Northern Escape Heli Skiing

Our Location
All of our lodges are located within 40 minutes of the Terrace Regional Airport, so you can enjoy a relaxing evening upon your arrival. With Vancouver only two hours by air, the majority of our guests are able to make easy travel arrangements with less than a days travel. Guests may connect from anywhere to Vancouver International Airport and make their connection to Terrace where they will be greeted by our guides for introductions and a short drive to the lodge.

The Terrain
The sensation of cruising down an endless glacier surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Skeena Mountains... the joy of effortlessly floating down a deep alpine bowl, snow in your face with every turn...the exhilaration of pounding through naturally gladed trees, chasing your partner... these are experiences of a lifetime. This is Northern Escape Heli-Skiing.

Our Heli-Skiing/Boarding area, one of the largest in the world, is still vastly unexplored.  We offer you exclusive use of our vast and varied terrain, over 6000 sq km (2316 sq miles). To date we have established over 250 runs, with endless opportunities to ski/board first descents every day, along with naming rights of course, for many years to come.

We ski/board at elevations between 450 m and 2,450 m (1,500 -8,000 feet) and receive some of the deepest and most reliable snowfalls in the province. During an average season we will receive between 30 and 40 meters (100- 130 feet) of total snowfall, providing a base of often over 10m (33 feet).

Our explorations of this area have produced stunning alpine and glacier runs along with phenomenally open treed runs that never seem to end.  With runs of more than 2,000 vertical meters (6,500 vertical feet), many of which start high in the alpine and end well below treeline, deep in the valley, you're sure to find what you're looking for!

The Weather
Weather information provided by Environment Canada from the Terrace Airport located at 225 meters above sea level (750 feet asl). Our skiing elevations are generally between 900 and 2,400 meters asl (3,000 and 8,000 feet asl) and therefore the conditions in our skiing area may be significantly different.

Yellow Cedar Lodge, overlooking the serenity of the Skeena Mountains, offers all of the amenities of a first class resort in a private setting and it's the home for our classic package guests each week. From the outdoor jacuzzi to the gourmet meals and the cozy lounge, we're sure you'll enjoy all that it has to offer. You may also wish to consider our Exclusive Private and Semi-Private packages , closer to pure decadence, where you'll fly in your own private helicopter, free to move through the terrain, with your private guides, totally at your own pace.  With our Treston Lake Lodge property and our partnership with Minette Bay Lodge , we are able to provide first class accommodation to those seeking a more elite holiday.

OUR LODGES
Beyond heli-skiing and snowboarding, the success of your holiday is extended to your apres-ski, dining, and sleeping experience.  We provide an environment that delivers a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, in a location that offers a remote setting, while still in close proximity to the airport for your absolute convenience.  All three of our lodges fulfill this criteria and are individually suited to each of our package options.

Wherever you stay, we are sure that you will enjoy the pampering of our staff.  Relax in the hot tub, spoil yourself with a massage, or kick back and enjoy our wine service. Our chefs will treat you to a phenomenal dining experience with an exquisite array of ingredients and flavours, leaving you completely satisfied. You will know a perfect day on a heli-ski vacation.   

Our Classic and Yellow Cedar Lodge Private Package guests will enjoy the comforts of Yellow Cedar Lodge. Our Exclusive Private Package guests will stay and play in our more exclusive Treston Lake Lodge and our Exclusive Semi-Private Package guests may choose to book Yellow Cedar Lodge for their exclusive use or enjoy the English style amenities of Minette Bay Lodge.
At Northern Escape Heli-Skiing we endeavor to provide you with a safe and exciting skiing/boarding experience. You'll fly in cohesive groups of only four to six in one of our "Italian Stallions," the Koala helicopters.  Each helicopter services a maximum of three groups in order to allow us greater mobility and to increase the terrain selection that is available for us to enjoy. You'll be free to heliski/heliboard as little or as much as your group chooses.

Our guides , aircrew and lodge staff are amongst the finest in the industry and we are proud to look after both your safety and enjoyment while you are with us. We invite you to escape the crowds, escape the norm and join us at Northern Escape Heli-Skiing for the holiday adventure of a lifetime. I look forward to meeting and heliskiing and/or heliboarding with all of you.
Yellow Cedar Lodge offers a comfortable atmosphere while providing all the amenities that you would expect from a secluded mountain lodge. The lodge was built by hand with Cedar cut from the property on which it sits, and the scent of the wood is refreshing and revitalizing. The scenery is breathtaking, as the lodge overlooks the world-renowned Skeena River and is surrounded by the mountains that we are proud to call our tenure. 

The lodge sleeps up to 18 guests in spacious double or single rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. The open dining room and lounge allow guests to share their day and take pleasure in each others company. There is wireless internet through-out the lodge as well as a sauna, hot tub, weight room and cardio room. Enjoy the tranquility, experience a relaxed and renewed vitality.
Located only 15 minutes west of the town of Terrace, you'll appreciate the easy access from Vancouver, British Columbia.  You'll also enjoy the ability to ski/board all day, every day, even on transfer days.  With quick airport to lodge transfers , you will have a relaxed and simple start and end to your Heli-Skiing/Boarding vacation.

Yellow Cedar Lodge
For apres-ski, relax in the cozy lounge with some late afternoon delicacies and drinks prepared for you by our chefs and bartender.  From there, indulge in a massage, a sauna or a soak in our outdoor jacuzzi to soothe those muscles, or enjoy a game of pool or darts in the games room.

You'll enjoy gourmet dinners in our dining room prepared by our highly qualified chefs and divine wine service from our trained serving staff.  Our team of chefs are all red seal certified and are hired on their skill, experience and "fit" to the Northern Escape adventure.  The menu is based on continental cuisine, designed to tantalize your tastebuds; serving a creation of original and inspired dishes taking advantage of our location in British Columbia's Pacific Northwest with regional specialties. In addition to the amazing culinary team, we have an exceptional group of dedicated and passionate employees to ensure that the service level is second to none.  

Accommodation for Classic Heli Skiing package guests is provided at Yellow Cedar Lodge on the banks of the Skeena River. A short drive from Terrace,  Classic Heli skiing package guests will enjoy the intimate and remote setting, the amenities and services of the lodge and its friendly staff.  We offer a choice of single, double and twin rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, as availability allows.  Please see Yellow Cedar Lodge for more information.

Treston Lake Lodge
The Treston Lake Lodge is a mere 30 minute drive from the Terrace Regional Airport and sits in the heart of some of our best terrain. The lodge is located on the banks of Treston Lake amidst pristine wilderness and a spectacular demonstration of natural beauty in Northern British Columbia. The lodge overlooks the Skeena Mountains and provides our Private guests with the ultimate scenery and seclusion.

The lodge itself boasts modern day ambience with elaborate lighting and design, while maintaining a simple and rustic manner. The state of the art kitchen provides an easy creative zone for the private chef to design and deliver enchanting dishes, based upon your custom menu. The plush leather sofas and traditional wood-burning stove provide a blanket of comfort, enhancing the effect of the ultimate stay and feeling of solitude and tranquility.

Guests will enjoy the privacy of single rooms and the Chalet’s many amenities include an outdoor hot tub, fireplace, satellite TV and wireless internet. Your Private Chef will consult with you prior to your arrival and will create a mouth watering menu customized to your taste. The wine list will also be preordered according to your desires and to match the menu. A Heliskiing Treston Lake Lodgefully stocked bar is also available and can be customized with anything you’d like to have special ordered. Your own private Massage Therapist will be awaiting your return to sooth your aching muscles after a day of first descents.

Our very own Benny Abruzzo and his wife Sandra own the Treston Lake property where they relax and enjoy the calm and peacefulness of the lakefront getaway for much of the year.  The lodge has been completely renovated by the Abruzzo family and continually sees inprovements as Sandra adds her artistic genius and personal detail.  Benny will tell you,  “Sandra and I hope that our passion for this wonderful place we call Treston Lake Lodge will become one of those unique places in the world you to hold dear to your heart”.

Minette Bay Lodge
Minette Bay Lodge sits on the shores of the Douglas Channel, on 75 acres of gorgeous landscaping. The location provides solitude and relaxation, while sitting only 10 minutes from the town of Kitimat; derived from the Haisla Nation word for “People of the Snow”!

