Heli-Skiing in Northern BC: Our Location, Terrain & Why It Matters

When you come to Last Frontier Heliskiing, you leave the everyday behind. Northern British Columbia is where the mountains get bigger, storms hit deeper, and the terrain opens up in every direction. Our home base sits way up near the Alaska border, far from lift lines and close to the kind of powder you daydream about. This page is your go-to guide to where we are, how to get here, and what makes our heli-ski area the gold standard for serious skiers and riders.

Where We Are (and how you actually get here)

The journey is simple, just pointed north. Fly into Vancouver, BC. From there it’s a ~1.5-hour flight to Terrace, and then a ground transfer of roughly four hours into the heart of the Coast and Skeena Mountains to reach our two bases: Bell 2 Lodge and Ripley Creek (Stewart, BC). You’ll feel like you’ve arrived at the edge of the map, and that’s the point.

The World’s Largest Single Heli-Ski Tenure

“Endless terrain” gets thrown around a lot. Here, it’s literal: 10,100 km² of exclusive heli-skiing, the largest single tenure in the world, spanning everything from high alpine peaks and glaciated bowls to naturally gladed forests. We’ve logged 1,000+ named runs (with the longest dropping ~2,000 vertical meters) and get 15–25 meters of annual snowfall, thanks to our northern latitude and Pacific storm cycles. Translation: deep, dry “blower” most of the season, and a ridiculous amount of choice to find the right snow and aspect on any given day.

Two Bases, Two Personalities: Bell 2 vs. Ripley Creek

Bell 2 Lodge sits in the Skeena Mountains, right in the middle of our tenure, so we can fan out in all directions with short flight times (some runs are just a five-minute hop away). The terrain menu is huge: big alpine, massive glaciers, and fast-flowing tree skiing. Bell 2 is ideal for strong intermediate to expert skiers and riders, with excellent tree options close by when visibility turns. The lodge vibe? A purpose-built heli village of cozy log chalets, hot tub, sauna, stretching rooms, and a boot room that actually makes mornings easier.

Ripley Creek, based in the quirky frontier town of Stewart (right next to Alaska), taps into the Coast Mountains, a little steeper, a little wilder, with longer glaciated runs and big old-growth trees. It’s made for advanced to expert skiers and riders who want that extra bite. Expect a longer commute in the moorings and afternoons (worth it for the terrain) and a fun, low-key in-town scene (with the bonus novelty of getting “Hyderized” across the border).

Quick comparison at a glance

• Bell 2 Lodge (Skeena & Coast Mountains): Middle of the tenure, quick terrain access, huge run variety, strong intermediate to expert ability levels, off-the-grid chalet village.
• Ripley Creek (Stewart, Coast Mountains): Steeper/ruggeder feel, advanced to expert abilities, 20% more snow on average, funky historic town base near Alaska.

Compare Bell 2 & Ripley Creek in our handy side by side comparison.

Small Groups of Four. Nimble A-Star Helicopters. More Skiing.

We keep it tight: groups of four with one guide per group in A-Star B2/B3 helicopters. Small groups mean better pacing, fewer tracks, less waiting, and access to more landing zones. Practically, it also makes it easier to match ability levels and go where the snow is best, fast. It’s the formula we’ve refined over decades, and it’s a huge part of why guests keep coming back.

Vertical Guarantee: Pay for What You Actually Ski

Unlimited vertical sounds romantic until the math doesn’t work in your favor. We do it differently: each package includes a clear vertical-meters guarantee, with straightforward extra-vertical pricing if you want to keep stacking laps in great conditions. If weather or mechanical issues prevent you from hitting your guaranteed minimum, you get a refund for the shortfall. Simple, fair, transparent, no need to roll the dice.

