2016/2017 Pricelist & Information Booklet

Transcription

1 Come cat skiing with us! 2016/2017 Pricelist & Information Booklet Northern Escape Heli Skiing P.O. Box 59 Terrace, British Columbia, V8G 4A2 Canada Tel: Fax: Reservations: Toll Free in North America info@necatskiing.com

2 cat skiing at northern escape In December the Northwest is blessed with copious amounts of light dry powder. It s the perfect time to experience some of the deepest days imaginable. You can have it all, dropping into huge alpine bowls, steep old growth forests and wild pillow lines. Our cat skiing zone has terrain to challenge everyone. Our company s roots are in heli skiing and we haven t forgotten that. When Mother Nature deals you that perfect day, our Heli Skiing Upgrade makes it possible for your group to take advantage of that bluebird weather or big dump. No need to decide weeks in advance we re ready to fly you and the rest of your group away to some of the most incredible heli-skiing terrain in the world. A full or half day of heli-skiing can make a great trip truly unforgettable.

3 General Package Information Numerous daily direct flights from Vancouver, BC provide convenient access to Terrace. You should plan to arrive here by approximately 14:00. Our host or hostess will meet you at the airport and drive you to Yellow Cedar Lodge in one of our comfortable coaches. At the lodge you will be required to sign a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement, a copy of which is printed in this Booklet. Once you ve chosen your powder skis or board from our specially selected fleet, our certified ski technicians will set them up so you re ready to go in the morning. You ll be issued state of the art avalanche airbags, transceivers, shovels and probes, then taken outdoors and trained to use them. A helicopter safety briefing will be the final outdoor segment of your first afternoon with us. Back inside you will check into your rooms. You ll enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne as we provide an informal orientation to the lodge and its amenities. A gourmet dinner follows, allowing you to enjoy the company of friends old and new. For those looking for a night cap, our lounge remains open until 22:30. spectacular terrain deep powder every day! On your first morning, a hearty breakfast is followed by a quick introduction to our staff and the day s skiing program. Departure from the lodge is at 08:30. Our helicopter will transport you to the cat skiing staging area for your first ride up. When weather allows the helicopter will land at one of the summits in our cat area, making your first run a heli drop from which you ski/ride down to the warm snowcat waiting at the bottom. The rest of the week follows a more relaxed schedule: 07:30 Breakfast and guides daily announcement 08:30 Depart for skiing 12:00 ish Lunch a hearty meal in the mountains 15:30 16:00 Return to the lodge (weather and group dependent) 16:30 ish Après ski snacks in the lounge 19:00 Dinner Your last day of your skiing/boarding is a full day in the mountains. You will return to the lodge at the regular time and have an opportunity to clean up and change prior to checking out. Enjoy another great dinner and then off to the airport for your 19:45 flight to Vancouver. Before you leave we ll be taking reservations for the following year and making plans to see you again soon. You will arrive in Vancouver by approximately 21:30 allowing most to connect to their final destination. If staying Vancouver, we recommend you spend the night at either of the fabulous Fairmont Hotels, the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel or the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel.

4 cat skiing at yellow cedar lodge The Northern Escape Cat Skiing package offers an intimate experience with only 18 guests at Yellow Cedar Lodge, on the banks of the Skeena River. We offer a choice of single, double and twin rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. You ll marvel at nature while enjoying the boutique atmosphere, amenities and services of the lodge and our friendly staff. These packages may be booked individually, or bring an entire group. All packages include unlimited vertical, transfers between the Terrace airport and our lodge, accommodations (double occupancy with a limited number of single rooms available), use of all lodge amenities, all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, guide s services, use of an avalanche transceiver, Snowpulse Airbag Backpack and powder skis. heli skiing upgrade Pick that bluebird day after the big dump and splurge on an upgrade to a day of heli skiing. Groups of 4 to 6, with seats for all 18 guests, can upgrade for a cost of $46/1000 vertical feet. Choose a full or half day upgrade with your group. 3 & 4-Day Packages Days Dates Price 3 Days Dec 9 th, 2016 to Dec 12 th, 2016 $2,299 4 Days Dec 12 th, 2016 to Dec 16 th, 2016 $2,999 3 Days Dec 16 th, 2016 to Dec 19 th, 2016 $2,299 4 Days Dec 19 th, 2016 to Dec 23 rd, 2016 $2,999 3 Days Dec 27 th, 2016 to Dec 30 th, 2016 $2,299 3 Days Dec 30 th, 2016 to Jan 2 nd, New Years $2,399 4 Days Jan 2 nd, 2017 to Jan 6 th, 2017 $3,199 Single Room Accommodation Single rooms are an additional $ per night and are subject to availability. Non Skier Rate For those not skiing, accommodation and food packages are available at $ per night. (Based on double occupancy) All prices are quoted in Canadian funds before Taxes and are subject to change without notice. We encourage our guests to pay by bank wire or cheque. Final payments made by Visa or Master Card are subject to a 3% service fee.

