John Forrest

The Man with all the Titles -
General Manager / President / Director / ACMG Ski Guide

As a young skier and climber, John always dreamed of becoming a heli-ski guide. After guiding for more than 20 years, most of which have been in the mechanized ski industry, John’s entrepreneurial spirit has distinguished him as a founder of a number of successful companies. John's first venture was a Snowcat-Skiing company founded in the early 90's in the Kootenay Mountains of BC. He later went on to become the Director of Operations for a new Heli-Skiing company where he spent 10 years developing it's operations program. During this time he co-founded a second Heli-Skiing company in the Skeena Mountains of BC. In order to round out his industry experience, John has also worked with many of the other largest Heli-Skiing companies as a Lead Guide. John is also the current President of HeliCat Canada, our industry association.

John has now co-founded, together with Ted, Benny and Dave, a new Heli-Skiing company based on all the best traits that he has seen over the years. "We wanted to create a company that went back to the roots of Heli-Skiing. A company that was small enough to cater to its clients needs and desires. Where each guest has a name and we ski in small intimate groups from a location where international access is easy, and yet has the feeling of remoteness. "The way Heli-Skiing and Boarding were meant to be!"

Benny Abruzzo

Director

As a New Mexico native, and having spent his entire life involved in skiing, Benny brings a unique perspective to our operation. Learning to ski at age three, managing his first ski area at twenty-two, and spending the last twenty- five years developing and operating two ski areas in the desert southwest, Ski Santa Fe and Sandia Peak, has left little time for things outside the world of skiing.

Like most truly impassioned skiers, Benny has spent his free time Heli-skiing throughout British Columbia with his two sons, Benjamin and Dane, searching for that perfect place. After skiing with many of BC’s finest Heli operations, fate would bring Benny and John together at a ski-guides course with John as the seasoned instructor and Benny as the aspiring student. Cocktails, conversation and the shared dream of developing a truly unique Heli-skiing operation resulted in a trip to Terrace and the rest is history. Chance would strike again as a beautiful lake front property in the heart of our finest skiing area came onto the market. Benny and his wife Sandra purchased the Treston Lake property; with Sandra’s artistic touch and Benny’s passion for building , together they have developed a truly unique sanctuary for the ultimate Heli-skiing experience.

“Sandra and I hope that our passion for this wonderful place we call Treston Lake Lodge will become one of those unique places in the world you hold dear to your heart”. One visit to their home on Treston Lake and you will keep coming back for as long as your ski legs will support you.

Teddy Allsopp

Director

Heliskiing Teddy Allsopp Born and raised skiing the back bowls of Rabbit Hill and Snow Valley in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Ted developed his passion for the slopes at a young age. "I strapped on my first pair of boards at three but really didn't take it seriously until I turned 5."

Ted's summers are savoured on the waters at Alberta's Seba Beach and Mabel Lake in BC's interior. Winters are time to shred and Ted rarely lets a day go by not on the slopes of many top ski destinations including Fernie BC's powder bowls and NEH's epic terrain. During first year university, Ted began his career in the ski industry with launch of Downhill Riders Ski & Travel Co. Years later the company has now evolved into one of North America's largest ski & snowboard adventure tour operators. Ted's personal ski adventures have taken him throughout Canada, the US, Europe, Chile, Argentina and Bolivia. A passion for the slopes, travel and the outdoors is paired with a zest for life shared with his friendships and thriving business interests.

As head of NEH's domestic marketing, Ted can't wait to hear from you on how he can get you in the chopper to experience some of the best skiing & snowboarding on the planet. If you are looking to spend some time with Teddy, suggest a ski trip!

Dave Riddle

Director

Growing up in Jasper Alberta Dave always had a passion for skiing and playing in the mountains. While attending the University of Calgary in 1979 Dave won the now infamous "Mountain Smoker " ski race on Mt. Norquay's Lone Pine. The prize was a week of heli-skiing at CMH's Caribou Lodge! That amazing week led to a break from school and a full time job at the Caribou Lodge for the next winter and summer! Then it was back to finish his commitment at U of C, get a "real job", marry Pixie and raise Claire and Max! In the meantime to satisfy Dave's passion and drive he started racing cars in 2001 and developed C-MAX RACING. He competed in the Grand Am Sports Car Series from 2003 – 2009 earning 3 podiums and 8 top 10 finishes.

Dave has been coming to NEH from the first year. "The first time I came here I couldn't believe it! The terrain is absolutely mind blowing. The skiing is incredible, the staff are awesome and it's super easy to get here. I could return a thousand times and still not get over the experience"! I'm extremely excited to be a part of the passion that John, Ted, Benny, the guides, the pilots and all the staff share in NEH. It only takes one visit to understand why NEH is the ultimate heli skiing/boarding experience, the way it should be! Most of all I look forward to skiing with all of the great friends I have met over the last six years and all of the great new friends I am still to meet"!!!!