This Airbus Helicopters EC-130B-4, N156GC, was operating one of Grand Canyon helicopter's two heliports on the southwest side of Grand Canyon National Park Airport, which is at an elevation of 6608 ft (2014 m). The heliport has an air traffic control tower, about 10 parking spots and also hosts Bell LongRangers operated by sister company Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopter's. The helicopters were busy giving air tours in -5C temperatures but the airport was closed with the runway covered in snow. In the summer, Grand Canyon opens a second nearby heliport to accommodate additional passengers.