The Purcell Mountains of eastern British Columbia are where heli-skiing was born in the 1960s, and until the 2000-01 season, people just flew over the high bowls and ridges of the front range. That's when a major resort finally opened, promising more than 4,000 vertical feet and big-resort amenities to challenge Whistler Blackcomb as the king of western Canadian skiing. Kicking Horse lets a firm base develop until mid-December, but come for opening week to get first tracks on Blue Heaven, accessed by the Stairway to Heaven quad. Also, check out the Golden Eagle Express Gondola, which will whisk you up 11,266 feet in 12 minutes. If the early-season snow is thin, you can always sign on for a day or two of heli-skiing with local operators based in nearby Golden.