Bella Coola Heli Skiing
“The World’s Best Heliskiing Operator.” This is the distinction that Bella Coola Heli Skiing has gotten for the past five years and counting. Praised for its exceptional guiding services, world-class terrain, and impeccable lodging, Bella Coola functions as the preferred operator for veteran skiers, first-time visitors, and professional film crews alike.
With six distinct locations to choose from for your heli skiing expedition, choices are endless. Each spot caters to a different kind of skier, both in terrain and accommodations. Regardless of your choice, you’re guaranteed to receive one of the more comprehensive experiences out of any operator with their small-group approach.
Here’s a look at everything that makes this operator unique, and why Bella Coola heli skiing reviews commonly feature critical acclaim.
Bella Coola Heli Skiing Destinations
As the powerhouse of British Columbia heli skiing, rivaling the gigantic endeavors of CMH, Bella Coola is located exclusively in the Coast Mountain Range. This stunning region is highlighted by deep powder, frequent storms, and ridiculously diverse skiing conditions. No matter the location you choose, you won’t be disappointed.
All Bella Coola Heli Skiing destinations are easily accessed from Vancouver International Airport. With a quick, 70-minute connecting flight to a regional airport, you can be well on your way to slaying powder. Bella Coola heli skiing lodges are split into two main areas, each serviced by its own airport. These two airports are Anaheim Lake Airport and Bella Coola Airport. To access flights from Vancouver, you’ll either taxi or shuttle your way to the Air Elite Vancouver or Vancouver International Airport South Terminals. Optionally, you may choose private flight transportation.
Heli skiing location and lodge choices are as follows:
From the Bella Coola Airport:
- Tweedsmuir Park Lodge Where wilderness meets comfort. Tweedsmuir Park Lodge is situated in the heart of grizzly bear country, with frequent sightings experienced. Guests are housed in timber-frame chalets.
- Eagle Lodge Features casual, hotel-style accommodations for up to 12 people. The central hallway creates a fun, friendly atmosphere where you can connect with your fellow powder chasers.
- MV Cascadia This 138 ft catamaran ship serves as the base of operations for your B.C. excursion, providing you with more remote terrain access than any other lodging location.
From the Bella Coola Airport:
- Terra Nostra Guest Ranch As one of the more remote, rugged locations, Terra Nostra is catered towards skiers that care more about the alpine than their guest room. Reservable for up to 8 guests, this location is perfect for younger, more energetic crowds.
- Pantheon Heli Ranch A favorite among extreme skiing filmmakers, the terrain accessible by Pantheon Heli Ranch is on a gigantic scale. Towering glaciers surrounded by lush forests are the norm here.
- San Creek Ranch (Mystery Mountain Lake) This location features lodging at a restored 1960s farmhouse on a presently working ranch. With room for only 5 guests, it’s the perfect choice for families and small groups of friends.
Bella Coola heli skiing cost is very dependent upon which lodge you choose. Some are more affordable than others, but the amenities will reflect this.
Facts & FAQ
Bella Coola Heli Skiing began in 2003 as the brainchild of three friends: Christian Begin, Beat Steiner, and Pete “Swede” Mattsson. The operator maintains itself as having one of the largest tenures in the world – over 3.5 million acres. The magnitude of this is even more impressive when you consider that all their five land-based lodges are within proximity to each other, giving guests ultimate freedom of choice in where they want to ski.
Starting in 2017, Bella Coola became ranked by the World Ski Awards as the best heli skiing operator and continues to maintain that legacy annually. Since its inception, the company has prioritized small-group heli skiing that’s ideal for families, tight-knit friends, and action sports crews looking to score the most memorable pow session of their lives.
Bella Coola Heli Skiing is the only heli skiing operation in the world that boasts a carbon positive footprint. Since they began in 2003, the three founders were dead set on preserving the natural world that they utilized for business, as well as paying respect to the native people that call the land home. The company purchases carbon offsets for 110% of the carbon they produce, mostly in the form of programs that protect old-growth forests throughout British Columbia.
Being the first and only operator across the globe to be climate positive, the team encourages you to do the same. Through Offsetters, you can calculate the carbon output of your flight and travel to Bella Coola, and invest in a way that negates this.
According to Shane McConkey, Bella Coola was one of the most stunning places he’d ever skied. The region is renowned for ridiculous amounts of snowfall brought in by coastal storms that get stuck in the mountains. This combination of high-water content and cool temperatures make for a fantastic snowpack that’s relatively stable. This means you can ski steeper, faster, higher lines that aren’t possible at other locations like Jackson Hole.
3.55 million acres of terrain is impossible to conceive of. You’ll never get bored, as no run or day is the same. From glacial spines to open alpine bowls, and of course – world-class B.C. tree skiing, Bella Coola Heli Skiing is the place for a well-rounded backcountry experience.
While every location is different, standards can be expected regarding accommodations and amenities. Chef-prepared meals, comfortable lodging, and a variety of activities and relaxation are available at each Bella Coola heli ski lodge. No matter where you choose, you can expect to be treated like royalty. As far as the skiing goes, there are four distinct package choices, all of which come in 4, 5, or 7-night options. These are:
- Small Group: The standard package for an average skier, this package is purchased on an individual basis and includes a set amount of vertical feet that’s guaranteed based on the duration of your trip.
- Small Group XL: Taking the classic package a step further, the XL is designed for expert-level skiers who want to ski hard and fast with a group of like-minded adrenaline junkies.
- Private: This package allows you to reserve the helicopter for just you and your party. Considered the best way to ski exactly how you want to ski.
- Exclusive Lodge Buyouts: Designed for a complete group of individuals that want the entire place to themselves. Includes a hospitality team, chef, pilot, and two guides for a completely customizable experience.
Explore Your Choices Today at Bella Coola Heli Skiing!
Bella Cool Heli Skiing is the real deal. No operator has the same access to terrain or has the same environmentally conscious mindset. Dedicated to providing a complete British Columbia experience, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for deep in the Coast Mountains.
On the odd chance that you don't find what you're looking for at Bella Coola, be sure to explore our British Columbia Heli Skiing Directory for all your options in B.C.!
Reviews & Comments
Please share a comment or review, if you have skied here! This REALLY helps the heliskiing community! Thank You!
BRADY
06/22/23
Brady is an avid skiing & backcountry enthusiast, aging "big wave" surfer and is totally addicted to heli skiing!
VIEW BIO
