With a serious focus on heli boarding and helicopter skiing in Canada, we host guests from all walks of life to share in our passion for powder in an informal setting.
We’ve spent well over two decades crafting the perfect heliskiing formula: small groups, nimble helicopters and two lodges with access to 10,100 square km of prime Canadian wilderness.
Having the largest single heli ski area in the world means that we have a vast array of terrain choices. Spanning two distinct mountain ranges, our tenure encompasses everything from towering alpine peaks to massive glaciers and a huge variety of tree skiing.
At Last Frontier, less is more. Heliskiing in intimate groups of just four, we’re able to maximize our time exploring the mountains. It doesn’t just mean you get your own fresh lines, although that’s always the goal, it means you’re more likely to be skiing or riding at a pace that’s right for you.
Despite the fact skiers are in the majority at both our bases, we welcome heli boarders with open arms, high fives and the chance to let your imagination lead the way. Several guides are snowboarders and will guide on their boards. Others ski and snowboard. So in short, we get it. You don’t want to be traversing and you don’t want long run outs. Our guides understand the subtleties in terrain that riders are seeking.
Some of Last Frontier’s backcountry runs include sections of terrain which require heads-up heliboarding as steep pitches flatten out and drop again. Look ahead, anticipate your need for speed and follow the guide’s lead. At times it’s necessary for snowboarders to wait for skiers to set a track so they can more easily get through transition zones from alpine to sub-alpine pitches.
Bigger isn’t necessarily better. Choose a snowboard that will work in all conditions as you can expect a little of everything. The general rule of thumb for riding powder is that you want a snowboard with a longer nose and slightly tapered tail to help you float.
A limited number of snowboards are available for your use at the lodge. You will need to bring your own boots. View our lineup of powder boards and please contact us before you travel to check availability.
At Last Frontier, we guarantee a set amount of vertical meters based on the length of your trip. Simply put, you pay for what you ski. In our opinion, this is the best value and overall experience for heli-skiing.
In the event that your vertical guarantee is not reached because of bad weather that prevents us from flying or because of mechanical breakdown [these are the only two reasons for a refund], we will provide a refund for the vertical not skied. Should you choose to ski or ride more, additional vertical charges will be made. The rate for extra vertical is the same as the rate for refunded vertical. The amount of vertical achieved in our packages depends on weather conditions and the desired experience of the group. Unless you tell us otherwise, we will assume that if the conditions allow you are here with us to ski LOTS. That said, it’s your holiday so it’s up to you how much you actually ski or ride. Let us know how you are feeling and we can adjust the pace accordingly.
| Heliski Tour | Average | Guarantee | If you’re lucky! |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Day | 22,300 | 17,500 | 30,500+ |
| 5 Day | 29,000 | 22,000 | 39,600+ |
| 7 Day | 42,500 | 30,500 | 55,000+ |
| 10 Day | 61,000 | 43,600 | 76,000+ |
| Heliski Tour | Average | Guarantee | If you’re lucky! |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Day | 73,000 | 57,400 | 100,000 |
| 5 Day | 95,000 | 72,000 | 130,000 |
| 7 Day | 140,000 | 100,000 | 180,000 |
| 10 Day | 200,000 | 143,000 | 250,000 |
Some heliski operators use an unlimited vertical model. At a glance it seems like a no-brainer, but it comes with a premium price tag and significant risk that the amount skied won’t equal the associated costs. While an all-you-can-ski fantasy is the stuff of dreams, on account of basic economics, it’s simply not in the interests of operators to extend days if they aren’t compensated for it.
Why take the risk of paying a higher price upfront for the idea of unlimited skiing? If you want to continue to stack heli laps because conditions are superb, we can make that happen and will clearly define the additional costs. If conditions are average and you’re satisfied with the guaranteed amount, then we all end the day on a positive note. If conditions are poor and the guaranteed vertical isn’t reached, disappointment is met with the silver lining that you receive compensation for coming up short on vertical.
| Vertical Guarantee System | Unlimited Vertical System | |
| Operator |  |
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| Client | |
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| Comment | Customer happy to be able to take advantage of amazing conditions by extending days and shortening lunches. Operator happy to oblige and generate more income to cover additional costs as a result of more time on snow. |
Customer pays premium price upfront to ski more without paying more, but there’s a risk they’ll have to persuade the operator in order to do so. Operator incurs higher costs with no income generated because customer demands to ski more. |
| Vertical Guarantee System | Unlimited Vertical System | |
| Operator | |
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| Client | |
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| Comment | Customer has option to ski/ride more and take advantage of good conditions. Operator happy to oblige and earn additional income to cover operational costs. |
Customer receives what they have paid for with premium price. Operator provides what their premium price represents. |
| Vertical Guarantee System | Unlimited Vertical System | |
| Operator | |
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| Client | |
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| Comment | Customer receives and skies what they pay for in the established guarantee. Operator delivers the guaranteed vertical. |
Customer pays premium price but receives only guaranteed minimum vertical. Operator receives premium income while providing only guaranteed amount of vertical. |
| Vertical Guarantee System | Unlimited Vertical System | |
| Operator | |
neutral |
| Client | |
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| Comment | Customer disappointed for not having skied but content to receive compensation. Operator loses income by providing refund. |
Customer pays premium price but refunded only up to guarantee even if they haven’t skied the minimum vertical. Operator receives premium income for the additional vertical over the guarantee, even though customer is not skiing it. |