Minette Bay has a traditional atmosphere and a comfortable interior for absolute satisfaction at the end of a wonderful day in the powder snow. All bedrooms have bay views and are adorned with feather beds and thick down duvets. The tiles of the floor are heated through a built-in infloor heating system, warming your toes as you move through the house. All of this, combined with library, traditional sitting room and lovely dining room guarantees a blissful stay.
Heliskiing in Canada We have partnered with Howard and Ruth Mills who own and operate the lodge and are extremely dedicated to the clientelle who stay at Minette Bay. In the warmer months, while the lodge is not occupied by our guests and our staff, it is home to passing sports enthusiasts and those looking to explore the Northwest region and its various activities. The staff set up adventures for their guests including heli-hiking, bear viewings, fishing and kayaking amongst others.

"You might wonder whether it was built centuries ago, with deep chintz sofas, shiraz carpets and oil paintings on the walls; antiques, open fires, a warm and cozy library and verandahs leading to green lawns and the sea, Minette Bay Lodge offers extraordinary comfort. Sumptuous fabrics from around the world and superlatively comfortable feather beds ensure your sublime and exclusive stay in the rugged Canadian Northwest."

1. CLASSIC HELI SKIING PACKAGE:

This is a Classic Heliskiing package. We offer 3, 4, 5 and 7 day options and each also has an Unlimited Vertical Option. Guests stay at Yellow Cedar Lodge, double occupancy with an option for a single room.

Our Classic Heli Ski package offers an intimate experience with only 18 guests each week. You’ll heli ski/heli board in small groups in our helicopters which depart directly from the lodge each morning. Guests will enjoy the “boutique” atmosphere and remote setting as well as the amenities and services of the lodge and its friendly staff. We offer a choice of single, double and twin rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. These packages may be booked individually or bring your own group.

Itinerary:
Your heli skiing/ heli boarding vacation commences with your arrival in Terrace, BC, Canada on the evening of the first day of your package. You should plan to arrive in Vancouver by mid afternoon on that day in order to make the connection to Terrace where you will arrive at approximately 19:30. A company representative will meet you at the airport and will accompany you to Yellow Cedar Lodge. Upon arrival at the lodge you will check into your rooms and meet for an informal orientation. A light meal is followed by an introduction to our skiing program and the weeks’ schedule.
Your first morning is busy with several safety briefings. Your heli skiing guide will provide you with instruction in the use of the Avalanche Transceiver and rescue equipment. We will review our heli skiing and safety procedures and finally your pilot will go through a helicopter safety briefing with you. All guests will be required to sign our Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement.  Sample Waiver Form (English) 209.96 Kb. Every effort will be made to keep groups that are traveling together skiing/boarding together, however we must reserve the right to build the groups according to our safety guidelines. You'll notice that this is a reoccurring theme in everything we do. Safety First!

The rest of the week follows a more relaxed schedule:

• 07:30 Breakfast and guides daily announcement
• 08:30 - 09:00 Helicopters depart for heli skiing
• 12:00 Lunch - a hearty meal in the mountains
• 15:30 - 17:00 return to the lodge (weather and group dependent)
• 17:00 Après' heli ski snacks in the lounge
• 19:00 Dinner

The last day of your heli skiing/heli boarding package is a full heliski day. You will return to the lodge at the regular time and you'll have plenty of time to clean up and change prior to checking out. A three course gourmet dinner will be served prior to departing for the airport. At this time we will be taking reservations for the following season and making plans to see you again.
You will arrive in Vancouver by approximately 22:00. We recommend you spend the night at either of the fabulous Fairmont Hotels, the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel or the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel.


2. YELLOW CEDAR LODGE PRIVATE HELI SKIING PACKAGE:

This is a value priced Private package. You have Unlimited Vertical (new for 2013), 2 guides and a Private Helicopter. The package gains it’s value and is less expensive than many other Private pkgs as it shares accommodations with the Classic Guests at Yellow Cedar Lodge. However you do get a single room

Explore our vast ski area with your chosen few friends in your own private Koala or Bell 407 Helicopter. Private Heli Skiing Packages at Yellow Cedar Lodge offer the exclusivity and flexibility of having your own helicopter waiting on only you and your group while maximizing your dollars by sharing the lodge, its amenities and the dining experience with the Classic Package heli ski guests. Accommodations are offered in your own private chalet, adjacent the main lodge, with double and single rooms available. Enjoy the evenings with new friends and enjoy the day's powder skiing with your own private group in your own Heli.
Private Heli Skiing Packages are sold on a group basis and can accommodate up to five heli-skiers/heli-boarders. They are based on guaranteed flight time, not vertical, which provides the flexibility to plan your days to meet your individual group's desires. You'll be accompanied by two fully certified heli ski guides and all safety equipment, powder skis/poles, ground transfers to and from Terrace's airport, accommodations and meals are included. 

Itinerary:
Your vacation commences with your arrival in Terrace on the evening of the first day of your package. You should plan to arrive in Vancouver by mid afternoon on that day in order to make the connection to Terrace where you will arrive at approximately 19:30. Your guides will meet you at the airport and will accompany you to Minette Bay Lodge. Upon arrival at the lodge you will check into your rooms and meet for an informal orientation.  A light meal is followed by an introduction to our skiing program and the weeks’ schedule.
Your first morning is busy with several safety briefings. Your guide will provide you with instruction in the use of the Avalanche Transceiver and rescue equipment. All guests will be required to sign our Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement. Sample Waiver Form (English)  209.96 Kb We will review our skiing and safety procedures and finally your pilot will go through a helicopter safety briefing with you. Safety First!

The rest of the week follows a more relaxed schedule:

• 07:30 Breakfast and guides daily announcement
• 08:30 - 09:00 Helicopters depart for skiing
• 12:00 Lunch - a hearty meal in the mountains
• 15:30 - 17:00 return to the lodge (weather and group dependent)
• 17:00 Après' ski snacks
• 19:00 Dinner

The last day of your heli-skiing/ heli-boarding package is a full heli ski day. You will return to Yellow Cedar Lodge at the regular time and you'll have plenty of time to clean up and change prior to checking out. A three course meal will be served prior to departing for the airport.
You will arrive in Vancouver at approximately 22:00. We recommend you spend the night at either of the fabulous Fairmont Hotels, the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel or the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel.


3. EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE PACKAGE

This is a high end Private with all the bells and Whistles. Private Heli with 2 guides, Private Chef, Concierge and Massage Therapist. This pkg includes unlimited vertical as well. For this pkg, you can choose a group of up to 4 (Private) or a group of up to 10 (Semi Private). The Private group of up to 4 guests stay at our Treston Lake Lodge which is an exclusive waterfront Chalet located in the heart of our best skiing. The Semi Private for up to 10 guests enjoy exclusive use of our Yellow Cedar Lodge or occasionally Minette Bay Lodge. Both the Exclusive Private and the Exclusive Semi Private enjoy exclusive use of their chosen lodge, helicopter and 2 guides per group as well as the private Chef, Concierge and Massage Therapist.


a) Private Package - group of 4 guests/ Treston Lake Lodge:
As if Heli-Skiing isn’t great enough already, imagine your own helicopter, Pilot, Guide, Chef, Waterfront Chalet, Concierge and Massage Therapist all at your beck and call!  Every detail of these exclusive heli ski packages can be tailored to your most discerning desires and offers the ultimate Heli-Skiing / heli-Boarding experience.
Our Exclusive Private Heli Skiing Package guests will utilize our Treston Lake Lodge, located 20 minutes North of Terrace on the shores of Treston Lake. The lodge is centered within our skiing tenure, and is just a short flight away in your private helicopter to our best skiing. Private Package heli ski guests will enjoy the intimate atmosphere and the quiet, snow covered surroundings of Treston Lake Lodge. For this package we utilize either a Koala, A-Star B2 or Bell 407 helicopter.

b) Semi-Private Package - group of 10 guests/ Yellow Cedar Lodge or Minette Bay Lodge:
For our Semi-Private Heli Skiing Package you may choose exclusive use of the Yellow Ceadr Lodge or Minette Bay Lodge which is located in Kitimat on the shores of the Douglas Channel. This package is designed for eight friends, with the possibility of 10, who will enjoy the sole use of Minette Bay Lodge and their own helicopter. You can choose from one group in a Bell 212 or two groups in a Koala, A-Star B2 or Bell 407 helicopter depending on availability.

