Northern British Columbia's three mountain ranges – the Coast, Skeena, and Rockies – are home to some of the largest heli- and cat-skiing areas on the planet.
Heli-ski and cat-ski tenures in Northern BC take advantage of the region's immense, remote landscape and incredibly deep snowpack. This translates into skiable terrain roughly the size of Vancouver Island and legendary, waist-deep powder.
Heli-skiing operators such as Last Frontier Heli-Skiing, Skeena Heli-Skiing, Northern Escape Heli-Skiing and Klondike Heli-Skiing and cat-skiing operator Skeena Cat Skiing offer a range of packages, services and accommodations to suit any budget and taste.
Ski through the region's vast expanses of snow-covered coastal rainforest, or ski as far north as the Yukon, where more daylight means more hours to ski (and the chance to view the spectacular northern lights).
Snow and Terrain
Northern BC boasts an ideal mix of weather and terrain. The Coast and Skeena mountains receive copious amounts of moisture from the Pacific Ocean, which results in huge quantities of dry, deep powder. A continental climate brings less snow but velvety powder to the interior Rocky Mountains.
The remote terrain stretches as far north as the 60th parallel, providing skiers with deep powder well into late spring, and is sprinkled with glaciated plateaus, open ridges and bowls, and long slopes of well-spaced, mature trees.
Heli-Skiing and Cat-Skiing Operator Areas
Heli-ski and cat-ski operators are clustered in the northwest part of the region. Terrace is home to Northern Escape Heli-Skiing, while Smithers is closest to Skeena Heliskiing and Skeena Cat Skiing. Stewart, a small historic mining town, is home to Last Frontier Heli-Skiing, which operates both an in-town and mountainside lodge.
Klondike Heli-Skiing in Atlin claims the most northerly base location of all operators in BC, while Crescent Spur Heli-Skiing is located in the southeast part of the region in Crescent Spur, near Prince George. Canadian Mountain Holidays' 12 lodges are based mostly in the Kootenay Rockies, but include one as far north as McBride.
Heli-Ski and Cat-Ski Tours
At Last Frontier Heli-Skiing, choose from one of two base lodges offering four, five or seven day tours. Or have the best of both: the "Lodge to Lodge Safari" means guests can split time between both lodges and access all the terrain.
Northern Escape Heli-Skiing's "snow-cat back up" is the perfect guarantee for avid skiers wanting to hit the slopes every day. When inclement weather prevents flying, guests are shuttled by a snowcat to lower altitude, but still thrilling, runs.
Prefer smaller groups? Skeena Heli-Skiing's packages allow a maximum of two groups of five people per group. Before hitting the slopes, rest up in a beautiful wood lodge filled with Aboriginal design and artwork.
Crescent Spur is a small family-run operation with big terrain. Descend huge vertical slopes from one of two mountains, eat lunch on the mountainside boasting spectacular vistas and end the day with the lodge's apres-ski experience.
With Klondike Heli-Skiing, explore the mountains around Atlin, a small former mining town nicknamed the "Switzerland of the North." Cozy up in the in-town lodge, which is almost as remote as the mountains themselves.
Canadian Mountain Holidays operates a lodge in McBride (access via Prince George airport and bus) for private heli-skiing groups. Share a cozy chalet with nine other guests and ski in the company's largest area – the vast and wild northern Cariboos.
Travel in a heated snowcat with Skeena Cat Skiing to access untouched terrain in the Babine Range of the Skeena Mountains. Stay overnight at the lodge or drive from Smithers (approximately an hour) for a day of exhilarating runs.
Practical Points
- Northern British Columbia's heli- and cat-skiing season runs from December/January to April.
- All of BC's heli- and cat-skiing operators follow strict safety guidelines, and certified guides accompany skiers to help ensure a safe experience.
- Heli- and cat-skiing is typically for intermediate to advanced skiers with good physical fitness. Each operator has different guidelines, but clients should be able to comfortably ski blue and black diamond runs.
- Most operators supply clients with powder skis and poles, but a few rent them for an extra price; it's best to check in advance. Clients must bring their own boots and clothing.
- Departures may be delayed due to inclement weather.
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