Last Frontier Heliskiing - Ripley Creek
Ripley Creek Inn is located right on the border of South East Alaska, in the frontier town of Stewart, British Columbia. The nearest airport is in Terrace, a three to four hour drive away. The first settlers arrived in Stewart in 1896 and the town grew quickly in the early 1900's due to its mineral rich environment. However, towards the end of the 1900's most of the mines had closed and the town is now home to a small but growing tourist industry centred around bear watching, fishing...and one of the most exciting heli ski operations around.
Why Heli Ski Here?
- Pay for the heli skiing not the fancy extras. Excelent value for money.
- Some of the most varied heli skiing terrain found in Canada.
- Long runs and some steep terrain.
- A good choice for strong skiers and riders.
- 'Quirky' frontier town feel on the border with Alaska.
- Stable, maritime snowpack means steeper terrain can be skied safely.
- Excellent late season heli skiing.
The Heliskiing
Only three groups of five guests fly in a Bell 407 or A-Star B2 helicopter accessing some of the most exciting heli ski terrain in Canada. With a classic maritime snowpack, avalanche risk is generally less of limiting factor here compared to the Rockies and interior ranges of British Columbia. If you are looking to ski some steeper terrain, Ripley Creek is a good late-season choice, and with some exceptional tree runs, there are plenty of good options on poor visibility days.
Heli skiing at Ripley Creek is for those who are looking for a 'no frills' approach to heli skiing - those who focus on the quality of what is on the mountain, rather than the fancy extras. The runs here are long - longer on average than those found at other destinations in Canada - and steeper.
Lodging
All heli ski guests stay 'down town' at The Ripley Creek Inn and dine at the Bitter Creek Cafe just across the street. The rooms are simple, clean and comfortable with en-suite bathrooms, queen sized beds, telephones and TV's. There is also a Jacuzzi and massage therapist to ease those aching muscles after a long day heli skiing.
Helicopters & Safety
Just three groups of five fly in a Bell 407 or A-Star B2 helicopter. The helicopters are immaculately maintained by a team of on-site mechanics; and are flown by highly experienced mountain pilots.
Safety standards at Last Frontier Heliskiing are exemplary. Without exception, all heli ski guides are seasoned professionals who have passed a series of comprehensive exams to qualify them as members of the A.C.M.G and the U.I.A.G.M., the recognised Canadian and International Mountain Guide Associations. They continuously monitor the weather and snow stability in an effort to balance maximum safety with maximum enjoyment.
Last Frontier Heliskiing is also a member of "HELICAT Canada", which sets strict safety standards for heli ski operations in Canada.
Booking Enquiry
Please indicate the heli skiing destination you are most interested in and your preferred dates and we will respond as soon as possible.
Please note that if you are wishing to go heli skiing mid-season then you should let us know as early as possible to secure these popular periods.
Lodge to Lodge Heliski Safari
High-class adventure in the great white north.
Two world-class heli skiing locations are joined by air and skis. Starting at Last Frontier Heliskiing's base at Bell 2 Lodge and finishing on the border with south east Alaska, this is an adventurous tour aimed at those who want to see some BIG country.
A total of seven days are split between Bell 2 Lodge's legendary terrain in the Skeena Mountains and the epic tree runs and glaciers of the Coast Mountains surrounding Last Frontier's Ripley Creek base in Stewart.
In order to maximise your time and maintain the highest levels of flexibility and efficiency, there will never be more than two groups sharing a helicopter and five skiers or riders per group.
2012 Heli Ski Rates
| 7 Day Friday to Friday |
Twin |
|---|---|
| Feb 10 - Feb 17 | $9,890 |
| Mar 02 - Mar 09 | $9,890 |
| Mar 16 - Mar23 | $9,890 |
| Mar 30 - Apr 06 | $9,320 |
- Rates are in Canadian dollars and subject to 6% HST for non-Canadian citizens.
- For single occupancy, add $130 per night for Bell 2 Lodge and $55 per night for Ripley Creek Inn.