Itinerary: (for Exclusive Private and Semi-Private Package)
Your Private Chef will consult with you prior to your arrival and will create a mouth watering menu customized to your taste. The wine list will also be preordered according to your desires and to match the menu. A fully stocked bar is also available and can be customized with anything you’d like to have special ordered. Your private Massage Therapist will be awaiting your return daily to sooth your aching muscles after a day of first descents and your concierge will gladly take care of any other detail that will make your stay more memorable. Join us this year and secure your Private week for years to come.
The town of Terrace is reached via direct flights to and from Vancouver, British Columbia. Your Heli-Skiing/Heli-Boarding vacation commences with your arrival in Terrace on the evening of the first day of your package. You should plan to arrive in Vancouver by mid afternoon on that day in order to make the connection to Terrace where you will arrive at approximately 19:30. Your guide will meet you at the airport and will accompany you to either Treston Lake Lodge or Minette Bay Lodge. Upon arrival at the lodge you will check into your rooms and meet for an informal orientation. A light meal is followed by an introduction to our skiing program and the weeks schedule.
Your first morning is busy with several safety briefings. Your heli ski guide will provide you with instruction in the use of the Avalanche Transceiver and rescue equipment. All guests will be required to sign our Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement. Sample Waiver Form (English) 209.96 Kb We will review our skiing and safety procedures and finally your pilot will go through a helicopter safety briefing with you. Safety First!

The rest of the week follows a more relaxed schedule:

• 07:30                   Breakfast and guides daily announcement
• 08:30 - 09:00         Helicopters depart for skiing
• 12:00                   Lunch, a hearty meal in the mountains
• 15:30 - 17:00         Return to the lodge (weather and group dependent)
• 17:00                   Après' ski snacks
• 19:00                   Dinner

The last day of your heli-skiing/heli-boarding package is a full ski day. You will return to the Lodge at the regular time and you'll have plenty of time to clean up and change prior to checking out.  A gourmet meal will be served prior to departing for the airport.  You will arrive in Vancouver by approximately 22:00. We recommend you spend the night at either of the fabulous Fairmont Hotels, the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel or the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel.

4.  UNLIMITED VERTICAL OPTION
Classic Package – Unlimited Vertical Option
"It's Unlimited Vertical! Ski as much as you can (within our regular ski day) and never pay any additional extra vertical charges. If you don’t use all the additional vertical in the option, you’ll receive a credit for that amount towards your next package with us".

Northern Escape Heli-Skiing is proud to offer an Unlimited Vertical Option with a twist. It’s Unlimited skiing/riding AND your minimum vertical guarantee is increased. We guarantee every extra meter you purchase. There are never any extra vertical charges, and if you don’t utilize all of the additional vertical included at the end of your trip, you are credited the difference against your next trip with us. It’s Unlimited Vertical without the risk of over paying!
With our new Snowcat back-up and with ZERO down days, we find that we are skiing more than ever. The age old vertical guarantees that we have all used for years just aren’t sufficient for many people. With 7 full days of skiing we now easily average 140,000 vertical feet in a week. Really fat skis have likely had an impact as well...

Thus, we have developed the Unlimited Vertical Option and it's just that, an option. Stick with the Classic Package base price and the standard vertical or opt for the Unlimited Vertical option without the risk that you pay extra up front and may or may not be able to utilize it.

1. CLASSIC HELI SKIING PACKAGE:
7 Day Package
Dates                 Vertical ft / M     Price    
Jan 13th - Jan 20th, 2012     100,000 ft/ 30,300 m     $8,790.00    
Jan 20th - Jan 27th, 2012     100,000 ft/ 30,300 m     $9,790.00    
Jan 27th – Feb 03rd, 2012     100,000 ft/ 30,300?m     $9,790.00    
Feb 03rd - Feb 10th, 2012     100,000 ft/ 30,300?m     $9,790.00    
Feb 10th - Feb 17th, 2012     100,000 ft/ 30,300?m     $9,790.00    
Mar 02nd - Mar 09th, 2012     100,000 ft/ 30,300?m     $9,790.00    
Mar 09th - Mar 16th, 2012     100,000 ft/ 30,300?m     $9,790.00    
Mar 16th - Mar 23rd 2012     100,000 ft/ 30,300 m     $9,790.00    
Mar 23rd - Mar 30th 2012     100,000 ft/ 30,300 m     $9,790.00    
Mar 30th - Apr 06th, 2012     100,000 ft/ 30,300 m     $8,790.00    

5 Day Package
Dates                 Vertical ft / M     Price    
Dec 30th - Jan 04th, 2012     72,000 ft / 21,800??m     $6,290.00    
Jan 04th - Jan 09th, 2012     72,000 ft / 21,800??m     $6,290.00    
Feb 3rd - Feb 8th, 2012     72,000 ft / 21,800  m     $6,990.00    
Feb 8th - Feb 13th, 2012     72,000 ft / 21,800  m     $6,990.00    
Feb 17th - Feb 22nd, 2012     72,000 ft / 21,800??m     $6,990.00    
Feb 22nd - Feb 27th, 2012     72,000 ft / 21,800??m     $6,990.00    
Mar 16th - Mar 21st, 2012     72,000 ft / 21,800  m     $6,990.00    

4 Day Package
Dates                 Vertical ft / M     Price    
Jan 09th - Jan 13th, 2012     57,500 ft / 17,425??m     $4,890.00    
Jan 16th - Jan 20th, 2012     57,500 ft / 17,425  m     $5,690.00    
Jan 23rd - Jan 27th, 2012     57,500 ft / 17,425??m     $5,690.00    
Jan 30th - Feb 03rd, 2012     57,500 ft / 17,425??m     $5,690.00    
Feb 06th - Feb 10th, 2012     57,500 ft / 17,425??m     $5,690.00    
Feb 13th - Feb 17th, 2012     57,500 ft / 17,425??m     $5,690.00    
Feb 27th - Mar 02nd, 2012     57,500 ft / 17,425??m     $5,690.00    
Mar 05th - Mar 09th, 2012     57,500 ft / 17,425??m     $5,690.00    
Mar 12th - Mar 16th, 2012     57,500 ft / 17,425??m     $5,690.00    
Mar 19th - Mar 23rd, 2012     57,500 ft / 17,425  m     $5,690.00    
Mar 26th - Mar 30th, 2012     57,500 ft / 17,425??m     $5,690.00    
Apr 02nd - Apr 06th, 2012     57,500 ft / 17,425??m     $4,890.00    

3 Day Package
Dates                 Vertical ft / M     Price    
Jan 13th - Jan 16th, 2012     43,000 ft / 13,000  m     $4,390.00    
Jan 16th - Jan 20th, 2012     43,000 ft / 13,000  m     $4,390.00    
Jan 27th - Jan 30th, 2012     43,000 ft / 13,000??m     $4,390.00    
Feb 03rd - Feb 06th, 2012     43,000 ft / 13,000??m     $4,390.00    
Feb 10th - Feb 13th, 2012     43,000 ft / 13,000??m     $4,390.00    
Mar 02nd - Mar 05th, 2012     43,000 ft / 13,000??m     $4,390.00    
Mar 09th - Mar 12th, 2012     43,000 ft / 13,000??m     $4,390.00    
Mar 16th - Mar 19th, 2012     43,000 ft / 13,000  m     $4,390.00    
Mar 23rd - Mar 26th, 2012     43,000 ft / 13,000  m     $4,390.00    
Mar 30th - Apr 02nd, 2012     43,000 ft / 13,000??m     $3,690.00    
Apr 06th - Apr 09th, 2012     43,000 ft / 13,000??m     $3,690.00    


2. YELLOW CEDAR LODGE PRIVATE HELI SKIING PACKAGE:
7 Day Package
Dates         Minimum Flight Time Guarantee     4 People (CAD)* 5 People (CAD)*    
Jan 13th - Jan 20th, 2012     8 hours     $55,990.00     $65,990.00    
Jan 20th - Jan 27th, 2012     8 hours     $59,990.00     $69,990.00    
Jan 27th – Feb 03rd, 2012     8 hours     $59,990.00     $69,990.00    
Feb 03rd - Feb 10th, 2012     8 hours     $59,990.00     $69,990.00    
Feb 10th - Feb 17th, 2012     8 hours     $59,990.00     $69,990.00    
Mar 02nd - Mar 09th, 2012     8 hours     $59,990.00     $69,990.00    
Mar 09th - Mar 16th, 2012     8 hours     $59,990.00     $69,990.00    
Mar 16th - Mar 23rd, 2012     8 hours     $59,990.00     $69,990.00    
Mar 23rd - Mar 30th, 2012     8 hours     $59,990.00     $69,990.00    
Mar 30th - Apr 06th, 2012     8 hours     $55,990.00     $65,990.00    

