Great Bear Heliskiing
Great Bear Heliskiing may have only been established in 2022, but the operation is well-acquainted with comfortable hospitality and Canadian outdoor guiding. Before opening their doors to heliskiing, the operator functioned as Lower Dean River Lodge, providing guided fishing excursions. After years of planning, founders Mandi and Billy Blewett achieved their lifelong dream of opening a small, boutique heli skiing company.
The youthfulness of Great Bear provides visiting skiers with an experience unlike any other. You’ll be whisked into the mountains by a group of team members that are like family, and treated as one of their own. With an expansive, unique tenure in British Columbia, you’ll also have the ability to achieve countless first descents.
Facts & FAQ
Getting to Great Bear is as easy as it comes. The operator only requires that you book a flight to Vancouver International Airport. Once you arrive, they’ll take care of all the rest. You’ll be catching a connecting charter flight to a nearby regional airport, provided by Great Bear.
The lodging at Great Bear is nestled in a densely packed wilderness full of cedar and hemlock. There is a main open-concept lodge where all meals and socialization will be enjoyed and surrounding this is multiple private guest cabins. The beautifully rustic cabins feature heated bathroom floors, a cast iron stove, and mountain comfort.
The Executive Chef at Great Bear Heliskiing is Mandi Blewett herself, and her daughter is the Sous Chef. This creates a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere with home-style meals and comfort food. Mandi sources fresh produce from the surrounding Bella Coola area, meat comes from Two Rivers Specialty Meats, and seafood comes from Bella Coola Valley Seafoods.
In addition to this refreshing approach to food, you’ll have a variety of amenities to enjoy. These include:
- Wood-fired sauna overtop a small stream
- Ice baths in the on-site spring
- Local wines, liquors, whiskey, and brews – all included
Great Bear Heliskiing’s tenure is in one of the most remote regions of British Columbia where many people have never skied before. Situated in the Central Coast Mountains, you’ll have nearly 1.5 million acres to explore. 190 times the size of Whistler-Blackcomb, and 520 times the size of Vail, you’ll be afforded more skiing opportunities than you could ever achieve at a resort.
This operator derives their name from the Great Bear Rainforest where they fly, and take great efforts to preserve the delicate, old-growth ecosystem. Flights take place in two A-Star B3 helicopters, provided by Contour Helicopters.
Great Bear recommends an ability level of advanced intermediate. Most heli skiing runs are not steeper than a typical blue or black at a major resort, but the ever-changing terrain features and powder require you to be always on your toes.
In an industry marked by confusing packages and rates, Great Bear keeps it simple. They offer one all-inclusive package for up to eight guests a week, making it incredibly easy to heli ski. This package includes:
- 6 days of heli skiing with unlimited vertical
- All meals and alcoholic beverages
- Two 60-minute massages
- 7 nights of accommodations
- ACMG/UIAGM/CSGA certified guides
Down days are a rarity because of their unique location in the Coast mountains. Many of the best runs are just a five-minute flight from the lodge. If Great Bear is completely unable to fly, they do offer alternative activities like ski touring and fly fishing. Cat skiing is not available, however. Rest assured - with their unlimited vertical, you will have plenty of time to score the best lines of your life.
Book a Heli Skiing Trip to Great Bear Today!
When the entire family is involved...delivering to you the ultimate heli skiing experience, Great Bear gets high marks!
If you're looking for a larger operation, review the rest of BC at or British Columbia Heli Skiing Operator Directory.
Reviews & Comments
Please share a comment or review, if you have skied here! This REALLY helps the heliskiing community! Thank You!
BRADY
8/2/23
Brady is an avid skiing & backcountry enthusiast, aging "big wave" surfer and is totally addicted to heli skiing!
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