Last Frontier Heliskiing - Bell 2

The bell 2 Lodge is a jewel in the north of British Columbia in the midst of a huge single Heliski area – the largest on the planet. An incredible number of tree, alpine and glacier runs is available to the amazed heliskier/snowboarder. The Lodge hosts up to 36 guests. The main building including annexes offers all amenities to complement a perfect heliski adventure.  Uests stay at comfortable, homely log chalets. Meals are based on an excellent cuisine with some outstanding staff. 


The skiing terrain offers much variety. The tree level is lower and more dense than in some parts of Southern British Columbia. Accordingly, tree skiing is a bit restriced. However, the convincing, numerous and phantastic alpine and glacier runs make more than up for this. Your guides will find runs for all levels of technique and experience. Snow conditions regularily are above average and consistent. Abundant powder slopes can be found through to mid April. Last Frontier lives ist slogan: Go Beyond!

Terrain

LFH - Bell 2
LFH - Bell 2
LFH - Bell 2
  • The largest single heli skiing area on the planet
  • Wide open bowls, epic tree runs - we have them all
  • Unrivalled annual snow conditions
  • ONLY Small group heli-skiing
  • Vertical drop guarantee - ensures best value for money
  • The very best guides - so you’re in great hands.

Snowfall

The average annual snowfall at 5,200 feet (1,600 meters) is approximately 65 to 100 feet (20 to 30 meters), which leaves us with an average base of 15 feet (4 meters). It's not unusual to find over 20 feet (6+ meters) of snow at higher elevations and on the glaciers.

 

Temperatures

Temperatures are generally well suited for skiing and range from -5°C to -20°C (23°F to -4°F). At worst, there can be short spell of rain or periods when the temperature can drop to -30ºC (-22ºF).

 

Snow Conditions

Records show that during 75% of our season the snow conditions are excellent to good. Be aware that the skiing can vary from the best you have ever experienced to marginal and demanding. Our guides always strive to seek the best possible snow and runs for our guests. With such an enormous area at our disposal, the choices are numerous and good conditions can usually be found.

 

Down Days

On average mother nature decides to make it snow so heavily or bring in enough cloud to stop us heliskiing less than one day per week (on average). If you're unlucky enough to get a down day there's always plenty of organised options to keep you busy, even though you'll probably want to just relax in the hot tub to help your legs recover!

Accommodation

LFH - Bell 2
LFH - Bell 2
LFH - Bell 2

Bell 2 Lodge

Size

Bell2 holds a maximum of 36 guests per week.

 

Location

Located 220 miles (360 km) Northwest of Smithers, British Columbia. The resort is situated along the Stewart-Cassiar Highway.

 

Character

With satellite communication and state of the art environmental facilities, it offers the comforts of a first class hotel with a rustic touch of the Canadian wild.

The dining room, lounge and bar act as the focal point for skiing and snowboarding stories to be shared. Guests stay in log chalets, approximately 100 meters from the lodge. All rooms have a private bathroom, fireplace, two queen size beds or one king size bed with down duvets.

 

 

Non-Skiing

If weather conditions are unfavourable for flying, you can strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore the Bell Irving River Valley. With a little luck, you may spot a moose, wolf or other animals that frequent this area during the winter season.

Heli & safety

LFH - Bell 2
LFH - Bell 2
LFH - Bell 2
LFH - Bell 2

Helicopters and Pilots

Our guests enjoy the comfort and reliability of a the A-Star B2 helicopter. Our pilots are chosen to meet the same high standards as our guides and have a wealth of experience flying in the mountains. An on-site team of engineers provides helicopter maintenance.

 

Mountain Safety

The guides and snow safety team monitor the weather and snow conditions continuously. Terrain and snow stability are discussed every morning and evening. This information is pooled and shared across BC with other professionals. We sponsor an ongoing avalanche research project with the University of Calgary. In spite of our best efforts, there are inherent risks and hazards associated with helicopter skiing that are beyond our control and that you must share with us. It is important to follow the directions of your guide at all times.

 

Our Guides

Our guides are chosen not only for their guiding skills and qualifications, but also for their enthusiastic and outgoing personalities. They are professional guides who have passed a series of comprehensive examinations to qualify them as members of the A.C.M.G. or the U.I.A.G.M., the recognized Canadian or International Mountain Guide Associations. They are experienced at balancing exciting and challenging skiing with the safety and enjoyment of the entire group. The guides participate in yearly refresher courses, both at Last Frontier Heliskiing and as part of their ongoing training as certified mountain and ski guides.

 

Emergencies

Continuous radio contact between the pilots, guides and the lodge ensures reliable communication in the event of an emergency. There are always 2 radios in each group. The guides carry emergency equipment in their packs, additional equipment is carried in the helicopters and there are several rescue caches within our ski area. The closest hospital and an additional helicopter base is located within 30-40 mins flying time.

Getting there

The below program is recommended. Please contact us if you would like to investigate other itinerary options. Guests have the choice of staying in Vancouver or Smithers for their pre heliskiing nights.