5 daily cat skiing book your own cat Book a day of cat skiing only, for your group of up to 12, and get a private cat with Northern Escape. Package includes helicopter transfers, unlimited vertical cat skiing, guide s services, use of an avalanche transceiver, Snowpulse Airbag Backpack. Bookings available between Dec 9th, 2016 and Jan 6th, Private cat for up to 12 guests - $4,999 per day. Rental Skis and Snowboards available for $30 per person per day.

6 Foreign Currencies Payments made in currencies other than Canadian Dollars will be credited at the exchange rate received upon deposit into our account. Travel Arrangements Direct flights from Vancouver to Terrace, BC can be arranged with Air Canada or Hawk Air. Please arrange to arrive on the afernoon of the first day of your package. Return flights to Vancouver should be arranged to depart after 18:00 hrs on the last day of your package. Please provide us with your flight details and we will arrange transport to and from the airport. Air Canada Phone # Hawk Air Phone # Vancouver Accommodation We recommend that our guests stay at either the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel or the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel while in Vancouver. We would be happy to assist you in making these arrangements. Please enquire when making your reservation. Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel: Fairmont Waterfront Hotel: Operations and Safety Northern Escape has a comprehensive snow, weather and avalanche management system. Our guides are continually monitoring and collecting snow and weather information in an effort to assess hazards and choose suitable skiing/ boarding terrain for each group. The guides meet twice daily to evaluate this information, plan the day and share the information obtained during the skiing/boarding day. Each snowcat/helicopter is equipped with first aid, oxygen, avalanche, rescue and survival equipment, as well as a VHF radio to maintain contact with the lodge and the guides. Our guests are equipped with an avalanche transceiver and Snowpulse airbag backpack and provided instruction in their use prior to skiing/boarding. In addition to the equipment carried in our guides packs, each group will carry additional safety equipment and a VHF radio capable of communicating with the guides and pilots. In the case of a medical emergency, both Terrace and Kitimat have fully equipped hospitals located within close ranges of our lodges. Northern Escape is a member of the British Columbia Helicopter and Snowcat Skiing Operators Association, HeliCat Canada. This association sets strict standards for operating a helicopter and/or Snowcat skiing area. Only by skiing/boarding with a member of HeliCat Canada can you be assured of certified ski guides who follow a strict set of operating procedures. In addition, we participate in the Canadian Avalanche Association Professional Members Industry Information Exchange (InfoEx) between backcountry skiing operators and, together with other leading Heli-Skiing operators, we sponsor avalanche research projects with the University of Calgary. Mountain Weather Our cat skiing program is dependent upon weather, snow and avalanche conditions, factors of which we have no control over and are difficult to predict. Therefore, cat skiing is not always perfect and you should be prepared to ski in all conditions. In addition, the more fit you are the more you will enjoy your Heli-Skiing package with us. Insurance Information Trip Cancellation Insurance Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended. NEH has made arrangements with Lifestyle Financial Services to offer our guests a comprehensive cancellation insurance package. Please contact them directly at (250) or via at info@lsfs.ca. In addition, please consult our reservation policies and conditions in this booklet for information on our cancellation policy. Interruption/Medical/Evacuation Insurance We recommend you carry Interruption insurance as well as Medical/Evacuation insurance. Lifestyle Financial Services offers comprehensive coverage for these insurances and they may be purchased directly through Northern Escape Heli Skiing at the time of booking. Information will be provided with you confirmation package.

