Powderbird

This was my third time flying with Powderbirds, and they continue to exceed expectations. The operation is first-class from start to finish. Our guide, Logan Cookler, made the entire experience seamless, safe, and incredibly fun for our group. His professionalism, local knowledge, and ability to read the terrain and the group made for an unforgettable day in the Wasatch. If you’re looking for a truly world-class backcountry experience, Powderbirds and Logan are the team you want. I can’t recommend them highly enough. The Wasatch never disappoints—and with the right guide, it becomes something special

What an epic experience! We just got done heli skiing/snowboarding at Powderbird. It was an incredible day. From the moment we arrived, the experience was top notch. Every single staff member was friendly and helpful. The breakfast spread was delicious. It’s clear Powderbird takes safety very seriously, which put our minds at ease. Seth was our guide and he did an amazing job finding runs with good snow conditions in a year where fresh snow has been an issue. We were the first tracks going down the mountain on almost every run we did! We also had Allison come with us and take photos. She was wonderful and we can’t wait to see how the photos turned out. All in all, it was a perfect day that we will all remember for the rest of our lives. Thank you, Powderbird team!! We can’t wait to come back!

This was an experience of a lifetime. I've been gazing up at Mt. Superior since I was a teenager, dreaming of bombing down that juicy bowl. Today that dream came true and it was even more incredible than I could imagine. Very few people get to experience the Cardiac Bowl on a perfect bluebird day with a foot of fresh pow. Powderbird can make that happen. We watched the weather for about 6 weeks and we're ready to fly to Utah on short notice. They were great to work with for planning our trip, and gave us as much flexibility as possible. Our guide was fantastic (Nate) and our pilot (Carson) had a supernatural level of control over that chopper. The Apres Ski lunch was very good. I am literally planning my life around a yearly trip. It has absolutely ruined resorts for me.

Went with 2 friends and was paired with Mike - an awesome guide with 30+ years of experience. He and Paul our pilot found us some amazing powder runs. Very organized with detailed and thorough safety briefings - Mike was always making sure we were safe at all times. Lunch and staff at HQ was Michelin worthy

This is as my second time flying with Powderbird and had an amazing experience. I was a bit apprehensive about this being late March but they put me on some great demo K2 pontoons and found amazing 6 runs with a good diversity of bowls trees and gully’s. Given the avalanche danger, I was very appreciative of the focus on safety. Our guide was Nate and he knew the runs and terrain very well and he made sure we had fun and we’re safe. The one statement he made stuck with me “Ski at 70% of what you normally ski as this is the backcountry”. This was a very nice day and there were a full house so we had to wait for the groups to assemble before we could ski but it wasn’t too bad. The breakfast before we started and the lunch after were high quality and delicious- luxury experience and highly recommend. I got lucky with the day I booked but the weather can really cause delays so you should book the time and have a few days so you can shift in case they don’t fly due to bad weather. For example I flew in the 29th on March and the last time they had flown was 21st ! PS. I lost a glove before I arrived at the heliport - one of the folks there (Matt?) who works there loaned me a his spare pair 👍

I’m a local. Been skiing in little cottonwood my entire life. I flew with Powederbird on three different days during the 21/22 season. The first day (December) was awful - we made two tiny runs and then they ended the day… on a blue bird powder day. Avvy danger was high and they didn’t have enough terrain alternatives. The 2nd day was amazing (early March). Deep, bluebird power day in cardiff fork / cardiac ridge. The third day (March) was all about creativity in American Fork Canyon. I was impressed by Nate’s ability to find good runs on a variable conditions day. I think the best setup is semi-private. We did daily and were limited a little by the other skiers. We’ll do 2-3 days with PowderBird each year.

Epic Heli skiing experience! They made it fun and safe for everyone. They take what they do seriously and train for all emergencies and are ready to handle anything. I had a great time and super glad we went with Powderbird

We had an amazing day with Powderbird. From the initial briefing to breakfast, safety and riding it was excellent. We were a bunch of 4 snowboarders with our guide Chris Coulter also being a snowboarder which was great. His understanding of what we wanted as snowboarders combined with his mountain knowledge and safety, we could ask nothing more of. Would definitely make it out to do it again. We loved it Thanks you for a great experience all round

Will never get to see what this outfit has to offer since weather interfered with our fly date in Feb 2025. Same story last year but we were ok with trying again. This year though they declined to allow us to rebook and try again next season and we are forced to forfeit our $500 deposits. Our group of 5 has spent our vacation hours and hard earned money to travel to Utah for this experience two years in a row, but the management refused to work with us. Pay close attention to there rebooking policies and check with other more reputable outfits that have better customer service because weather happens - customers should not be penalized for it!

