Whistler-based tour company Blackcomb Helicopters is expanding.
Last week, the company announced its acquisition of Tyax Adventures and its associated tenure for backcountry mountain biking, hiking and float plane activity. In the release, the Whistler-based heli-tour operator also announced the creation of AlpX Expeditions, a new dedicated backcountry tourism operation.
“Providing unique outdoor recreation and tourism experiences is what Blackcomb Helicopters and AlpX Expeditions is all about,” said Blackcomb Helicopters general manager Tim Boyle in the release.
“As a part of our growing catalogue of adventures, tours, and backcountry trips that will be provided under the AlpX brand, we are thrilled to be welcoming Tyax Adventures and Tyax Air Service to the Blackcomb team, continuing this world-renowned operation that was started almost 25 years ago.”
Tyax Adventures' guides have been offering float plane-accessed backcountry travel in the South Chilcotin range for two decades, including multi-day hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, flight-seeing tours and overnight stays in fully-serviced backcountry cabins and camps. The company is based in Bridge River Valley, B.C., about 140 kilometres north-east of Whistler.
AlpX Expeditions represents "the unification and expansion of Blackcomb’s year-around offerings," according to the release, which already includes heli-hiking, weddings, picnics and ski touring, as well as a new special-built alpine bike trail network exclusively accessible by helicopter. The company said more information about AlpX and new heli-biking offerings will be released later this spring.
The acquisition represents Blackcomb Helicopters' further long-term investment in southwest British Columbia, and offers adventurous hikers and mountain bikers increased access to the isolated South Chilcotin Provincial Park via float plane charters.
Blackcomb Helicopters' operations in the region will continue under the leadership of Tyax Adventures founding family member Bobbi Douglas, the company said in the release. Meanwhile, Tyax Adventures will return to its original base at Tyax Lodge on Tyaughton Lake for the 2022 season.
In the release, founder Dale Douglas called his and his family's building of Tyax Adventures "a great journey."
"When Jane and I started thinking of finding the next owner, it was important to us that they shared the commitment of responsible, sustainable operations and would carry on the key community relationships and Indigenous partnerships that have been so critical to our success in the Bridge River Valley," he said. "Blackcomb Helicopters clearly shares these values and is the right owner to take Tyax Adventures into the future.”
In addition to its heli-tourism operations, the 100-per-cent carbon offset Blackcomb Helicopters also provides utility and civil services from bases at Vancouver International Airport and in Whistler, Pemberton. Squamish, Sechelt, Lillooet, Terrace and Springbank, Alta.
