Whistler - one of the most popular resorts in North America - is perhaps the first place that comes into the mind when vacationers plan to spend holidays in a snowboard season. Situated on the coastal mountain ranges of British Columbia, Whistler is just a short drive from the vibrant city of Vancouver and the Pacific Ocean.

Whistler ski district covers three main centers: Blackcomb, Whistler village, and Whistler's South Side. Consistently ranked the 'Best Overseas Ski Resort' by the Skiing Magazine, Whistler Blackcomb is a much sought-after destination for a pleasant as well as relaxing skiing and snowboarding vacation.

No matter you are a veteran or a novice, Whistler caters to the people of all skill levels, and renders options to enjoy a variety of winter adventure activities, such as cross-country skiing, Snowcat skiing and snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dogsledging, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and spring skiing and snowboarding.

Aside these activities, heli-snowboarding and heli-skiing are also much popular in Whistler. Further, Blackcomb Mountains of Whistler holds the distinction of being the only summer skiing facility of Canada. In short, Whistler is not only a perfect base for winter sport activities but also a year-round playground. Discussed further in this article is regarding heli-snowboarding as well as facilities available for this winter activity.

Believed to have been originated in the United States from such sports as surfing and skateboarding, heli snowboarding has now evolved as a popular winter sport during the past few years. Heli snowboarding is more or less similar to normal snowboarding. But, the only difference is that in heli snowboarding, you reach atop a run via helicopter, which in turn provides added thrill of snowboarding or heli boarding, as it is sometimes called.

In other words, snowboarding via helicopter allows you to explore hundreds of mountain ranges and more than 1,000 runs, ranging from expansive glaciers to stunning subalpine gorgeous tree runs. Mostly, during heli snowboarding, a professional snowboarder will accompany to guide you in choosing terrain according to group's skill level, thereby guaranteeing an enjoyable as well as safe trip. Al though it can be enjoyed by people of all skill levels, heli snowboarding is mostly recommended for advanced snowboarders.

Now we will discuss different types of heli snowboarding available in Whistler. Powder heli snowboarding is one of the most popular types of heli boarding. In powder heli snowboarding, it allows you to cruise through the untracked expansive ice fields filled with powdered snow. Big Mountain heli snowboarding is most suitable for those who want to ride through steep exposed lines, couloirs, and spines of high alpine mountain ranges.

For those interested in terrain park-style riding, mini gold heli snow boarding is most suitable. This type of heli snowboarding includes performing several tricks on both man-made and natural obstacles on terrain as well as short steep lines, featuring cliffs, pillow drops, cornices, and mountain faces. Mini golf heli snowboarding is perhaps the most popular type of heli snowboarding in Whistler, for which the K2 Back9 Mini Golf invitational that took place in March 2006 is a fine example.

Nowadays, a lot number of companies are in the scenario to render the best services for heli snowboarding activities. Some top notch resorts and hotels also provide superb facilities for heli snowboarding, along with accommodation and restaurant facilities. Sometimes, heli snowboarding may be offered as a part of a package, which is mostly inclusive of accommodation, dining facilities, and options to enjoy a continuum of activities, apart from heli snowboarding.

However, a thorough investigation must be carried out with regard to the reputation and quality of the service it renders, before approaching a heli-snowboarding company or a resort or a hotel. It must also be checked whether the company you have chosen provides the service of expert snowboarder, as some kind of risks and danger are associated with this activity.

The internet serves as an excellent source to search for the most affordable as well as competent service providers. Most of the service providers have their sites on the web, which in turn enable the tourists to know the details of services, packages, and rates they charge. One can also lean on reviews, and such sources as travel magazines, newspapers, yellow pages, and online directories to choose the most suitable service provider.