Our team
Giacum (Jake) Frei
President and Lead Guide (UIAGM)
Jake was born and raised just 3 hrs south of the Skeena Mountain range to Swiss parents. Jake left Canada when he was just 15 and started his career as a professional skier and guide in Europe. In 2003 he started exploring the new skiing terrain of the Skeenas and subsequently launch Skeena Heliskiing.
A certified UIAGM guide for over 15 years, Jake has also been involved with the Swiss Institute of Avalanche Research, Developer of the “Free Ride Mini Guide”, various avalanche control activities, ski resort safety planning and numerous year round guiding activities around the globe.
Jake’s experience in the industry and commitment to developing a world renowned Heliski operation has helped him develop the best possible team to ensure our clients safety and enjoyment in the air and on the snow.
Michael Cater
Lead Guide (UIAGM)
Born in Austria, Michael moved to Canada seven years ago. Before starting his Canadian heliski career he was a member of the Chamonix Mountain Guide Association and developer of a Russian heliski company.
A certified UIAGM guide and level 4 ski instructor for over 15 years, examiner for the Austrian ski instructor federation and a former teacher for skiing and mountaineering at the University of Graz, Michael spent most of his life in the mountains around the world.
Besides his involvement at Skeena Heliskiing he is working in the avalanche safety equipment sector and is the director of Pieps Canada.
“It is a hard and long way to be ready for guiding in the heliski industry, but every day out there, seeing smiles in your faces, and enjoying the untracked powder in the Skeena mountain range makes it worth it.”
Peter Arbic
Lead Guide (UIAGM)
Peter, aka PA, has been guiding Heliskiers around the Selkirk, Purcells and Monashee ranges of BC, Canada for over 25 years. He is one of the most renowned and respected guides in the Industry.
A thirst for new terrain, new faces and new challenges lured Peter to Skeena Heliskiing in 2009.
Urs Rentsch
Lead Guide (UIAGM)
A guide for over 20 years Urs has always searched for new lines and has traveled as far as to Morocco to ski the Hightatlas and to the dunes of the Sahara. His journeys around the globe brought him to Alaska, Colorado and the Rocky mountains and finally to Skeena Heliskiing. When not at Skeena, he can be found in his home town, Gstaad, in the Bernese "Berner: Oberland.
In the last ten years his main line of work in the winter is Heliskiing in Gstaad. "I really enjoy guiding folks to untracked slopes and mountains. I still enjoy traveling around but time goes quick when you get older, so make sure you only go for Gold".
Shane Spencer
Asst Ski Guide (ACMG)
Ryan Boyle
Asst Ski Guide (ACMG)
Stephane Poirier
Asst Ski Guide (ACMG)
With numerous seasons working for the avalanche control department at Lake Louise under his belt Stephane became an ACMG guide to pursue his passion for skiing and guiding people.
Stephane’s passion for skiing and love of the mountains lead him to work in New Zealand and more recently in Iceland, where he explored new Heliski terrain.
When not guiding for Skeena Heliskiing he spends the winters in the interior of British Columbia guiding Heli, Cat and Ski touring enthusiasts alike.
Lucas Holtzman
CAA Level 2 Avalanche Technician
Lucas lives in Smithers, B.C has been with Skeena Helisking since 2006 as an avalanche technician. During the day he can be found in the depths of a snow hole digging a snow profile and examining the stability of the snow pack or skiing at the back of the group making sure everyone gets back to the Heli. If your looking for Lucas at the lodge you can usually find him in the kitchen drinking his 20th cup of coffee for the day.
Craig Roy
Chief Helicopter Pilot
Craig has been with Skeena Heliskiing since its inception and has over 9,000hrs of flying time. His local knowledge and experience with our Heliskiing operation ensures that our clients access the best possible terrain for the conditions.
A local man from Terrace B.C Craig has a love for all engines from the smallest to the biggest ones. His favorite mode of speedy transportation during the winter months is his beloved "Enticer" snowmobile (Circa 1971).
Jean Marc Messmer
Helicopter Pilot
Jean-Marc, a native of Switzerland, has been flying with Skeena Heliskiing
from the early beginning and now lives in Campbell River BC, where he
teaches pilots in between seasons at Coast Mountain Helicopters. Gathering
over 9000 hrs accident free, his modus operandi is all about safety and guest
satisfaction!
After hours, if he is not in the hot tub, you will find him
racing Craig's Enticer around the block!
Mike Reed
Helicopter Pilot
Mike Reed, coming from generations of helicopter pilots started his days flying on his dads lap as a kid and then later chasing down deer in New Zealand. Now a days he prefers to move Heliskiers around in our great terrain. Mike has been flying these mountain ranges for years and can take you to the best snow of the day.
Jarret Lunn
Onsite Helicopter Mechanic & Pilot
Born and bred on Vancouver Island Jarrett is an experienced Helicopter mechanic and has been pursuing his dream of becoming a helicopter pilot. This will be his 3rd season at Skeena Heliskiing.
Gene Allen
General Manager of "The Cliff at Kispiox River"
Local identity, renowned bronco rider, local fishing guide, Gene and his wife Joy have been involved with Skeena Heliskiing since its inception. Gene is a true host, making sure your stay is full of laughter, great stories and memories.