5 Day Package
Dates         Minimum Flight Time Guarantee     4 People (CAD)* 5 People (CAD)*
Dec 30th - Jan 04th, 2012     5.7 hours     $39,990.00     $46,990.00    
Jan 04th - Jan 09th, 2012     5.7 hours     $39,990.00     $46,990.00    
Feb 08th - Feb 13th, 2012     5.7 hours     $42,990.00     $46,990.00    
Feb 17th - Feb 22nd, 2012     5.7 hours     $42,990.00     $46,990.00    
Feb 17th - Feb 22nd, 2012     5.7 hours     $42,990.00     $49,990.00    
Feb 22nd - Feb 27th, 2012     5.7 hours     $42,990.00     $49,990.00    
Mar 16th - Mar 21st, 2012     5.7 hours     $42,990.00     $49,990.00    

4 Day Package
Dates         Minimum Flight Time Guarantee     4 People (CAD)* 5 People (CAD)*    
Jan 09th - Jan 13th, 2012     4.5 hours     $31,990.00     $37,990.00    
Jan 16th - Jan 20th, 2012     4.5 hours     $34,990.00     $39,990.00    
Jan 23rd - Jan 27th, 2012     4.5 hours     $34,990.00     $39,990.00    
Jan 30th - Feb 03rd, 2012     4.5 hours     $34,990.00     $39,990.00    
Feb 06th - Feb 10th, 2012     4.5 hours     $34,990.00     $39,990.00    
Feb 13th - Feb 17th, 2012     4.5 hours     $34,990.00     $39,990.00    
Feb 27th - Mar 02nd, 2012     4.5 hours     $34,990.00     $39,990.00    
Mar 05th - Mar 09th, 2012     4.5 hours     $34,990.00     $39,990.00    
Mar 12th - Mar16th, 2012     4.5 hours     $34,990.00     $39,990.00    
Mar 26th - Mar 30th, 2012     4.5 hours     $34,990.00     $39,990.00    
Apr 02nd - Apr 06th, 2012     4.5 hours     $31,990.00     $37,990.00    

3 Day Package
Dates         Minimum Flight Time Guarantee     4 People (CAD)* 5 People (CAD)*    
Jan13th - Jan 16th, 2012     3.4 hours     $23,990.00     $28,990.00    
Jan20th - Jan 23rd, 2012     3.4 hours     $25,990.00     $29,990.00    
Jan 27th - Jan 30th, 2012     3.4 hours     $25,990.00     $29,990.00    
Feb 03rd - Feb 06th, 2012     3.4 hours     $25,990.00     $29,990.00    
Feb 10th - Feb 13th, 2012     3.4 hours     $25,990.00     $29,990.00    
Mar 02nd - Mar 05th, 2012     3.4 hours     $25,990.00     $29,990.00    
Mar 09th - Mar 12th, 2012     3.4 hours     $25,990.00     $29,990.00    
Mar 16th - Mar 19th, 2012     3.4 hours     $25,990.00     $29,990.00    
Mar 23rd - Mar 26th, 2012     3.4 hours     $25,990.00     $29,990.00    
Mar 30th - Apr 02nd, 2012     3.4 hours     $23,990.00     $28,500.00    
Apr 06th - Apr 09th, 2012     3.4 hours     $23,990.00     $28,500.00
    

3. EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE PACKAGE
Exclusive Private                                
                  7 Days        5 Days Flexible Start Date    
Dates               2012 Price (CAD)*     2012 Price (CAD)*    
Dec 30th - Jan06th, 2012     $70,990     $50,990    
Jan 06th - Jan 13th 2012     $70,990     $50,990    
Jan 13th - Jan 20th, 2012     $70,990     $50,990    
Jan 20th - Jan 27th, 2012     $74,990     $53,990    
Jan 27th - Feb 03rd, 2012     $74,990     $53,990    
Feb 03rd - Feb 10th, 2012     $74,990     $53,990    
Feb 10th - Feb 17th, 2012     $74,990     $53,990    
Feb 17th - Feb 24th, 2012     $74,990     $53,990    
Feb 24th - Mar 02nd, 2012     $74,990     $53,990    
Mar 02nd - Mar 09th, 2012     $74,990     $53,990    
Mar 09th - Mar 16th, 2012     $74,990     $53,990    
Mar 16th - Mar 23rd, 2012     $74,990     $53,990    
Mar 23rd - Mar 30th, 2012     $74,990     $53,990    
Mar 30th - Apr 06th, 2012     $70,990     $50,990    

Semi Private Package                                   
                  7 Days        5 Days Flexible Start Date    
Dates               2012 Price (CAD)*     2012 Price (CAD)*    
Dec 30th - Jan 06th, 2012     $120,990     $86,990    
Jan 06th - Jan 13th 2012     $120,990     $86,990    
Jan 13th - Jan 20th, 2012     $120,990     $86,990    
Jan 20th - Jan 27th, 2012     $127,990     $91,990    
Jan 27th - Feb 03rd, 2012     $127,990     $91,990    
Feb 03rd - Feb 10th, 2012     $127,990     $91,990    
Feb 10th - Feb 17th, 2012     $127,990     $91,990    
Feb 17th - Feb 24th, 2012     $127,990     $91,990    
Feb 24th - Mar 02nd, 2012     $127,990     $91,990    
Mar 02nd - Mar 09th, 2012     $127,990     $91,990    
Mar 09th - Mar 16th, 2012     $127,990     $91,990    
Mar 16th - Mar 23rd, 2012     $127,990     $91,990    
Mar 23rd - Mar 30th, 2012     $127,990     $91,990    
Mar 30th - Apr 06th, 2012     $120,990     $86,990    

Single Room Accommodation at Yellow Cedar Lodge

• Single rooms are an additional $120.00 per night and are subject to availability. For those not skiing, accommodation only packages are available at $250.00 per night (based on double occupancy).

4.  UNLIMITED VERTICAL OPTION

7-day pkg – add $1,980, increases vertical guarantee to 145,000 vertical feet (44,000m)

5-day pkg – add $1,400, increases vertical guarantee to 104,000 vertical feet (31,500m)

4-day pkg – add $1,125, increases vertical guarantee to 83,000 vertical feet (25,150m)

3-day pkg – add $835, increases vertical guarantee to 62,000 vertical feet (18,880m)

1. CLASSIC HELI SKIING PACKAGE

This is a Classic Heliskiing package. We offer 3, 4, 5 and 7 day options and each also has an Unlimited Vertical Option. Guests stay at Yellow Cedar Lodge, double occupancy with an option for a single room.

Inclusions:
• Choose from 3,4,5 or 7  full heliski days
• Snowcat back-up; ski every day guaranteed
• Transfers to and from Yellow Cedar Lodge
• Accommodation (double occupancy with en-suite bathrooms)
• Use of all lodge amenities
• All meals and non-alcoholic beverages
• Heliski Guide services
• Use of Barryvox avalanche transceiver
• Use of Snow Pulse Airbag
• Powder Skis and Poles
• All other Safety Equipment


2. YELLOW CEDAR LODGE PRIVATE HELI SKIING PACKAGE

This is a value priced Private package. You have Unlimited Vertical (new for 2013), 2 guides and a Private Helicopter. The package gains it’s value and is less expensive than many other Private pkgs as it shares accommodations with the Classic Guests at Yellow Cedar Lodge. However you do get a single room.

