Northern Escape Heliskiing - Mountain Lodge

Heliskiing with Northern Escape is a fantastic deep poweder adventure. John Forrest, long-time and and experienced Heliski Guide, is leading the operation.  Experience the difference in the exceptionally light and deep powder of the coastal Skeena Mountains. The vicinity to the Pacific Ocean leads in these geographical lattitudes  to above average frequent and heavy snowfalls. Very light Powder is  the result and almost daily standard throughout the winter. Sometimes difficult flight conditions are compensated  by top modern and comfortable snow cats belonging to the operation. Accordingly, no unproductive skidays have to be expected. Several tree and alpine descents belong to the best in British Columbia.

The terrain is challenging, however, with assistance by the experienced guides, can also be mastered by Heliskiing novices with an adequate skill set.

The modern Mountain Lodge has newly built generous single room accommodation for overall 10 guests. The location is 15 kilometers west of Terrace and slightly above the shores of Treston Lake. The peaceful setting is ideal to relax after an intense day of skiing or boarding.

Terrain

NEH - Yellow Cedar
NEH - Yellow Cedar

The location, just South of the Alaska border, in remote Northwest BC, encompasses over 1.8 million acres of legendary glaciated, alpine and open tree skiing/riding. It offers one of the deepest and most reliable heliskiing snowpacks on the planet and, with Snowcat back-up, Northern Escape ensures you ski and ride it every day.

 

Mountain Weather

The Heli-Skiing program is greatly dependant upon weather, snow and avalanche conditions, factors of which Northern Escape has no control over and are difficult to predict. Therefore, Heli-Skiing is not always perfect and you should be prepared to ski in all conditions. In addition, the more fit you are the more you will enjoy your Heli-Skiing package with Northern Escape.

Accommodation

 

Mountain Lodge

The modern, but intimate Mountain Lodge is a neat building complex with a generous common area and newly built accommodation with spacious single rooms. The setting of the lodge is on the slopes of the Skeena Mountains, above the frozen Treston Lake..

The lodge offers space for 10 guests. The combined living and dining room with its cozy open fireplace creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere.  After a full day in the heli, rejuvenate body and mind with a soak in the outdoor hot tub, or prebook a massage treatment to work out the kinks. Wireless Intenet and cell phone reception are available. – Terrace is a 15 minute flight away and offers additional shopping and entertainment facilities. Just ask for a transfer.

 

You'll enjoy gourmet dinners in the dining room prepared by our highly qualified chefs and divine wine service from the trained serving staff.  The chefs are all red seal certified and are hired on their skill, experience and "fit" to the Northern Escape adventure.  The menu is based on continental cuisine, designed to tantalize your tastebuds; serving a creation of original and inspired dishes taking advantage of the location in British Columbia's Pacific Northwest with regional specialties. In addition to the amazing culinary team, Northern Escape has an exceptional group of dedicated and passionate employees to ensure that the service level is second to none.

Heli & safety

NEH - Yellow Cedar
NEH - Yellow Cedar

Operations and Safety

Northern Escape Heli-Skiing has a comprehensive snow, weather and avalanche management system. The guides are continually monitoring and collecting snow and weather information in an effort to assess hazards and choose suitable skiing/boarding terrain for each group. The guides meet twice daily to evaluate this information, plan the day and share the information obtained during the skiing/boarding day.

Each helicopter is equipped with first aid, oxygen, avalanche, rescue and survival equipment, as well as GPS, a satellite phone, and a VHF radio to maintain contact with the lodge and the guides.

Northern Escape guests are equipped with an avalanche transceiver and Snowpulse airbag backpack and provided instruction in their use prior to skiing/boarding. In addition to the equipment carried in the guides’ packs, each group will carry additional safety equipment and a VHF radio capable of communicating with the guides and pilots. In the case of a medical emergency, both Terrace and Kitimat have fully equipped hospitals located within close ranges of Northern Escape lodges.

