Heliski FAQ

Got questions? Whether you’re a first-timer or check off 100,000 vertical meters a season, there’s a lot to consider when planning a heliski trip. If you’re wondering about something that isn’t addressed here, give us a call — we’re always happy to talk about any aspect of what we do.

Heli skiing and heli boarding is not for novices — there we said it! As much as we’d like to invite everyone to join us, we want to ensure all of our guests enjoy their experience. You don’t need to be pro, but you do need to be proficient. Whether you ski or ride, you should feel comfortable in a helicopter and be able to confidently navigate the challenges of varied terrain and snow conditions. From chest-deep powder to wind-whipped crust, wide-open alpine to steep and narrow trees, we encounter it all in our backcountry. Skiers should be able to make strong and controlled parallel turns with confidence and, if the situation calls for it, you can side slip, step up sideways, traverse and make kick turns. Snowboarders need to have balanced pressure and edging skills. Even if you don’t have a ton of powder experience, you need to be able to maintain control in backcountry conditions.
The better physical shape you are in, the more you will be able to ski and ride and the more fun you will ultimately have. We have never heard someone returning home after their heli trip saying, “You know, it was a great trip, but I was too fit.”
We’ve tried to make it easy. Head on over to our handy side by side comparison. If you’re still unsure, give us a call.
We’ve laid it all out in our when should I visit section. Still can’t decide? Give us a call.
It’s all on in our location & terrain section.
Yes – all guests are required to read, agree and sign our release of liability, waiver of claims, assumption of risks and indemnity agreement. The release agreement can be read here.
We only charge you for the vertical that you choose to ski or snowboard. See our vertical table of what you can expect on any given week.
Groups are chosen by weight, ability and skiing/snowboarding style preference. We strive to keep groups of friends skiing or riding together if you’re all evenly matched in ability, but there is no guarantee of this unless you are on a Private Tour.
Rarely. For larger groups, there is usually a little wiggle room. Please contact us by phone or email.
Whether you ski with us from Bell 2 Lodge or the Ripley Creek, return domestic air transfers are not included with your heliski package. We’re happy to arrange air transfers for you if required but it’s often more cost-effective to book these flights as part of your travel plans to and from Vancouver.
Nearly everything you need to have an unforgettable experience comes pre-loaded with your package. That includes lodging and return ground transfers between Smithers and Bell 2 Lodge or Terrace and Ripley Creek. We have a selection of powder skis and poles, and limited stock of snowboards that are free to use. All safety equipment is provided, including avalanche transceivers, ABS airbags and guiding services. We pride ourselves on first-class dining with all meals and soft drinks included. At both Bell 2 Lodge and Ripley Creek, you will have use of our hot tub, sauna, fitness room and games room.
What’s not included: Extra vertical footage, pre & post trip hotels, flights, alcohol, gift shop purchases, massages and tips.
See the checklist via our trip preparation section.
Yes, we mix groups. If there are problems with group chemistry, the guide will make the necessary changes, but generally we find that whether on one plank or two, everyone gets along and enjoys their turns. Often the skiers will go first, which allows snowboarders to spread out and travel faster.
Both lodges do have a small selection of snowboards if you plan to travel light. Or you can bring your own snowboard. Please ensure that you have any extra pieces or parts for your board that will come in handy in the event of breakage.
Yes. If they’re happy relaxing in a remote mountainous setting, they can enjoy the visit. Non-skiers are accommodated based on room availability at either location. Please contact us for non-skiers rates.
All guests visiting Last Frontier will be trained to use the Mammut Element Transceiver. Simple, reliable and easy to use — even for the uninitiated.
All guests will be provided with and trained in the use of the ABS airbag system. You are welcome to bring you own, but will need to ensure that your guide is familiar with it.
As part of the booking process you will be asked about special requests and dietary restriction. You must let us know at least 14 days prior to travel of any serious dietary restrictions. Please contact us.
Our guests come here to disconnect.
We realize that in the real world one may be joined at the hip to a device but up here it’s not necessary. It’s guaranteed that everyone will have way more fun if you leave your phone at home and instead bring a wig and tutu.
But seriously — please reserve screen time to the privacy of your room. When you are in a communal space we ask you not to be using any device except for the purpose of taking photos.
We soften the rules for happy hour in the bar for photos and videos to be shared and to verify the tales of big air.
Despite our best efforts to convince guests they will enjoy their trip more without connecting, we understand it may be necessary. Whether you’re joining us at Bell 2 Lodge or Ripley Creek Inn, personal phone calls are possible. Every room at both locations has its own telephone. At Bell 2 Lodge, we have limited low-speed Internet, which means you won’t be streaming Netflix but you can easily catch up on email and basic web browsing. Charges apply because it’s a satellite system. You can enjoy medium-speed Internet at Ripley Creek and high speed at an additional cost. Mobile phones work in Stewart, so if you have a data plan, that works too.
Helmet mounted GoPro’s are ok, but chest mounted cameras are prohibited. No WIFI enabled devices are allowed. Please review our safety policy before you pack.
Unfortunately drones and helicopters don’t mix well. Please leave them at home.
They need to be in airplane mode and kept away from your avalanche transceiver to avoid any interference. Please see our safety policy.

Heli Ski FAQs: Trip Preparation & Fitness

You’ve made a wise choice to come heliskiing with us. Now it’s time to get ready. You’ll be clocking over 4,500 vertical meters a day for four or more days straight so it’s important you’re in good physical shape. Simply put, the fitter you are the more you’ll enjoy the experience. We recommend a conditioning program to help you elevate your strength and endurance. If you’re unable to keep up with your group, you may be asked to sit out and will not be reimbursed for any missed heli time.