Inclusions:
• Guaranteed flight time
• Snowcat back-up; ski every day guaranteed
• Transfers to and from Yellow Cedar Lodge
• Private Helicopter
• Two Private Guides per group
• Private Chalet at Yellow Cedar Lodge
• Powder Skis and Poles
• Use of Barryvox Avalanche Transceiver
• Use of Snow Pulse Airbag
• All other Safety Equipment
• Meet and Greet at Terrace Airport

Flight Time Guaranteed - Packages Include:
                          Flight Time Guaranteed      Extra Flight Time / Refund
• 7 – Day Packages                 8 hours              $295 per 0.1 hour
• 5 – Day Packages                 5.7 hours            $295 per 0.1 hour 
• 4 – Day Packages                 4.5 hours            $295 per 0.1 hour 
• 3 – Day Packages                 3.4 hours            $295 per 0.1 hour

Extra Flight Time/Refund
Guaranteed Snowcat back-up is included in the package. Extra flight time is charged at $295 per 0.1 hr if your group chooses to exceed the guaranteed flight time included in your package. If do to poor weather or mechanical breakdown only, you are unable to utilize the guaranteed flight time, Northern Escape Heli-Skiing will refund $295 per 0.1 hr of unused flight time.


3. EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE & SEMI PRIVATE PACKAGE:

This is a high end Private with all the bells and Whistles. Private Heli with 2 guides, Private Chef, Concierge and Massage Therapist. This pkg includes unlimited vertical as well. For this pkg, you can choose a group of up to 4 (Private) or a group of up to 10 (Semi Private). The Private group of up to 4 guests stay at our Treston Lake Lodge which is an exclusive waterfront Chalet located in the heart of our best skiing. The Semi Private for up to 10 guests enjoy exclusive use of our Yellow Cedar Lodge or occasionally Minette Bay Lodge. Both the Exclusive Private and the Exclusive Semi Private enjoy exclusive use of their chosen lodge, helicopter and 2 guides per group as well as the private Chef, Concierge and Massage Therapist.

Inclusions:
• Unlimited Heli Skiing
• Snowcat back-up; ski every day guaranteed
• Transfers to and from your Private Waterfront Chalet
• Private Helicopter
• Two Private Heli Ski Guides per group
• Private Pilot, Chef, Concierge, and Massage Therapist
• Custom Designed Menu, Wine list and Bar Menu
• Single Room Accommodations for four people at Treston Lake Lodge or eight people at Minette Bay Lodge
• One night Vancouver Hotel on return - Choose either the Fairmont Airport or Waterfront Hotel – Single occupancy
• Powder Skis and Poles
• Use of Barryvox avalanche transceiver
• Use of Snow Pulse Airbag
• All other Safety Equipment
• Meet and Greet at the Terrace Airport

Private Heli Skiing Package Flight Time

• Group of 4 guests. Guaranteed snowcat back-up is included in this package. Your Private Heli Skiing Package includes unlimited skiing. 7-day packages guarantee 7 hours and 5-day packages guarantee 5 hours of flight time.

Semi-Private Heli Skiing Package Flight Time

• Group of 10 guests. Guaranteed snowcat back-up is included in this package. Your Semi-Private Heli Skiing Package includes unlimited skiing. 7-day packages guarantee 12 hours and 5-day packages guarantee 8.5 hours of flight time.

The exclusive private packages both include a private chef and tailor-made menu, so nearly anything you might desire can be arranged and cooked freshly! Prior to your arrival you will design the menu with the chef and choose the right wines and other beverages to complete the perfect culinary experience!

At Northern Escape we strive to provide a unique experience to our guests that is far beyond their expectations.  We operate with a firm objective to greet our guests by name year after year, and for our guests to return to a familiar sense of friendship, comfort and fun.  To accomplish this, we maintain small cohesive groups and recruit staff who are passionate about the outdoors and about people.

Our team members are a talented and dedicated group of outdoor enthusiasts who share a fervor for the industry in which we work.  We are avid skiers and snowboarders who believe in sharing the excitement that we generate day-in and day-out throughout our season.  We work together, investing ourselves into the adventure that is Northern Escape.

OUR TEAM

Management

John Forrest: The Man with all the Titles - General Manager / President / Director / ACMG Ski Guide

As a young skier and climber, John always dreamed of becoming a heli-ski guide. After guiding for more than 20 years, most of which have been in the mechanized ski industry, John’s entrepreneurial spirit has distinguished him as a founder of a number of successful companies.  John's first venture was a Snowcat-Skiing company founded in the early 90's in the Kootenay Mountains of BC. He later went on to become the Director of Operations for a new Heli-Skiing company where he spent 10 years developing it's operations program. During this time he co-founded a second Heli-Skiing company in the Skeena Mountains of BC. In order to round out his industry experience, John has also worked with many of the other largest Heli-Skiing companies as a Lead Guide. John is also the current President of HeliCat Canada, our industry association.

John has now co-founded, together with Ted, Benny and Dave, a new Heli-Skiing company based on all the best traits that he has seen over the years. "We wanted to create a company that went back to the roots of Heli-Skiing. A company that was small enough to cater to its clients needs and desires.  Where each guest has a name and we ski in small intimate groups from a location where international access is easy, and yet has the feeling of remoteness.  "The way Heli-Skiing and Boarding were meant to be!

Benny Abruzzo: Director

As a New Mexico native, and having spent his entire life involved in skiing, Benny brings a unique perspective to our operation. Learning to ski at age three, managing his first ski area at twenty-two, and spending the last twenty- five years developing and operating two ski areas in the desert southwest, Ski Santa Fe and Sandia Peak, has left little time for things outside the world of skiing.

Like most truly impassioned skiers, Benny has spent his free time Heli-skiing throughout British Columbia with his two sons, Benjamin and Dane, searching for that perfect place. After skiing with many of BC’s finest Heli operations, fate would bring Benny and John together at a ski-guides course with John as the seasoned instructor and Benny as the aspiring student. Cocktails, conversation and the shared dream of developing a truly unique Heli-skiing operation resulted in a trip to Terrace and the rest is history.  Chance would strike again as a beautiful lake front property in the heart of our finest skiing area came onto the market. Benny and his wife Sandra purchased the Treston Lake property; with Sandra’s artistic touch and Benny’s passion for building , together they have developed a truly unique sanctuary for the ultimate Heli-skiing experience.

“Sandra and I hope that our passion for this wonderful place we call Treston Lake Lodge will become one of those unique places in the world you hold dear to your heart”.  One visit to their home on Treston Lake and you will keep coming back for as long as your ski legs will support you.

Teddy Allsopp: Director

Born and raised skiing the back bowls of Rabbit Hill and Snow Valley in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Ted developed his passion for the slopes at a young age.  "I strapped on my first pair of boards at three but really didn't take it seriously until I turned 5."

Ted's summers are savoured on the waters at Alberta's Seba Beach and Mabel Lake in BC's interior. Winters are time to shred and Ted rarely lets a day go by not on the slopes of many top ski destinations including Fernie BC's powder bowls and NEH's epic terrain. During first year university, Ted began his career in the ski industry with launch of Downhill Riders Ski & Travel Co. Years later the company has now evolved into one of North America's largest ski & snowboard adventure tour operators. Ted's personal ski adventures have taken him throughout Canada, the US, Europe, Chile, Argentina and Bolivia. A passion for the slopes, travel and the outdoors is paired with a zest for life shared with his friendships and thriving business interests.

As head of NEH's domestic marketing, Ted can't wait to hear from you on how he can get you in the chopper to experience some of the best skiing & snowboarding on the planet. If you are looking to spend some time with Teddy, suggest a ski trip!

Dave Riddle: Director

Growing up in Jasper Alberta Dave always had a passion for skiing and playing in the mountains. While attending the University of Calgary in 1979 Dave won the now infamous "Mountain Smoker " ski race on Mt. Norquay's Lone Pine. The prize was a week of heli-skiing at CMH's Caribou Lodge! That amazing week led to a break from school and a full time job at the Caribou Lodge for the next winter and summer! Then it was back to finish his commitment at U of C, get a "real job", marry Pixie and raise Claire and Max! In the meantime to satisfy Dave's passion and drive he started racing cars in 2001 and developed C-MAX RACING. He competed in the Grand Am Sports Car Series from 2003 – 2009 earning 3 podiums and 8 top 10 finishes.

Dave has been coming to NEH from the first year. "The first time I came here I couldn't believe it! The terrain is absolutely mind blowing. The skiing is incredible, the staff are awesome and it's super easy to get here. I could return a thousand times and still not get over the experience"! I'm extremely excited to be a part of the passion that John, Ted, Benny, the guides, the pilots and all the staff share in NEH. It only takes one visit to understand why NEH is the ultimate heli skiing/boarding experience, the way it should be! Most of all I look forward to skiing with all of the great friends I have met over the last six years and all of the great new friends I am still to meet"!!!!

