The seeds for Crescent Spur were planted many years ago
We have a long history with the small community of Crescent Spur, and are thrilled to share the experience of our lodge with our guests.
Our heliski operation goes back a while now. In the early 80’s, Regina was working at a snowcat skiing operation north of Nelson, and Mark visited as a guest. He was so impressed with the incredible fun of powder skiing that he returned the following year as an employee. They guided together in the following years, until the fall of 1987, when they struck out on their own and purchased Mark’s family farm in the tiny community of Crescent Spur. They immediately began renovating and building, using local help and materials.
The lodge is surrounded by 600 acres of farm and forested land and bordered by over a mile of frontage on the famous Fraser River, which flows all the way to the Pacific Ocean. We have created a stunningly situated private lodge with views of both the Cariboo and Rocky mountain ranges. Each year we continue to improve and add to the lodge, making it a uniquely beautiful and inspiring haven.
Our love of quality service and unforgettable heliskiing has provided many guests with life-long memories (read their testimonials here). We believe our continued success is best illustrated in the many repeat visits we see from heli-skiers who could go anywhere. We continue to explore the area, and find new and exciting runs. This means more exciting terrain and untouched powder every year for our guests!
Crescent Spur: a little before the heli-skiing
Way before we were heliskiing at Crescent Spur, the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway established a station here (around 1915). After World War II some came to the region for work in forestry and agriculture; additionally, a group of Mennonites called the area home.
The Aubreys have been here for a while
Mark’s parents, Elisabeth and James, arrived in Crescent Spur in the 1950's via train (there was no highway in this area until the early 70's!). They established a family farm, and raised their five children in the idyllic setting of the beautiful Rocky and Cariboo mountain ranges.
Mark & Regina: “young heli-skiers in love”
Regina and Mark met at Selkirk Wilderness Skiing: a snowcat operation at the north end of Kootenay Lake (north of Nelson). They guided together for several years before striking out on their own at Crescent Spur. The “family home” has now seen 3 generations, with the raising of their daughter, Bryna, here.
When we weren’t heliskiing we were “doing renos”
Every year the lodge has undergone varying degrees of transformation, from new stairs and additional wings, to unique furnishings and finishes. There’s rarely a spare moment here, as we always have some plan to improve the lodge. We continue to make it more inviting, and create a space that feels like home.
“Grab a stick of Juicy Fruit…”
We hate to admit it, but even we were “sucked in” by the styles of the 80s (and sadly, there are plenty of photos to prove it). When you get past Mark’s moustache, though, it does show how long we’ve been here, and the depth of experience we’ve had heli-skiing in the mountains.
We told our web agency not to use this photo
…but they didn’t listen. This is a photo of the lodge (from a few years back) on a particularly beautiful night. While the photo is a little out-of-date, it does convey the warm and cozy atmosphere you’ll find here, on an otherwise chilly night.