With its international clientele headed downhill during the pandemic, a BC-based heliskiing operator is looking to fill the void with domestic skiers by offering a creative, and what is hoped to be “once in a lifetime,” offer.
With a spark of creativity and tongue-in-cheek humour during these dark times for tourism, Last Frontier Heliskiing convened three “mediums” in its office whose tarot card reading revealed the message: “Go heliskiing.”
The “revelation” prompted the company to devise a 50% discount during the upcoming winter season – but only for Canadians and only if Canada’s international border remains closed. If the border opens to international travellers, the company will return deposits to those who have booked a trip and usual operations will resume.
“The Canadian heliskiing market has traditionally attracted out-of-country visitors,” said Last Frontier’s managing partner, Mike Watling. “With the uncertainty created by COVID-19 border closures, we wanted to explore all possibilities to operate and keep our team working. If heliskiing is on the bucket list of any Canadians out there, this winter allows them to go big at a fraction of the cost.
“We recognize that our plans do not offer Canadians a guaranteed chance to ski with us for 50% off,” continued Watling. “If borders remain closed, our plans do open up the possibility for Canadian ski and snowboard enthusiasts to upgrade their winter plans for the experience of a lifetime.”
Moreover, at 50% off, heliskiing prices become comparable to catskiing, opening up a fresh market, as well as providing attractive options to Canadians already planning to heliski this year.
Canadians interested in booking a potential trip will be required to put a fully refundable $1,000 deposit down to reserve their spot. The company currently plans to operate out of its Bell 2 Lodge, which has capacity to accommodate 24 to 36 skiers per week during the January to March peak season, so spots are expected to be limited.
Last Frontier offers all-inclusive four-, five- and seven-day tours. Guests arrive into Vancouver, take a 1.5-hour flight to Smithers, BC, and a four-hour ground transfer though spectacular Skeena mountain scenery to the remote, custom built Bell 2 Lodge. Prices include ground transfer from Smithers, as well as food, accommodation, guide services, ski and snowboard equipment, and safety gear.
As for the half-price offer, Last Frontier says, “Yes, it’s vague, but there’s no risk for you and it gives you (what we hope is only) a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of a heliski trip at this price.”
More information about this exclusive offer can be found the company website.