Guides

Your Safety is your Guide's first priority. Each of our guides is a member of either the ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides) or the IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations) as well as the CAA (Canadian Avalanche Association) and have advanced wilderness medical training.

The ACMG is dedicated to protecting the public interest in mountain travel, and is the only internationally recognized professional association of trained and certified mountain guides and instructors in Canada. The ACMG sets and maintains standards for admission to, and practice of, the mountain guiding profession. For more information on the ACMG go to http://www.acmg.ca.

Clair Israelson: Operations Manager/ACMG Mountain Guide

Clair Israelson Clair’s career in the mountains started in the 1970’s when he was hired by Canada’s National Parks Service because of his passion for climbing and skiing.  Assigned to the avalanche control and mountain rescue programs, his twenty six years with National Parks turned into a love affair with the mountains. In 1981 he received his mountain guide certification and began guiding heli-skiing, ski touring, mountaineering and high altitude expeditions on his time off from National Parks. Through the 1980’s and 90’s Clair was also active as an instructor and examiner for the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and the Canadian Avalanche Association.  Clair left National Parks in 1996 to work as a mountain safety consultant in Canada and the USA. In 2000 he took the position of Executive Director for the Canadian Avalanche Association, where he worked until the spring of 2009.  Clair’s one condition for taking that job? Time off to guide heli-skiing each winter!


Clair says “Guiding heli-skiing is more than my passion, its oxygen for my life. The past thirty five years working in the mountains has been an incredible adventure, and guiding here at Northern Escape is the best job of all, exploring these fantastic wild mountains with interesting people from all over the world! Let’s have some fun together!” When not heli-skiing Clair spends his time – you guessed it – having fun in the mountains with his wife Barbara, their dog Willi, and friends.

John Forrest: ACMG Ski Guide

When John is wearing his "Guide's Hat", which he dons nearly every morning, it's his opportunity to get back to his roots and what he really loves - Heliskiing in wild new places with great people from all over the globe.  John's passion for the mountains began in the late 70's when he was in his early teens and spending his summers at a mountain camp in Kooteny Plains near the Columbia Icefields. He went on to, at the age of 16, become a climbing instructor for these summer programs. Once free from school, in the mid 80's, John moved to Banff and began his journey through the ACMG Guide's program and his guiding career.  His passion for the mountains has taken him climbing and skiing all over the world. Since starting Northern Escape Heli-Skiing John has now settled in Terrace with his new family, Jody and their little girl Makayla. The best part of my day, says John, is taking off that "Owner/Manager's Hat" in the early morning and putting on my "Toque". That means I'm going skiing!

Greg Yavorsky: ACMG Mountain Guide

Greg has worked in the Heli-ski industry as a guide, lead guide & manager since 1983 and still gets excited about it when the first snows start to fall on the summits in October. He is a UIAGM/IFMGA  Mountain Guide and has worked as an instructor/examiner for the ACMG and filled various positions on their board of directors. He also has Masters degrees from McGill University & the University of British Columbia. He's guided climbing extensively in Austria, Italy, France & Switzerland and ski touring in the Alps & Norway. "When I'm not guiding", Greg says "I like travel and play music with my friends, make b&white photographs with big old film cameras and hang out with my teenage kids."

Hatha Callis: ACMG Ski Guide

Hatha grew up in rural BC and has been on skis from the time that he could walk to keep his parents from having to tow him up and down the unploughed half mile driveway in the winter.  The mountains have been an integral part of his life ever since.  He has spent many years guiding river expeditions in the Arctic and the last five years ski guiding.  He relocated to Terrace in 2005 and has started his own river guiding company, Skeena Valley Expeditions, www.svei.ca, a new and vibrant company in the community. Hatha spends his three minutes of free time a day working on his house and hanging out with hig dog, Coho. Hatha holds an associates degree in Adventure Tourism & Business Management and is actively pursuing a Ph.D. in Ski Shamanism!

Yvan Sabourin: ACMG Assistant Guide

Yvan Gaston Sabourin is a long standing and colorful member of the NEH team. He started his career in the heli-ski industry as a certified chef and worked at remote lodges in the interior mountains. Yvan developed a reputation for descending bold lines on telemarkskis and travelled from Chamonix to Alaska and the Andes skiing extreme descents. He turned in his apron and knives to pursue his guiding career and has enjoyed the opportunity to assist in film production exploring new possibilities with snowboarders and skiers alike. Yvan is passionate in his pursuit to learn more about this northern region and is serious about flyfishing and explores rivers with his partner Michelle. He is a proud father, Tristan Tafel his son is presently member of the Skier Cross Team of Alberta.

Ilya Storm: ACMG Ski Guide

Ilya grew up in Banff, which gave him the opportunity to explore the mountains of Western Canada his entire life. During the winter he divides his time between ski-guiding, avalanche forecasting for the Canadian Avalanche Centre, and teaching avalanche courses with the Canadian Avalanche Association’s Industry Training Program. A self- described snow geek, he holds a Masters Degree from the University of Calgary. His dog Kiska, who appreciates deep powder and face-shots as much as anyone, is always keen to ski-tour with Ilya in his spare time. If it’s not ski-season, you can find Ilya romping in the mountains, paddling rivers, touring in his sea-kayak, cycling through the hills of Vermont, or supporting seabird research on a remote cliff somewhere in Nunavut.

Owen Day: ACMG Assistant Ski Guide

Owen started skiing at an early age on the icy prairie slopes of "The Bump". Since then he has traveled, worked and lived in the mountains in pursuit of powder. After spending several years exploring the Alps, he started to make the annual summer exodus down south to Chile and Argentina. For 6 years he ski guided in the Andes for Powder Quest tours, enjoying the Latino style of mountain culture. Recently he has started to work on wind turbines in Europe and during his time off he can be found climbing somewhere in the Alps.

Air Crew, Skyline Helicopters

Grant Louden established Skyline Helicopters in 1996 with the purchase of his first Bell 212 Helicopter. Grant and his then partner had a broad range of high altitude mountain flying experience, having flown for some 15 years before founding Skyline. The team of pilots will be recognized for its safety by the Helicopter Association International; awarding eight of their pilots with distinction for accident free flying.

The engineers play a great part in this shared success as Skyline enters its 10th year of of accident free operations. The Kelowna based company has experienced substantial growth through attaining contracts in Oil and Gas Exploration, Forest Fire Fighting, The Motion Picture Industry and Heli-Skiing. Skyline is very pleased to be involved with Northern Escape Heli-Skiing on a fulltime basis after their initial exposure to this operation in the 2006 winter.

Besides our guides and air crew, the lodge and office staff and the management welcome you with big smiles and professional and friendly service!

Daniel Baker: Pilot

Daniel’s love of flying is surpassed only by his enthusiasm for life. His seven years of flying have taken him on a vast tour of varied environments from Canada’s Northern Arctic to British Columbia’s Northern and Southern coasts. Adding to his successful flying career, Daniel holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Victoria and has worked as a Safety Consultant for various clients. Living in his long-time home of Victoria with his soon-to-be wife, Daniel has an insatiable appetite for the outdoors. He is an avid surfer always looking for the “perfect ride” and has been skiing and snowboarding since childhood. As such, Daniel relates well to others who also follow their passions. When asked what his favourite part of Heli-Skiing is, Daniel answered: “Seeing people smile from ear to ear.” Daniel is looking forward to the winter ahead, always with safety, professionalism and adventure first and foremost in his mind.

Mark Andreasson: Pilot

Mark has a insatiable passion for all things outdoors and helicopter. He is a self professed geography and weather geek. His 5000 + hours of flying has taken him to the far reaches of China's Gobi desert, and virtually every topographical location in BC. Mark starts looking forward to heli ski season around mid-May and is most happy with a ski basket strapped to his helicopter and snow whipping at his rotor blades. When Mark is not at work, he's spending time at home in Victoria with his wife Jenn and two and a half year old daughter Katie. Other hobbies include snowboarding, mountain biking and homeimprovemnt projects.

