Vancouverites looking for a new adventure in the mountains this winter can enjoy a luxurious escape in their own beautiful backyard.
Located near the Skeena River, Terrace offers an array of outdoor experiences throughout the whole year. But the destination offers a unique experience for alpine enthusiasts in the frosty season.
Since Terrace is located in northern B.C. by the ocean, storms bring plenty of champagne powder to its local mountains. And while it's roughly a 16-hour drive to reach the popular destination, residents of the Lower Mainland can also fly to Terrace in about two-and-a-half hours.
At Northern Escape, there are over 250 established skiing and boarding runs in 12 different heli-ski zones. The "alpine zones feature immense glaciers, deep bowls, and steep couloirs" and many of its runs are over 2,000 vertical meters (over a vertical mile) from high mountain peaks to valley bottoms of old-growth cedar forests with deep pillows.
New for this winter season, Northern Heli Skiing (NEH) has created what it calls a "premium heli-ski package" — a private heli-skiing tour in some of the world's best backcountry skiing terrain.
A bucket list heli-skiing experience for travel in Canada
The 6,500 square-foot Skeena River Ranch is constructed of old-growth fir, stonework, and other handcrafted details. Designed for groups of just four to five skiers, and with a staff-to-guest ratio of more than two to one, the accommodation provides the ideal base to explore the mountains.
The lodge is located on a working artisanal farm and features a private culinary team of Red Seal Chefs, concierge, massage therapist, high-speed wifi, hot tub, two private ski guides, and bar staff. The tour also uses the lightning-fast Agusta Koala helicopter (nicked the flying Ferrari), to whisk guests to exclusive, deep powder terrain in the Skeena Mountains near the Alaskan Panhandle.
Guests can enjoy "aprés on the patio around a wood fire with views of the Skeena Mountains or relax at the bar with a fine glass of bourbon" to finish off their days.
Another option for guests is the Yellow Cedar Lodge, which is considered a "quintessential Canadian mountain chalet" that is situated at the banks of the river and hand-crafted of heavy cedar timbers harvested from the surrounding forest. It accommodates 18 guests and makes the perfect base for exploring the mountains and features a sauna and hot tub, games room, gym, wifi, and the outdoor Ullr Bar, which is "buzzing at the end of each day’s riding with [appetizers], drinks and friends."
There's also a new, boutique Northern Escape Mountain Lodge that is nestled deep in the Skeena Mountains on an alpine lakeshore. The fly-in lodge features stone work and hardwood floors throughout, with floor-to-ceiling windows featuring stunning alpine views in all directions. Amenities include a massage room, hot tub, ski shop, games room, comfortable lounge areas, and lightning-fast wifi. The chalet accommodates 10 guests, all in single rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
