Small Group XL

For Experts Looking For a Fast Pace

YOUR CHOICE OF

4 Nights | 5 Nights | 7 Nights

  1. Ability Level Experts Only
  2. Group Size 4 (Tweedsmuir)
  3. Groups Per Heli 2
  4. Season Late

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Small Group XL heli skiing package is an experts-only program available exclusively with Bella Coola Heli Sports. The ski program includes 20% more vertical than the equivalent length Small Group Vertical program and is designed to take advantage of the unique character of the local mountains, which are big, bold, and beautiful. 

This program is ideal for skiers and snowboarders wanting a faster pace and more aggressive heli-skiing experience alongside other like-minded individuals.

The primary objective of this program is to ski/ride hard and have as much fun as possible. With just 2 groups of 4 guests + 1 guide per group sharing an A-Star helicopter, there is little to no waiting between runs. The pace of the day will be fast, and when stability allows, we will endeavour to ski steep and technically challenging terrain. 

Our guides will share expert knowledge on how to make smart decisions in complex terrain. They will also explain how to approach and ski challenging lines with safety at the forefront of all decision-making. 

April consistently ranks at the top of the list when we survey our guides and past guests about the best time to ski in Bella Coola. With considerably longer daylight hours and a generally more predictable snowpack, guests ski longer days and have a higher probability of riding aggressive lines. 

Given the vast quantity of annual snowfall received in Bella Coola, down days happen and you should be prepared for the possibility that you may not be able to ski every day. Our historical average over the season is 5.5 to 6 days of skiing for each 7-day week.

It is important to note that down days provide an opportunity for the snowpack to reset, for you to diversify your travel experience through a unique selection of lodge-specific activities, and for you to rest your legs so that you can ski all day in ideal conditions following the storm cycle.  

IS THIS PROGRAM RIGHT FOR ME?

This program is appropriate for skiers and snowboarders who have substantial heli-skiing and/or backcountry experience and who can confidently navigate double black diamond terrain in all types of snow conditions - including anything from open alpine, to crud, to trees, through deep powder and mixed snow conditions. Note that our guides work best with groups that demonstrate a willingness to follow instructions closely. This gives them the confidence required to ski and ride the most aggressive terrain possible within the acceptable safety margins for the day's snow conditions.

WARNING: Do not overestimate your ability! On a program like this, our guides will quickly identify if you have accurately rated your ability level. If your ability is less than what you stated during the booking process, and it will impact the enjoyment of others in the group, we will either have you sit out of the more challenging runs or, if there is room in another program, we will move you to that program.

No refunds will be given if you are forced to sit out due to overestimating your ability as determined by your guide.

If you are considering the Small Group XL program, please call or email us so that one of our heli-ski advisors can determine whether this is the ideal program for you.

7-NIGHT SAMPLE ITINERARY

  • Arrival - Day 1
    • 13:00 | Direct flight 70-minutes from Vancouver to Bella Coola (primary) or Anahim Lake Airport (secondary)
    • 14:30 | Ground transfer to the property (5-minutes to Eagle Lodge, 45-minutes to Tweedsmuir Park Lodge)
    • 15:30 - 17:30 | Avalanche safety training and helicopter orientation
    • 18:00 | Welcome reception prior to dinner
    • 19:00 | Three or four-course plated dinner
    • 20:00 | Evening socialization and relaxation
  • Days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7
    • 07:00 | Morning stretch class followed by early riser cold breakfast buffet
    • 07:30 | Hot breakfast is served
    • 08:00 | Morning introductions, weather updates, and plans for the day
    • 09:00 | Heli skiing begins
    • 12:30 | Picnic lunch in the field (flexible stop time)
    • 13:00 | Heli skiing resumes (flexible start time)
    • 16:30 | Heli skiing concludes (flexible stop time)
    • 18:00 | Cocktail hour and afternoon aprés
    • 19:00 | Three or four-course plated dinner
    • 20:00 | Evening socialization and relaxation
  • Departure - Day 8
    • 07:30 | Pack your bags and come to breakfast in your ski gear
    • 08:30 - 13:30 | Full ski day en route to Bella Coola Airport (weather permitting)
    • ~16:00 | Direct flight 70-minutes from Bella Coola (primary) or Anahim Lake Airport (secondary) to Vancouver
    • 17:30 | Arrival in Vancouver
    • 21:00 | Connecting flights should be booked after this time

WINTER 2023/24

Heli-Skiing Package Rates

  7 Nights 5 Nights 4 Nights
Tweedsmuir Park Lodge (A-Star) $21,880 $16,880 $14,180
2 groups of 4 guests + 1 guide per group

 Rates are in Canadian Dollars before tax and are subject to a 5% goods and service tax.

 Request Availability

ARE YOU CONSIDERING HELI-SKIING IN ALASKA?

Heli-skiing in Alaska is pretty cool. Many of us at Bella Coola Heli Sports have skied up there and if you have plenty of time on your hands, and are a strong enough skier/rider, you should go at some stage. Having said that, we have a huge amount of advantages and, most importantly, we can offer challenging terrain too - as the photos on this page will show. 

Advantages include;

  • less travel time = ski more days
  • many more runs per day (we do 12-16 runs on the regular Classic Vert program, so on this program, it'll be more than that!)
  • less down days
  • max of 2 groups per heli on the Classic XL program

If you would prefer a less aggressive program with alpine terrain that is fun but not boring, consider our Classic PLUS and Classic Vertical programs.

Should you do the Classic XL program?

This program is appropriate for skiers/riders who have substantial heli-skiing and/or backcountry experience AND can confidently handle double black diamond terrain at a resort. You should be confident you can get down anything from crud, to trees and mixed snow conditions. 

DO NOT OVER-ESTIMATE YOUR ABILITY! On a program like this our guides will quickly see if you have accurately rated your ability level. If your ability is less than what you have stated, and it will impact the enjoyment of others in the group, we will either have you sit out of the more challenging runs, or, if there is room in one of our other programs, we will move you to that (which is a pretty good trade off as we ski amazing terrain on our regular programs). No refunds will be given if you are forced to sit out due to understating your ability in our guide's opinion. To find out if this program would suit your ability, let's chat!

Knowledge is pow(d)er.
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