Just finished a 3 day Gold Package with Powderbirds, amazing trip! The whole staff is super friendly, food is excellent, equipment is top notch. Our guide T.C. is the man! He has been guiding for PB for 35 years and knows all the best spots. Want to also give a shout out to the most badass heli pilot Carson, thanks for keeping us safe and stoked.

Best snowboarding of my life. Powderbird was very accommodating and did a great job of working around the weather to get us to the slopes. Guide was incredibly knowledgeable and taught us a lot. Will definitely be doing this type of trip at least once a year. Incredibly amazing. Can't find the words to describe how epic it was.

I'll start off with the positive, the front desk girl was very nice and should get a raise for having to relay the bs information from her manager that was too scared to show his face and relay the message himself. Now for the rest, we booked a trip out here with business clients, everyone flew in and arrived the morning of our booked tour to be informed that the wind looks quite strong and it may not be safe to fly that day. No problem, the website states that if this is the case, we are able to swap our heli tour out for a cat tour. Upon checking in, we asked for more information about the cat tour and received the answer of "oh, our team's not ready for that". Interesting, but okay, there's still a slim shot at the winds letting up so we had breakfast and waited it out for about an hour. Everyone in the room that day was then informed that, they're calling off the helicopters today, but we can exchange our $1,000 down payment which they are not able to release for a guided tour of snowbird. We inquired about this to see if we were able to gain access to areas that we would not otherwise be able to if we just purchase our own snowbird lift ticket. Nope, we were told it's a guided tour of snowbird itself...for $1,000. There was a tour guide that sat down with us to hard sell the guided tour option. We're a group of businesspeople, we're well versed in sales. Unless this tour guide was previously in sales, he was not trained here to relat information in that way...unless he does this very often. We decided to get put on the wait list as we were all in town for 3 more days. On our way out the door, this tour guide stopped us to hard sell the guided tour again and offer for us to stay parked in their lot for the day and come back for lunch in their facility. We took this as a good faith offer since they weren't able to deliver on the tour we had signed up for. We headed down the mountain to snowbird, purchased our lift tickets and had a fun morning. At lunch time we came back to their facility to warm up and wait for them to prepare the food. After waiting for about an hour and a half (we had showed up early unknowingly and were the ONLY ones in their facility that entire time), we were informed by the front desk girl that she would have to charge us for the lunch since we didn't participate in a guided tour. We thought this was pretty stingy, but asked what they would charge for it since we were already there. She went in the back to discuss with her manager and came back out to let us know it would be $350 per person. We laughed and walked out. They now refuse to release our down payment, did not bother to contact us a single time even to let us know they were not able to fit us in on the waitlist, and are still holding our down payments. But don't worry, we can come back in the next 2 months and apply this down payment to a full tour, but after the season ends in 2 months, it expires and is forefitted. It seems this place makes a habit of stealing deposits during bad weather in exchange for a bs guided tour for over 4 times the price it would be to just buy a ticket and fast pass down the road at the lodge. I'm sure it's great if the weather permits, but be ready for the manager to hide their face and cower in their office if you are not happy with them stealing your money. What a shame, was really looking forward to this, absolutely will never be back, will never bring clients back, will never step foot in this place again. Hope that stolen deposit gets you a long way!

My group of 8 went up with Powderbird on Saturday and had one of the best days ever in the backcountry. Our guides - Mike & Patrick - were great. They showed us amazing terrain and even better snow. I was impressed that most of the guides and employees have been there for many years. Weather is always the wildcard when booking a heli trip, and we lucked out.

We did not get out again in the helicopter. This is 2 years in a row with 2 days each year as an option and we did not get on the helicopter. I understand safety and appreciate this, but the alternative is to come back to Utah and try again (that I did) or take a day trip at Snowbird with a guide and that would cost you your deposit of $426.00+- Are you kidding me. I have a pass at Snowbird so they will give me $100 back on the guided tour, but still we should get a refund if you decide to not fly 2x in a row let alone 4x and we can't get in on blue bird days that we had while in Utah because booked. My think if you make this much effort and still can't get in a helicopter to ski you should get a full refund.

