Heli skiing is the holy grail for alpine skiers, and rightly so.
This backcountry skiing experience gives you access to a massive amount of vertical, technical terrain, and as many untracked powder turns as you can desire.
To get you prepared for your first or fifth in the helicopter, here is everything you need to know.
What is Heli Skiing?
Short for helicopter skiing, heli skiing is the act of using a helicopter to ski remote mountains in the backcountry. Unlike other backcountry skiing, riding in a helicopter is unique because of the number of runs and the vertical feet you can ski in a day.
This type of skiing is all about accessing natural unmarked terrain. The runs are steep, long, and hopefully filled with fresh powder snow.
These trips are run by mountain guides through businesses called operations. Since heli skiing takes place in the backcountry it is important to ski with knowledgeable mountain guides who understand avalanche terrain and natural obstacles to keep the group safe. Most heli skiing operations offer different types of trips catering to intermediate and advanced skiers.
(Going on a ski trip soon? Get in shape for your trip with these exercises.)
Why Should You Go Heli Skiing?
These trips are unique because they access terrain that is not found inside a ski resort.
If you like powder skiing these trips are a great way to get in a full day of untracked turns. Since helicopters can go anywhere, your guides can direct the pilot to a slope that has not been skied and is sure to have fresh snow.
If you want to challenge your skiing this is a great way to access steep and technical terrain. Your guides can take you to remote peaks with long fall line descents.
Heli skiing is the pinnacle of skiing. If you watch your favorite ski movie there is a good chance you will see a large portion of the movie filmed at a heli skiing operation. This is because the film companies and professional skiers understand that heli skiing is the best way to access fresh snow on steep technical terrain.
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
Every operation runs a bit differently. But here is what you can expect from a typical day.
An Early Start and a Safety Briefing
The day will start early with a safety briefing. Each guest in the group will be given an avalanche beacon, a shovel, and a probe. Your guides will do a beacon check and show you how to use these tools in case of an avalanche. Finally, your guides will cover helicopter safety including how to enter and exit the helicopter followed by another knowledge required for the day.
Site Seeing and Warm-Up Runs
When you get in the helicopter and leave the operation on your first flight you will be very excited. Have your phone ready, this is a great time to take some pictures as you fly into the backcountry. Your first stop will be some easy terrain. The guides want to help you warm up, shake off those excited jitters, and assess the group’s ability before picking the terrain for the day.
Runs, Runs, and More Runs
Once you have warmed up the guides will direct the pilot to the faces you will ski for the day. This is where the fun starts. You will land at the top of the run and walk out of the helicopter, no you don’t have to jump. Then one guide will lead the way and you will ski to the bottom. From here you will repeat the process all day. Most operations have a guaranteed number of runs or vertical feet.
Return to the Lodge
After a full day of skiing, you will return to the lodge. If you booked a multi-day trip your evening will be filled with apres, good food, and maybe some time in the spa. Then you will go to sleep and repeat the process the next day. If you have the opportunity, multi-day trips and their amenities are well worth it.
Where to Go Heli Skiing?
Operations are found all over the world. They are all found next to big mountain ranges that receive a lot of snowfall.
Heli Skiing Operations in The United States
Alaska is the mecca of heli skiing. It has the steepest mountains, most terrain, and most snowfall. Even if you are not an advanced skier Alaska still offers plenty of low-angle terrain suitable for intermediates. There is also good skiing in the lower 48 states.
Alaska:
Colorado:
Nevada:
Utah:
Washington:
Wyoming:
Heli Skiing Operations in Canada
Known for its large mountain ranges, cold temperatures, and massive amount of snowfall, Canada is a great place to go heli skiing. You can find operations in the provinces of British Columbia, Yukon, and Alberta.
British Columbia:
- Bella Coola Sports
- Mike Wiegele Heli Skiing
- Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing
- Great Canadian Heli Skiing
- Whistler Heli Skiing
- Last Frontier Heli Skiing
- Northern Escape Heli Skiing
- Purcell Heli Skiing
- CMH Heli Skiing
Yukon:
Alberta:
What to Bring Heli Skiing
- Ski boots
- Powder skis (some operations will have rental skis available)
- Waterproof ski jacket and pants
- Helmet and goggles
- Facebuffs
- Mitts or gloves
- Wool hat or toque
- Layers for skiing
- 3-4 warm ski socks
- Bathing suit for hot tub or sauna
- Indoor shoes or slippers
- Casual clothing for in the lodge
This is a universal list. Refine what you pack based on your specific operation’s requirements. You can typically find a packing list on the FAQ section of your operation’s website.
How Much Does Heli Skiing Cost?
These trips are not cheap. Depending on the length of your trip, what’s included, and the operation trips can run anywhere from $1,000 to $7,000.
But think about what you are getting. You are getting access to a state of the art helicopter that will transport you into a remote backcountry environment. There your mountain guides will choose runs in the complex mountain environment that are safe for you to ski. You will ski untracked snow and repeat for a full day before you are flown back either to town or an all-inclusive luxury lodge.
When you look at the experience you are getting and the logistics required to get you there, it makes sense why these trips are not cheap.
Should You Go Heli Skiing?
If you love skiing and you have the money, the answer is absolutely yes. This is the pinnacle of skiing, these trips give you access to terrain you can only dream of and endless laps of fresh powder. To top it off you stay in a luxurious lodge nestled in the mountains. Once you step out of the helicopter you will never be able to look back, there’s a reason why operations have so many returning guests.
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