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Blackcomb Helicopters’ AlpX arm expands expedition program in Pemberton
February 1, 2023 By Helicopters Staff
AlpX Expeditions is expanding its backcountry offerings to adventure enthusiasts with its new AlpX Yurt in Pemberton, BC. Accessible by helicopter from Pemberton or Whistler Heliport, a short flight will transport skiers, boarders, hikers and outdoorsmen and women to their remote accommodations for the evening. This past summer AlpX also brought heli-biking to the Whistler Valley.
AlpX is described by its parent company as the unification and expansion of Blackcomb’s year-around offerings of heli-biking, heli-hiking, weddings, picnics and ski touring activities. This includes the recent acquisition of Tyax Adventures, a backcountry operation offering a network of aircraft accessible cabins and trails in what the company describes as the mountain biking and hiking mecca of the South Chilcotin Mountains and Big Creek Provincial Parks.
In cooperation with the Province of British Columbia, Lil’wat Nation’ Land Referrals Committee, Squamish Nation, resource organizations and local user groups, the Yurt began construction in fall 2021. Blackcomb Helicopters explains that after a late snow-melt season in the alpine during the summer of 2022, work continued through the summer and fall seasons while battling adverse alpine conditions and implementing strategies from Peak Precision Contracting.
The resulting structure is a 4-season, 24-foot diameter Yurt sitting atop a large deck overlooking the Pemberton Valley and its surrounding peaks. Fully equipped with off-grid heating, electrical and a urine-diverting composting toilet, the space is set to sleep six guests for multiple nights in comfort and warmth.
“Surrounded by incredible ski touring terrain as well as beautiful alpine vistas, this will provide an unforgettable backcountry experience for passionate recreationalists, year-round,” said Jordy Norris, Director of Marketing, Tourism & Sustainability, Blackcomb Helicopters.
Blackcomb Helicopters in 2019 became the first full-service helicopter operation to offset the entirety of its emissions, across all areas of the organization. Additionally, AlpX has retained qualified biologists and professionals to undertake the appropriate studies and make recommendations to ensure the least impact to environmental resources throughout this project. Environmental values are managed according to the Wildlife Guidelines for Backcountry Tourism/Commercial Recreation in British Columbia and will be a foundation of AlpX’s operations.
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