Two heliski Lodges, One Vast Wilderness: Your Guide to Remote Heli Skiing in Northern British Columbia

When you come to Last Frontier Heliskiing, you leave the everyday behind. Our home is in Northern British Columbia, a vast, remote wilderness near the Alaska border. This is where the mountains get bigger, storms hit deeper, and the terrain opens up in every direction.

We operate from two distinct heliski lodges: Bell 2 Lodge and Ripley Creek. Both offer exclusive access to the largest single heli-skiing tenure on Earth—a private mountain kingdom of 10,100 km² of private, pristine terrain. Each base brings its own terrain, personality and charm.

Choosing the right base is the first step in crafting your trip. This guide offers a straightforward look at what defines each of our remote heli skiing lodges, helping you decide which adventure is best suited for you.

Getting to Our Northern BC Heli Ski Lodges

Part of the Last Frontier experience is the journey itself. It’s a deliberate trip away from the crowds and into the wild.

The journey to our heli ski lodges is simple and pointed north. All guests fly into Vancouver, BC (YVR). From there, you’ll take a 1.5-hour flight to Terrace, BC – your gateway to Bell 2 Lodge and Ripley Creek.

Our team greets you in Terrace, where the journey begins. Your included ground transfer is a four-hour drive that leaves the everyday behind, pushing deep into the heart of the Coast and Skeena Mountains. You’ll feel like you’ve arrived at the edge of the map—and that’s precisely the point.

Bell 2 Lodge: The Purpose-Built Heli Village

Bell 2 Lodge offers direct access to some of the best alpine heliskiing terrain in British Columbia. Located in the heart of the Skeena Mountains, this self-contained heliski village is a top destination for heliskiing in Northern BC.

Location & Terrain

The lodge’s location is its greatest strategic advantage. It sits right in the middle of our tenure, allowing us to fan out in all directions. This means flight times are often short—some runs are just a five-minute hop away.

The terrain menu at Bell 2 is massive. It spans everything from big alpine peaks and massive glaciers to fast-flowing, gladed tree skiing. This variety makes Bell 2 ideal for strong intermediate to expert skiers and riders. When storms roll through, the tree options close to the lodge ensure we are able to keep flying and keep you skiing.

The Lodge Atmosphere & Facilities

The atmosphere is one of authentic, off-the-grid camaraderie. Bell 2 Lodge is a purpose-built village consisting of cozy log chalets a short walk from the main lodge building. Guests have access to a variety of amenities including a hot tub, sauna, massage rooms and gym. Meals are enjoyed in the main lodge that also houses our bootroom, gift shop, bar and communal entertainment spaces. With a capacity of 36 guests, the experience remains intimate and exclusive.

Ripley Creek: The Authentic Frontier Town

For those seeking a different feel, Ripley Creek is based in the quirky, authentic frontier town of Stewart, BC, right on the border with Hyder, Alaska.

Location & Terrain

The Ripley Creek base taps into the rugged Coast Mountains. The experience here is a little steeper and a little wilder. Ripley Creek is known for its long glaciated runs and big old-growth tree skiing. On average, this zone receives 20% more snow.

This terrain is geared for advanced to expert heli skiers who want that extra bite. The trade-off is a longer shuttle commute in the mornings and afternoons to access this vast and remote terrain.

The Lodge Atmosphere & Experience

Instead of a remote village, your base is the historic Ripley Creek Inn, right in an old mining town. This creates a fun, low-key in-town scene. Stewart, BC is a small village, but its historic buildings and scenic location at the head of the Portland Canal offer a lot of charm and character. We house only 24 guests at this location, so it will feel like you’re part of the family in no time. 

What Sets Our Lodging Experience Apart?

A lodge is more than just a bed; it’s the base for your adventure, a place where you can re-charge the batteries after a long day of skiing and an opportunity to connect with your fellow travelers. What defines the Last Frontier experience is a combination of our core values:

Unrivaled Scale: Both lodges are gateways to the same 10,100 km² tenure. This vastness is the ultimate luxury. It guarantees solitude, endless untracked lines, and no fighting for powder.

The Human Element: Our operations are built on expertise and community. We run small groups of four guests with one guide. This is a non-negotiable part of our philosophy. It means better pacing, less waiting, and the flexibility to access more terrain. You’re guided by seasoned professionals—certified to the highest industry standards (ACMG/IFMGA/CSGA) —who are as focused on safety as they are on finding the best snow.

Authentic Hospitality: We provide a genuine, “no-hype” experience. This extends from the terrain to the lodge. Our crew are here to look after you and welcome you into our family. When it comes time to eat, our chefs prepare wholesome meals with the heli skier in mind. Breakfast buffets get the day going while hearty mountain-picnic lunches keep you fueled during the day. In the evening, family style dinners bring everyone together to share the day’s tales. For those that want to keep the vibe going, our low-key bar crew are always ready to serve up a good time.

Which Northern BC Heli Ski Lodge is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice of which heliski lodge is best will depend where you place your priorities. Let’s compare Bell 2 Lodge vs. Ripley Creek to find the best heli skiing experience for your skill level and adventure style in Northern British Columbia.

Choose Bell 2 Lodge if you: 

• Are a strong intermediate or expert skier looking for varied terrain with easy heli access directly from homebase.
• Want to immerse yourself in the Canadian wilderness and spend your nights nestled in a log chalet with a wood burning stove.
• Are looking to take advantage of more early-season trips and have access to more abundant close to lodge bad-weather tree skiing.

Choose Ripley Creek if you:

• Are an advanced to expert rider or skier who wants to push into the steeper, wilder and more rugged terrain of the Coastal Mountain Range.
• Prefer the unique atmosphere of staying in a historic frontier town on the border with Alaska.
• Don’t mind the extra morning and evening commutes it takes to access our wildest terrain. 

And if you can’t decide? Our Lodge-to-Lodge Safari links both Bell 2 and Ripley Creek, allowing you to experience the full spectrum of our operation.