Great Bear Lodge

Luxury Redefined in the Wilds of British Columbia's Central Coast

Great Bear Heli Skiing is one of British Columbia's most exclusive and remote luxury heli-ski operations, located deep in the Central Coast Mountains along the legendary Dean River. Despite the remoteness, access is remarkably seamless. With private charter flights departing from Vancouver International Airport, guests can be enjoying an espresso at the lodge roughly two hours after leaving YVR.

The experience is fully all-inclusive. From the moment guests arrive at YVR - South Terminal, everything is taken care of—private flights, accommodation, guiding, helicopters, meals, wine, and après—allowing guests to focus entirely on skiing and enjoying the experience.

Exclusivity is central to Great Bear's approach. The lodge hosts only 144 guests per year, with a maximum of 12 guests per week, creating an intimate atmosphere, personalized service, and consistently uncrowded terrain. It is also North America's only women-owned and operated heli-ski lodge, proudly family-run and deeply rooted in the region.

Beyond the skiing, Great Bear is known for a culinary and wine program that rivals top boutique lodges. Menus emphasize locally sourced, seasonal, and organic ingredients whenever possible, paired with a carefully curated wine program designed to complement each meal and elevate the overall lodge experience.

For skiers seeking a rare combination of world-class terrain, true exclusivity, effortless logistics, and understated luxury, Great Bear Heli Skiing stands apart.

Programs Offered

• 6 Day / 7 night All Inclusive Package
• 6 Day / 7 night All Inclusive Package - Private Group
• 6 Day / 7 night All Inclusive Package - Private Group - Intro to Powder
• 6 Day / 7 night All Inclusive Package - Private Lodge (Buyout)

Location

On the banks of the Dean River, ~50 km north of Bella Coola, British Columbia, Canada, in the Central Coast Mountain region

Mountain Range

Central Coast Mountain Range, British Columbia, Canada

Ability

Advanced intermediate skiing / riding ability.

However, if you're new to powder skiing or are unsure of your skill level, we can also offer a private "Intro to Heli Skiing Program", complete with an additional guide and helicopter.

The Terrain

To put things into perspective, our exclusive helicopter skiing tenure is approximately:

• 1/4 the size of the Swiss Alps
• 190 times the size of Whistler Blackcomb ski resort
• 520 times the size of Vail ski resort
• the same size as the Province of Prince Edward Island
• 2 times the size of the Teton Mountain Range

We've got an insane amount of terrain; and the skiing we have close to home is excellent - we don't need to travel far. In fact, most of our 1st runs are under a 5-minute flight from the lodge. This includes some excellent naturally gladed tree skiing and exceptionally large and beautiful alpine glaciers too.

What is truly unique about the mountains of the Central Coast and the Eastern edge of the Great Bear Rainforest is the density of skiable terrain and our proximity to legitimately excellent tree skiing. The Coast Mountains are not generally known for a lot of poor weather skiing options - our tenure is an exception to that rule. Situated on the divide between the moisture-laden air masses of the Pacific and the cooler and drier interior air mass, we're able to access the best of both worlds.

About the Lodge

Our lodge is located at just above sea level on the mighty Dean River, approximately 50 km (30 miles) North of Bella Coola, British Columbia. We are ideally situated on the interior side of the Central Coast Mountain range, where we ride the divide between East and West. When the weather is fine, we head West into the snow zone ~ big glaciers, big alpine, big mountain snowpacks; when the coastal weather is doing it's thing, we head East into the cooler and relatively drier side near the Chilcotin Plateau, where naturally treed glades allow for amazing poor weather powder skiing within a 5-minute flight from the lodge.

Looking For More Information?

Enquire today and speak to a Heli-Ski Expert to find out how this trip can fit inside your wider holiday plans.