If you are interested in winter sports and like the adrenaline rush, there is nothing more adventurous than heliskiing.
Spending time on ski slopes is one of the best ways to enjoy breathtaking winter mountain landscapes paired with a healthy dose of excitement. But what if you’re looking to elevate the adrenaline even more? For those chasing the ultimate thrill, the answer lies in one word: heliskiing.
Adventurous Descents on Untouched Slopes
Heliskiing, or heli-skiing, delivers one of the most exhilarating off-piste skiing experiences. In simple terms, it’s like using a helicopter as your aerial taxi to reach untouched, open slopes where no ski pistes have ever been built. With the guidance of an expert mountain guide, you’ll ski down pristine terrain that few have ever laid tracks on.
This remarkable experience is available on all seven continents—even in Antarctica and parts of Africa like Morocco. Depending on your skill level, fitness, weather conditions, snow quality, and, of course, your budget, you can take up to 16 or even 20 descents in a single day. That said, heliskiing doesn’t come cheap.
Heliskiing appeals to many as the ultimate form of backcountry skiing or snowboarding. The allure of untouched powder snow on some of the world’s most breathtaking peaks draws adrenaline junkies like a magnet. Compared to cat skiing, heliskiing offers greater flexibility and terrain options, as helicopters can access nearly any peak. For those who love steep slopes, heliskiing also provides the advantage of reaching much higher altitudes than other off-piste disciplines.
The descents can vary greatly in length and difficulty. Thanks to advancements in powder snow—also known as crystalline snow—skiing and snowboarding technology, you don’t need to be an expert to try heliskiing. Mountain guides will match the terrain to your group’s ability, making it accessible for anyone with moderate off-piste experience. However, a solid level of fitness and expertise will undoubtedly enhance the experience.
For heliskiing, the pilot typically drops you off at a predetermined landing site. You exit the helicopter and prepare to ski under your guide’s instructions. As the helicopter departs, it stirs up a whirlwind of snowflakes, leaving you immersed in the majestic, sudden silence of the mountain. Don’t worry—you’ll meet the pilot again at your landing site to repeat the adventure from another breathtaking point.
Heliskiing in the Kaçkars: Among the World’s Top 10 Spots
Heliski, which can only be performed in a few select locations worldwide, has been taking place in Turkey’s Kaçkar Mountains between Rize and Artvin since 2005. Having become a meeting point for heliski enthusiasts, the Kaçkar Mountains are among the top 10 most preferred heliski destinations in the world. Undoubtedly, the expertise of a professional team plays a significant role in this. Turkey Heliski, a Turkish-Swiss partnership, has been meticulously working on every detail for years to ensure that you can safely enjoy this adrenaline-filled sport.
As interest in the sport grows in Turkey, the process of ensuring safety and obtaining permissions remains meticulous. Pilots involved in the event undergo specialized training, while participants are provided with survival training in remote and harsh winter conditions. Each athlete is equipped with a avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe and as well a airbag backpack to mitigate avalanche risks. If you’re eager to try heliskiing in the Kaçkars, the season runs until April, weather permitting.
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The World’s Best Heliskiing Destinations
While Europe is famous for skiing, heliskiing is prohibited in France and Austria due to environmental regulations. However, other exceptional European locations include Italy, Switzerland, northern Sweden, and the Spanish Pyrenees. Beyond Europe, some of the most thrilling heliskiing destinations are found in Canada, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, India, Russia, and Georgia.
British Columbia, Canada
If you haven’t yet explored British Columbia, now is the perfect time! This region is celebrated not only for its remarkable snow quality but also for its extraordinary scale. Covering 2.64 million acres of snow-covered terrain, British Columbia is 90 times the size of the Trois Vallées in France and surpasses the entire Swiss Alps in size. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean adds to the exceptional snow conditions, solidifying its status as one of the world’s premier skiing destinations.
Valdez, Alaska
Valdez, Alaska, is often considered the birthplace of heliskiing as an extreme sport. The rugged mountains here offer breathtaking descents, while the lower temperatures and sticky snow help reduce avalanche risks. However, Valdez is best suited for experienced skiers due to the challenging terrain.
