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Tweedsmuir Lodge Heliskiing: Rod & Ski Club

Heli-Skiing in Canada with Bella Coola Heli Sports

Highlights

  • Fantastic bragging rights, world class skiing and fishing on the same day
  • Helicopter accessed corn snow slopes with up to 3,000 foot descents
  • Fish for 50lbs Spring Salmon while drifting the scenic Atnarko River
  • Luxury accommodation at the Tweedsmuir Park Lodge in Private Chalets
  • Experienced guides, both heliskiing and fishing, will help out every step of the way

Full Description

Ski perfect velvety smooth spring corn-snow in the morning, then switch gear and fish for 15kg (50lbs) plus spring salmon in the afternoon.

Our heli-skiing and heli-boarding terrain is the spectacular Coast Range glaciers and neve of the high Bella Coola mountains. Neve is the term used to describe the smooth surface found on snow slopes in the summer, and is the result of repeated melting and freezing. It is often referred to as “Hero Snow” because of how easy it is to ski and how good it makes you feel to ski it.

Bella Coola and its unparalleled, rugged, and angulated terrain are perfect for spring/summer corn-snow skiing and boarding. The runs are, on average, 3000 vertical feet (900 meters) long and groomed to perfection by nature. Simply put, we will follow the sun around to find the ideal conditions. So don't forget your sunscreen!

In the afternoon, we will be river fishing for the great Chinook Salmon (sometimes also known King Salmon). These mighty fish average in size from 25lbs (12kg) to 35lbs (16kg), but catching Salmon up to 50lbs (23kg) is not unusual. You will also have the opportunity to catch Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Dolly Varden with an average size of 2-4 lbs (1.5kg). The Bella Coola Valley is rightfully famous for its river fishing and compares favorably to internationally known rivers throughout BC and Alaska.

To fish we will be floating the Atnarko River in McKenzie Drift Boats. These boats are stable and offer a comfortable platform from which to cast as well as enjoy the stunning valley scenery. The fishing technique we use is plugging and casting with a plug, bait, and lures. Fly-fishing is possible but more challenging due to river depth, speed, and fish holding. But hey, it is really up to you and your technique. Many Chinook (King) Salmon are taken annually on fly!

All fishing equipment is included in your tour: waders, rods, reels, bait, plugs and lures. However please bring your own fishing equipment if you prefer or if you want to fly fish as we will not be supplying fly fishing gear. Just remember, big rods and reels are needed, fast sinking fly line and 20 + lb (8 kg +) line is recommended.

Preparation of fish for shipping is available locally. This can be by freezing the fish or smoking them. The daily per person quota is four Salmon and only one of those can be over 65 cm in length.

Includes:

  • Flight from Vancouver to Bella Coola return
  • Ground transport in the Bella Coola valley
  • Accommodation (dbl occupancy)
  • **Single occupancy available at $175 extra p/n
  • 3 meals daily plus hors d'oeuvres and snacks
  • Certified heli-ski guides and professional fishing guide
  • River boat fishing
  • Fishing License
  • Fishing equipment
  • All safety equipment
  • Ski equipment

Excludes:

  • Extra Vertical - $46 per 1,000 vertical feet
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Fish processing and shipping costs
  • Gratuities

About The Operator:

Bella Coola Heli Sports

Headquarters:

Whistler, BC, Canada

Our mandate has always been, and still is, to create a product designed by skiers and snowboarders for fellow skiers and snowboarders. We offer you quality skiing and snowboarding in big mountains for small groups with small helicopters combined with a private wilderness Lodge atmosphere. We are not, and never will be, interested in flying large groups in 'tour bus size' helicopters and run 'cruise ship' style lodging with a line up to the buffet table.

On behalf of all our staff we would like to extend a warm welcome to come visit us in Bella Coola and a big thank you to all our returning friends. Please share our Shangri-La and experience true B.C. wilderness adventures. Leave your cell phones and busy life at home. Let us pamper you and show you a holiday experience that you will remember for a lifetime!

Five Reasons to Choose Bella Coola Heli Sports

There's no shortage of reasons why you should come heli skiing or heli boarding in Bella Coola this winter, and there's just as many reasons to choose us. Let's start with five...

