Northern Escape Heliskiing - Treston Lake

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. Champagne 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  


Treston Lake Lodge accommodates up to eight private clients. Its secluded, privacy garanteeing setting, the outstanding cuisine with tailormade meals and beverages, the high accommodation standards of the lodge as well as exceptionally friendly staff add to the exclusive touch of Treston Lake Lodge. Enjoy!

Terrain

NEH - Treston Lake
NEH - Treston Lake

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

NEH - Treston Lake
NEH - Treston Lake
NEH - Treston Lake

Treston Lake Lodge 

The Treston Lake Lodge is a mere 30 minute drive from the Terrace Regional Airport and sits in the heart of some of Northern Escape's best terrain. The lodge is located on the banks of Treston Lake amidst pristine wilderness and a spectacular demonstration of natural beauty in Northern British Columbia. The lodge overlooks the Skeena Mountains and provides the Private guests with the ultimate scenery and seclusion.

The lodge itself boasts modern day ambience with elaborate lighting and design, while maintaining a simple and rustic manner. The state of the art kitchen provides an easy creative zone for the private chef to design and deliver enchanting dishes, based upon your custom menu. The plush leather sofas and traditional wood-burning stove provide a blanket of comfort, enhancing the effect of the ultimate stay and feeling of solitude and tranquility.

Guests will enjoy the privacy of single rooms (if you are only 4 Persons) and the Chalet’s many amenities include an outdoor hot tub, fireplace, satellite TV and wireless internet. Your Private Chef will consult with you prior to your arrival and will create a mouth watering menu customized to your taste. The wine list will also be preordered according to your desires and to match the menu. A fully stocked bar is also available and can be customized with anything you’d like to have special ordered. Your own private Massage Therapist will be awaiting your return to sooth your aching muscles after a day of first descents.

Heli & safety

NEH - Treston Lake
NEH - Treston Lake
NEH - Treston Lake

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. Your 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. A company representative will meet you at the airport and will accompany you to the lodge.

 

Travel Arrangements

Direct flights from Vancouver to Terrace, BC can be arranged with Air Canada or Hawk Air. 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 clients 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

After arrival at the lodge its staff will greet you personally. You will be informed about the lodge and ist amenities, the heliski program and the overall daily activities. A light dinner will be followed by drinks around the fireplace, if you wish so.

Your first skiing day will start with a breakfast tailored to your personal wishes. This is followed by saftey instructions, do’s and don’ts while skiing, a hands-on training with your personal safety equipment, procedures in case of an emergency as well as security instructions covering your helicopter and its  safety equipment. You also will have to sign the compulsory Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement, a copy of which we will provide to you before booking of the package.

The daily schedule will be adjusted as far as possible to the group’s wishes. The rough program is as follows:

 

  • Breakfast with daily announcement by your guides
  • Start Heliskiing/Boarding with the helipad right on the parking lot of your lodge
  • Lunch in the mountains or at your lodge (depending on weather conditions and distance to the lodge)
  • Continue Heliskiing/Boarding and return flight to the lodge (timing depending on the season and weather conditions)
  • Snack at the bar and time at your personal disposal (massage, hot tub etc)
  • Dinner
  • Night Cap

 

 

 

 

 

 

You will be able to ski extensively on the last day of your package. The transfer to the airport (after shower and changing to your travel clothing) will be by van or helicopter, depending on the time of the day.

Should unfavorable weather conditions prevent the helicopter from flying, you will be transported to safe and interesting terrain by snow cat (mostly for tree skiing).

Evening trips to Terrace can be arranged.

Overall, the program will be personalized in a way to suit your  wishes with respect to sporty activities and time to relax and enjoy the peaceful wilderness of the Skeena mountain ranges and their natural beauties.

 

 

Packages & prices

Dates

See 'Prices'

Options

  • Exclusive Private Package

Included

Private Package (Up to 4 guests at Treston Lake Lodge)

  • UNLMITED FLIGHT TIME FOR SKIING
  • Private helicopter
  • Two private guides per group.
  • Private pilot, chef, concierge, & massagetherapist.
  • Custom designed menu, wine list and bar menu.
  • Single room accommodation for four guests.
  • One night Vancouver hotel on return. Choose either the Fairmont Airport or Waterfront Hotel – single occupancy.
  • Powder skis and poles.
  • All safety equipment.
  • Guaranteed Snowcat Back-up.
  • Meet and greet at the Terrace Airport.
  • Transfers to and from your private waterfront lodge – Treston Lake Lodge.

Not Included

 

  • Tips for pilot and guides
  • GST (tax)
  • Special alcoholic beverages
  • Insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • International travel to and from Smithers Airport


Prices

«Experience the Difference!»


Season :

End December - Early April



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