Timeline
Convince Your Friend to Join
Check Availability
Pay Deposit
Get Insurance
Book Flights
Get In Shape
Really Get In Shape
Review Itinerary
Prep Your Gear
Wheels up (don’t forget your boots!)
Travel Checklist

Plan to bring your personal ski or snowboard gear including outerwear and boots. You’ll want comfortable evening attire, plus a bathing suit (unless you are Swedish) for the hot tub. We have a small gift shop stocking ski essentials such as gloves, hats, layers, goggles and light jackets, plus must-have souvenirs and accessories. Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted.

  • Gear: ski or snowboard boots (no touring boots), outerwear, thermal layers, gloves/mitts, goggles/sunglasses, hat and a helmet.
  • Apres attire including comfortable clothing and a bathing suit.
  • Toiletries, sunscreen and any medication.
  • Travel documents, Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization [eTA], itinerary, passport and travel medical insurance.
  • Don’t forget your sense of adventure…..and humour

How to Book

Book now for fresh tracks before they’re gone. We’ve made the process as easy as possible, but there’s still a lot to cover and consider. Follow our 10-step checklist to bring your trip to life:

Step 1: Choose a tour and pick a lodge.
Step 2: Check availability.
Step 2.5: Pencil your dates and get your mates together. (You can hold seats for up to 7 days without a deposit)
Step 3: We’ll email you a reservation form with a quote.
Step 4: You must read and agree to this Release Agreement prior to booking a trip.
Step 5: Make a non-refundable payment of 20% of your trip total to secure your seat.
Step 6: Choose your pre and post-trip hotel in Vancouver and Terrace.
Step 7: Take out travel insurance including trip cancellation and visitors to Canada medical insurance.
Step 7.5: Apply for Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization [eTA].
Step 8: We collect your contact details and transfer options.
Step 9: Final payment is due 90 days prior to your trip start date; if booking within 90 days, full payment will be taken when your seat is secured.
Step 10: Get heliski-ready: consider a conditioning program to elevate your strength and endurance. Stronger legs and lungs make for better powder turns.

Booking Terms

These terms are not designed to cover every conceivable situation. They are succinct, so it’s quick and easy to understand the basic rules-of-engagement. We recommend you read them.

Payments

All payments are non-refundable. We’ll say that again. All payments are non-refundable. By paying your deposit, you agree to settle your balance/installment by the due date indicated on your account statement. Any overdue or unpaid balances will be subject to a late payment fee of 4%.

Regular Tours

A deposit equal to 20% has to be made to our secure payment page (or your travel agency) in order to confirm your booking.

The payment of the balance is due 90 days prior to the heli skiing tour start date. For bookings made less than 90 days prior to the trip start date, the full tour price is due at time of booking.

Private Tours & Lodge Buyouts

A deposit of 20% of the tour price is required at the time of booking, 50% is due 180 days prior and the full balance is due 90 days prior. For bookings made less than 90 days prior to the trip start date, the full tour price is due at time of booking.

All private tour pricing is based on a group rate. There will be no refunds / reduction in price if the group size decreases for any reason. It is the responsibility of the remaining group members to ensure the package is paid in full.

Waiver

All guests are required to read and agree to our release of liability, waiver of claims, assumption of risks and indemnity agreement. The release agreement can be read here.

Cancellation

Sometimes the planets don’t align. If a cancellation is necessary for any reason, it should be made by e-mail. Receipt of the e-mail must be acknowledged before the cancellation can be processed. If a confirmed regular reservation has to be canceled more than 90 days before the beginning of the package, Last Frontier Heliskiing will retain the deposit. If a cancellation is made less than 90 days before the arrival date, the total package payments will be retained. For private tours, get in touch with us.

If you need to cancel for:

  1. an uninsured reason or
  2. you are not insured

Your options are:

  1. We can attempt to resell your seat on your behalf. If we are able to resell the seat, we will credit your account for the amount paid, less a $500 administration fee, which you can use towards a future trip in the following two seasons.
  2. You can find a replacement and deal with any associated financial aspects directly with your replacement as long as no payments are overdue.

We reserve the right to cancel any heliski tour at any time. A full refund will be given on the Last Frontier Heliskiing portion of the trip. Last Frontier Heliskiing is not responsible for any costs outside of your heliski package (e.g. flights, hotels, meals, additional transportation etc.)

Insurance

Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Out of Country Medical and Heli-Evacuation Insurance are all highly recommended.

The insurance that we recommend is comprehensive and while unlikely, includes some eye-opening eventualities… If you’re choosing to insure elsewhere, make sure you understand what kind of coverage you have because all payments are non-refundable. Yes, we said it again.

We don’t get a commission, bribe or trips to Hawaii. We offer this option as a service for our customers.

For a quote [click here]. The expense is approximately 6% of the trip cost.

Ability & Fitness

If you have any doubts as to the skill level or fitness required, you should get in touch with us. If you decide to travel and are unable to meet this level, we reserve the right to remove you from the ski program.

Hotel Bookings

Cancellations or changes of the Vancouver/Terrace hotels are required at least 72 hours prior to the reservation date. For cancellations within 72 hours of the reservation date, there is no refund.

Arrival & Transfers

It is the responsibility of the guest to meet scheduled transfers on time. If a transfer is missed, the guest is responsible for any extra costs incurred. It is also the guest’s responsibility to ensure proper entry through Canadian Customs and Immigration if entering from outside Canada.

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