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Why
US?
THERE’S NO BIG BUSINESS HERE;
JUST A GROUP OF PASSIONATE PEOPLE WHO HAVE DEDICATED THEIR LIVES TO SHARING EXPERIENCES IN PLACES LESS TRAVELED.
Why Us
"There's no big buisness here; JUST A GROUP OF PASSIONATE PEOPLE WHO HAVE DEDICATED THEIR LIVES TO SHARING EXPERIENCES IN PLACES LESS TRAVELED.”
Family owned and operated since the 1960s, we are passionate about discovery, opportunity, and immersing ourselves in the world around us. These pillars help inspire confidence both on and off the mountain and create lasting bonds between the guests and the staff that make it all happen. To us it's more than just skiing.
Why Us?
Small Groups. Big Mountains.
Small Groups. Big Mountains.
Terrain for every kind of ski day.
Never more than 12 guests.
Unlimited vertical. No surprise charges.
20+ metres of annual snowfall.
35 years of doing hospitality our way.
Safety comes first. Always.
Terrain for every kind of ski day.
Never more than 12 guests.
Unlimited vertical. No surprise charges.
20+ metres of annual snowfall.
35 years of doing hospitality our way.
Safety comes first. Always.
More terrain Than You could ski in 2 Lifetimes.
1/4 the size of the swiss alps. Just you and some friends.
We sit 80 miles (128 km) inland from the Pacific Ocean, where colder temperatures and coastal moisture collide. The result? Some of the deepest snowpacks in Canada, with 20–30 metres of snowfall in a season. When the weather moves, we move with it. Head west for glaciers, big alpine and endless mountain views. Head east for protected tree skiing and deep powder, just a five minute flight from the lodge.
Book Now >>
Handbuilt Lodge,
Family Run.
Built by our own team on the banks of the Dean River, the lodge is warm, quiet and intimatel. Fewer guests means more attention, more flexibility, and a team that gets to know how you like your week to run.
Great food. Proper coffee. A drink waiting after skiing. Massage, sauna, hot tub, and dinners worth lingering over. The little things are looked after, so you can simply be here.
5-Star Lodge Info >>
We've been doing this a long time.
Great Bear started out as a flyfishing lodge. Lower Dean River Lodge was started in 1961 by Dick Blewett and Bob Stewart. For generations the lodge has operated as a haven for those who love places less travelled, and of course - summer run steelhead.
In 2010 the Dean River had a 200 year flood; rising over 15 feet, the river changed both its course and the course of our operation overnight. The flood was catastrophic but provided a new opportunity; to rebuild. It was the catalyst that started us working towards a long-held dream of Great Bear Heli Skiing.
In January of 2022 we opened our doors to our first group of heli skiers.
Our
mountain
safety
BIG MOUNTAINS. Smart DECISIONS.
Every ski day starts long before the helicopter lifts. Our guides and pilots review the snowpack, weather, field observations and remote station data to choose terrain that suits the conditions. That assessment continues all day. Our team brings deep experience in guiding, avalanche education and mountain rescue, and constantly adapts as conditions change.
The goal is simple: manage mountain risk thoughtfully, so you can focus on the skiing.
Effectively managing risk for both our guests and staff is paramount. Nothing is more important to us. To this end, our primary goal is for everyone to return home healthy and safe- day after day, year after year.
Health & Safety >>
REMOTE DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN COMPLICATED.
Great Bear may be deep in the mountains, but getting here is surprisingly simple.
Once you arrive in Vancouver, we coordinate the journey from airport to lodge and back again - including your private charter, helicopter transfer and everything in between.
See what’s included, how to get here, and what to expect before you book.
Planning & Logistics >>
Our
Guides
Our guides are chosen for their experience, judgement and technical ability, but also for the kind of people they are. They’ll make the hard calls when conditions demand it, find the best skiing the mountains will give us that day, and make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way. Because out here, your guide is more than the person leading the next run. They’re part of what makes Great Bear feel like Great Bear.
The
team
We’ve assembled something of a dream team; comprised of industry professionals, friends and family. Our guides, pilots, lodge staff & management team bring with them decades of experience and a personal commitment to excellence in all aspects of guest experience. You’ll see the faces below at the lodge this winter, plus a number of others - hand-picked to help you make your time with us nothing short of spectacular.
Mandi
Owner
Dyllan
Owner
Zoe
Owner
Michael
Marketing
David
Guide
Peter
Guide
Dylan
Chef
Emilia
Chef
Emma
massage therapist
Fannie
Guide
Leah
Housekeeping
Matt
Chef
Maya
Housekeeping
Megan
Housekeeping
Nicola
Housekeeping
Reese
Housekeeping
Rob
Chef
