Northern Escape
Northern Escape Heli Skiing BC
There’s nothing a powderhound hates more than getting to the top of a slope only to find that other powderhounds have put their dirty paw marks all over their powder.
At Northern Escape Heli Skiing powderhounds can be rest assured that this will never happen. With a whopping 6,000 square kilometres (about 1.5 million acres) of terrain and 20 to 30 metres of snowfall each season, there are infinite lines of virgin snow that are yours for the taking.
Be decadent and take an escape from the mundane and go
heli skiing with Northern Escape. Just remember to pack a snorkel!
Where is Northern Heli Skiing Located?
Northern Escape Heli-Skiing is located in Northwestern British Columbia Canada, nestled deep in the famous Skeena Mountains of the Northern Coast Range. The lodges are located about 30 minutes from Terrace Regional Airport.
Terrace is approximately 1,130km (702 miles) northwest of Vancouver by road which equates to an easy two hour flight from Vancouver BC. This makes for reasonably quick and easy access relative to most other Canada heli ski operators.
Heli Ski Packages
Classic Package - The standard package known as the Classic is offered in 3, 4, 5 or 7 day increments and includes the guided heli skiing with a guaranteed vertical of about 4,300 metres (14,100 feet) per day. Classic guests fly in a powerful helicopter which services three groups of six skiers. Single, twin or double accommodation is provided at the Yellow Cedar Lodge in rooms with an ensuite. Other inclusions: snowcat backup; transfers to and from the airport; all gastronomical indulgences; safety equipment; and powder skis and poles. Their packages are very reasonably priced, especially considering the small group size and the inclusions.
Unlimited Vertical - If you want to si the absolute maximum vertical, for an extra fee you can add substantially more vertical to your guarantee.
Yellow Cedar Private - A step up from the Classic package is the Yellow Cedar Lodge Private Package. Experience the freedom of having your own private helicopter while saving a few dollars by sharing Yellow Cedar Lodge and its amenities with the Classic guests.
Exclusive Private - For incredible decadence, Northern Escape also offers exclusive private and semi-private packages that include a private helicopter, personal chef, concierge, and massage therapist.
Typical Itinerary
Day of arrival - arrive at approximately 19:30 at Terrace Airport. A company representative will meet you at the airport and will accompany you to Yellow Cedar Lodge. Upon arrival at the lodge you will check into your rooms and meet for an informal orientation. A light meal is followed by an introduction to our skiing program and the weeks’ schedule.
Days in between - 7:30am breakfast & guides daily announcement, 8:30 - 9:00am helicopter departs; 12:00 lunch in the mountains; 15:30 to 17:00 return to lodge (weather & group dependant); 17:00 Apres snacks in the lounge; 19:00 dinner. The first morning includes safety briefings and signing of wavers.
Last Day - you will ski a full day of heli skiing, returning by 17:00 where a full 3 course dinner will be served before you will be taken to the airport. Your flight will arrive back in Vancouver about 22:00 that evening so a night in Vancouver may be required if you are travelling beyond.
Heli Skiing Terrain
The heli ski terrain is vast, although that’s a bit of an understatement considering that Northern Escape is up there in the top three biggest heli ski tenures in Canada.
The ski and snowboard terrain is between elevations of 450 and 2,350 metres, so the runs are long and offer a combination of alpine bowls and glaciers as well as naturally gladed trees. And good news for those who like it steep as well as deep, because the coastal snowpack allows reasonably steep terrain to be safely skied.
Considering the spectacular storms that bring the huge volumes of snow, thankfully Northern Escape has the backup of snowcat skiing where it’s always possible to ski within the protection of the treed areas.
Why Ski or Board with Northern Escape Heli Skiing?
Northern Escape has a high emphasis on the safety aspects of heli skiing and provide all guests with airbag backpacks; technology that’s been shown to reduce the burial rate in the unlikely event of an avalanche.
As well as the snowcat back-up, another obvious reason to go with Northern Escape is the snow. If you’re snow-vanistic you’ll love the volumes of powder and the reliability of the snowpack. With the small group format you’ll be able to make the most of the huge terrain and the big pow. Then after a big day out, you can sit around and re-live all your tales whilst enjoying a mouth watering meal of three to five courses. That’s empowderment eh?
2011/12 Rates
Classic Packages (Cost per person in CAD)
|
Days
|
Low
|
High
|
Vertical (m)
|
Days
|
7
|
n/a
|
$8,790
|
30,300
|
Fri-Fri
|
5
|
$6,290
|
$6,990 |
21,800
|
Various
|
4
|
$4,890
|
$5,690
|
17,425
|
Mon-Fri
|
3
|
$3,690
|
$4,390
|
13,000
|
Fri-Mon
|
Unlimeted vertical (pay up-front)
- 7 days - increase guarantee to 44,000m for an extra $1,980
- 5 days - increase guarantee to 31,500m for an extra $1,400
- 4 days - increase guarantee to 25,150m for an extra $1,125
- 3 days - increase guarantee to 18,880m for an extra $835
Price Includes
- Double/twin share accommodation at Yellow Cedar Lodge (Single available at$120/night subject to availability)
- Transfers from Terrace Airport to Yellow Cedar Lodge
- All meals & apres
- All non-alcoholic beverages
- Airbag safety backpack
- Avo transponder
- Guiding
- Powder skis & poles
- Snowcat backup
Accommodation only packages for on-skiers are available or $250/night (Double/Twin occupancy)
Vertical Guarantee
- Vertical will be calculated and posted on a daily basis whether by cat or heli
- Customers will be refunded at $139 per 1,000m where the guaranteed vertical (as shown in table above) is not achieved
- Aditional vertical can be purchased ate $139 per 1,000m
