FAQ

I heard that Bella Coola Heli Sports is carbon neutral, is that true?
Yes, we are proud to say that we've gone further than being carbon neutral! In fact, we are the world's first "climate positive" heli-skiing operation! This means that we offset 110% of the greenhouse gases than we emit. To learn more click here.

Am I required to sign a waiver?
Yes, and you can download a a sample version of our release of liability for your perusal. Once you have decided to book, and before we collect payment, we will send you a digital waiver and will need you to acknowledge that you have read and understand the document prior to us confirming your booking.

Do many couples ski/snowboard with you?
Yes, and the number is increasing year after year.

Do you mix skiers with snowboarders?
Yes, providing their abilities match and all are in agreement.

How do you pick your groups?
Most groups are booked as just that; a group of friends that decide to book together. If not we do our utmost to fill in any gaps by matching skiers and boarders to their abilities. Our guides & staff have many years of skiing and riding experience and are very adept at matching individuals with a group.

How large is the BCHS terrain?
We are fortunate to have 3,551,000 million acres (14,370 sq/km) of pristine and untouched BC wilderness in which to ski and ride. This is the largest in British Columbia, and is like having the entire Swiss Alps in which to play, from Geneva to Davos, all to yourself. Read more about Canada's best heli-skiing terrain.

How many groups share each helicopter?
Private packages feature only one group per helicopter unless you decide to book a two-group private. The choice is up to you. Our Small Group Vertical and Small Group XL packages feature 2 groups of 4 people when staying at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, and 3 groups of 4 or 5 people when staying at Eagle Lodge. See why Small Groups rock here! 

How much heliskiing/boarding is in the trees and the alpine?

The high alpine is our strength and what we are famous for. We do however have plenty of tree skiing which we use primarily during stormy weather. A much-appreciated bonus of our location.

How much will I ski in an average week?
This, of course, depends on the program and the group, as well as weather and snow conditions. We have had groups and individuals that have logged well over 200,000 vertical feet in a week. Others prefer to ski or snowboard the vertical allotted within the package. An average week of skiing is about 100,000 vertical feet. An average day is anywhere from 12,000 vertical feet to 20,000 vertical feet. Occasionally we have a huge day with a very strong group who ski and ride between 25,000 to 30,000 vertical feet.

Organizing a group?
Groups are welcome. If you do not have the time to organize your group we can assist you with the coordination of your group. Contact us for more information.

What are the different tours you do?
We offer a variety of heli-skiing and riding packages to suit different people's needs and interests. Click the link to see a list of our different Heli Experiences.

What clothing is best for heliskiing?
Bring the same clothing you would use at a ski resort. Layered inner clothing such as microfibre or fleece wool blend is the best. Outerwear such as Gore-tex and Mammut are both durable and warm. Average alpine temperatures range from -5° C to -15° C (23° F to 5° F). We carry a variety of apparel in the lodge gift shop, including Bella Coola logo wear.

What equipment should I bring?
We recommend that you leave your skis and poles at home and use our equipment, which is included in your tour. If you do bring your own skis remember the fatter the better! Always carry your ski or snowboard boots on as hand luggage. Boots are hard to replace. Bring your own snowboard and boots as we find this equipment to be technically personal to each rider so we do not provide boards/boots. We also provide you with our guest packs complete with shovels and probes that are the right dimensions for being in the A-Star B2 helicopters. All guests will use our up-to-date transceivers.

See our Gear page for more details.

What level of skier or boarder should I be?
The better physical condition you are in the more you will be able to ski and the more fun you will have. You should be comfortable and have experience skiing deep powder snow including variable conditions. No beginners thank you! Have a read of the Ability Guide page for more detailed information.

Do you provide snowboards, skis and poles?
Yes, and we strongly suggest that you use our equipment as it has been hand selected for the conditions unique to Bella Coola. You must bring your own ski/snowboard boots. For a detailed list of available equipment click here.

What type of helicopters do you use?
We use A-Star B2 and B3 helicopters at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge and on MV Cascadia, Koala AW119 helicopters at Eagle Lodge and Sand Creek Ranch, and Bell 212 a helicopter at Pantheon Heli Ranch.

When is the best time to book my next trip with you?
As soon as you know you are coming back! With such small groups we book up very quickly and usually a season, sometimes two, in advance.

When is the best time to come?
The colder temperatures in January and February generally produce better powder but even early April has shown us some fantastic powder skiing. Get more details here on the best time to go heli-skiing.

Where is Bella Coola located?
Bella Coola is located ~ 400 kilometres north of Vancouver in the Coast Range of British Columbia, Canada. 

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