Amazing day of helI-skiing with Powderbirds! Our guides and pilots were so knowledgeable and professional, with a huge emphasis on our safety. Deep, powdery snow and clear blue skies made for a perfect day!

Good times. Patrick was an awesome guide. Friendly staff. Beautiful views. We skied the mountains directly behind Provo, which was quite the experience after having gone to school there at BYU. Was not aware that was even possible! Would love to see the other areas Powderbird goes to as well. This was my first time heli skiing with Powderbird, and I was surprised at how the day went really fast. We first met a little after 8am at the Powderbird office adjacent the Westgate hotel (at the bottom of the Canyons in Park City) for breakfast and safety training. After about an hour or so we drove in groups with each guide driving his own group to the Heber airport (about 25 min away). After unloading we listened to a brief intro on how to get in and out of the helicopter, maybe another 5-10 minutes. They they pushed the heli out of the hangar and fired it up. 3 groups of 4 each with own guide went up one at a time from the airport to the top of the mountains. We were in group two, so we waited a little while at the airport for the first group to fly out and get dropped off. I would estimate our group was dropped off for our first run around 10:30am or 10:45am. In total each group skied 6 runs, pretty much back to back without much waiting, which was great. And then, almost before we knew what happened... we were done. We got picked up from run 6 around 1:30pm. Back at hangar for lunch by about 1:45pm or 2pm... after lunch provided by Powderbird we loaded up into the same trucks we came out in with our gear and returned back to Park City Powderbird office. I'd estimate we arrived around 3pm. We were back relaxing in the hot tub at our hotel by 3:15pm or 3:30pm. For most people, perhaps thats just the right amount of skiing. For me, I wanted to go more. Considering the cost of making the heli skiing effort, opportunity cost of missing work, booking a place to stay, airline ticket, rental car, talk with wife to make it possible to go... once I'm there, I want to go all out. Last year in Canada we would leave our lodge around 8:30 or 9am and return after having lunch on the mountain around 4pm or 4:30pm. I realize that's a different set up, but in comparison, I liked that a lot more. On this day, I would estimate we did around 12-13k vertical feet in a day. In Canada we usually did around 20-25k, with a half dozen or so runs before AND after lunch. Anyway... long and short of it, I'm super stoked to be privileged enough to heli ski (I actually ride a powder board) with friends and family and love the Powderbird business model for Utah skiers and boarders who want to take their skiing and riding to the next level. I don't expect most people heli skiing to be on a tight budget enough to really consider all of the things I mention here... but at 40 years old, married with three kids, I'm still working hard for such and experience, and want to stretch the investment as far as I can. That said, it's easier to get away for a day or two at Park City than commit to several days or a week or more in Canada... Again, my regards to Pat... he was the best guide I've ever had. Super cool and refreshing to ski with.

Yesterday (4/5/21) we were treated to a perfect heli ski experience with Powderbird Helicopter Skiing. Attention to safety and seeking out amazingly good terrain for our 95 year old grandpa Junior Bounous who was hoping to set the "oldest heliskier" record. Accommodating us in every way they could with fabulous views & skiing ending with an amazing lunch back at the heli-pad - BBQ salmon & champagne! Thanks to the whole crew at Powderbird Helicopter Skiing- Cheers Bounous Family

A must do bucket list item. These people and their operation were first class all the way. A HUGE thank you to Amelia and her conscience:) for making room for us. They went out of their way and worked into the night to figure out how to get us seats for the next day. Our guides were Ole and Gabe. Both fantastic. Ole has been there forever and now only guides on occasion. We got lucky that he decided to go with our group. What an honor it was to share the day with him. Now that we are addicted, we will be back as soon as we can. Best to you all from Gary, Tommy, and Nathan "The Rock"

This has been an experience like no other, we came late January after 5 weeks of no snow. It was nice and 40 degree weather, however there was no powder. The day before they called and came up with a solution to go find some! They went above and beyond with the service! The guides were super helpful, super respectful, and heavy on safety. They made the experience simple and relaxing. I snowboard, and they were super accommodating to that (Don't traverse flat ground well) making sure we were keeping with them. The girls at the front were also super accommodating, from when we walked in to when we came back after the day, I never had to wonder what was happening next. They made sure everything was in order, they coordinated our car to and from our hotel. They are easy to get a hold of any time prior and after the trip. Finally the food, had no idea how much food they were preparing. The chef was amazing, and the level of service they all provided was exceptional! I am currently working with them on a week long trip to Greenland, I am not sure I will ever heli ski with another company!!