- Departure from your home country is on the day before your heli ski package starts.
Included
- Four nights at Bell 2 Lodge and three nights at Ripley Creek Inn.
OR - Four nights at Ripley Creek Inn and three nights at Bell 2 Lodge.
- Just two groups of five guests per helicopter.
- 30,500 vertical metres (100,000 feet) of guaranteed heli skiing.
- All meals while at the two lodges.
- Guide service.
- Use of powder skis & all lodge facilities.
- Return airport ground transfers to Bell 2 Lodge / Ripley Creek Inn.
- Use of safety equipment including: avalanche transceiver and avalanche airbag.
Not Included
- Anything not mentioned above.
- International Flights.
- Return flight from Vancouver to Smithers/Terrace (approximately: CA $550 - CA $790. (Please consult us).
- Hotel accommodation pre and post heliskiing (please consult us).
- Heli skiing in excess of the guaranteed vertical (charged at CA $127 per 1,000 vertical metres).
- Insurance. This MUST cover you specifically for heli skiing. Please ask us for advice if you are unsure of your options or consider our customised heliski insurance.
- Drinks.
- Massage.
Coastal Classic
No messing around, no pretence or crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, just a raw heliski experience that will leave you grinning from ear to ear and yearning for more.
In order to maximise your time and maintain the highest levels of flexibility and efficiency, there will never be more than three groups sharing a helicopter and five skiers or riders per group.
2012 Heliski Rates
| 7 Days Friday to Friday Metres |
Double | 5 Days Sun to Fri OR Tues to Sun Metres |
Double | 4 Days Friday to Tuesday Metres |
Double |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 20 - Jan 27 | $8,440 | Jan 24 - Jan 29 | $6,210 | Jan 20 - Jan 24 | $5,000 |
| Jan 27 - Feb 03 | $8,810 | Jan 29 - Feb 03 | $6,480 | - | - |
| Feb 03 - Feb 10 | $8,810 | Feb 07 - Feb 12 | $6,480 | Feb 03 - Feb 07 | $5,210 |
| Feb 10 - Feb 17 | $8,810 | Feb 12 - Feb 17 | $6,480 | - | - |
| Feb 17 - Feb 24 | $8,810 | Feb 21 - Feb 26 | $6,480 | Feb 17 - Feb 21 | $5,210 |
| Feb 24 - Mar 02 | $8,810 | Feb 26 - Mar 02 | $6,480 | - | - |
| Mar 02 - Mar 09 | $8,810 | Mar 06 - Mar 11 | $6,480 | Mar 02 - Mar 06 | $5,210 |
| Mar 09 - Mar 16 | $8,810 | Mar 11 - Mar 16 | $6,480 | - | - |
| Mar 16 - Mar 23 | $8,810 | Mar 20 - Mar 25 | $6,480 | Mar 16 - Mar 20 | $4,800 |
| Mar 23 - Mar 30 | $8,810 | Mar 25 - Mar 30 | $6,480 | - | - |
| Mar 30 - Apr 06 | $8,120 | Apr 03 - Apr 08 | $5,990 | Mar 30 - Apr 03 | $4,800 |
| Apr 06 - Apr 13 | $8,120 | Apr 08 - Apr 13 | $5,990 | - | - |
- Rates are in Canadian dollars and subject to 6% HST for non-Canadian citizens.
- For single occupancy, add $55 per night.
- Departure from your home country is on the day before your heli ski package starts.
Included
- Return ground transfer from Terrace to Ripley Creek Inn.
- Seven, five or four nights accommodation at Ripley Creek Inn.
- All meals.
- Seven, five or four possible days of heliskiing including 30,500, 22,000 or 17,500 vertical metres.
- Guide service.
- Use of powder skis.
- Use of safety equipment including: avalanche transceiver and avalanche airbag.
Not Included
- Anything not mentioned above.
- International Flights.
- Return flight from Vancouver to Terrace (approximately: CA $550 - CA $790. Please consult us).
- Hotel accommodation pre and post heliskiing (please consult us).
