Whitecap Alpine Adventures Expands in British Columbia’s Adventure Tourism Market with Acquisition of Coast Range Heli-Skiing and Tyax Adventures

Published on December 18, 2025

In a strategic move to strengthen its position in British Columbia’s adventure tourism landscape, Whitecap Alpine Adventures has announced the acquisition of Blackcomb Helicopters’ Tourism Division, which includes Coast Range Heli-Skiing and Tyax Adventures. This acquisition marks a significant expansion into new regions, reinforcing Whitecap’s commitment to providing world-class guided adventures in the province’s most remote and pristine wilderness areas.

This historic acquisition represents a significant step forward for Whitecap Alpine Adventures, founded by renowned ACMG Mountain Guide Lars Andrews. It combines two of British Columbia’s leading adventure tourism operations, creating new opportunities for adventurers looking for high-end backcountry experiences.

A New Era for Whitecap Alpine Adventures

Founded near Pemberton, British Columbia, Whitecap Alpine Adventures has built a reputation for providing guided ski touring and hiking experiences. The company’s base of operations at the historic McGillivray Pass Lodge offers an ideal starting point for these activities, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Coast Range and the Chilcotin Mountains. Known for its commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible travel, Whitecap is now poised to leverage its growing portfolio to cater to a wider audience.

The inclusion of Coast Range Heli-Skiing and Tyax Adventures significantly enhances Whitecap’s offerings by expanding its geographic reach and diversifying its product range. These acquisitions will bring Whitecap into some of British Columbia’s most iconic alpine and wilderness regions, long known for their rugged beauty and remote accessibility. With a focus on high-quality, immersive outdoor experiences, the company now offers everything from ski touring to heli-skiing and a broader range of guided mountain adventures.

Coast Range Heli-Skiing and Tyax Adventures: A Legacy of Excellence

For adventure enthusiasts, the Coast Range and Tyax Adventures are already synonymous with top-tier backcountry skiing, hiking, and wilderness exploration. Coast Range Heli-Skiing has long been regarded as one of the best heli-skiing operations in the province, while Tyax Adventures is known for offering unforgettable experiences in the Tyax Wilderness Area. Both brands come with established leadership teams that have earned a reputation for safety, professionalism, and exceptional guest service.

In a statement, Whitecap confirmed that the leadership of both Coast Range Heli-Skiing and Tyax Adventures will remain in place. This ensures that customers can expect continuity in the quality of service, safety standards, and brand experience that have made these operations so successful. By preserving the identity of these established brands, Whitecap aims to seamlessly integrate these new assets without disrupting the excellent guest experience that these companies have become known for.

Responsible Adventure Tourism and Sustainability

One of the key factors in this acquisition is the shared philosophy between Whitecap Alpine Adventures and its newly acquired operations. The focus on responsible adventure tourism, environmental sustainability, and respect for local mountain culture remains at the forefront of Whitecap’s strategy. In a growing tourism market where environmental and cultural stewardship are becoming ever more important, Whitecap has committed to maintaining these core values across all its operations.

This acquisition further enhances Whitecap’s efforts to build a sustainable tourism ecosystem within British Columbia’s backcountry. By integrating the guiding operations and infrastructure of Coast Range Heli-Skiing and Tyax Adventures, Whitecap is positioning itself as a leader in responsible backcountry tourism. The company is also strengthening its partnerships with local communities, ensuring that the benefits of this expanded business reach the people who live in and around these iconic mountain areas.

The Future of British Columbia’s Backcountry Tourism

The British Columbia adventure tourism market has been experiencing a steady growth trajectory in recent years, driven by increasing interest in outdoor, experiential travel. As tourists seek more immersive experiences, companies like Whitecap Alpine Adventures are poised to meet this demand by offering unique access to some of the most stunning and remote locations in Canada. By consolidating several premier adventure tourism brands under one roof, Whitecap is not only increasing its capacity to serve more customers but also positioning itself as a leader in the luxury adventure travel segment.

The acquisition also opens up new opportunities for collaboration with other tourism providers in the region. With Whitecap’s expanding portfolio, the company can now leverage economies of scale, streamline operations, and share resources more efficiently across its network. This, in turn, will enable the company to offer even more diverse and unique experiences to adventure seekers from around the world.

The Role of Local Communities in Sustainable Tourism Development

In addition to its commitment to environmental sustainability, Whitecap Alpine Adventures understands the importance of contributing to local communities. As part of its integration process, Whitecap has emphasized the importance of collaboration with local communities to ensure that tourism benefits are shared widely. This includes initiatives that support local employment, cultural preservation, and the responsible management of natural resources.

With the addition of Coast Range Heli-Skiing and Tyax Adventures, Whitecap is strengthening its ties to the communities around Pemberton, the Chilcotin Mountains, and the Coast Range. Through strategic partnerships, the company plans to foster greater community involvement in tourism, offering local guides, supporting businesses, and integrating cultural experiences that enhance the authenticity of the guest experience.

What the Acquisition Means for Adventure Tourists

For adventure tourists, the acquisition represents a new world of possibilities. Whether looking for adrenaline-pumping heli-skiing experiences in the Coast Range, a challenging multi-day hiking expedition through the Tyax Wilderness Area, or a more laid-back but equally immersive journey into the alpine, Whitecap Alpine Adventures is now a one-stop shop for everything that British Columbia’s rugged wilderness has to offer.

The acquisition has also created opportunities for innovative cross-brand experiences. Guests booking with Whitecap now have access to a wider variety of adventures and can combine different activities, such as heli-skiing with hiking, to create the ultimate multi-sport backcountry adventure. The expanded offerings also cater to a broader range of fitness levels and preferences, from those seeking high-octane thrills to those looking for a more peaceful, nature-based getaway.

A Bright Future for British Columbia’s Adventure Tourism

Whitecap Alpine Adventures’ acquisition of Coast Range Heli-Skiing and Tyax Adventures solidified its position as a market leader in British Columbia’s backcountry tourism industry. As the company expands and innovates, it remains committed to its core values of responsible travel, sustainability, and cultural respect, ensuring that guests have memorable and meaningful experiences while also protecting the natural environment and supporting local communities.

Whitecap Alpine Adventures is now a staple of British Columbia’s adventure tourism scene, providing a diverse range of world-class experiences against the stunning backdrop of the province’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.