Tyax Lodge & Heliskiing

This was my fourth trip with Tyax heliskiing, and the first under new management. The operation is still a great experience. We got there from Vancouver in a comfortable Sprinter van, then by helicopter, and the skiing was fantastic. Our guide picked challenging slopes without putting safety at risk. Having just one group per helicopter is a wonderful change. Our group had eight skiers and snowboarders from Austria, Switzerland, Canada, and the USA. We hadn’t met before, but our abilities and personalities matched well. The guided skiing, exquisite meals, and morning yoga were all highlights. My room was spacious, quiet, well appointed, clean, and comfortable. I had a wonderful massage, and the steam room, dry sauna, and hot tub helped with my sore muscles. I don’t usually do yoga, but it got me ready for the slopes every day.

The setting at Tyax Lodge & Heliskiing is the real draw: it’s a beautiful rustic lodge, with wooden beams, warm lighting, and big windows over Tyaughton Lake. Breakfast with the sunlight on the water or dinner at dusk among the mountains is lovely. Prices are on the high side, but the ingredients and portions are good, and the setting makes the cost feel fair, though it’s no bargain. Breakfast was a generous buffet with scrambled eggs, crisp hash browns, bacon, cheeses, smoked salmon, fruit, cookies, breads, juice, tea, and fresh coffee. It was organized, replenished often, and had something for everyone. Rating: 8/10. Dinner had a casual mountain feel with a little polish. The halibut and chips came with fries, coleslaw, and sauce gribiche. The fish was tender and flaky under a crisp, well-seasoned batter, and the fries were crisp too. The creamy sauce worked well with it. Rating: 8/10. Calamari with tzatziki and fried shishito peppers was light, crunchy, and nicely seasoned, with a bit of heat from the peppers. Rating: 8/10. The house-cured sockeye salmon salad, with baby greens, tender potatoes, and a soft-boiled egg, tasted fresh and balanced. The silky, delicate salmon was the star, with just enough salt. Rating: 8/10. Cheesecake was rich and creamy without being too sweet, though it looked modest. A pleasant finish. Rating: 8/10. Service depended on the meal. Morning staff were friendly, attentive, and quick with table clearing and refills. Dinner service was slower, with longer gaps between courses and few table checks. It wasn’t bad, but the difference stood out. Rating: 6/10. The food is cared for and honest, and the views and peaceful atmosphere make dining here memorable. Rating: 9/10 for ambiance.

We were so lucky to get to visit this special place. It’s in one of the most beautiful spots on earth, and the mountain biking access, free watercraft, lodge games, bar, and restaurant are all amazing. The desk staff helped us work out our schedule, and all the wait staff were friendly, kind, and helpful. The food and drinks were delicious, and the spa was relaxing. What more could you ask for?

Everything was thought through so you could just arrive and enjoy yourself. The skiing was amazing, the staff knew their stuff, and the amenities were great. I had an incredible experience and would highly recommend it to anyone considering heli-skiing. Can’t wait to go back!