Graham, taking care of our gear : Pic Dave McWilliams !
OUR FIRST HELI SKI EXPERIENCE
Our story begins with a little note I sent to our good friends and Panorama Pimps; Ken and Ryan:
"Well, we're back from heli-skiing in the Purcell's with the amazing RK guys... what a trip!
I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind generosity and help in making this trip happen.
Over my 15 years as a full-time instructor, my 20 years coaching and racing at various levels and my entire career in the ski industry I have unfortunately become blasé with this wonderful sport that is skiing... This past weekend has changed my life... I am sitting here with knots in my stomach still, with incredible anticipation for my next visit to Panorama and RK Heli... Every single person that was on the trip are still humming with glee, fantastic smiles on our faces, amazing memories of a superlative trip that changed all our lives.
Our Pilot, Duncan was an joy of a human, amazing all of us with his tremendous flying. We had several guys on the trip with much helicopter experience and all were seriously impressed with his skills... And lets not for a moment forget our guide Graham who took care of our group of misfits, taking the time to get to know us, patient and always the perfect host... (More than a few of us developed huge man-crushes on these two guys during our few days with them). Graham is everything you'd hope a guide would be without all the bullshit that you'd assume comes with the job.
We were quite positively blown away.
What a way to cement 11 people into the sport of skiing for life.
Maybe we don't need another 62" flat screen in the basement... maybe we don't need a bass boat... maybe I should start doing some freaking cardio so my legs don't burn so much next time... maybe every single guy (and Catherine) on that trip had a priority re-alignment like I did... I have been on many a trip in my life, none has affected me so.
THANK YOU!"
We posted a few movies on YouTube about our experience:
WE WENT HELI-SKIING! Oh yeah ladies and Gentlemen, we did it. 11 of us spent all our money and fulfilled a life-long dream to shred the pow using what some people call a "helicopter". We went heli skiing at the superlative RK Heli in Panorama last week! Let us be the first to say that yes, boys and girls, it's absolutely worth it. it's all you ever imagined it to be, and more... Lots more. From our kick-ass guide Graham to our top-gun helicopter pilot Duncan to the majestic terrain and the awe-inspiring views to the boo-yah skiing... we had the time of our lives. Check back soon as we lay it all here for you to see. Videos, pics, the whole story:
SELECTING THE RIGHT SKI
We pride ourselves on trying EVERY ski we sell BEFORE we decide to offer them to our customers... So we're uniquely qualified to match skier to ski... Provided, of course, said skier is able to adequately describe to us his or her skiing style and terrain preference.
The reason internet ski sales are measured in thousands of units rather than in millions of units is simply because ski selection is still (thankfuly) the exclusive domain of the human experience. the $200 ski and the $900 ski share most of the same components so it's all about HOW the ski is made. Artisans still rule. Art is still a big part of ski construction... It's still about how the ski "feels". You just can't describe that unless you've slapped them on. That's what we do. We try them out, and help you understand the nuances. Help you get the right one for you.
Published ski tests are one tidbit of information that might help... provided you trust these tests not to be tainted by sponsorships, advertising dollars and personal brand preference. Ski-test-review sites are also another source of debatable information. Don't ask us to comment on these faceless, unaccountable, dubious reviews. We can only tell you about OUR experience. We trust no-one but ourselves and that's the main reason (as I've pointed out earlier) we go to considerable lengths and expense to test every single ski we think might be suitable for our customers... [read about our ski test here] We then select the pick of the litter, slap them on our wall and proudly stand behind each and every pair with our "love them or we'll swap them" guarantee when you go with our recommendation (ask one of our ski sales-people what that entails).
Unfortunately that's why we will never guarantee that ski 'X' will perform as advertised on their own website... Most ski manufacturers often mis-categorize their own product, it's a simple result of trying to hit every category... and why even their own 'product selectors' often miss the mark. Sometimes a ski that is supposed to be good at something ends up being AMAZING at something completely different... And there's nothing wrong with that. That's the beauty of our process, finding the jewels that will make your on-snow experience a phenomenal one rather than an adequate one.
That's where we come in.
The only catch is that, unfortunately, we can't help you with selecting the right ski over the phone or by email... It's a process we'll only embark upon in person. And while we stand by our lowest price policy, there is a price to pay for all this knowledge, and that price is that you call (or drop by) one of our two locations, make an appointment with one of our specialists and make the trip to Gord's. Not an unreasonable investment we think, considering the potential upsides associated with finally owning the right gear.
2008 SKI TEST VIDEOS
LOWEST
PRICE POLICY
We know that for
some of you shopping
at Gord's is probably a
bit intimidating but
relax, we're here to make it a fun and fulfilling experience.
With the lowest prices guaranteed and a friendly fresh staff,
give us a try, you may be pleasantly surprised. Our motto
here at Gord's is simple: NEVER PAY MORE! And if we missed
one, no problem. Of course we'll price match any local competitor's
price, just mention it.
KNOWLEDGE
IS POWER
At the risk of sounding immodest, permit me to say that
it's a fact: We have a pretty stacked team when it comes
to pertinent and passionate knowledge about the sports we
sell. Whether
it be doing a grab off
a tabletop at Fernie,
riding Spruce Woods
to standing around waiting for a bus in February, we've
been there, done that. Whatever the endeavor Novice to expert:
We may be able to help.
The reason internet ski sales are measured in thousands of units rather than in millions of units is simply because ski selection is still (thankfuly) the exclusive domain of the human experience. the $200 ski and the $900 ski share most of the same components so it's all about HOW the ski is made. Artisans still rule. Art is still a big part of ski construction... It's still about how the ski "feels". You just can't describe that unless you've slapped them on. That's what we do. We try them out, and help you understand the nuances. Help you get the right one for you. 
Ski-test-review sites are also another source of debatable information. Don't ask us to comment on these faceless, unaccountable, dubious reviews. We can only tell you about OUR experience. We trust no-one but ourselves and that's the main reason (as I've pointed out earlier) we go to considerable lengths and expense to test every single ski we think might be suitable for our customers... [
Unfortunately that's why we will never guarantee that ski 'X' will perform as advertised on their own website... Most ski manufacturers often mis-categorize their own product, it's a simple result of trying to hit every category... and why even their own 'product selectors' often miss the mark. Sometimes a ski that is supposed to be good at something ends up being AMAZING at something completely different... And there's nothing wrong with that. That's the beauty of our process, finding the jewels that will make your on-snow experience a phenomenal one rather than an adequate one. 
The only catch is that, unfortunately, we can't help you with selecting the right ski over the phone or by email... It's a process we'll only embark upon in person. And while we stand by our lowest price policy, there is a price to pay for all this knowledge, and that price is that you call (or drop by) one of our two locations, make an appointment with one of our specialists and make the trip to Gord's. Not an unreasonable investment we think, considering the potential upsides associated with finally owning the right gear.
