What is the world’s most expensive and exclusive sport? Polo would be a pretty good guess. But I think that yacht-based heli-skiing, which is a version of heli-skiing at its most luxurious and extreme, would give those polo ponies a pretty good run for their money.
A case is point is the new “Soar & Explore” package from Bella Coola Heli Sports and eco-tourism operator Maple Leaf Adventures. This package is a yacht-based heli-ski adventure, which they claim is the most exclusive and luxurious yacht-based heli-ski experience available in North America. At $259,000 for seven nights, it certainly ranks at the very top of winter indulgences. For those who love heli-skiing, it’s the ultimate week of making fresh tracks, with a floating base to return home to every afternoon.
Both companies have strong track records in the world of luxury adventure travel. Bella Coola Heli Sports (BCHS) recently won the title of “World’s Best Heli Ski Operation” for the fifth year in a row at the World Ski Awards. The company operates in British Columbia’s Coast Mountains, connecting skiers and snowboarders with more than 3.55 million exclusive acres, making it one of the largest heli-skiing areas on the planet.
While most of Bella Coola’s heli-skiing trips are lodged-based, on “Soar & Explore,” they partner with Maple Leaf Adventures, which operates the MV Cascadia, a luxurious, 138-foot catamaran with a heli-pad, eight cabins, lounges, massage room and a top-deck Jacuzzi for soaking under the stars after each day’s excursion. There are kayaks and paddleboards on the ship, a Zodiac on board, as well as two landing-craft style boats.
The package is designed for groups of up to eight skiers and riders. The “Soar & Explore” experience begins with guests skiing their way from the Bella Coola airport to the Bella Coola Harbour, where they board the MV Cascadia.
Each morning, skiers and riders climb aboard the private helicopter in search of the day’s best and most pristine terrain, in a vast area where you could well be the first skier to ever take a run. You return to the yacht in the afternoon, which is moored in a different anchorage every night.
The MV Cascadia cruises in the largest network of fjords in the world, situated in the Great Bear Rainforest. Skiing and snowboarding aside, there are amusements such as expeditions to catch crabs, prawns and halibut that the chef will transform into dinner. Or the opportunity to explore river estuaries via kayak or paddleboard. There are also photo excursions with the ship’s guides. At one point, there’s a trip to a natural ocean-side hot springs. For the daring, it’s time to do an ocean “spirit bear” swim, with a warm up by a beach fire under a star-lit sky.
The “Soar & Explore” package includes return flights between Vancouver and Bella Coola; seven ski days; 20 hours of flight time; private, single-occupancy cabins for seven nights; all meals and drinks, including alcohol; daily massage treatments; two professional ski guides; and all amenities onboard the MV Cascadia. The package starts at $319,000 CAD (approximately $259,000 USD) for up to eight skiers. To learn more, or to book, visit Soar & Explore.
