Another Bluebird Day in the Skeena Mountains B.C. - Photo Courtesy of Northern Escape Heli Skiing
At Heli-Skier, in most cases we will have visited the lodge or location and skied with the operator, prior to a full review. We have made an exception on all of the Northern Escape lodges, and here's why:
First off, we challenge any skier on the planet to a heliskiing "website review DUEL!" We think we've spent more time on the Northern Escape Heli Skiing website than anyone on the planet! There are several very specific topics where we uncovered archived NEH blog posts, through meticulous queries and AI results! And then we kept probing! Think we're just blowing smoke? Look at the Northern Escape Overview page and ask us how we found out that Founder Benny Abruzzo's dad, Ben Abruzzo was a world famous balloonist! (We're old enough to remember the double Eagle II!) Deep research has greatly increased our confidence to post this review.
Additionally, our dialog with Northern Escape Heli's President and G.M. John Forrest has been very genuine. We have found John's demeanor to be kind, accommodative and one that obviously shares the STOKE! This is expected from someone who has been guiding his whole life and owns a world-class Heli-Opp!
Furthermore, at airports like Terrace and Vancouver, we have had random interactions, bumping into heli-skiers who have just visited Northern Escape and raved about their experience!
Lastly, Hel-Skier Founder Brady has a favorite orthopedic surgeon in Southern California. Dr. Robert Gorab is the well known master of replacing hips and knees in the "O.C." When Brady got a new left hip, the good doctor and he spent more time talking about heliskiing than his surgery! Dr, Gorab said he has returned to Northern Escape "A lot!" A solid report and referral from the field, especially from an experienced heli-skier is a golden stamp of approval!
With that collection of positive feedback, we feel comfortable in putting forth a full review of this operator and these lodges.
Heli-Skier is an authorized booking partner of Northern Escape. As an agent, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission when a trip is booked through us. Our reviews and editorial opinions remain our own.
Northern Escape Mountain Lodge - Beyond The Lift Lines!
If you're hunting for a premium, remote, semi-private experience with easy access, then the Northern Escape Heliskiing Mountain Lodge will definitely check all of the appropriate boxes.
Newly built in 2020, the Mountain Lodge is accessed by helicopter transfer only; it is not accessible by shuttle. The helicopter transfer departs from a staging area a short shuttle drive from the Terrace airport.
This location is the second in Northern Escape’s portfolio, and it provides beautiful, comfortable amenities in the backdrop of the breathtaking Skeena Mountains.
Northern Escape Heli-Skiing’s Mountain Lodge ski / ride package takes the operation’s already impressive Northern British Columbia heli-skiing program and gives it the premium enhancement! This is upgraded experience accepts only 10 guests, with just two groups sharing a helicopter. NEH's Unlimited Vertical promise is incorporated into the package, as is the availability of the snowcat backup.
Naturally this lodge features all the "heliskiing creature comforts" - the kind of amenities that you would expect...that feel particularly good after a full day of skiing Skeena Mountain powder!
Two groups of skiers / riders generally means no time waiting for the helicopter. Other set-ups with three to four groups per bird can slow down the rotation. For heli-skiers who have experienced four groups shuttled by one aircraft, you know what we mean! You'll never be 200 yards up the hill waiting for two groups in front of you to get picked up - UGG - NOT HERE!
At Heli-Skier, we refer to this as a semi private package.
The heli-transport takes off at the staging area, not YXT, but cool map!
Northern Escape has proudly and strategically located its three lodge operations very close to Terrace, making transportation to your final destination VERY convenient. As you can see by the map, the Mountain Lodge is North West of Terrace, BC.
Naturally, you’re responsible for getting to the Northwest Terrace Regional Airport. This airport has multiple daily direct flights from Vancouver and other international airports.
Most skiers traveling within North America have the luxury of lifting off from their departure airport in the morning and arriving at the Northern Escape Heliskiing Mountain Lodge that evening.
Once you arrive in Terrace, Northern Escape handles the rest. You'll be greeted by one of their hosts who will load your luggage into the shuttle, which will take you on short 15 minute ride to the staging area. That's the last time you'll see an automobile for the rest of your stay. Their helicopter will facilitate a brief but welcome air taxi, landing right next to the Mountain Lodge!
This is a meaningful transition! You quickly go from busy airports and luggage carousels...to a private helicopter whisking you away...off to your dreamscape adventure! It's a short flight in the private aircraft, and the views of the Skeena River and Treston Lake immediately dissolve your memories of your day of travel...
...welcome to your premium class heliskiing vacation... you have arrived!
