Terrain

Terrain

• 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

Ripley Creek Inn

Size

Usually has a maximum of 24 guests per week - which can be expanded to 20 for special groups.

 

Location

Located 200 miles (310km) Northwest of Terrace, BC. The small town of Stewart is situated at the end of the Portland Canal, opposite Hyder, Alaska.

 

Character

The inn is home to both guests and staff with meals served just across the street at the Bitter Creek Café.

All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, queen size beds with down duvets, telephones and TVs.

The Bitter Creek Café has an historic feel with a bistro style menu. You’re assured of some fine eclectic cuisine and for those who are keen, some sensational seafood.

 

Non-Skiing

If the conditions are unfavourable for flying, there are many things to do in nearby Stewart. Go fishing on the Portland Canal, visit historic museums or check-out any of the three local watering holes and meet some of the locals.

Heli & safety

Helicopters and Pilots

Our guests enjoy the comfort and reliability of a the A-Star B2 or Bell 407 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.

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, 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 at the Bitter Creek Cafe located just across the street

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

Apres-ski snacks served at the Ripley Creek Inn

Dinner is served at 19:00 at the Bitter Creek Cafe

A good selection of beer and wine are available at the Bitter Creek Cafe during dinner.

Beverages for apres ski can be purchased at the local liquor store

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.

Guests have the choice of staying in Vancouver or Terrace for their post heliskiing nights

Staying in Vancouver post-helisking

Depart Ripley Creek Inn - 14:30

Ground transfer to airport provided

Arrive Terrace airport - 18:30

Book flight AC8245 depart Terrace (YXT) 19:35 arrive Vancouver (YXT) 21:25

Overnight at a choice of Vancouver hotels:

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

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

Depart from Canada the day after your tour finishes

Staying in Terrace post-heliskiing

Depart Ripley Creek Inn - 14:30

Ground transfer to Best Western Hotel provided

Arrive Best Western Hotel, Terrace - 19:00

Overnight at Best Western Hotel

The Next Day:

Taxi to airport (Budget approximately $20 for a taxi)

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

Book flight AC8241 depart Terrace (YXT) 10:10 arrive Vancouver (YVR) 12:02

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
• Rippin at Ripley

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

Rippin at Ripley:

• Just 2 groups of 5 guests per helicopter
• 100,000 vertical feet / 30,500 vertical meters guaranteed
• All meals at Bitter Creek Café
• Guide Services (ACMG or UIAGM certified)
• Powder skis and poles
• Avalanche transceivers and ABS Airbags
• Return air transfers between Vancouver and Terrace
• Return ground transfers between Terrace and Ripley Creek Inn

Prices