Love for nature and adventure is at the core of why a group of friends and outdoor enthusiasts decided to open Northern Escape Heli-Skiing 20 years ago. Preserving treasured pockets of nature while mitigating our environmental impact is among our top priorities.
Today, we are proud to announce that we have become one of the select few carbon-neutral certified heli-skiing operators in the world. We have partnered with Synergy Enterprises and Offsetters, Canada’s leading carbon-management agency, to help address the global issue of climate change. We took a deep, hard look at our operations to see how we can bring our environmental impact to a minimum and take action on climate change. Our long-term plan focuses on energy efficiency, with the help of renewable energy sources, and the reduction of carbon emissions through the limiting use of fossil fuels. We want to see this planet flourish and keep connecting our guests to pristine wilderness and deep powder skiing.
Leading the Charge in Sustainable Adventure
At Northern Escape Heli-Skiing, we’re redefining sustainability in the rugged wilderness of the Skeena Mountains. Our latest initiative is a game-changer: a three-year capital investment in a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for our off-grid Mountain Lodge. By implementing this innovative solution, we’ll reduce our diesel fuel consumption by an estimated 30%, cutting 43 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. That’s equivalent to taking 18 cars off the road for a year or planting 704 urban tree seedlings to grow for a decade.
This shift goes beyond offsets—it’s a tangible commitment to reducing emissions at the source. By redirecting funds previously used for carbon offsets, we’re not just neutralizing our footprint; we’re actively decarbonizing our operations. It’s a bold step forward, ensuring our lodge operates more sustainably while preserving the pristine beauty of our environment.
A Legacy of Responsibility and Innovation
Our journey toward sustainability began with achieving carbon neutrality in 2021, and we’ve been striving for more impactful solutions ever since. This year, we’re proud to introduce a transformative approach that balances cutting-edge technology with respect for the wilderness we call home. The Battery Energy Storage System minimizes diesel reliance, reducing noise pollution and protecting the ecosystems that make the Skeena Mountains extraordinary.
This is about more than meeting targets—it’s about creating meaningful change. From safeguarding local habitats to inspiring others in the adventure tourism industry, our commitment is clear: a future where exploration and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Together, we can ensure the mountains remain as awe-inspiring for the next generation as they are today.
How to Offset Your Flights?
At Northern Escape, we have a passion for preserving the environment, and many of our guests do as well! It is hard to come to terms with enjoying the wonderful activities nature offers and the impact on nature we cause at the same time, but there’s a way to create balance! Northern Escape already has the immense advantage of being one of the easiest accessible heli-skiing operators in BC. Offsetters offers our guests the option of offsetting the carbon footprint from travel to and from your Northern Escape adventure. With their quick and airline efficient tool, you simply enter your flight information, make a payment, and Offsetters takes it from there!
Offset my Flights to Terrace
Heli-Skiing – Not as Bad as You Think
Yes, heli-skiing indisputably contributes to the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions, however not nearly as much as some other activities people practice regularly. Our Classic heli-ski package uses the same helicopter for three groups of six skiers (the industry standard is 3 groups per machine), which means that 18 skiers in total typically all share the same machine. Thanks to our skilled pilots and the power of the Koala helicopters, the group of 18 skiers can ski fresh powder non-stop, all day, with the total engine running time of only 3 hours. Our Elite package, which accommodates only two groups of five skiers, also requires the engine to run only for a small fraction of the day.
For Comparison:
Northern Escape Heli-Skiing 0.62 tCO2e/ skier day
One-way Flight, New York – LA (economy) 0.64 tCO2e/ passenger
One-way Flight, New York – LA (business) 1.87 tCO2e/ passenger
Wildlife Mitigation
Helicopters can have an impact on the local wildlife as well. Mountain goats are especially vulnerable to helicopters flying too close to their winter range. In cooperation with the BC Ministry of Environment, we have developed a comprehensive Wildlife Mitigation Strategy to protect the wildlife values living within our licensed ski area.
Our Guides and Pilots receive specific training with year recurrent training to meet the requirements of our Wildlife Mitigation Strategy. Our flight paths are recorded and reviewed daily to ensure we are meeting the industry guidelines. All flight data is reviewed annually to ensure compliance, and it is submitted to the Ministry of Environment for verification.
We take great pride care to ensure that we do not harm the wildlife of the mountains we enjoy and ski!
