Heli-Accessed Climbs

As low as:

$710.00 / person

(at 2:1 ratio)
  • STRENUOUSNESS
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  • TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
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About


With the use of a helicopter, a number of incredible alpine ascents on Vancouver Island become accessible in a single-day trip, including Mount Matchlee, Victoria Peak and Rugged Mountain. All of these peaks have a number of routes from straightforward scrambles to more technical lines. 

Guest-to-guide ratios will depend on the technicality of the route chosen, as will price. Contact us for more information and a quote.

Included in the price:

  • ACMG Guide
  • Group technical gear
  • Return helicopter flights

Not included in the price:

  • Transportation to and from meeting point
  • Food
  • Personal gear (technical items available for rent as an add on)

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details about our booking and cancellation policy, and other commonly asked questions.

Location 


Please contact us to discuss route details.
 

Itinerary 


A typical day starts at 08:30 and ends around 16:30. The pacing of this trip will be entirely dependent on the group, guide, weather and conditions.

Exact meeting details will be provided in a pre-trip email sent one-week prior to your trip. 
 
Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details, or send us an email. 

Requirements


This route will involve technical hiking and climbing. To join this trip, you should: 

  • Have scrambling experience 
  • Be comfortable gaining approximately 500m vertical gain with a load of approximately 10kg 

Preparation

The best training for hiking and climbing is to go hiking and climbing. Regular hikes going up-hill with a load on will get you in shape for this trip. 

If you have chosen a technical route, we recommend that you practice climbing a similar grade at the crags on top rope in the boots you plan to wear. 

Questions about the suitability of this trip? Send us an email. We’re happy to help you find or customize trips to suit your needs. 

Gear List

 
Temperatures on this trip could range from -5°C to around 25°C (+), but this list should suffice for most conditions within this range. Ensure all clothing and equipment are in good repair, and fitted properly to you:
 
Technical:
 
Available as a “Mountaineering Kit” rental add on ($15) when you book.
 
  • Helmet – UIAA approved and adjustable
  • 4x locking carabiners – at least one should be pear-shaped
  • 3x regular carabiners
  • Harness – a simple, lightweight alpine seat harness
  • Belay/rappel device
  • 7mm accessory cord – 2 x 5 metre lengths
  • Double shoulder length sewn sling – should be rated to 22kn
  • Crampons – simple, 10-point general mountaineering crampon (either step-in or strap- on are fine depending on your boots)
  • Ice axe – general mountaineering tool, 60-80cm depending on your height

 
Clothing:
 
  • Long underwear (top and bottom), poly-pro, wool or silk
  • Mid-weight jacket, wool, fleece, synthetic or down
  • Rain gear (jacket and pants)
  • Toque, wool or fleece
  • T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt (white or other light colour), synthetic (or cotton if hot conditions to allow for wicking)
  • Lightweight hiking pants, nylon or similar
  • Gloves

Footwear:
 
  • Mountaineering boots (suitable for carrying a 15 lb. load over rough terrain) 
  • Climbing shoes (if objective demands)
  • 1 x pairs of socks, wool or synthetic blend
  • 1 x pairs of liner socks, poly-pro or silk (optional)
  • Gaiters that fit your boots (optional)

Other:
 
  • Lunch and whatever snacks you require
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses with 100% UV block
  • Sunscreen, SPF lip balm
  • 2 x 1 litre water bottles (or a 2L bladder)
  • Water purification system
  • Pocket knife
  • Head-lamp with spare batteries
  • Small first aid kit (optional)
  • Camera (optional)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • 30L+ backpack with waist belt (big enough to carry the contents of this list)

Group Gear Logistics

Your guide will bring along group emergency (first aid, communications device) and technical gear (the rope, the rack). You are only required to bring the items on this list.

Rentals

 
The following items are available for rent as an “Add On” when you book (or upon request). These are available on a first come, first serve basis:

  • Mountaineering Kit - $15.00

If you require other from the personal gear list such as mountaineering boots, you can check out Sports Rent based out of Victoria.

Questions? Send us an email or read our blog for advice on choosing appropriate gear. 


Testimonials

My climbing partner and myself looked forward to this trip as a once in a life time adventure. Now we say a helicopter fly in mountain experience with IAG will be an annual event! Dale Combs, Duncan, BC.
It was great. Lyle was very methodical and we both felt safe the entire time — even my mother who had never worn a harness before in her life. Colby Barrett, Colorado, USA.
We were more than impressed with Jan as our guide! Our heli climbing on Mount Matchlee was a memorable experience! Looking forward to returning sometime in the near future. I'm still enjoying the after-effects of our day! Judith Freed, Vero Beach, Florida