Heli-skiing a pristine backcountry. A yacht charter in a secluded natural playground. At first thought, these are two luxury experiences that couldn’t be more detached. But British Columbia has a knack for naturally blending opposites – From cityscapes to island life, hot summer days to snow storms, beaches to mountains.
So while the idea of heading to your luxury yacht’s top deck to hop in a helicopter to hit the slopes, with only your group the only humans in sight, might sound unbelievable… It’s very much possible in B.C. thanks to Bella Cola Heli Sports.
With them as your host and guide, you can take an exclusive voyage into the heart of Bela Coola’s legendary backcountry and the Great Bear Rainforest, where untouched powder meets the pristine waters of the fjords. While they have traditional lodges as options for heli-ski adventures, we want to share their one-of-a-kind offering that has you stay on the MV Cascadia, a 138-ft, 8-bedroom luxury catamaran that includes a private A-Star helicopter perched on top – Giving you instant access to an infinite winter playground with 3.55 million acres of skiable terrain.
Bella Coola has long held a revered status in the heli-skiing world, and for good reason. Its unique location within the Coast Mountain range provides a perfect storm for incredible snow conditions and diverse topography. Unlike many other heli-ski destinations, Bella Coola boasts heavily glaciated areas at a relatively low latitude, offering intense alpine skiing with unbelievably expansive runs.
This region is also known for its reliable powder, often with a deep snowpack that results in consistently long seasons, lasting through April and parts of May. Beyond the high alpine, Bella Coola also offers fantastic tree skiing in its subalpine forests, providing options for all weather conditions and skier abilities.
No onto your water-bound lodgings. This 138-foot luxury catamaran isn’t just a place to rest your head after a day on the slopes; it’s a floating haven of comfort and convenience. Imagine waking up to breathtaking views of dramatic fjords framed by glacier-capped peaks, all from the comfort of your private cabin. With options for 8 or 12 guests in eight well-appointed cabins with ensuite bathrooms, the MC Cascadia offers a level of intimacy and exclusivity rarely found in traditional heli-ski lodges.
And convenience of having your own private A-Star helicopter directly accessible from the catamaran’s helipad cannot be overstated. This eliminates the need for daily transfers to and from the ski area, maximizing your time on the slopes and providing unparalleled flexibility to chase the best snow conditions.
Then back at your floating accommodations, picture yourself soaking in the top deck hot tub with 360° views of the stunning surroundings, savouring Pacific West Coast-inspired cuisine in the spacious salon, or unwinding with a massage in the onboard massage room. Evenings are spent anchored in new, enchanting locations, allowing you to reflect on the day’s adventures with your guides and fellow snow enthusiasts over drinks at the fully stocked bar.
Beyond the skiing and the luxurious amenities, the MC Cascadia offers a unique way to experience the remote beauty of the Great Bear Rainforest. When not hitting the slopes, guests can take advantage of kayaks to explore the serene waters or even venture to natural hot springs accessible by shore launch boat. This combination of world-class heli-skiing with the opportunity for marine exploration and relaxation creates an experience that’s quintessentially B.C. and one you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
For more info, visit bellacoolaheliskiing.com.
