TGR On Location: Great Bear Heli Skiing
The Central Coast mountains of British Columbia define a certain kind of wild. It’s a place where the landscape remains immense, untamed, and profoundly connected to its rivers and ocean. This raw, breathtaking canvas became the setting for one of the most compelling segments in Teton Gravity Research’s new film, Pressure Drop, featuring athletes Teal Harle and McRae Williams.
But for Teal Harle, this trip with Great Bear Heli was more than just a filming mission. It was a return to his roots.
From River Guide to Alpine Pioneer
Most fans know Teal Harle as a dominant force in the park and pipe world, a slopestyle specialist whose career was defined by technical tricks and flawless landings. However, his life in the off-season is a world away from the manicured snow of a competition course. Harle grew up on the BC coast, spending his summers guiding and fishing on the region's powerful, salmon-filled rivers.
Surprisingly, the Great Bear trip was Harle’s first true heli experience. After years spent launching off man-made features, he was suddenly faced with the untamed, consequential terrain of the alpine. Naturally, the segment beautifully captures this pivotal moment as Harle applies his legendary air awareness to massive, consequential mountain lines, dropping in alongside the veteran power of McRae Williams. Together, they navigated the expansive glaciers and endless powder that characterize this remote tenure.
The Unique Legacy of Great Bear Heli
The location itself is a story worth telling. Great Bear Heli is nestled within the Great Bear Rainforest, operating with a palpable sense of respect for the environment. Significantly, the operation is a women-led family business, founded by Mandi Blewett and her daughters, who carry a deep, lifelong connection to the land—first through their renowned fishing lodge, and now through their heli-skiing tenure.
More Than a Heli-Op: Great Bear, as Seen in TGR’s Pressure Drop, is Forging a New Legacy
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Experience the Full Segment
The resulting film segment is a powerful blend of personal history and pure, untamed freeriding. It captures the essence of BC’s wildness and the skill required to thrive in it. If you are looking for the next level of winter adventure, this is the segment to watch.
Pressure Drop: Great Bear Heli, British Columbia Segment
You can also join the excitement live! The Pressure Drop Film Tour is crossing the country right now. This is your chance to see this incredible segment, and the entire film, on the big screen.
Teton Gravity Research extends a huge thanks to our partners who helped make the Great Bear Heli segment of Pressure Drop a reality: Suncruiser, Nissan, Atomic, Norrona, Volkl Skis, and TinCup Whiskey, along with the entire team at Great Bear Heli Skiing.