Just the facts. I booked a February date with Powderbird in August of 2019. They were happy to charge the deposit to my credit card. Our heli-ski day was cancelled for poor conditions, which is, of course, not Powderbird's fault. The events since that time are, however. I was assured a refund was imminent, however, several phone calls and more than six weeks later, I don't have a penny. Not sure if these guys are just incompetent or if they are crooks, but there's no chance I'd do business with them again.

I have been on two adventures with Powderbird and absolutely loved them! Moving to Park City I wanted to get really educated on the Wasatch range and went on a Heli-ski tour out of their Park City base at the Westgate Hotel. I have Heli-skiing experience with multiple outfitters in Canada and was really excited to try the famous Cottonwoods. The booking coordinator was very helpful in letting me know exactly what i was in for, to remember the weather in this range is very unique and can change instantly, also that the terrain is not like what I had ridden on before, this is a National Forest...it is best to be a VERY good and well trained skier/boarder in backcountry terrain. Not just knee-deep open-bowl powder. That was super helpful for me to prepare for my day out. We were provided with a BCA float pack, shovel, probe and beacon. We were told about all the risks involved with heli-skiing and being in the Wasatch range. I know avalanches are prevalent in the Cottonwoods and i thought the guides did a thorough job at being PROACTIVE and have trained extensively for anything that could happen. I felt I was in good hands knowing how long and how experienced everyone on the Powderbird team is. Most guides have DECADES of experience. I highly recommend heli-skiing with Powderbird. Flying alone is amazing, and to accompany that with amazing riding was an experience I will always remember. I would recommend to anyone that is a strong skier/rider and can traverse well, can maneuver tight-trees and is open to one of the most unforgettable experiences ever! The second tour with Powderbird was a Christmas gift for my mom (64), sister (42) and my two daughters (6) & (4) who had never had the opportunity to be in a Helicopter before. I booked a scenic flight over the Wasatch in December and we had the time of our lives!! All smiles and high-fives. It was a great experience to share and I highly recommend flying with Powderbird for any occasion!

Blown away by these guys, amazing guides and great terrain. The heli's are amazing and the pilots ive had always have been amazing and smooth. Couldn't say enough about these guys. Best days on skis I've ever had with Powderbirds.

Our group of 4 friends went on a heliski trip with Powderbird in mid-March. They crushed expectations on many levels. First, the freeze-thaw weather conditions made conditions on the neighboring Snowbird slopes crusty and firm, but the Powderbird team's knowledge of the terrain enabled them to find great "dry" powder. True powder skiing, so much softer than the crusty/firm conditions at the neighboring resorts. Pilot and guides were particularly good. Safety was clearly a top priority, but they also were able to teach us about the backcountry, accommodate varying levels of ski ability and were great people to hang out with for the day. Big thanks to Patrick for showing our group a great day. Lastly, Stephen's cooking was outstanding and the AM breakfast and PM lunch/dinner made the day that much more special. Overall, the experience was terrific. It was top notch, but not pretentious. Our group will definitely be back again.

The team up there chatted me up during our weather hold. They have a lot of knowledge in the backcountry and had a lot of cool stories to share. They did everything they could to get us out safely with the weather the way it was. Unfortunately, I did not get to go out on the day I signed up for, but, they worked hard to get us out the next day. It was worth it. The snow was great and I was tuckered out by the end of the ski day. Overall, my time there was first class.

Booked several months in advance for two for our first heli trip. We stayed in Canyons for 1 week. At that time, we were told to book on a certain day and promised that if weather became an issue we would 100% definitely fly either day before or after b/c they monitor the weather. Well, weather became an issue and instead of doing what they promised, they flew both of those other days without us. We were never notified we could fly day prior to our reservation, then we discovered on our own they flew day prior without us, all along while they knew a storm would interfere with our reservation. Sadly, we flew across the country for this and were denied because they claim logistically they could not add us to those trips, which really means they just screwed up. To make things worse, after weather interfered with our scheduled reservation, they told us we were definitely going the next day, only then they tell us we could not go with the group and now were on a standby list. 1-2 ft of new powder fell night before, next day was beautiful and sunny, and were denied this once in a lifetime opportunity despite promises. Very disappointed and we will seek a heli trip elsewhere next season in BC or CO, where hopefully another heli operation will care about customer service and run an acceptable operation.