1. Less Travel equals more Skiing and Riding

Bella Coola is simply the easiest destination heliskiing operation to travel to in the world. Less travel time of course means more time to ski and less time away from home. Bella Coola is a one hour five minute flight north of Vancouver, BC. The short travel time makes it possible for our clients to ski and ride both on their arrival day and their departure day. This means in a one week stay you have the possibility to ski 6 full days and 2 half days. Talk about maximizing your holiday time. Gear up upon arrival, brush up on some safety training, sit down for lunch, and load the chopper. Does it get any better? We know what you're coming for, why make you wait until tomorrow? Nowhere else can you access this much pristine wilderness and terrain with such ease!

2. Great Snow and Lots of It

The snow is plentiful and reliable. Most years there is a 4-5 metre base in the alpine and total snow fall averages 20 to 30 meters (65 to 100 feet) over the course of the season. In addition, it is usually a stable snowpack and means we can ski more challenging and interesting terrain then at most other heli skiing destinations. Also important, our skiing and snowboarding play ground straddles the Coast Range from the dry eastern side to a wetter western periphery. This is ideal. Our lodges are situated on the dry east side and on snowy days we can stay close to the lodges and ski trees, but then when it’s blue we can fly west into the Big Snow zone as well as into the high alpine.

3. Small and Private Heliski Groups

Small and private heliski groups are integral to our philosophy because it creates a more rewarding and intimate ski experience. Smaller groups make for a more cohesive ski group, with respects to ability level, and means you won’t have to wait for stragglers. Private helicopters ensure there is never any waiting time between runs. In addition, smaller helicopters require less space to land which means more terrain choices, while the private heli format increases flying range and therefore the possibility to fully explore the whole tenure. The result is that our guides and helicopter pilot have greater operational flexibility with which to find you and your group the best snow. In addition to the small private heli format, we also subscribe to intimate and private lodge settings for your accommodation. In all, we offer a choice between three lodges, hosting anywhere from 8 to 15 people maximum. By focusing on small intimate lodging, we are able to better cater to the individual goals and desires of our clients.

4. Huge Terrain

The size of our permit area is unrivaled. It is 2.64 million acres or 10,700 sq/km, which translates to 4,300 sq/miles of mind-blowing ski & snowboard terrain. This is 325 times the size of Whistler Blackcomb. In addition, the mountains and terrain in Bella Coola are unique. They are certainly the most dramatic in British Columbia and include the highest peak in BC. Expect epic 3000-5000 ft descents, even up to 6000ft at their longest. Yes, that's almost twice the height of Vail, top to bottom, and it’s all untracked. Combine these facts with the fact that we host a very limited number of people per week and you have the lowest density skier ratio in the world. The maximum number of people skiing in our permit area at any one time is 33. This means we never have to ask our clients to "farm" the snow and there are always lots of places to go for new tracks.

5. Focus on Safety

We are a member of Helicat Canada. This means we operate according to the most comprehensive safety guidelines in the world as far helicopter skiing safety is concerned. These guidelines were developed over 45 years of operating experience. For more info on our safety program see our heli skiing safety page In addition we are very proactive in furthering safety in all aspects of the skiing and flying experience. For example, this year we have introduced the Snowpulse Floatation backpack for clients to use while skiing.

Policies

Operating Standards

Bella Coola Heli Sports is a member of Heli Cat Canada. In this regard we are regulated by the most comprehensive and exacting heli skiing guidelines in the world. In addition, our safety plan and operating procedures are audited every 4-5 years by an independent risk management evaluator.

The Heli Cat Canada guidelines are the result of over 40 years of experience and development. It is the gold standard of helicopter skiing safety. There is simply no other jurisdiction or heli skiing organization with the experience and scope of Heli Cat Canada. We have taken these standards as a base model and then improved where we could.

"Most risk avoidance, regardless of the environment, boils down to prevention and preparation. By skiing or snowboarding with a member of HeliCat Canada, one is assured that safety is the top priority and that one could not be in more experienced hands.

Given the number of skiers and snowboarders guided on a daily basis in the winter by members of HeliCat Canada, the small number of incidents speaks volumes for the measures taken to keep clients safe."

