I feel obligated to put a few posts on the back burner in lieu of our impromptu “TheExpeditioner.com Ski Week 2009” (tag- you’re it, Matt). Next topic: Heli-skiing.

To those not familiar, this Jaunted headline will fill you in pretty quick: “Take A Helicopter To Ski Where (Mostly) No One Has Skied Before.” I’d like to highlight two specific areas that stand out as the center of the heli-skiing universe; Revelstoke, British Columbia and Valdez, Alaska.

At Canadian Mountain Holidays, you can use their isolated backcountry lodges to access “endless powder runs, epic tree skiing and unrivaled fun,” in and around Revelstoke. Similarly, Valdez Heli-Ski Guides claims their terrain “is unlike anything you could ever imagine.” I, personally, agree with both statements.

However, this post comes with a few warnings…

1. Heli-skiing is NOT, nor ever will be, for beginning skiers and riders. Seriously.
2. Heli-skiing is NOT, nor ever will be, cheap (a four day trip will run you between $7,000- $10,000).
3. Heli-skiing is NOT, nor ever will be, anything less than epic.

Today marks 100 days until the Olympic torch gets to Vancouver. Happy Olympics, everyone! Personally, I’m stoked, and I’m in a state of constant scheming to find a way there. The problem I run into, are thoughts of “Whistler, snow, mountains, mmm . . .” that usually vanish quickly because of, “Olympics . . . prices jacked up . . .people able to pay that . . .”

So, maybe I’ve ruled out competing in the Games (at least this Olympics), and after reading the Frugal Traveler blog from the NY Times, I might rule out going to Whistler entirely. I’m not giving up hope on getting there; I actually have more hope now. I’m going to Squamish, B.C.

An hour north of Whistler is the simpler, cheaper, and more relaxed alternative. All my style. The outdoor playground has Stawamus Chief or “The Chief,” the more accessible Canadian version of Yosemite’s El Capitan, along with stellar hiking, mountain biking, birding. Plus, during the Olympics, free shuttles will give ticket holders a lift along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, an amazing trip itself.

Rooms at nearly half the price of Whistler, catering towards the locals rather than “well-heeled tourists,” and with beer just as cold, Squamish may be where it’s at.