Dan Nanninga: Pilot

Daniel's flying career began with a private fixed wing licence more than a decade ago. He than obtained his helicopter pilots licence and has since accumulated more than 5000 hours. His flying has taken him from Churchill Manitoba darting polar bears, to forest fires in the USA, to heliskiing here in Terrace.  When not enjoying the skies Daniel splits his time between helping out on the family farm in Alberta and living the good life in Victoria BC.

Jim Symonds: Engineer

Jim began fixing helicopters 15 yrs ago, but has had a love of aviation long before that; he first obtained his private fixed wing flying license in 1983. Jim had been a valued member of the Skyline engineering team both as a mentor and skilled technician for the past three years. Jim’s commitment to flying is also evident in his position on Skyline’s safety committee. He also enjoys skiing, biking and taking the dog for a walk. Jim and his wife now live in their beautiful home in Kelowna.

Ryan McWhirter: Engineer

This will be Ryan's third season with Northern Escape Heli...definately great food and great skiing. Ryan has been thrilled working for Skyline Helicopters and has enjoying the opportunites he has been given. Ryan has resided in Kelowna for the past three years and has enjoyed the outdoor activities available including: boating, wakeboarding, hiking, ball hockey, hunting and snowboarding. Looking forward to another great season of great snow.

All of our lodges are located within 40 minutes of the Terrace Regional Airport, so you can enjoy a relaxing evening upon your arrival. With Vancouver only two hours by air, the majority of our guests are able to make easy travel arrangements with less than a days travel. Guests may connect from anywhere to Vancouver International Airport and make their connection to Terrace where they will be greeted by our guides for introductions and a short drive to the lodge.

Direct flights from Vancouver to Terrace, B.C. can be arranged with Air Canada. Please arrange to arrive on the evening of the first day of your package. Return flights to Vancouver should be arranged to depart after 18:00 hrs on the last day of your package. Please provide us with your flight details and we will arrange transport to and from the airport.

Our guests generally are able to arrive in Terrace directly from their flights on the arrival date, but most guests require a night’s stay in Vancouver upon their departure. We recommend that our guests stay at either the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel or the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel while in Vancouver on the return home. We would be happy to assist you in making these arrangements.

Fairmont Vancouver Airport; www.fairmont.com/vancouverairport
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel; www.fairmont.com/waterfront

It's Deeper up here!

It's Deeper up here! Our location in the remote Northwest offers the perfect combination of climates for deep dry powder. The moist coastal flow is influenced by our northerly latitudes which cools all that Pacific moisture into our perfect champagne powder. We are renowned for one of the deepest and most reliable snowpacks on earth. Snowcat Back-up
Snowcat Back-up

We already said it's Deeper up here and all that fluffy stuff doesn't fall from blue skies. The Skeena Mountains are renowned for one of the deepest, most reliable snowpacks on the planet and now Northern Escape Heli-Skiing guarantees that you'll ski every day of your package with snowcat back-up. Every package has a reserved seat in one of our snowcats ready and standing by just in case we need it.

Easy Access

Heliskiing Access with Vancouver only two hours away by air, our guests are able to make easy travel arrangements with no more than one extra day of travel time. Our lodges are located within 30 minutes of the Terrace Regional Airport and you can enjoy a relaxing evening upon your arrival. Book your flights directly to Terrace, BC via Vancouver. There are no hassles switching airports and your luggage will be ticketed straight through.

Small cohesive groups

You'll fly in cohesive groups of up to six skiers in our new Koala helicopters.  Each helicopter services a maximum of three groups in order to allow us greater mobility and to increase the terrain selection that is available for us to enjoy. You'll be free to ski/board as little or as much as your group chooses and at your own pace.

One of the largest ski areas in the world

Our Heli-Skiing/Boarding area, one of the largest in the world, is still vastly unexplored.  We offer you exclusive use of our vast and varied terrain, nearly 6000 sq km (2,300 sq miles). To date we have established over 250 runs, with endless opportunities to ski/board first descents every day, along with naming rights of course, for many years to come.

New Koala Helicopters - Fast and Powerful

The Koala Helicopters offer more space, more power and more speed which equals more skiing for our guests.  They are amung the fastest and most powerful machines in the industry and enable us to be able to access the far corners of our vast ski area.

Ski a full day even on the last day of your package

The last day of your skiing/boarding package is a full day. Our packages are a full 3, 4, 5 or 7 days. On the last day of your trip you will return to the lodge at the regular time and have plenty of time to clean up and change prior to checking out. Enjoy a light dinner prior to departing for the airport. No half days here unless you choose to depart earlier.

Heliskiing Safety

Providing you with a safe and enjoyable skiing/boarding vacation is our highest priority. At Northern Escape our guides are members of the ACMG or the IFMGA, the national and international guide’s associations. Our pilots, from Skyline Helicopters, are highly experienced and capable mountain pilots. Our General Manager and one of our Lead Guides, has personally flown with Skyline for over 15 years. Our Koala Helicopters are brand new and state of the art, built in 2006 and 2007. Our guests are equipped with, and trained in the use of, the latest and most advanced avalanche transceivers available; we exclusively use the Barryvox Pulse. Additionally, we also provide each guest the use of the latest in state-of-the-art avalanche safety, a Snowpulse (airbag) backpack. Snowpulse airbags have proven to significantly reduce the chances of being buried if involved in an avalanche. As with our Barryox Pulse transceiver, the SnowPulse backpack will be standard issue and mandatory for all of our guests and staff to wear.

Culinary experience

The word food just doesn’t fit with what is offered at Northern Escape. We have a team of Red Seal Chefs who have created a mouth watering menu that will impress the most sophisticated palate. We offer three to five course meals with an incredible wine list to match each course.

Northern Escape Heli-Skiing offers the best, bar none, Heliskiing package in the world! OK, OK, at least that's what we believe... each person's reality is often different though. The most important part of the package to one person is often the least important to another. Therefore, when choosing your deep powder provider, being able to accurately compare apples to apples is important.

So, here are few things that we would recommend you consider when comparing the plethora of Heliskiing opportunities that are out there.
 
Safety

Safety should always be the first priority to the company you choose. One of the simplest ways of ensuring you are choosing a company that is reputable and operates in as safe a manner as possible is to ask if they are a member of HeliCat Canada, www.helicatcanada.com. HeliCat Canada has exacting standards by which its members must operate and they inspect their members on a regular basis to ensure adherence. There are no regulations on operating standards and procedures for companies that are not members of HeliCat Canada.

Snowcat Back-up

Snowcat Back-upEvery heliski area has down days. If they didn't they also wouldn't have the deep powder you're craving. There is a direct correlation with deeper powder and stormy days. All that fluffy stuff doesn't fall from blue skies. Therefore, having a failsafe snowcat back-up for poor weather days is essential and the only way to ensure that you'll be skiing every day of your vacation. Without it you'll be playing yet another game of "go fish" with the rest of your lodge-bound buddies.

Heliskiing group size

Group size is one of the first choices you'll need to make when deciding on where you'll go. Generally you have the choice of small groups, 4 to 6, or large groups, 9 to 11. Think back to the days of you and your posse of skiers ravaging your local ski hill and you'll immediately get the picture...

Access

Access will likely be the next question you have. Will you spend several extra days of travel and hotel nights getting to and from your destination or will you choose a company that is easy to get to and avoid the extra costs and time (which is more valuable in this day and age)?  Heli skiing

Skiing and Conditions

Skiing days is another good point to look at. Is your package really 7 days of skiing? There has also been a substantial shift in the Heliskiing industry towards the Coast Ranges of BC. These areas often offer significantly deeper and more reliable snowpacks, especially as you move north. With greater snowfalls comes more and deeper powder. The Northern Coast Range is renowned for it.

Terrain

Size of skiing area is an often touted stat which really doesn't matter much if the company's area is of average size. Huge only means that the Private groups are the only groups that get to see the distant areas. Small on the other hand can be disastrous as that is the advantage of a Heli-ski area over a Cat-ski area. A small area offers little opportunity to flee to a new range if the conditions or weather are poor in one spot. Watch carefully the advertised units for the ski area of the company you are considering; 290,000 acres looks big, when compared to 6,000 square km's until you do the conversion and see it as 1,800,000 acres...