When to Come: What Each Part of the Season Delivers

• Early Season (mid-Dec–Jan): Lower prices, shorter days, colder temps, and silky quality snow, lots of time in the trees when storms roll through; alpine when it opens. A smart pick if you want value and deep conditions.
• Prime Time (Feb–Mar): The sweet spot, deep base, more daylight, more consistent alpine access. Demand is highest here for a reason.
• Late Season (April): Long bluebird windows, classic alpine glacier skiing, and even some corn on the right aspects. Underrated and spectacular.

Read more in our when to visit guide.

Safety isn’t a Buzzword Here

Our safety culture runs top to bottom. Guides meet morning and evening to review weather, snowpack, and terrain stability, and they share intel across BC’s guiding community. All guests train with transceivers and ABS airbag packs (shovel & probe included) and learn the do’s/don’ts around the heli. Guides are certified through ACMG/IFMGA/CSGA to the highest industry standards. So, your only job is to follow the guide’s lead and enjoy the day.

A Day in the Life (what it actually feels like)

Mornings can start with a stretch session before a hearty breakfast. First-day safety briefing, then load up. Expect 8–15 runs depending on conditions, group pace, and run length, with a picnic lunch in the mountains. Afternoons are for more laps; evenings are for après, the hot tub/sauna, massage, and a proper dinner. Then it’s gear prep, a nightcap, and bed, because tomorrow is another big one. Check out our detailed daily heliski program.

Terrain Variety: Choose Your Own Adventure (with your guide)

• High Alpine: Open bowls, long clean pitches, and glaciers for classic heli-ski lines.
  
• Trees & Glades: Naturally gladed forests deliver visibility, flow, and that “deep in the white room” feeling when storms are on.
• Transition Zones: Riders, watch the flats. Our snowboard-savvy guides manage speed and line choice so you keep momentum when pitches change.

Explore stats & maps in our terrain section.

Who It’s For

We’re built for skiers and riders who want time in real mountains and a team that tells it like it is. If you’re strong intermediate to expert, Bell 2 opens it all up. If you’re advanced to expert and want steeper, more rugged terrain, Ripley Creek is calling. Either way, if you love powder, you’re in the right place.

Packages:

4, 5, 7 & 10-Day Tours: The longer you stay, the more you ski, simple. The Lodge-to-Lodge Safari links Bell 2 and Ripley Creek for the full spectrum experience. Want privacy? Go Private with your own ship and guides. All tours include lodging, meals, guides, safety gear, and ground transfers from Terrace.

See dates, prices and tour options on our tours page.

Ready to Plan?

Start with the Trip Builder to pick your dates, lodge, and trip length, or get in touch if you want help matching your goals to the right week. Then make a plan for fitness and bring your powder legs. We’ll take care of the rest.

FAQ (quick answers to common search questions)

Where is Last Frontier Heliskiing located?
Northern British Columbia, Canada, near the Alaska border, operating from Bell 2 Lodge (Skeena & Coast Mountains) and Ripley Creek in Stewart, BC (Coast Mountains). You’ll travel Vancouver → Terrace (1.5-hour flight) → ground transfer (~4 hours).

How big is the heli-ski area?
10,100 km², the largest single heli-skiing tenure in the world, with 1,000+ named runs and descents up to ~2,000 vertical meters.

How many people per group and what helicopters do you use?
Groups of four with one guide per group, flying A-Star B2/B3 helicopters, small and nimble for more landing options.

What if the weather shuts us down, do we get a refund?
Yes. Our Vertical Guarantee refunds the vertical you didn’t ski due to weather or mechanical issues. If you want to ski more on a big day, you can add vertical at a transparent per-meter rate.

What time of year is best?

• Dec–Jan: colder temps, tree skiing, great value.
  
• Feb–Mar: deep base, more daylight, lots of alpine access.
  
• April: long bluebirds, classic alpine/glacier skiing.

Is Ripley Creek harder than Bell 2?
Generally, yes. Ripley Creek naturally trends steeper and more rugged (advanced–expert), while Bell 2 has more mellow options close at hand (strong intermediate–expert).

Check out our handy Q&A for more.