Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

Before booking with Bella Coola Heli Sports, I think people should know who has a stake in the company. James Murdoch is a part-owner, an Independent Director of Tesla since 2017, and a known associate of Elon Musk. He is Rupert Murdoch’s son and a billionaire. James was Chairman of News International, which owned the UK tabloid News of the World during the phone-hacking scandal. The scandal involved illegal voicemail interception affecting public figures, politicians, and members of the royal family, prompted public outrage, arrests, resignations, and a formal public inquiry, and ended with the paper closing and James Murdoch resigning. Rupert Murdoch founded News Corp and Fox Corporation, which includes Fox News, and controls them as a shareholder, among other media holdings. Antonio Gracias also owns part of Bella Coola Heli Sports. He’s an American entrepreneur and venture capitalist, a close advisor to Elon Musk, and often described as a key person in Musk’s inner circle. He founded Valor Equity Partners, an early investor in Tesla and SpaceX, served on Tesla’s board until 2021, and is likely a billionaire himself. Given their backgrounds, I believe anyone considering a heli-ski trip with Bella Coola Heli Sports should be fully informed about its ownership before choosing to book or support the company.

The lodge staff were friendly and fun, and the food and drinks were creative and delicious every day. I stayed at Tweedsmuir Lodge in April 2022 and skied with Bella Coola Heli sports. The guides and pilots were exceptional, and I felt safe while still being able to push my limits. The views and runs were spectacular, with deep, light snow except lower down near the end of runs and pickup zones. We had four beautiful bluebird days, one snowy day when we still flew, and one down day. I also took a day off because I was already past my vertical at over 130k. It isn’t cheap, but I highly recommend it and hope to go again.

We had an amazing stretch of terrain at Mystery Mountain Lodge in January 2022. Even with no new snow for seven days and changing temperatures, the pilot and guides kept finding good snow. The team, food, safety, and provided gear were all top notch. I hadn’t done an extended lodge heli trip before, and now I’m saving for another one. Thank you, Bella Coola Heli Sports!

They don’t require routine drug testing for their guides. I raised safety concerns and felt they were brushed aside, after finding several gaps in how those concerns were reviewed. Heliskiing is very dangerous, and this isn’t a company I’d trust with my life.