New Sales Manager

We are happy to introduce our new Sales Manager, Shanna Selinger. Bringing with her 10 years of tourism and ski industry experience, Shanna is looking forward to developing long term relationships with guests, both past and new.

"The lodge itself is reason enough to visit Tyax (TLH), but the ski program is really exceptional. I have worked in the heliskiing industry previously, so I know quite a bit about the different operations and I really believe in this product, the people and the place. I am really excited."

Our ski program focuses on delivering unforgettable heliskiing with no hidden fees or costs. To do this our packages include unlimited vertical and we ski with only 1 group of a maximum 10 people per helicopter; this virtually eliminates wait times and allows you to ski or board all you want at your own pace.

"I am really stoked to showcase to people the incredible outdoor adventure, beautiful lodging, fine dining and exceptionally high level of service that create this unique backcountry experience."

Contact shanna@tlhheliski.com or at 250-238-2204 Ext 228. Shanna looks forward to long-term success in both summer and winter operations.

10 minutes with the creator of Steep Week

Jonny Simms is a trained CAA Avalanche professional, ACMG Ski guide and co-founder of the Whistler Alpine Steep Academy (WASA). He's also funny, down to earth and one of the hardest workers out there focusing on his guiding work at TLH Heliskiing and also on growing his own free-ski coaching/guiding business. I recently had the chance to sit down with Jonny to talk about the upcoming TLH & WASA Steep Week and learn a bit more about how it all came together and what we should expect from the week...

Q1 - What can guests expect at the first ever TLH/WASA Steep Week?

JS - Guests can expect to get some professional coaching from Ryan, he will be giving pointers on techniques in different types of technical terrain and showing guests how it's done. I will be providing the best possible challenging terrain given the conditions and snowpack at the time. Guests will challenge their own skill levels while still working within their own comfort levels and having a great time!

Q2 - What gave you the idea to start WASA and how did it all come about?

The idea came from the combination of the guiding industry with the pro skier industry. Bringing the two together, we felt we could create a product that was original and high end. I come from the guiding side and Ryan from the professional skier side.

Q3 - How long have you known Ryan and how did you guys meet?

JS - Ryan and I have known each other for about ten years. We use to ski together in his hometown of Fernie, BC. I moved to Fernie to start my ACMG Guide certification process with the local College of the Rockies. Ryan and his longtime friends were the better skiers in the community. I would bump into Ryan every year or so through out the ski industry. At that time, he was traveling alot internationally as a professional skier.

Q4 - What made you want to become a guide?

JS - I decided to become a guide because of the freedom it offers. Seasonal work and a variety of different working environments. From heli skiing, ski touring, climbing and ice climbing.

Q5 - If you had it your way what would your fave run look like?

JS - My fave run would be from glacier summit to low elevation valley bottom. In the 6-7000 foot range. Runs that take 20-30 minutes to ski. I prefer runs with interesting pillow drops, steeper lines and deep snow.

Q6 - Do you have a favourite run at TLH?

Favourite run at TLH is Apollo.

Jonny is a busy guy and had to run off to take care of some of his guiding duties but not before he showed me the latest edition of WASA TV, filmed at TLH Heliskiing this winter, check it out.

A winter of "firsts"

I’d like to start off by saying that this is my first time “blogging,” and it seems like I’m experiencing a lot of “firsts,” this winter at TLH heli-skiing. First time in a helicopter, first time heli-skiing, and believe it or not the first time this Canadian guy has ever played hockey on a frozen lake!

I began working at TLH just this past December and so far it has been without a doubt one of the best times in my life. As an aspiring guide, TLH is my dream job; the ability to be around some of the most experienced guides in North America, and view the terrain I’ve only dreamt about seeing, let alone skiing, is one of the most inspiring things I’ve ever experienced. I heard about TLH several years prior to arriving here, and remember hearing things about how spectacular the terrain was, but I really had no idea until I took that first helicopter ride and my jaw literally dropped. The mountains in this area have the most aesthetic attributes, and make skiing in them almost magical; the remoteness truly resembles a “wilderness experience.” Aside from the skiing at TLH, the lodge itself is just as magnificent and I’m still blown away when I sit down and take a moment to look at where I am.

I feel so fortunate to be able to work and play in such a beautiful area with great people and an awesome energy. I’m looking forward to what more the season brings and what else I have yet to discover in the culture that is TLH heli-skiing.

Ben Groundwater

Aspirant guide/Radio Operator/Ski technician