A Guide to Heli Skiing Prices

For winter fanatics, the ultimate bucket list holiday tends to be a heliski trip. Imagine endless fresh tracks, soaring above the clouds in a helicopter, sitting right next to your best buds and following the most seasoned mountain guides in the business. Intrigued? Here’s our guide for heli skiing prices and what’s included.

What’s included in my heli skiing package?

Heli skiing prices necessitate a considerable investment. Our packages include a guide, use of powder skis or snowboard, avalanche gear, safety training, all meals, accommodation and ground transfers to/from Terrace or Smithers airport to either Bell 2 Lodge or Ripley Creek. There is also a guaranteed amount of vertical included in each package. A plus for our non-Canadian guests is our low dollar. For example, the current exchange rate for $1.00 U.S. is $1.32 CAD. For Europeans, €1.00 EURO buys $1.45 CAD. This is a significant saving.

Should I book early? 

Heli skiers who are in the know and have specific travel dates generally book a year in advance. Many repeat guests take advantage of savings via our Powder Credits. Something to keep in mind if you’re booked in with us and want to get the best heli skiing prices.

As with anything special, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead. Our heliski season fires up in the middle of December and generally ends in the middle of April. Depending on when you would like to go, it could sell out fast, especially during the peak months of February and March. Our capacity is limited to 36 guests at Bell 2 Lodge and 24 at Ripley Creek. That’s it. Even if you’re desperate and think you can rough it in a tent behind one of our log cabins, our average weekly snowfall of almost 50 cm might flatten it. It’s best to just book early to get the dates you want.

The sooner you get in touch with us the more choice you’ll have in terms of availability. 

When should I visit?

That’s a tricky question. Our heliskiing season is generally defined by early, peak and late season.

The early season ranges from December to mid-January and is characterized by shorter days, colder temperatures and the most snowfall at almost 70 cm [28″] on average per week.

Our peak season [demand wise] is February and March. This is similar to most heli skiing operators in British Columbia. We spend more time skiing high-alpine peaks, bowls and glaciers as the weather patterns settle out and the days lengthen. When the weather turns, we head into the valleys ski the trees. The options are endless. However, since it’s in high demand, it’s generally booked up 12 months in advance and tends to be more expensive. If this is when you want to ski, it’s best to stop reading, pick up the phone and call us…or use this form.

By the time April hits, aka late season, many are done skiing and already mountain biking and golfing. It’s a shame really as it often features some of the best snow conditions of the year. The snowpack is at its deepest and the days are long. Stability is much better, often allowing steep skiing that might not be possible earlier in the season. Plus, who doesn’t like to ski in the sun? If the demand was there, we could heliski into June…no joke!

Since our early or late seasons are less in demand, they are also the best value. In some cases, guests can save up to $4,000 on a weeklong heliskiing package. With that nest egg, you might be able to afford that summer vacation as well.

Working is sooo last decade.

2021 Heli Skiing Prices

Unless noted otherwise, all prices are per person in Canadian dollars. The following prices are average seasonal rates and can vary depending on the week requested and availability.

7 Days – 30,500 vertical meters [100,000 vertical feet] of guaranteed skiing*

*For a detailed heliskiing price guide quote, please enquire about availability here.

5 Days – 22,000 vertical meters [72,000 vertical feet] of guaranteed skiing*

*For a detailed heliskiing price guide quote, please enquire about availability here.

4 Days – 17,500 vertical meters [57,500 vertical feet] of guaranteed skiing*

*For a detailed heliskiing price guide quote, please enquire about availability here.

What about heliskiing safaris? 

Can’t decide between Bell 2 Lodge or Ripley Creek? No worries, that’s why we offer safari tours. It’s for those who can’t decide or want to do it all. The packages link the high alpine glaciers of the Skeena Mountains with the steep pitches and tall timbers of the Coast Mountains. On a 7 day tour, you’ll wake up mid-week in the heliskiing 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).

2021 Heliskiing Prices For Single Group Private Tours [4 People]

One unique option is the possibility for a two-group private in one helicopter. This allows you to double-up your squad. Invite the uncles, aunts, coworkers and even former dog owners.

Two Group Private Tours [8 People]

How much should I budget for extras?

As with other holidays, there are other costs you will incur on top of regular heli skiing prices. For example, while each package includes a guaranteed amount of vertical, if you ski over it, the charge is $175/1,000 metres [$53/1,000 ft]. If you ski under the guarantee, there is an equal per meter/foot refund. We also recommend getting trip cancellation and medical insurance, which can cost up to five percent of the trip’s worth.

Since it’s a vacation, might as well splurge with some massages to help recovery after a long ski day, maybe get a new jacket in the gift shop and a bottle of wine with dinner. It’s a time to recharge after all. Treat yourself.

Budget saving tips

Psst! Here are a couple of secrets to save a couple bucks on your next heli skiing trip. Got a friend who wants to try heliskiing? Refer them to us and get a credit of $500. Also if you can wrangle a group of 12 buds to book together in a group, you’ll get five per cent of the package’s worth in lodge bucks, which can be used to pay for extra vertical, gift shop items, massages and the bar. 

New for 2021

Due to high demand, we’ve added an additional four single rooms at Bell 2 Lodge. We’re also kicking off the season early at Ripley Creek with a potential opening date of Jan. 1, which would be the earliest opening ever. Characterized by its steep runs, old-growth tree skiing and massive icefields, Ripley Creek is a hidden gem. Additionally, it receives 20 percent more snow than Bell 2 Lodge during the early season.

It might be prudent to bring your snorkel gear.

Visit our trip builder to book your trip or give us a call at 1-888-655-5566, or at 1-250-558-7980 if you’re outside of North America.

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