Switzerland
When it comes to heliskiing, the Swiss Alps offer breathtaking terrain that feels like a dream come true. This unparalleled adventure is perfectly complemented by the charm of cozy villages and luxurious chalets nestled at the foot of the mountains. While the Alaskan wilderness is undeniably impressive, there’s something uniquely magical about skiing down thousands of meters of untouched snow in Switzerland and ending the day with a glass of wine and a hearty serving of raclette, one of the country’s traditional dishes. Heliskiing in Switzerland seamlessly blends adventure with luxury, making it an experience of pure refinement.
Georgia
For those seeking an adventure beyond the ordinary, Georgia offers a rare combination of unforgettable mountain landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Home to some of the highest and most untouched peaks in the world, this captivating country is a heliskiing paradise. Perfect for both seasoned enthusiasts and first-time explorers, Georgia’s pristine slopes promise an extraordinary journey for all.
India
Even as temperatures in Delhi soar toward 50 degrees, just an hour’s flight will transport you to the cool, serene mountain station of Manali. Located near the Tibetan border and affectionately known as the “Valley of the Gods,” Manali exudes a mystical charm, adorned with colorful Buddhist prayer flags. High above the town, at altitudes of around 5,000 meters, this region offers a deeply spiritual experience, from its jagged ridges and steep peaks to enchanting forests of birch, oak, and cedar trees. Heliskiers can also marvel at the grandeur of the 6,400-meter Himalayan peaks. This adventure feels like a journey into a hidden kingdom at the edge of the world, offering an experience like no other.
Hokkaido, Japan
Hokkaido may be a less familiar destination for winter sports, but its striking landscapes, abundant powder snow, and exhilaratingly steep slopes rival even the best of Europe. The region’s exceptional snow conditions are the result of a Siberian storm system that blankets Hokkaido with an astounding 18 meters of snow each year. Adventurers can charter a helicopter to soar above the clouds, descend from dormant volcanoes over 1,100 meters high, and carve their way through dense, snow-covered birch forests. It’s a heliskiing experience that combines the thrill of discovery with the beauty of untouched nature.
Kamchatka, Russia
If you’ve never heard of the Kamchatka Peninsula, now is the perfect time to discover it. Located in the easternmost part of Russia, between the Sea of Okhotsk and the Bering Sea, Kamchatka is home to over 200 volcanoes, 29 of which are still active. This makes it an exciting and extreme destination for ski lovers. The region’s wild, untouched nature offers a one-of-a-kind adventure, all within the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Southern Alps, New Zealand
For those wishing to see the stunning landscapes featured in the Lord of the Rings films, head south to New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Spanning 8,300 square kilometers, the 11 mountain ranges of the Southern Alps offer pistes with descents ranging from 610 to 1,000 meters. The highest point in the range reaches 2,585 meters, though it’s not accessible by helicopter. To kick off your adventure, embark on a three-day heli-ski tour from Queenstown, where you’ll explore natural wonders like the Clark Glacier along the way. This unforgettable experience promises an adventure you’ll never want to forget.
Chile
Now we’ve traveled to South America, where the Andes Mountains offer exceptional skiing opportunities—particularly for those chasing winter year-round. However, the vastness of these majestic mountains and their difficult accessibility make establishing heli-skiing operations in the region a challenge. Still, a few professional guided heliski companies offer ski enthusiasts an unforgettable experience despite the tough conditions.
Where Did Heliskiing Come From?
Heliskiing originated from an idea conceived by Hans Gmoser in Canada. Gmoser envisioned using airplanes and helicopters to transport customers to mountain peaks. However, the initial inspiration for this idea came from Art Patterson, a Canadian geologist and skier working in Alaska in the 1950s. Patterson developed the concept while using helicopters to reach remote areas and later collaborated with Gmoser to bring his dream to life.
In the early 1960s, the first attempts at heli-skiing were made, but they failed due to poor snow conditions. Patterson eventually gave up, but Gmoser persisted. He found a suitable location at the Bugaboo Spires in British Columbia, where he successfully launched heli-skiing. It was there that Gmoser founded the Bugaboo Lodge, laying the foundation for CMH Heli-Skiing and Summer Adventures. In the 1970s, heli-skiing quickly gained popularity and spread across the globe. Despite early setbacks, this innovative sport continues to offer snow enthusiasts a unique adventure.
