Funding Sustainability From the Skies: The Legacy Fund Behind Bella Coola Heli Sports

Most heli-skiers chase the perfect line, but what if they left behind something even more meaningful? At Bella Coola Heli Sports, guests become part of a larger effort to protect the landscapes and communities that make these adventures possible through contributions to the company’s Legacy Fund.

Operating in one of the world’s last temperate wilderness regions, Bella Coola Heli Sports embraces its responsibility to safeguard the environment. “I feel a tremendous privilege to be out in these mountains,” says owner Beat Steiner. “And if you can share that […] it’s a first step towards embracing preservation or conservation.”

Guests play a direct role in this mission through a 2% surcharge that supports the Legacy Fund, launched in 2023. The Fund fuels initiatives in community development, conservation, and climate action—funding ecosystem protection, research on mountain wildlife, and mental health programs for guides.

At a time when carbon-intensive travel is under increasing scrutiny, Bella Coola Heli Sports is setting a new standard. In 2020, it became a climate-positive heli-ski operator by investing in carbon offsets, sustainable aviation fuels, and industry-wide advocacy. The company’s approach is inspiring travellers and businesses alike to rethink their role in conservation. By blending adventure with stewardship, Bella Coola Heli Sports is proving that heli-skiing isn’t just about the ride—it’s about the legacy you leave behind.

“One of the coolest things about […] becoming climate positive is how many businesses have followed our example.” — Beat Steiner

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