7 Medical Insurance We recommend you carry insurance to cover hospital and ambulance expenses if necessary. Make sure that any insurance you purchase covers you while you are out of your home province or country. Again, Lifestyle Financial Services offers comprehensive medical insurance. Evacuation Insurance Evacuation insurance is available from Northern Escape to cover evacuation of an injured guest from the mountain to the hospital in Terrace, BC or to the nearest appropriate transfer point for the BC Ambulance Service. Registration Policies and Conditions The Organizer True North Heli-Skiing Ltd. (hereinafter called TNHS) is the licensed operator for all packages and activities offered by Northern Escape Heli-Skiing (NEHS), which is the organizer of all packages described in this brochure. The travel agency representing NEHS is only a mediator authorized for encashment. Registration, Deposit and Payments Due to the nature of this vacation, commitments must be made well in advance of your package commencement with us. Therefore, NEHS requires a deposit of $900 for 3 and 4-day which must be received by Northern Escape or your Travel Agency within 10 days of confirmation of your reservation. All payments are payable to Northern Escape Heli-Skiing or to your Travel Agency. Payment of the balance of your reserved package is due 12 weeks prior to the commencement of your package. Reservations may be cancelled without notice to the guest if full payment has not been received by NEHS on the due date. For bookings made less than 12 weeks prior to the package commencement, the full package price is due at the time of booking. Deposits may be made by Cash, Cheque, Bank Draft, Bank Wire, Visa or Master Card. Final payments may also be made by Cash, Cheque, Bank Draft or Bank Wire, however final payments made by Visa or Master Card are subject to a 3% service charge. Cancellations If it becomes necessary for you to cancel your reservation, we require written notification by registered mail. All deposits for cancellations made more than 12 weeks prior to the package commencement date are NON-REFUNDABLE and will be retained by NEHS. For cancellations made less than 12 weeks prior to the package commencement date, the total package price is due in full and is NON-REFUNDABLE. If the cancelled reservation can be re-sold to another guest that assumes the contractual obligations, and only if the cancelled space is still available, a change of reservation fee of $250 will apply. Refunds All packages are sold in units beginning and ending on a specific date. No refund is given, in whole or in part, for unused days due to late arrival or early departure. In addition, no refund is given for any unused portion of your package due to poor physical fitness, skiing/boarding ability, illness or injury. There is no refund if you choose not to participate in any activity or to return to the lodge early. Northern Escape Heli Skiing reserves the right to cancel any package at any time. FULL REFUNDS will be given if this is the case. Exclusion of Liability and Assumption of Risks Please read carefully. Wilderness skiing and snowboarding involve risks, dangers and hazards in addition to those normally associated with downhill skiing and snowboarding at a ski area. These risks, dangers and hazards are outlined in our Release of Liability, Waiver, of Claims, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement, a sample of which is reprinted within this booklet. All guests are requested to read and required to sign this agreement before participating in our program. This agreement will affect your legal rights should you be involved in an accident. Copies of this agreement are also available from our office and online at