Unlimited Vertical

Unlimited Vertical is a very important topic for you to understand. Take the extra premium cost that you pay up front and divide it by $42/1000 vertical feet. That's the extra that you'd have to ski to get your dollar value for what you paid up front. Then look at the refund policy and see if they double ding you with low refund rates or percentages. For example, a package that costs $1800 more, but includes unlimited vertical is really charging you for 42,000 extra vertical feet up front. That's a lot of extra skiing to pay for before you even arrive at the lodge. It's kind of like the Vegas Casinos advertising their "win" rates; you have to know that there are many, many losers that pay for the few winners. Paying for it up front also takes away your ability to decide if you want to ski more.

Private Packages

Private packages offer the ultimate in Heliskiing. Be cautious here as another marketing gimmick is to title your packages as private or semi-private just because you have a small lodge that only accommodates 10 to 12 people. That's not a private when you compare apples to apples. It's not a private unless there's only 1 group in that heli and it's yours!

There are many different levels of real Privates now-a-days though. Generally there is a Private that simply gives you a private helicopter (your own bird just for your group) and guides (be sure you get 2 in a private for safety), but you share the regular amenities of the lodge and staff with the rest of the regular guests and then there is a Exclusive Private where you get your own lodge, staff and heli just for you. The second option is obviously more decadent and more expensive. These packages are sold by group, so it's very important to compare the group size and distill the price down to a per person cost. This is where you'll see what you are really paying.

Additionally, Unlimited Flying time in a Private Group is very different than Unlimited Vertical with a Regular Group. Unlimited Vertical in a Regular Group simply means that you do not pay for any additional vertical, but you are still flying with other groups and a regular program. Unlimited Flying Time in a Private Group means you can ski as much as you can, at you own pace and generally where you want to, given safety of course. It's a big difference and well worth the extra dollars.

Providing you with a safe and enjoyable skiing/boarding vacation is our highest priority.

Your guide is responsible for balancing your desire for exciting and challenging skiing/boarding with the safety and enjoyment of the entire group. They are dedicated professionals and certified members of the ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides), the UIAGM (International Mountain Guides Associations), and/or recognized by Helicat Canada, the British Columbia Heli-Skiing and Snowcat-Skiing Operators Association.

Our pilots, like our guides, possess similarly impressive qualifications. They are leaders in the industry, vastly experienced and capable mountain pilots who are chosen not only for their skills and experience, but also for their friendly and outgoing personalities.

 We have a comprehensive snow, weather and avalanche management system. The guides are continually monitoring and collecting snow and weather information in an effort to assess hazard and choose suitable skiing/boarding terrain for each group. The guide's meet twice daily to evaluate this information, plan the day and share the information obtained during the skiing/boarding day.

Each helicopter is equipped with GPS, a satellite phone, and a VHF radio to maintain contact with the lodge and the guides as well as first aid, oxygen, avalanche rescue and survival equipment.

Northern Escape Heli-Skiing is proud to provide each guest with the use of a state-of-the-art Barryvox Pulse transceiver and the latest in avalanche safety, a Snowpulse (airbag) backpack. The Snowpulse airbags have proven to significantly reduce the chances of being buried if involved in an avalanche. All guests are provided instruction in the use of these devices prior to skiing/boarding. In addition to the equipment carried in our guides' packs, each group will carry additional avalanche rescue equipment and a VHF radio capable of communicating with the guides and pilots. In the case of a medical emergency, Terrace has a fully equipped regional hospital and ambulance service located only 15 minutes by road from our lodge.

Northern Escape Heli Skiing is a member of the British Columbia Helicopter and Snowcat Skiing Operators Association, HeliCat Canada. This association sets strict standards for operating a Helicopter and/or Snowcat Skiing area. Only by skiing/boarding with a member of HeliCat Canada can you be assured of certified ski guides who follow a strict set of operating procedures. In addition, we participate in the Canadian Avalanche Association Professional Members Industry Information Exchange (InfoEx) between backcountry skiing operators and, together with other leading Heli-Skiing/Boarding operators, we sponsor avalanche research projects with the University of Calgary.

Northern Escape Heli-Skiing, with our location in BC's remote Northwest, has long been renowned for providing the deepest, most reliable, snowpack on the planet and, between you and me, all that deep fluffy stuff doesn't fall from blue skies... It Snows up here and it's Deeper up here!

With all that snow comes some inevitability difficult flying conditions. Therefore, NEH is proud to offer snowcat back-up to all of our heliskiing packages. Now, when the snow is falling hard and it's lying deep in the trees, you'll be enjoying some of the finest, deepest, powder skiing/boarding available thanks to our snowcat back up. Ski/board every day of your package – guaranteed!        

Our catskiing area was created out of some of our best tree skiing terrain and encompasses over 6,000 acres, that's nearly the size of Whistler and Blackcomb ski areas combined. It offers everything from steep trees to pillows and open bowls with an average run length of over 2,000 vertical feet.

Should the weather clear enough to fly while we are catskiing, the helicopter will simply pick us up and we'll continue our day of deep powder skiing without interruption. Or, if we're heliskiing and the weather starts to turn for the worse, we will meet the snowcats and again continue our day seamlessly enjoying that deep powder. It's the best combination imaginable - Heliskiing/boarding perfected!

Where is Northern Escape Heli-Skiing located?
Northern Escape Heli-Skiing is lcoated in Northern BC, 10 kilometers west of the town of Terrace. Our lodges  are all within 40 minutes of the Terrace Regional Airport, which is serviced by numerous daily direct flights from Vancouver, BC. We ski in the Skeena Mountain range with our first runs each day only minutes from our lodges. You are generally able to leave home on Friday morning and arrive in our lodge that same day; your flight leaves from Terrace in the early evening on your departure date whic allows you to ski a full day on the last day of your package.

Why choose Northern Escape Heli-Skiing?
It's Deeper up here! Very Easy Access! Reliable Snow Conditions!
New Koala Helicopters with only 6 guests per group and a maximum of 3 groups per helicopter! It is "The Way Heli-Skiing and Boarding Were Meant To Be!"

How are the groups chosen?
We always try to keep groups that are on holiday together, skiing together. We also classify groups based on weight and ability.

Do you mix skiers with snowboarders?
Yes we do, but if we have a full group of compatible snowboarders, we would also try to group them together. Either way, our guides do the best to keep the entire group happy.

Can I bring my snowboard?
Yes. We do not have any rental boards at the lodge. Please ensure that you have any extra binding pieces or parts which may/will come in handy in the event of breakage.

Can I be reached at the lodge?
Messages may be left with our office in the Yellow Cedar Lodge between 07:00 and 19:00 daily:
Phone: 250 615-3184
Fax: 250 615-3181

Can non-skiers come too?
Yes. If you are happy relaxing in a remote mountainous setting, you can enjoy the visit. Non-skiers can be accommodated based on availability.

Are there price discounts for groups?
Yes. Book a group of 12 and receive one free seat or split the discount amongst the group.

When are the best conditions?
Our season begins in December and ends in mid-late April. It is impossible to predict the weather in any mountain range; however, some generalizations can be made. December and January tend to be stormier and snow more often while February is often a transition month between heavy snowfalls and more stable spring weather. In March and April, the snow becomes more stable with a higher likelihood of sunny skies. That said, the weather forecasts in Northwestern BC are notoriously inaccurate and we can have warm and sunny weather in January and stormy, snowy weather in April. The above is simply a generalization and should not be taken as a guarantee.

How much vertical do you ski / board?
We ski/board as much or as little as each group would like. In general however, you can expect to ski 8 to 15 runs a day and most groups will ski on average an additional 30% beyond their included vertical each week.

Are skis included with my Northern Escape Heli-Skiing package?
Powder skis and carbon fibre poles are included in your package. We offer Volkl Gotamas, Kastle MX 108's, Volkl Explosives, Volkl Auras, Fischer Porohetes, Fischer Wateas. We also have several Reverse camber skiis such as the Rossignol S7 and womens Voodoo and 2010 Vokl Gotamas.

How good do I have to be?
You should be a strong intermediate skier capable of confidently skiing a Black Diamond run at your local ski area. Fitness is as important as ability for heli-skiing, make sure you are physically capable of skiing all day in strenuous conditions.

What about visitors with special dietary needs?
Please inform us about any special dietary needs prior to your heli-ski vacation with us. If we do not know ahead of time, we cannot adequately prepare.

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