Northern British Columbia is a vast region, dominated by immense ranges such as the Coast and Skeena mountains in the west, as well as the Rockies in the east.
Heli-ski operators provide access to terrain as far north as the 60th parallel, giving clients access to deep powder well into late spring.
The Coast and Skeena mountains benefit from the moist air flow off the Pacific Ocean, which dumps huge quantities of snow, making for legendary, waist-deep powder. The Rockies receive less snow than the coastal mountains, but benefit from a continental climate and the dry, velvety powder it brings.
The handful of operations headquartered here have access to 5,000-9,000 sq km (1,900-3,500 sq mi) of terrain - some of the largest heli-skiing areas on the planet. This allows operators to pick and choose the best of the best terrain for their clients.
For information on heli-skiing operators in the area, visit the HeliCat Canada website.
Highlights:
Terrace: This is the southern launching point for heli-skiing in the Skeena Mountains.
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Bell 2: Visit the largest and one of the most thrilling heli-skiing areas on the planet.
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Stewart: The town is close to some of North America's largest glaciers.
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Atlin: This town is BC's most northerly heli-skiing destination.
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Northern Rockies: These mountains are celebrated for their remote settings and dry powder snow.
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Terrace
Terrace is the southern launching point for heli-skiing adventures in the Skeena Mountains. Here, up to 18 skiers and boarders at a time have exclusive access to a mountain playground one-eighth the size of Switzerland. To date, more than 250 runs have been discovered, with new ones being opened every season. In the evenings, guests can soak weary muscles in an outdoor jacuzzi in a lodge overlooking the Skeena River, before settling down to a gourmet meal.
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Bell 2
Bell 2 started out as a gas station and garage in 1979, serving motorists along the dusty, gravel Highway 37 between Kitwanga and the Yukon border. In the late 1990s, new owners established the largest heli-skiing area on the planet here, complete with a village. Today, Highway 37 is almost entirely paved.
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Stewart
Situated at the head of the Portland Canal on the Alaska border, Stewart is close to some of North America's largest glaciers, with their surreal blue ice that cascades down to valley floors - sometimes right by the highway. Heli-skiers make turns in waist-deep powder by day and sample exquisite local seafood by night. The area's dramatic scenery has been the backdrop for several Hollywood movies.
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Atlin
Atlin is a historic gold rush town in BC's northwest corner, situated on the shore of the province's largest natural lake and surrounded by the heavily glaciated Coast Mountains. This is BC's most northerly heli-skiing destination. The high latitude and high mountains create idyllic conditions for dry powder until the end of April. The area's heli-ski season is characterized by long stretches of sunny weather, interrupted by brief periods of heavy snowfall. Operators access 5,000 sq km (2,000 sq mi) of terrain, offering 480 glacier and tree runs, and descents of up to 1,800 m (5,900 ft).
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Northern Rockies
These mountains are celebrated for their remote settings and dry powder snow. Terrain ranges from glaciated plateaus, open ridges and bowls to perfectly spaced forests that provide sheltered skiing during the occasional inclement weather day. Snowfalls of 12-14 m (40-46 ft) per year are the norm here. Runs typically range from 460-1,200 vertical m (1,500-4,000 vertical ft).
Operators use three areas as heli-ski launching points into the Northern Rockies. Just 45 km (28 mi) outside of Hudson's Hope, a cozy lodge and spa overlooking the Peace Reach Arm of Williston Lake is a base for heli-skiing adventures in the Hart and Muskwa ranges. This area has been called the "Serengeti of the North" due to its abundance of wildlife. Skiers and riders can descend some 200 established runs, or venture to new, untried summits.
McBrideand Crescent Spur are situated in the Robson Valley, flanked by the breathtaking northern Rocky and Cariboo mountain ranges. Skiable mountain elevations range from 1,100-3,000 vertical m (3,600-9,800 ft). Operators here include a family-run outfit based in a ranch-style lodge.
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