- Skiing in excess of the guaranteed vertical (charged at CA $127 per 1,000 vertical metres).
- Insurance. This MUST cover you specifically for heli skiing. Please ask us for advice if you are unsure of your options or consider our customised heliski insurance.
- Drinks.
- Massage.
Typical Itinerary
| Thursday | International flight to Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver OR take a scheduled flight to Smithers (2 hours) and overnight there. |
|---|---|
| Friday | If not already in Terrace, fly from Vancouver and transfer by road to Ripley Creek Inn (3.5 hours). |
| Saturday - Thursday | Six full days heli skiing. |
| Friday | Either heliski a full 7th day and spend the night in Terrace or heliski half a day and stay in Vancouver. |
| Saturday | If not already in Vancouver, fly from Terrace and onward to your home country. |
Ripin' at Ripley
Pushing the boundaries
Designed for small groups of expert skiers who want to push the limits and ski or ride hard.
Utilising the super-versatile Bell 407 helicopter with only two groups of five skiers or riders, gives you the ultimate in freedom and flexibility to explore the vast and imposing wilderness of BC's Coast Mountains.
*You will be required to provide a short skiing resume before confirmation of your booking is made.
2012 Heliski Rates
| 7 Day Friday to Friday |
Twin |
|---|---|
| Feb 17 - Feb 24 | $9,690 |
| Mar 09 - Mar 16 | $9,690 |
- Rates are in Canadian dollars and subject to 6% HST for non-Canadian citizens.
- For single occupancy, add $55 per night.
- Departure from your home country is on the day before your heli ski package starts.
Ripley Creek Gold Private
With one helicopter for the exclusive use of your group you will have the luxury of 100% freedom and flexibility to ski or snowboard entirely at your own pace and explore deep into the vast wilderness of northern British Columbia.
The Gold Private Packages are particularly suited to those who want to push the boundaries and also for those who are less confident in their ability.
2012 Gold Private Rates
| 7 Days Friday to Friday |
5 Days Sun to Sun or Tues to Sun |
|
|---|---|---|
| Price per group of four: |
CAD $71,920
12 hrs flying time included 7 hrs flying time guaranteed |
CAD $53,240
9 hrs flying time included 5 hrs flying time guaranteed |
| Two groups of up to ten in total. |
CAD $135,190
24 hrs flying time included 14 hrs flying time guaranteed
|
CAD $99,560
17 hrs flying time included 9 hrs flying time guaranteed |
- Rates are in Canadian dollars and subject to 6% HST for non-Canadian citizens.
- For single occupancy, add $55 per night.
- Departure from your home country is on the day before your heli ski package starts.
- Additional hours of flying time are charged at $3,050 per hour or $305 per 6 minutes per helicopter load.
Included
- Meet and Greet at Vancouver airport.
- Limousine transfers in Vancouver between the airport and your hotel.
- Return ground transfer from Terrace to Ripley Creek Inn. Helicopter transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.
- Seven nights accommodation at Ripley Creek Inn in a twin or double room.
- All meals while at the lodge.
- Exclusive use of a private helicopter.
- Two guides.
- Five or seven days of heli skiing.
- Use of powder skis & all lodge facilities.
- Use of safety equipment including: avalanche transceiver and avalanche airbag.
Not Included:
- Anything not mentioned above.
- International flights.
- Return flight from Vancouver to Smithers (approximately: CAD $790. Please consult us).
- Hotel accommodation pre and post heliskiing (please consult us).
- Flying time in excess of what is included.
- Insurance. This MUST cover you specifically for heli skiing. Please ask us for advice if you are unsure of your options or consider our customised heliski insurance.
- Drinks.
- Massage.
Prices and Packages
Ripley Creek is an incredible remote heli skiing experience. Having traveled the world, I would say that Ripley is one of the great adventure skiing experiences out there. The runs are huge and the sense of solitude is unrivalled. The town of Stewart and nearby Hyder are classic northern towns that are like no place you have ever seen.
Todd Jones, Film Maker - Teton Gravity Research.