8 WILDERNESS ACTIVITIES RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the Release Agreement ) BY SIGNING THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT, YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE OR CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! INITIAL Name Last First Address Street City Prov/State TO: Country Postal/Zip Code Date of Birth: Day / Month / Year NORTHERN ESCAPE HELI-SKIING, of Terrace, BC, TRUE NORTH HELI-SKIING LTD., of Terrace, BC, Quantum Helicopters LTD, of Terrace, BC, SKYLINE HELICOPTERS LTD., B.S.L.G HOLDINGS LTD., of Kelowna, BC, HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA and their respective directors, officers, employees, guides, agents, independent contractors, subcontractors, representatives, successors, assigns and guests (all of whom are hereinafter collectively referred to as the Releasees"). DEFINITIONS In this Release Agreement, the term "wilderness activities" shall include all activities, accommodation, transportation, events and services provided, arranged, organized, conducted, sponsored or authorized by the Releasees and shall include but is not limited to: skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, hiking, snowshoeing and other form of backcountry travel; rental or use of skis, snowboards or other equipment; demonstrations; orientational and instructional courses; loading, unloading and travel by or movement in or around helicopters, snowcats, snowmobiles and motor vehicles; and other activities, events and services in any way connected with or related to wilderness activities. AVALANCHE AIRBAG SYSTEM The Avalanche Airbag System ( AAS ) consists of a backpack integrating an airbag system which is inflated by manually pulling an activation handle. Once inflated, an AAS may assist in keeping a person caught in an avalanche closer to the surface, thus potentially increasing the chances of survival. The AAS may not always inflate and may not protect the user against trauma during an avalanche. ASSUMPTION OF RISKS - AVALANCHES, ALPINE TERRAIN, WILDERNESS TRAVEL, WEATHER ETC. I am aware that wilderness activities involves risks, dangers and hazards. Avalanches occur frequently in the terrain used for wilderness activities and may be caused by natural forces or by persons travelling through the terrain. I acknowledge and accept that the Releasees may fail to predict whether the alpine terrain is safe for wilderness activities or whether an avalanche may occur. The terrain used for wilderness activities is uncontrolled, unmarked, not inspected and involves many risks, dangers and hazards in addition to that of avalanche. These may include, but are not limited to: cornices; crevasses; cliffs; trees, tree wells and tree stumps; creeks; rocks; boulders; forest deadfall; holes and depressions on or below the snow surface; cliffs; variable and difficult snow conditions; snowcat roads and road banks, fences, and other man-made structures; snow immersion; impact or collision with other persons or objects; becoming lost or separated from one s party or guide; negligence of other persons, including other guests; and NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF WILDERNESS ACTIVITIES. Communication in the alpine terrain is difficult and in the event of an accident, rescue and medical treatment may not be available. Alpine weather conditions may be extreme and can change rapidly and without warning, making travel by helicopter, snowcat or snowmobile hazardous. I AM AWARE OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH WILDERNESS ACTIVITIES AND I FREELY ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS RESULTING THEREFROM. NOTICE TO SNOWBOARDERS AND TELEMARK SKIERS - INCREASED RISK Unlike alpine ski boot/binding systems, snowboard and some telemark boot/binding systems are not designed or intended to release and will not release under normal circumstances. The use of a safety strap or retention device by snowboarders or telemark skiers without ski brakes will increase the risk of not surviving an avalanche. RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT In consideration of THE RELEASEES allowing me to participate in wilderness activities, I hereby agree as follows: 1. TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS that I have or may in the future have against THE RELEASEES and TO RELEASE THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any loss, damage, expense or injury including death that I may suffer or that my next of kin may suffer as a result of my participation in wilderness activities, DUE TO ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT, OR BREACH OF ANY STATUTORY OR OTHER DUTY OF CARE, INCLUDING ANY DUTY OF CARE OWED UNDER THE OCCUPIERS LIABILITY ACT, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 337, ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF WILDERNESS ACTIVITIES REFERRED TO ABOVE; 2. TO HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any property damage or personal injury to any third party resulting from my participation in wilderness activities; 3. This Release Agreement shall be effective and binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns and representatives, in the event of my death or incapacity; 4. This Release Agreement and any rights, duties and obligations as between the parties to this Release Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted solely in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia and no other jurisdiction; and 5. Any litigation involving the parties to this Release Agreement shall be brought solely within the Province of British Columbia and shall be within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of the Province of British Columbia. In entering into this Release Agreement I am not relying on any oral or written representations or statements made by the Releasees with respect to the safety of wilderness activities, other than what is set forth in this Release Agreement. I CONFIRM THAT I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT PRIOR TO SIGNING IT, AND I AM AWARE THAT BY SIGNING THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT I AM WAIVING CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH I OR MY HEIRS, NEXT OF KIN, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, ASSIGNS AND REPRESENTATIVES MAY HAVE AGAINST THE RELEASEES. Dated this day of 20 Signature of Guest Signature of Witness Please Print Name Please Print Name Signature of Parent or Guardian if Guest is Under Age 19 This is a sample form of the Release of Liability and Waiver of Claims The form that you sign may vary slightly and is available upon request from our office.