Source: Heli Cat Canada

Our Guides

All BCHS guides are professionals with a lifelong dedication to their profession and are certified by the ACMG / UIAGM (Canadian and International Association of Mountain Guides) and/or the Canadian Ski Guides Association (CSGA).

Beyond this, the guides are chosen based on their years of experience specifically related to heli skiing, as well as outgoing personalities.

Our head Guide, Paul Berntsen, has over 30 years of working experience evaluating avalanche hazards, 20 years of which were as a heli ski guide. His prime responsibility is for the safety of clients, staff and himself, and he is in over all charge of everything and anything to do with safety. The skills and training he brings to bear on this task include: certification as a full mountain guide, qualification as an avalanche planner as stipulated by Work Safe BC, and extensive training in medical first aid and mountain rescue procedures.

We encourage all our guides to continuously upgrade their professional skills and host a yearly “Guides Training” program at the start of our ski season. While in the field, all guides carry radios and are in constant communication with other guides, the helicopter, the lodge, and radio dispatch.

Most of our guides have families and have as much interest in getting back to them at the end of the day as the rest of us. In short, they are not going to take unnecessary risks. They are out there every day and want to keep skiing for many years to come.

Snow and Weather

We are lucky to be located in British Columbia's Coast Range. We usually enjoy a consistent and temperate climate, which combined with plentiful snowfall, results in a more stable and settled snowpack then what is common in most other places.

This is not to say we take anything for granted when dealing with avalanche hazards. To this end, Bella Coola Heli Sports has installed and maintains several snow study plots, which our guides monitor through out the season. In addition, the guides record daily field observations, and diligently track weather details and snow fall data. This info is shared during the Guide’s twice daily meetings, an avalanche hazard and stability forecast is made, and a ski program is designed to minimize exposure to any potential risks.

Bella Coola Heli Sports is a member of the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA). Membership provides access to daily avalanche hazard and weather information from other operators and agencies involved in avalanche forecasting and control.

Helicopters and Pilots

All our helicopters and pilots are provided by West Coast Helicopters (WCH). We have been working with them for the past 10 years and are extremely happy with their level of service, attention to detail, and their contribution to our over all safety standards in every respect.

From the perspective of Bella Coola Heli Sports, the helicopter pilots are as important as the guides in mitigating the risks of helicopter skiing. After all, pilots are ultimately responsible for all aspects of safety with regards to the operation of the helicopter, and they are the key to conducting an effective and speedy rescue should that ever become necessary.

All the WCH pilots that fly for BCHS have thousands of hours of flying experience, including special training in mountain flying and heli skiing operations. They also participate in the annual guides training program prior to the start of the heli skiing season, including the mock rescue scenario conducted at that time.

Almost all our heli skiing is done with an ASTAR B2. This is one of the best and most versatile machines for heli skiing. The helicopters are serviced daily by certified mechanics inside heated hangars. While flying, the pilots are in constant communication with both the guides and a radio dispatcher at base. In addition, all helis are equipped with emergency locators and are tracked by both satellite and the radio dispatcher every minute of the ski day, meaning we know at all times exactly where the helis are at any given moment.

Infrastructure and Back Up Support

There are many additional safety features we have considered and built into our heli skiing program. For example, West Coast Helicopters and Bella Coola Heli Sports have set up a system of radio repeaters to cover the entire 10,700 sq/km of heli skiing tenure to ensure reliable communications at all times.

Also, even though the heli and guides carry a carefully prescribed list of rescue equipment, we have stashed additional equipment at numerous locations through out our ski area to make it easily and quickly accessible in the case of an emergency.

During most weeks we have two or even three helicopters operating in the valley. This of course offers extra back up, but on those occasions that there is only one helicopter flying, we have a list of all the helis based within a reasonable flying radius and have forwarded them copies of our rescue plan.

Finally, we are very fortunate to have a hospital based in the Bella Coola valley. For the most part, our Tweedsmuir Lodge and Big Mountain clients and staff are never more then a 20 minute flight from professional medical care. Our Pantheon base is a bit further from the hospital, but because of the magic of helicopters, clients and staff are still within a 40 minute flight to medical care.