The Yellow Cedar Lodge is Northern Escape’s first destination, and it received substantial upgrades in 2020 that reinstated it as one of B.C.s quitessential heliskiing lodges. The lodge chooses to accommodate up to 15 guests at a time, separated into single and double occupancy rooms – all of which have en suite bathrooms.

A highlight of the lodge is the world-class gourmet culinary team that’s comprised of Red Seal chefs. Incorporating fresh, local ingredients from British Columbia alongside international cuisine, your appetite is bound to be satiated here.

The bar won't be empty when you're there! Photo: Courtesy of Northern Escape Heli

In addition, these amenities, Yellow Cedar Lodge boasts these classic features to enjoy!

• TWO full-service bars! Downstairs & outdoors
• TWO outdoor Jacuzzis!
• Outdoor fire pit
• Sauna, and massage services
• Pool table & foosball in the downstairs bar
• Weight and cardio room
• Ski and gift shop
• High-speed internet
• Large, remodeled boot room to dry your equipment!
• A warm, welcoming, open dining environment with scenic views of the Skeena River

Ian Morrison near Terrace BC - Photo Courtesy of Northern Escape Heliskiing

The Skeena Mountains host a wide variety of terrain that caters to all types of skiers.

Northern Escape Heli-Skiing offers the kind of big-mountain terrain that has made British Columbia famous around the world. Located between Central B.C. and Alaska, the Skeena and Kitimat Mountain Ranges benefit from powerful Pacific storms, a northern climate, and some of the deepest powder conditions you can find anywhere.

From 2,700 meter peaks (8,859 feet) to tightly spaced glades at lower elevations, the typical run consists of constant changes. On the operator’s longest runs such as "El Castaro Grande," the 1,830 meters (over 6,000 vertical feet), dwarfs anything at nearly every ski resort! Snow falls in ridiculous amounts, all of which is light, fluffy, and delightful to ski in. As long as you’re a strong intermediate skier with powder experience, you’ll do just fine with this operator.

Here are the terrain stats:

• Over 250 named runs
• 3,373 sq km (833,571 acres)
• Max vertical run: 2000 meters (6500 ft!)

"Sayers" Photo: Courtesy of Northern Escape Heli

This terrain is INCREDIBLY diverse! You'll discover perfectly spaced old-growth tree skiing and deep pillow lines. There are massive alpine bowls and of course glaciers! If you love steeps...these mountains have got 'em for sure! Many runs stretch over 2,000 vertical metres (more than a mile), taking skiers from high alpine peaks all the way down into deep coastal forests.

With one of the largest heli-skiing tenures in the world, the size of the operation means guides can constantly search for the best snow and find terrain suited to the day's conditions.

Northern Escape Heli Skiing. Aaron Whitfield photography.

While Northern Escape is known for its impressive big-mountain terrain, the experience is not limited to expert skiers. The guides are highly skilled at matching groups with appropriate terrain, offering everything from intermediate-friendly powder runs to challenging steep lines for advanced and expert skiers.

Strong resort skiers who are comfortable on blue and black runs will find plenty of terrain to enjoy, while experienced powder skiers will appreciate the endless opportunities for steep lines, deep snow, and untouched wilderness.

Whether you are chasing your first heli-ski adventure or looking for the next great backcountry challenge, Northern Escape delivers the variety, scale, and deep powder that make B.C. heli-skiing legendary.

Let's Talk About Classic Heliskiing

Pres & GM John Forest Tends to operations. Photo: Courtesy of Northern Escape Heli-Skiing

As their original destination, the Northern Escape Heliskiing Yellow Cedar Lodge features the classic package designed for individuals and larger groups. Despite the ability to support many skiers, you’ll never fly with more than 5 guests in the Bell 407 aircraft.

In the past Northern Escape has used the “Ferrari-fast” Koala helicopter at this location as well. Both aircraft are very capable birds for heliskiing. (We have enjoyed the Bell 407!)

The Yellow Cedar Lodge package is designed for skiers who want the full British Columbia heli-skiing experience without the premium price tag. Combining world-class terrain, small groups, unlimited vertical, and a classic Canadian mountain lodge atmosphere, it is one of the best-value heli-ski packages available.

Located along the Skeena River near Terrace, British Columbia, Yellow Cedar Lodge offers a more relaxed and authentic alternative to larger luxury-style operations. The rustic log and timber-frame lodge accommodates just 15 guests per week, creating a more personal experience where skiers can focus on what matters most—great snow, incredible terrain, and more time on the mountain.

The helicopter departs directly from the lodge each morning, maximizing ski time and allowing guides to take advantage of the best conditions available.

With flexible 3, 4, 5, and 7-day packages, Yellow Cedar Lodge works well for individual skiers, small groups, families, or private groups looking for an exclusive mountain experience.

SEE YELLOW CEDAR LODGE AVAILABILITY

Package Inclusions:

• Unlimited vertical skiing with no additional charges
• Professional heli-skiing guides
• Small-group skiing experience
• Snowcat backup skiing when weather affects helicopter operations
• Comfortable lodge accommodations (single upgrades available)
• Chef-prepared meals, snacks, après-ski appetizers, and non-alcoholic beverages
• Airport transfers between Terrace and the lodge
• Powder skis, snowboards, and poles (bring your own boots)
• Avalanche safety equipment, including transceivers and airbag backpacks
• Full use of lodge amenities including sauna, fireplace lounge, fitness facilities, games room, ski shop, and wireless internet

The combination of exceptional terrain, limited guest numbers, and unlimited skiing makes Yellow Cedar Lodge a standout choice for skiers looking to maximize their time in the mountains while enjoying the welcoming atmosphere of a true Canadian ski lodge.

Can You Imagine? Unlimited Vertical - Photo Courtesy of Northern Escape Heli

One of Yellow Cedar Lodge's biggest advantages is its Unlimited Vertical policy.

Unlike many heli-ski operators that charge additional fees once guests exceed a predetermined vertical allowance, Northern Escape includes unlimited skiing in every package. When conditions are exceptional, there's no need to be concerned about additional vertical meter charges at the end of your trip.

You're covered... just keep ripping!

For guests looking to maximize every opportunity, this represents outstanding value and eliminates one of the concerns  associated with heli-skiing vacations - escalating expenses.

The Snowcat Backup Keeps You Skiing

Bad flying weather doesn't necessarily mean a "down day." While others in British Columbia may be "down" and sitting in the bar...you're POWDER skiing!

Heli can't fly? Bust out the Cats! Photo: Courtesy of Northern Escape Hell

Northern Escape's Snowcat Backup Program ensures guests continue skiing whenever helicopter operations are temporarily grounded by weather. Guests have reserved seating aboard one of four heated, custom-built snowcats that access thousands of acres of exceptional tree skiing. Very, very few industry operators in British Columbia provide this option!

The snowcat terrain includes more than 5,700 acres of gladed runs, over 35 kilometres of snow roads, and descents reaching more than 600 vertical metres (2,000 feet). From playful powder fields and perfectly spaced trees to steep pillows and technical lines, there's terrain suitable for a wide range of abilities.

If you're comfortable skiing blue and black runs at your local resort, you'll likely find plenty of terrain to enjoy while waiting for flying conditions to improve.

And the best part, when the weather clears during the day, you're back into the heli!