From Home to the Last Frontier: Getting Here

November 15, 2013 Katie Burrell

You’ve booked your trip, or you’re finalizing winter plans and are about to; long and short, the “getting here” can feel daunting. We’re out in the middle of nowhere, on the last frontier, whatever you want to call it. It’s a haul, and sometimes that journey can feel overwhelming. We want to assure you that a) it’s worth it and b) it’s not as bad as you think. The Last Frontier Heliskiing holiday experience doesn’t start when you walk through the doors of the lodge. It starts when you disembark the aircraft…(unfortunately, we can’t hold the airlines to our standards).

The Road Is Long, But We'll Make Sure It's Smooth. It's Worth It. Photo: Lorenz Massar
The road is long, but we’ll make sure it’s smooth. The journey here is worth it. Photo: Lorenz Massar

Last Frontier is located WHERE? How am I supposed to get there? We have two lodges: “Bell 2” is located 360 KM Northwest of Smithers, BC, and “Ripley Creek Inn” is 310 KM Northwest of Terrace, BC. Here is a visual map. Both lodges require flights and ground transfer to get to, but we promise that we will make it as easy as possible for you.You focus on arriving in Vancouver, and we’ll take it from there.

Bell 2 Lodge. Your Home For The Week. Photo: Dave Silver
Bell 2 lodge. Your home for the week. Photo: Dave Silver

In Vancouver, we can book you into a hotel for the night at one of the following options: Sheraton Wall Centre, Westin Wall Centre Airport, The Fairmont Vancouver Airport or The Fairmont Waterfront. All hotels are comfortable and luxurious and will ensure you get a good night’s sleep before the rest of the trip north. Depending on which lodge you’re going to, you will fly from Vancouver into Smithers or Terrace in the morning. There you will be picked up by Last Frontier Heliskiing hosts to accompany you on the ground transfer from the airport to the lodges.

Did I Mention That It's Worth It? Photo: Dave Silver
Did I mention that it’s worth it? Photo: Dave Silver

These rides are roughly 4 hours, but we have specially made lunches for each and every one of you. With one of our famous sandwiches or salads, juice, water, fruit and cookie(s), you can sit back and relax, snack and enjoy the views. (I know that it’s hard to “sell” a ground transfer as exciting, but I’d like to share the idea with you that road-tripping is “sitting with a purpose.” You literally don’t have to do anything, but you still have purpose. Start unwinding and let Last Frontier Heliskiing take care of you).

You Have This Waiting For You...photo: Dave Silver
You have this waiting for you…Photo: Dave Silver

In preparation for this journey, we have set up an Invite Only Facebook Group ahead of your pick-up at the airport. We encourage guests to share travel stories, packing tips and ask each other questions.  This way by the time you all board the bus together, you aren’t strangers. You’re going to be fast friends with everyone that you meet on your ski trip regardless, so you may as well start right away! Especially if you’re traveling alone, this preliminary conversation will eliminate the shyness (because…why not have a good time on the bus too!?)

In Honour Of Movember. The Fun Doesn't Stop. Photo: Dave Silver
In honour of Movember. The fun doesn’t stop. Photo: Dave Silver

Further, we will make sure that your trip home is just as smooth. If you’re headed through Smithers, you will spend one night at the Hudson Bay Lodge before flying to Vancouver in the morning and connecting with your international flight home, relaxed, energized and full of good memories, good food and new friends.