Northern Escape Heli-Skiing is a member of the British Columbia Helicopter and Snowcat Skiing Operators Association, HeliCat Canada. This association sets strict standards for operating a helicopter and/or Snowcat skiing area. Only by skiing/boarding with a member of HeliCat Canada can you be assured of certified ski guides who follow a strict set of operating procedures. In addition, Northern Escape participates in the Canadian Avalanche Association Professional Members Industry Information Exchange (InfoEx) between backcountry skiing operators and, together with other leading Heli-Skiing operators, Northern Escape sponsors avalanche research projects with the University of Calgary.

Getting there

The town of Terrace is reached via direct flights to and from Vancouver, British Columbia. You Heli-Skiing/Boarding vacation commences with your arrival in Terrace on the evening of the first day of your package. You should plan to arrive in Vancouver by mid afternoon on that day in order to make the connection to Terrace where you will arrive at approximately 19:10. For the Elite-Program special rules may apply. A company representative will meet you at the airport. You will be flown by helicopter to the lodge.

 

Travel Arrangements

Direct flights from Vancouver to Terrace, BC can be arranged with Air Canada or Northwest. Please arrange to arrive on the evening of the first day of your package. Return flights to Vancouver should be arranged to depart after 18:00 hrs on the last day of your package. Please provide us with your flight details and we will arrange transport to and from the airport.

 

Vancouver Accommodation

We recommend that our guests stay at either the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel or the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel while in Vancouver. We would be happy to assist you in making these arrangements. Please enquire when making your reservation.

Program

Upon arrival at the lodge you will check into your rooms and meet for an informal orientation to the lodge and its amenities. A brief orientation to the program will be accompanied by a glass of champagne and a light dinner. After a day of travel we are sure that your pillow will be calling soon. For those looking for a night cap, the lounge is open until 22:30.

Your first morning is busy with several safety briefings. A hearty breakfast is followed by an introduction to the skiing program and the weeks’ schedule. Northern Escape will review its skiing and safety procedures and their pilot will go through a helicopter safety briefing. All guests will be required to sign their Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement, a copy of which we will provide to you.

You will be grouped according to your skiing desires and abilities. Every effort will be made to keep groups that are traveling together skiing together. However, Northern Escape reserves the right to build the groups according to their safety guidelines. You’ll notice that this is a reoccurring theme in everything which is done; Safety First!

 

The rest of the week follows a more relaxed schedule:

  • 07:30                       Breakfast and guides daily announcement
  • 08:30 – 09:00          Helicopters depart for skiing
  • 12:00 ish                  Lunch – a hearty meal in the mountains
  • 15:30 – 17:00          Return to the lodge (weather and group dependent)
  • 17:00 ish                  Après ski snacks in the lounge
  • 19:00                       Dinner

After a great week of skiing/boarding and building friendships, you will celebrate with a night to remember. For the weekly guests, the last evening is a farewell dinner; a five course gourmet meal is followed by a DVD presentation which showcases the highlights of your Heli-ski vacation.

The last day of your skiing/boarding package is a full day. You will return to the lodge at the regular time and you’ll have plenty of time to clean up and change prior to checking out. A light meal will be served prior to departing for the airport.

Packages & prices

Dates

See 'Prices'

Options

  • Elite Package
  • Mountain Lodge Semi-Private Package

Included

Elite Package 5 days (4 & 3 Day Package available)

  • Choose from 5 (or 4) full heliski days 
  • 56'000 vft (46'000 vft)
  • Snowcat back-up; ski every day guaranteed
  • Transfers to and from Lakefront Lodge by helicopter
  • Accommodation (single occupancy with en-suite bathrooms)
  • Use of all lodge amenities
  • All meals and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Heliski Guide services
  • Use of Barryvox avalanche transceiver
  • Use of Snow Pulse Airbag
  • Powder Skis and Poles 
  • All other Safety Equipment

Not Included 

  • Taxes
  • Insurance
  • Private expenses (massage, alcoholic drinks ect)
  • Tips for Guides, Pilot, Staff

Prices

«Experience the Difference!»


Season :

Early December - Early May


5 Days starting from C$ 8'899 + Tax



Counseling & Booking

WAHA Premium Travel
Schlösslistrasse 9
3008 Berne, Switzerland

Business +41 31 972 66 77
Direct +41 78 662 86 78
info@wahapremiumtravel.com