 

Staying pre-heliskiing in Vancouver

Arrive in Canada the day before your tour begins

Overnight at a choice of Vancouver hotels:

Fairmont Waterfront (Downtown) – Budget approximately $40 for a taxi between the airport

Or try the new Canada Line on the SkyTrain aspx (25 min. trip from the airport to Waterfront Station, CDN$3.75 fare

Sheraton (Downtown) - Budget approximately $40 for a taxi between the airport

Fairmont (Airport) – Actually in the airport

Westin (Airport) - A free shuttle between Westin Airport Hotel and Vancouver (YVR) airport is provided

 

Travel Vancouver to Bell 2 Lodge

The tour start date is a travel day - Vancouver to Bell 2 Lodge

Book AC8560 departing Vancouver (YVR) 08:45 arrive Smithers (YYD) 10:32

Depart Smithers Airport - 11:00

Ground transfer to lodge provided

Arrive Bell 2 Lodge - 15:30 approximately

 

Staying in Smithers pre-heliskiing

Arrive in Canada the day before your tour begins

Book connecting flight AC8562 depart Vancouver (YVR) 17:40 arrive Smithers (YYD) 19:28, for the same day

Free shuttle from Smithers airport to Hudson Bay Lodge

Overnight in Smithers at Hudson Bay Lodge

 

Travel Smithers to Bell 2 Lodge

The tour start date is a travel day - Smithers to Bell 2 Lodge

Depart Hudson Bay Lodge -10:00

Ground transfer to lodge provided

Arrive Bell 2 Lodge - 15:30 approximately

Program

Check-in at the lodge

Upon arrival at the lodge, you will attend an informal welcome session introducing you to the Last Frontier Heliskiing crew and run through the daily schedule. At this time we will also explain our liability waiver form, which ALL guests must sign prior to skiing or boarding.

 

Skiing and Boarding Days

Each morning the Lead-Guide will provide an update on the weather, snow conditions and the specific departure times for each group. The first day, your guide will instruct you on the use and care of the electronic avalanche transceiver and ABS Airbag. Everyone has an opportunity to practice several searches. Afterwards, you meet your pilot at the helicopter and review a helicopter safety briefing. The first groups in each helicopter generally depart the lodge daily at approximately 09:15.

Mini water bottles are provided in each helicopter. If you have a personal water bottle or hydration device, we encourage you to bring it. Lots of vertical makes for thirsty skiers and boarders.

Please Note: Skiing/riding on the last day of your tour generally ends at noon. We will do our best to ski or ride more if possible.

 

Meals - We aim to eat as well as we play

A buffet breakfast is served daily at 07:30

Lunch is a relaxed picnic-style affair of homemade soup, sandwiches, hot and cold drinks AND CHOCOLATE

Apres-ski snacks served in the bar

Dinner is served at 19:00

A good selection of beer, wine and spirits are available at both of our locations.

 

Checkout day at the lodge

We ask that all guests have their bags packed and to be checked out of their rooms in the morning before skiing or boarding. Upon return to the lodge, there is time to shower and change into your traveling clothes.

 

Staying in Smithers post-heliskiing

Depart Bell 2 Lodge -17:00

Ground transfer to Hudson Bay Lodge provided

Arrive Hudson Bay Lodge -21:30

Overnight at Hudson Bay Lodge

The Next Day:

Free shuttle Hudson Bay Lodge to Smithers (YYD) airport

Book flight AC8561 depart Smithers (YYD) 11:05 arrive Vancouver (YVR) 12:52

 

Departure from Canada

Always plan to depart from Canada the day after your tour ends

Packages & prices

Dates

See 'Prices'

Options

  • 7, 5, and 4 Day Heli Ski Tours
  • Private Tour
  • Lodge to Lodge Safari

 

Included

 7, 5, and 4 Day Heli Ski Tours:

  • Only 3 groups of 4 guests in a small A-Star B2 or Bell 407 helicopter
  • Accommodation with en-suite bathroom
  • All meals and soft drinks
  • All guide services (A.C.M.G. or U.I.A.G.M. certified)
  • Powder skis and poles
  • Avalanche transceivers and ABS Airbags
  • Return ground transfers from Smithers or Terrace to your lodge

Private Tour:

  • Use of a A-Star B2 or Bell 407 Helicopter
  • Private pilot and two guides (A.C.M.G. or U.I.A.G.M. certified)
  • Guaranteed flying time (see below)
  • Accommodation at Bell 2 Lodge
  • Use of powder skis, avalanche transceivers and all resort facilities
  • Meet and greet at Vancouver International Airport
  • Limousine transfers in Vancouver between airport and your hotel
  • Ground transfers between Smithers and Bell 2 Lodge

Lodge to Lodge Safari:

  • Just 2 groups of 4 guests per A-Star B2 or Bell 407 helicopter
  • 100,000 feet / 30,500 vertical meters guaranteed
  • 4 nights accommodation at Bell 2 Lodge
  • 3 nights accommodation at Ripley Creek Inn
  • All meals at Bell 2 Lodge and the Bitter Creek Cafe
  • Expert guide service (A.C.M.G. or U.I.A.G.M. certified)
  • Powder skis and poles
  • Avalanche transceivers and ABS Airbags
  • Return ground transfers between Smithers / Terrace and Ripley Creek Inn / Bell 2 Lodge 

Prices

«Go Beyond! The largest single heliski area on the planet»


Season :

Mid December - Late April


7 Days starting from C$ 12'680 + Tax



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