spearhead Range will:
- Continue
- Be adjusted, or
- Eliminated
This decision will be guided by how heli-skiing aligns with key park values, including wilderness character, wildlife, and the experience of non-motorized users.
Why This Matters
Garibaldi Park has long been envisioned as a primarily non-motorized wilderness, yet heli-skiing has persisted as an exception. Past public engagement has shown divided views:
- Most respondents, particularly backcountry users, oppose continued heli-skiing due to noise, safety, and impacts on solitude, especially in the increasingly popular Spearhead Range.
- Some tourism and business interests support heli-skiing for economic and access benefits.
With growing use of the Spearhead Range and expanding hut infrastructure (including the recently approved Macbeth Hut), this decision will shape the future of ski touring in the region.
3-Minute Survey
The Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC is conducting a short survey to better understand the perspectives of the backcountry community and inform its position.
We strongly encourage all members and backcountry users to participate.
The survey asks about:
- Your experience in the Spearhead Range
- Your views on heli-skiing in the park
- How heli-skiing affects your backcountry experience
Your input will help ensure the voices of ski tourers are represented in upcoming discussions.
Your Voice Matters – Take the Survey Now
- Access the survey here (https://forms.gle/JZK6XAxD61SMY8mf6)
- Takes just 3 minutes
- All responses are confidential and will be aggregated
Thank you for your time and input!
No helicopters in the park
Is there an additional public engagement process. I recall there being in person meetings for the last renewal, although BC Parks did not respond to the overwhelming public opinion
Thanks for your engagement! We don’t know yet what BC Parks’ plans are, but we hope to know soon. As soon as we know the nature of the engagement process, we will provide an update. Given the importance of the Spearhead Range to the backcountry touring community, we want to ensure the community is informed and has the opportunity to participate in the public engagement process.