Why the AS350 B3 Helicopter Powers Stellar Heliskiing’s Adventure Experience

When you step into a Stellar Heliskiing helicopter, you aren’t just boarding any aircraft – you’re climbing aboard one of the most capable mountain machines ever built. The AS350 B3 (now marketed by Airbus as the H125) is the high‑performance member of the Ecureuil (A‑Star) family of single‑engine helicopters. Designed to deliver power and precision in the world’s harshest environments, it’s no surprise that Stellar and heli‑skiing operators around the globe rely on this model to ferry skiers to untouched powder.

A Powerhouse Engineered for the Mountains

Most ski destinations don’t need a helicopter that set world records, but the mountains of British Columbia can dish out extremes of altitude, temperature and weather. The AS350 B3 is built for exactly those conditions. Its Safran/Turbomeca Arriel 2B/2B1/2D turboshaft engine produces around 847 shp of take‑off power – far more than earlier A‑Stars. That power, managed by a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system with built‑in redundancy, gives the B3 the muscle to lift a pilot, guide and four guests plus skis without breaking a sweat. It also means the machine climbs quickly; test pilot Didier Delsalle set climb‑speed records to 3 000 m, 6 000 m and 9 000 m in under ten minutes.

Mountaineers know the AS350 B3 for a feat that cemented its reputation. In May 2005, Delsalle became the first person to land a helicopter on the summit of Mount Everest. He hovered there for more than three minutes and flew back to base, proving that the B3 can operate in the thin air and freezing temperatures found at 8 848 m. It has since been used to rescue climbers high on Everest and Annapurna, underscoring its capability at altitude.

For heliskiing, altitude matters. Stellar’s tenure in the Selkirk and Purcell mountains features drop offs as high as 3000 m (10000 ft). The AS350 B3 maintains power at these heights, retaining a service ceiling of 23000 ft (7010 m). Its rate of climb of roughly 1950 ft per minute gets skiers above the valley clouds and into the sunshine quickly. In challenging mountain weather, speed is safety. The B3 cruises around 140–155 knots (259–287 km/h), allowing pilots to outrun incoming storms and reposition quickly.

Comfort, Safety and Versatility

Power isn’t enough on its own. Guests expect a smooth, comfortable ride as they prepare for the runs of a lifetime. The AS350 B3’s Starflex three‑blade rotor system and composite cabin materials dampen vibration and reduce noise. Operators like Heliksir in Georgia call it the “fastest, quietest ride” in its class. Stellar’s guests benefit from roomy seating, large windows and an outside ski basket that frees up cabin space. There’s also ample cargo room for safety gear and rescue equipment, enabling guides to be self‑sufficient.

Safety features are built into the airframe. The B3 has dual hydraulic systems and dual‑channel FADEC on later variants, providing redundancy. Energy absorbing seats and a crash resistant fuel system protect occupants in the unlikely event of a hard landing. The modern Vehicle and Engine Multi‑function Display (VEMD) gives pilots real time performance data, reducing workload and allowing them to focus on flying in complex terrain. These features mean Stellar’s pilots can concentrate on reading snow conditions, assessing landing zones and delivering a safe, relaxed flight.

Small Group Heliskiing Done Right

One of the reasons skiers choose Stellar is its focus on intimate, small‑group experiences. The AS350 B3 is perfectly sized for this. It carries a pilot, a guide and up to four guests, which fosters a personal atmosphere and enables groups to access more technical terrain. Smaller groups can also move faster, squeeze into tight landing zones and sample more runs during a day. Operators from Patagonia to Iceland praise the B3’s maneuverability for landing on glaciers, volcanoes and other challenging sites. Operators refer to the A‑Star as a “true mountain flying machine” and notes that its small cabin and 850 shp engine offer the perfect mix of power and precision.

Importantly, the AS350 B3’s design allows it to serve many roles beyond heli‑skiing. The flat floor cabin with large sliding doors can be reconfigured for cargo, medevac, search and rescue or law enforcement. This versatility means the aircraft is proven and continuously improved by operators across industries, benefiting Stellar through reliability and cost‑effective maintenance.

A Global Favourite for Heliskiing

While Stellar operates in British Columbia, the AS350 B3’s reach spans the globe. Heliksir in Georgia deploys the B3 for its high‑altitude missions and praises its quiet ride and passenger comfort. Barraco Lodge in Patagonia uses it to land guests on glaciers and volcanic slopes, noting its reliability and high‑altitude performance. Great Bear Heli‑Skiing calls its B3 a “flying Ferrari” and keeps a second B3 as a backup to ensure continuous operations. In 2025, Icelandic tour operator NORDURFLUG acquired an AS350 B3+ to strengthen its heli‑ski and tourism operations. This international adoption speaks to the aircraft’s reputation and ensures a robust support network worldwide.

Why We Fly the AS350 B3

At Stellar Heliskiing, our priority is to provide guests with safe, exhilarating mountain experiences. The AS350 B3’s combination of raw power, high‑altitude capability, smooth ride, compact cabin and proven safety features makes it the ideal tool for the job. Whether we’re accessing steep powder bowls, alpine meadows or glaciated peaks, this helicopter delivers reliable performance day after day. We’re proud to fly a machine that not only set records on Mount Everest but also carries our guests comfortably to the best snow in the Selkirks and Purcells.

When you join us for a heliskiing adventure, know that the aircraft at your shoulder has been tested at the limits of aviation and is trusted by operators worldwide. The AS350 B3 isn’t just a helicopter – it’s the backbone of the heli‑skiing experience.