Certificate of Performance

Mountain Goat Friendly

Heli-ski helicopter flights can affect the health and sustainability of mountain goat herds. Our society awards independent third-party certification to heli-ski companies that manage their helicopter flights to minimize disturbance and displacement of mountain goats in their tenure areas. Our Certificate of Performance is your assurance of responsible heli-skiing. Approved companies will display the certification logo on their web site and literature.

Listing of Certified heli-skiing companies for this coming ski season.

Skiers - Did you know?

Mountain goats are common in the mountains of British Columbia where heli-skiing companies operate. The goats stay in winter habitat that varies from tidewater on the coast to wind-blown alpine ridges in the BC interior. The goats' winter habitat is very small in area, often less than 25 hectares. The goat herds are very loyal to their winter home. They will return to the same ridge year after year.

Mountain goats react strongly to helicopters. Goats will panic if a helicopter passes too close. Mountain goats fail to habituate to the sound and sight of helicopters. Stress hormones can build in the goats, lower the immune system and negatively affect pregnancies. Helicopters must stay away from mountain goats to keep the herds healthy.

Companies that are awarded our Certificate of Performance plan your heli-ski flights to avoid disturbing mountain goats. The winter homes of local mountain goat herds are mapped in advance of the ski season. Your helicopter pilot avoids mountain goat home/winter ranges and records every flight via GPS tracking. We review all the GPS tracks from the ski season to monitor the effect of the flights on the mountain goat herds. Our Certificate of Performance is your assurance of responsible heli-skiing.

Heli-ski operators

Would you like to join the industry leaders who are actively protecting mountain goat herds? Contact our society at mtgoats@bcnorth.ca for more information about certification.