When is the best time to go heli skiing? It all comes down to personal choice. Conditions vary throughout the winter season, and while we can’t control the weather, we can sure make the most of it.
Mid-December through January sees plenty of snowfall over the Coast and Skeena Mountains. Days are shorter and colder but we can still ski from approximately 09:00 to 16:00. We tend to get deep in the trees. When the skies clear, we’ll head for the alpine. The snowpack might not be as deep as later in the heliski season, but it offers up some of the best quality snow all year. It tends to be a little quieter around the lodge as many can’t escape their schedules for another break right after Christmas. Prices are lower, so chances are you can score a great deal.
We hit our stride as winter moves into February and March. The snow is deep and effortless and there’s more daylight. We spend more time skiing high-alpine peaks, bowls and glaciers. When the weather turns, we head down into the valley to plunder the trees. Mid-season heli-skiing offers the best of both worlds. For that reason it tends to be in greater demand and subsequently more expensive.
In April we spend most of our time in higher elevations to take advantage of the best snow conditions. This is when you can expect classic, alpine glacier skiing and panoramic vistas during long bluebird days. Many skiers have lost their mojo by this time in the season and are already heading for their bikes and golf clubs. At Last Frontier, however, this time of the season is highly underrated. Beware: Don’t be distracted by spring and summer activities too soon. April offers up steeper lines, powder on the north-facing slopes and, if we are lucky, some corn skiing on the other aspects.
| EarlyDec & Jan | MiddleFeb & March | LateApril | |
| Skiing/Riding |  More Trees |  Mix of Alpine & Trees |  Mostly Alpine |
| Package Cost | $$ | $$$$ | $$$ |
| Average Snowfall Weekly |  67 cm | 52 cm | 34 cm |
| Average Vertical Skied Weekly | 33,000 m | 48,000 m | 43,000 m |
| Average Snowbase at 1,000m Elevation | 200 cm | 320 cm | 330 cm |
| Average Daily Low at 1,000m Elevation | -13.5°C | -9.6°C | -4.9°C |
| Average Daylight |  7.5 Hours | 11 Hours | 14 Hours |
We offer 7, 5 or 4 day heliski trips from both locations. Just like any holiday, it’s a simple formula: the longer you stay, the better. You’ll get more skiing, there will be a deeper disconnect from the rest of the world and you’ll engage more in the present. In short, come for as long as you possibly can.
[Rates Are Per Person, Average Seasonal Rates]
| Early[Dec & Jan] | Middle[Feb & March] | Late[April] | |
| Bell 2 Lodge | $14 50014 500 | $16 60016 600 | $14 70014 700 |
| Ripley Creek | $13 60013 600 | $14 50014 500 | $13 50013 500 |
| Early[Dec & Jan] | Middle[Feb & March] | Late[April] | |
| Bell 2 Lodge | $11 80011 800 | $12 40012 400 | $11 90011 900 |
| Ripley Creek | $10 10010 100 | $11 00011 000 | $10 70010 700 |
| Early[Dec & Jan] | Middle[Feb & March] | ||
| Bell 2 Lodge | $9 4009 400 | $10 40010 400 | |
| Ripley Creek | $8 4008 400 | $9 3009 300 |
Average seasonal rates. Contact us for specific tour prices.
Bell 2 Lodge or Ripley Creek — it’s a tough choice. For those who can’t decide, or want to do it all, our Lodge to Lodge Safari tour gives you the full terrain spectrum and dual lodge experience.
Our flagship 7-Day Heli Safari links the high alpine glaciers of the Skeena Mountains with the steep pitches and tall timber of the Coast Mountains. Midweek, you’ll wake up in the heli-ski mecca of Bell 2, power through a day of heli lifts and ski descents, and cap it off at the rustic Ripley Creek Inn over 90 kilometers away (and there’s a mirror trip that travels in the other direction).
Go even deeper with our 10-Day Safari that features five days at each lodge with a ground transfer in between.
[Rates Are Per Person]
| Safari Tours | Guaranteed Vertical | Bell 2 Lodge & Ripley Creek [All Season] |
|---|---|---|
| 10 day | 44 000 meters | $22 000 |
| 7 day | 30 500 meters | $16 300 |
Average seasonal rates. Contact us for specific tour prices.
Our most exclusive heli skiing concept gives you the flexibility to call the shots and conquer it all with unlimited vertical and endless terrain. You plan your perfect day with your guides and set the pace with your own helicopter. Our Single Group Private is for 4 guests, or double up your squad with our Two Group Private for up to 8.
| Guaranteed Helicopter Flying Time | Early[Dec & Jan] | Middle & Late[Feb – April] | |
| 7 Day Bell 2 Lodge | 7 hours | $99 900 | $116 600 |
| 7 Day Ripley Creek | 7 hours | $93 200 | $109 400109 400 |
| 5 Day Bell 2 Lodge | 5 hours | $74 20074 200 | $87 50087 500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Day Ripley Creek | 5 hours | $69 100 | $80 700 |
| Two Group Private | Guaranteed Helicopter Flying Time | Early[Dec & Jan] | Middle & Late[Feb – April] |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Day Bell 2 Lodge | 14 hours | $149 100 | $173 200 |
| 7 Day Ripley Creek | 14 hours | $137 700 | $158 800 |
| 5 Day Bell 2 Lodge | 10 hours | $110 300110 300 | $129 600129 600 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Day Ripley Creek | 10 hours | $102 300 | $ 118 800118 800 |
