Many international deep-powder enthusiasts, mainly from Europe, return to Stewart year after year for one purpose only – to board a helicopter and make fresh tracks in Stewart's endless mountain terrain. Heliskiing provides an incredible mountain adventure for intermediate-to-advanced skiers, and Last Frontier Heliskiing ensures that each adventure is truly memorable. With a lodge located in Stewart, Last Frontier Heliskiing offers groups of up to 11 skiiers 3-4 day, or week-long packages.
Last Frontier Heliskiing
Last Frontier Heliskiing runs one of its two heliskiing lodges in the Northern British Columbia region in Stewart. Guests must arrange their flights to Terrace, about four hours south, but from there everything is covered: Last Frontier staff members chauffeur visitors from Terrace to Stewart. In Stewart, visitors stay at the Ripley Creek Inn and heliski daily (as long as the weather agrees) along hundreds of untouched runs. On average guests ski about 36,576m/120,000ft per week, but this depends on group size and skiing ability. Food and accommodation are included in heliskiing packages, which are expensive compared to other activity options in the area, but well worth it. A massage therapist is also on hand for those who really want to relax at the end of a long heliskiing day on the fresh slopes. The Heliskiing season runs from mid-December until early May.
Backcountry Skiing
Backcountry skiing is another option available to skiers wanting to explore fresh-powder terrain and experienced enough to handle certain risks. To access backcountry skiing territory, head to the edge of town, where snowplows stop grooming. Ask at the Visitor Centre for more information on heliskiing and backcountry skiing in Stewart.