When is the best time to go heli skiing? It all comes down to personal choice. Conditions vary throughout the winter season, and while we can’t control the weather, we can sure make the most of it.
Mid-December through January sees plenty of snowfall over the Coast and Skeena Mountains. Days are shorter and colder but we can still ski from approximately 09:00 to 16:00. We tend to get deep in the trees. When the skies clear, we’ll head for the alpine. The snowpack might not be as deep as later in the heli ski season, but it offers up some of the best quality snow all year. It tends to be a little quieter around the lodge as many can’t escape their schedules for another break right after Christmas. Prices are lower, so chances are you can score a great deal.
We hit our stride as winter moves into February and March. The snow is deep and effortless and there’s more daylight. We spend more time skiing high-alpine peaks, bowls and glaciers. When the weather turns, we head down into the valley to plunder the trees. Mid-season heli skiing offers the best of both worlds. For that reason it tends to be in greater demand and subsequently more expensive.
In April we spend most of our time in higher elevations to take advantage of the best snow conditions. This is when you can expect classic, alpine glacier skiing and panoramic vistas during long bluebird days. Many skiers have lost their mojo by this time in the season and are already heading for their bikes and golf clubs. At Last Frontier, however, this time of the season is highly underrated. Beware: Don’t be distracted by spring and summer activities too soon. April offers up steeper lines, powder on the north-facing slopes and, if we are lucky, some corn skiing on the other aspects.
| EarlyDec & Jan | MiddleFeb & March | LateApril | |
| Skiing/Riding |  More Trees |
 Mix of Alpine & Trees |
 Mostly Alpine |
| Package Cost | $$ | $$$$ | $$$ |
| Average Snowfall Weekly |
 67 cm |
52 cm |
34 cm |
| Average Vertical Skied Weekly |
33,000 m | 48,000 m | 43,000 m |
| Average Snowbase at 1,000m Elevation |
200 cm | 320 cm | 330 cm |
| Average Daily Low at 1,000m Elevation |
-13.5°C | -9.6°C | -4.9°C |
| Average Daylight |
 7.5 Hours |
11 Hours |
14 Hours |
We offer 7, 5 or 4 day heli ski trips from both locations. Just like any holiday, it’s a simple formula: the longer you stay, the better. You’ll get more skiing, there will be a deeper disconnect from the rest of the world and you’ll engage more in the present. In short, come for as long as you possibly can.
Rates are per person and based on the peak seasonal range. Contact us for specific tour prices.
| Early[Dec & Jan] | Middle[Feb & March] | Late[April] | |
| Bell 2 Lodge | $14 50019 490 | $20 980 | N/A14 700 |
| Ripley Creek | $13 60017 300 | $14 50018 630 | N/A 13 500 |
| Early[Dec & Jan] | Middle[Feb & March] | Late[April] | |
| Bell 2 Lodge | $11 80014 010 | $12 40015 640 | $14 440 |
| Ripley Creek | $10 10012 440 | $11 00013 890 | $10 70012 840 |
| Early[Dec & Jan] | Middle[Feb & March] | Late[April] | |
| Bell 2 Lodge | N/A | $10 40012 710 | N/A |
| Ripley Creek | N/A 8 400 |
$9 30011 310 | N/A |
Average seasonal rates. Contact us for specific tour prices.
Bell 2 Lodge or Ripley Creek — it’s a tough choice. For those who can’t decide, or want to do it all, our Lodge to Lodge Safari tour gives you the full terrain spectrum and dual lodge experience.
Our flagship 7-Day Heli Safari links the high alpine glaciers of the Skeena Mountains with the steep pitches and tall timber of the Coast Mountains. Midweek, you’ll wake up in the heli ski mecca of Bell 2, power through a day of heli lifts and ski descents, and cap it off at the rustic Ripley Creek Inn over 90 kilometers away (and there’s a mirror trip that travels in the other direction).
Go even deeper with our 10-Day Safari that features five days at each lodge with a ground transfer in between.
[Rates Are Per Person]
| Safari Tours | Guaranteed Vertical | Bell 2 Lodge & Ripley Creek [Peak Rates] |
|---|---|---|
| 10 day | 44 000 meters | $23 980 |
| 7 day | 30 500 meters | $20 130 |
Average seasonal rates. Contact us for specific tour prices.
Our most exclusive heli skiing concept gives you the flexibility to call the shots and conquer it all with unlimited vertical and endless terrain. You plan your perfect day with your guides and set the pace with your own helicopter. Our Single Group Private is for 4 guests, or double up your squad with our Two Group Private for up to 8.
| Guaranteed Helicopter Flying Time |
Early[Dec & Jan] | Middle & Late[Feb – April] | |
| 7 Day Bell 2 Lodge | 7 hours | $119 080 | $144 420 |
| 7 Day Ripley Creek | 7 hours | $111 170 | $109 400135 670 |
| 5 Day Bell 2 Lodge | 5 hours | $74 20089 570 | $108 370 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Day Ripley Creek | 5 hours | $83 570 | $99 910 |
| Two Group Private | Guaranteed Helicopter Flying Time |
Early[Dec & Jan] | Middle & Late[Feb – April] |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Day Bell 2 Lodge | 14 hours | $181 710 | $220 530 |
| 7 Day Ripley Creek | 14 hours | $167 280 | $198 560 |
| 5 Day Bell 2 Lodge | 10 hours | $110 300139 660 | $129 600165 720 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Day Ripley Creek | 10 hours | $129 710 | $151 310 |
