Description
Last Frontier Heliskiing in the wilderness of British Columbia, close to the Alaskan border, is the world's largest heliskiing concession and the ultimate experience for any skier, whether you are a competent intermediate on your first heliskiing trip or a seasoned heliski veteran.
Boasting a ski area of 9,500km2 (compared to the average Canadian heliski area of 2,200km2) and annual average snowfall of 25 metres, the combination of terrain and conditions is unsurpassed. Last Frontier operate with small groups of up to 5 guests and 2-3 groups per helicopter (A-star B2 or Bell 407), which guarantees a swift and efficient service to maximise your vertical feet. Equally important is the terrain with tree cover as Last Frontier can usually get you skiing even when the weather closes in.
It is a common misconception that heliskiing is for experts only. In fact, anyone with a reasonable level of fitness combined with some off piste experience can partake. If you are unsure as to whether you ski well enough, our travel consultants can advise and even assess you.
Safety standards are second to none. All guides are seasoned professionals who have qualified as members of the ACMG and the UIAGM, the recognized Canadian and International Mountain Guide Associations. Last Frontier provide safety equipment (avalanche transceivers and ABS bags) and powder skis and poles to enable you to make the most of the conditions in safety.
You can choose to base yourself at the Bell 2 Lodge or the Ripley Creek Inn – or combine the two. The friendly and professional team share our own service ethos and will ensure that your stay is enjoyable, comfortable and that your meals are delicious and hearty.
We recommend a short stay in Whistler prior to your heliskiing tour to maximise your fitness and enjoyment before taking the short flight north. There are 4, 5 and 7 day heliskiing options as well as the possibility of a heliskiing and ski touring trip.
Accommodation
Bell 2 Lodge is located in the Skeena Mountains, only 40 miles from Southeast Alaska and 200 miles from the Yukon. The lodge itself is a heliski village of log cabins deep in the wilderness offering a very comfortable and hugely relaxing retreat. Ripley Creek Inn is a little simpler, located on the border of Alaska in the frontier town of Stewart.
| Bell 2 Lodge | The dining room, lounge and bar are the focal point, surrounded by rooms in log cabins. All bedrooms have queen beds, fireplaces and en-suite bathrooms. |
| Ripley Creek Inn | This small inn accommodates up to 15 people and guests and the Last Frontier team are both accommodated here. Meals are served across the road in the Bitter Creek café. Bedrooms all have en-suite bathrooms, queen beds and TVs |
Childcare
Last Frontier Heliskiing is suitable for older children who are competent skiers.
Facilities
Facilities at Ripley Creek include a jacuzzi, massage therapist and the Bitter Creek Café serving eclectic cuisine and sensational seafood. Bell 2 Lodge features a dining room, lounge, bar and hot tub.
Activities
If adverse weather prevents flying, snow shoeing, ice fishing, cross country skiing or walking are all possible as well as snowmobiling and massage treatments.
Services
Your stay with Last Frontier includes 14,375 vertical feet of heliskiing per day, use of powder skis, poles and safety equipment and transfers between Smithers and Bell 2 or Ripley Creek.
When to travel
British Columbia benefits from some of the most regular and the deepest snowfalls anywhere in the world. The average seasonal snowfall at 1600m (5000 feet) is a spectacular 25 metres (75 feet), four or five times the average in most areas of the Alps. Winter temperatures average about 0°C during the day and -6°C overnight in the village with snow typically on the ground from Dec into April. Summers days can be quite warm, with temperatures reaching the high 20s.
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Location and directions
British Columbia, Canada
Bell 2 Lodge is located 220 miles (4 hours' drive) from Smithers. Ripley Creek is located in Stewart, British Columbia, close to the Alaskan border and 200 miles (4 hours' drive) North West of Terrace.
How to get there
Direct British Airways flights from London Heathrow to Vancouver (9½ hrs) followed by 2 hr internal flight to Smithers or Terrace. Road transfer to either Bell 2 or Ripley takes four hours.
