North American Guests
Northern Escape is known for hosting guests from all corners of the world. About half of our guests every year are from North America, and half from other countries, so you'll enjoy an international flair when you stay with us. Hospitality is as epic as the skiing. In fact, in 2022 and 2023, we were awarded ‘World’s Best Heli-Ski Operation.’ by the World Ski Awards.
Northern Escape has one of the world's largest heli-skiing tenures with breathtaking alpine terrain and amazing tree skiing. Our ski runs cover countless mountains and numerous mountain ranges.
Just how big?
- Over 30x larger than the world's largest ski resort area, Les 3 Vallées, in the French Alps
- Over 100x larger than Whistler/Blackcomb
Plus, many of our runs offer 2000 meters of vertical (6000 vertical feet). Imagine 3 of your typical ski resort mountains stacked! Wow!
Reviews & Awards
"What an epic trip! The staff are first class, the food….the food… the food is unbelievable. The guides are so professional, fun and knowledgeable. The best, deepest snow I have ever ridden. My only recommendation is bringing a snorkel…"
Robert A., Vancouver, BC
"The helicopters are small and fast and you can have the place to yourself. I’ve been 15 times."
John C, Bozeman, MT
"The terrain is immense and access is easy. There are other places with great terrain, but you need a 7hr bus ride to get there."
Mike K, Colorado
"Great Heliskiing, DEEEP Powder, Huge Terrain, Wicked tree skiing, Awesome food."
Bernt B, Norway
"Northern Escape Heli Skiing delivers time and time again. These folks are the best of the best and I have skied with many of the others."
Andy B., Vail, CO
"Northern Escape’s wide variety of terrain, professional staff, and top-notch infrastructure provided an outstanding small group skiing experience. Despite a week straight of storms with over a meter of nonstop accumulation, Northern Escape kept us moving through safe and fun snow without a hitch. Our crew was able to stay productive every day of our visit and it made for some of the most memorable storm skiing I could have ever imagined."
Andrew Marshall, Photo Editor / The Ski Journal
"Northern Escape was one of the best experiences of my life. It has Alaska style alpine terrain, but there are also trees to ski when it snows."
Janelle Yip, Pro Skier
"NEH is the hidden Gem of the north. The alpine makes you feel like you’re in Alaska, but the tree skiing and pillows reminds you that you’re still in BC. Being close to the west coast coupled with being up North ensures that you’ll get heaps of good quality snow."
Mark Abma, Pro Skier
"When you’re skiing the deepest snow of your life, the quality of terrain plays an integral role. John and Yvan guided us into the right terrain for the conditions run after run–the perfect steepness to maintain speed and plenty of features to have fun on. There’s no shortage of stormy-day tree lines and when the sun peeks out the alpine really delivers that remote, wild, northern perfection. I’m hooked."
Feet Banks, Editor / Mountain Life, Coast Mountains
"Throughout the storm cycle, I sampled some of the best gladed backcountry terrain I’ve ever experienced. And when the clouds finally parted and the chopper could access the upper elevations – WOW! Rollers to jump off and waves to slash. Big open bowls to shred."
Alex Silgalis, Founder / Local Freshies
Awards
As seen in...
Northern Escape vs. Ski Resorts
There are so many great resorts in the USA and Canada, but the experience is so different it's hard to know where to start. The typical resort in North America includes family-friendly hotels, pools, nightlife and dining options. Lift-accessed runs and parks designed for tricks, including ski schools definitely have their place in the ski world.
But deeeeeeeeep powder? No.
The feeling that it's just you and the mountain. No.
How about remote & luxurious lodges? Helicopters? Hmmm....
Resorts are really not even comparable. But to give you an idea...
More Vertical!
Let's take the most lift-served vertical feet of terrain in the U.S - Snowmass, Colorado. With a 4,406-foot elevation drop, it's pretty high! But that still pales in comparison to our 6000 vertical foot lines. And we're talking about many peak-to-bottom runs across our huge area.
More Powder!
World-famous resorts like Whistler/Blackcomb (British Columbia), Mt. Baker (Washington), Alta and Snowbird (Utah), or Mammoth Mountain (California) get their fair share of snowflakes. Annual snowfall of 300-400 inches is common at these resorts. Some years see epic dumps of 600-800 inches. West is best. Eastern Canadian and American resorts average 200-300 inches of snow per year and rely more on snow-making machines.
Northern Escape's location in the Northwest region of BC, near the Alaskan panhandle is ideally located for vast quantities of white stuff. Pacific storms bring plenty of powder to the Skeena and Kitimat Mountain ranges, mountains more than just about anywhere else on the planet. Our snowpack in December is more than most resorts get all winter. Boots deep? Waist deep? Neck deep? How deep do you like your snow?! Hint: the time of year has a big impact on powder depth.
Northern Escape vs. Other Canadian Heli-Ski Tour Operators
Many heli-ski companies claim to be the "world's best". It's almost cliché. Let's separate some facts from fiction...
Northern Escape Heli-Skiing |
Other Heli-Skiing Companies |
|---|---|
| Small ski groups of 4-5 people | Larger ski groups of up to 10 or even 11 people |
| 2 groups per helicopter | Usually 3-4 groups per helicopter (more standing & waiting for a ride) |
| Deep, dry powder | Deep, dry powder |
| Catskiing Backup on storm days when the helicopters can't fly | Unavailable |
| Unlimited Vertical included | Optional $$$ to ski more |
| Boutique and exclusive lodges | Variety of lodging from basic to luxury |
| Gourmet all-inclusive meals | Varies, but often gourmet as well |
| Private Lodge with dedicated staff (up to 5 guests) | Only available at a few specific operations |
| Lodge Buyout (options for up to 10, or up to 16 guests) | Usually available depending on group size |
| Easy Access. (90min flight Vancouver to Terrace. 15-20 shuttle to lodge via helicopter or bus) | Often more Difficult Access. Most heli-ski destinations involve long 4-8hr bus rides after you've flown to the closest airport. |
| Actual Winner of World's Best Heli-Ski Operator (2022 & 2023), the industry's highest recognition. | Who knows? Maybe their mother thinks they're great? ;-) |
If heli-skiing is on your bucket list or you're looking for a step up from cat ski trips or other heli-skiing tour companies, Northern Escape is a fabulous choice. Read our reviews and see for yourself!
Medical and Travel Insurance
We recommend that all of our heli-skiing guests also purchase Medical, Trip Interruption, and Trip Cancellation Insurance. These options are provided to you at the time of booking. For more information about insurance, please see the Booking Policy and Conditions page. Also, each guest must read and sign the Release of Liability.
For more information or help with planning, please contact Northern Escape Heli-Skiing online or call us Toll-Free at 1-866-619-3184 to ask about any of our ski packages.