If you’re ready to take off on the adventure of a lifetime, helicopter skiing with the help of Pure Powder is definitely the way to go. With personalised service and a wealth of heli skiing knowledge and expertise, you can be sure that booking your trip through Pure Powder is the right choice. We will do our best to match you up with the ideal helicopter skiing trip to suit your ski level – all you have to do is let us know exactly what kind of experience you’re looking for, and let the Pure Powder team handle the admin for you.
When you book your helicopter skiing trip through us, you have a wealth of remarkable destinations to choose from, with diverse and challenging terrain at your disposal. In this brief read, we’ll cover a few of the top helicopter skiing destinations available to you through Pure Powder, as well as a few essential tips to help you make the most of your heli skiing adventure. If you have been considering a helicopter skiing trip, this is your cue to get in contact with us and set off on the adventure of a lifetime.
The Unmatched Appeal Of Helicopter Skiing
From the moment you arrive at your heli skiing destination, you will be treated to a tailored experience, which typically begins with a detailed safety briefing. You can also expect personalised guidance from knowledgeable ski guides, which ensures that each skier receives individual attention – this is paramount to your safety and enjoyment throughout the experience. Another hallmark of helicopter skiing is the pristine skiing conditions. Since helicopters take you to remote, untouched areas, you’ll be skiing on fresh powder for most, if not all, of your adventure. There’s no need for you to wake up early in a bid to beat the crowds or worry about tracked-out slopes. Heli skiing guarantees both a peaceful and exhilarating experience that’s free of the usual resort congestion. After all, even some of the most popular traditional ski resorts in the world often suffer from overcrowded slopes, which can detract from your overall experience.
Heli skiing opens you up to a world of exclusive terrain that isn’t available at ski resorts, including the opportunity to ski down vast, open slopes, through dense forests, or across stunning alpine landscapes. It’s not uncommon to cover thousands of vertical feet in a single run, with the diversity and sheer scale of the terrain providing a unique challenge even for experienced skiers. Typically, resort skiing is confined to predetermined trails and runs, which, though well-maintained, cannot compete with the varied landscapes accessible through helicopter skiing.
If you’re seeking a getaway that’s truly unforgettable, heli skiing is undoubtedly the way to go for all skiing enthusiasts. The use of helicopters not only adds a touch of excitement to your journey, but it also ensures you have access to the best possible skiing conditions. When helicopter skiing, each run is a new adventure. With untouched snow and breathtaking scenery, this is an experience that simply can’t be replicated.
Top Helicopter Skiing Destinations
When it comes to organising a helicopter skiing adventure, Pure Powder puts an array of world-class destinations at your fingertips. From the untouched powder of British Columbia to the majestic peaks of the Andes, here are seven top helicopter skiing locations you can visit with Pure Powder.
Alaska
Famous for its dramatic landscapes and extreme skiing, Alaska offers some of the most thrilling heli skiing experiences. The stable maritime snowpack creates ideal conditions for steep skiing, with immaculate couloirs and spines. Alaska’s Tordrillo Range boasts a whopping 1,500 square miles of exclusive terrain, which includes everything from big open bowls to aggressive movie lines. With small, flexible groups of four guests and a knowledgeable guide, you’ll be able to navigate this pristine terrain with ease, ensuring a memorable adventure in one of the world’s ultimate heli skiing destinations.
Canada
Canada is considered the global mecca of heli skiing, particularly the interior ranges of British Columbia. With Pure Powder and our partners at CMH Heli Skiing, you can access vast and varied terrain that includes alpine and tree skiing areas. The deep, reliable powder and minimal downtime make it an ideal destination for thrill seekers and powder lovers from all over the world. The terrain covers an area that equates to roughly 40% the size of Switzerland, which means you have endless opportunities for exploration and excitement. Staying in unique, remote lodges surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty just adds to the exclusivity of these experiences!
Chile
If you want to ski in the Southern Hemisphere, Chile is one of the few locations where it is not only possible but also immensely enjoyable – you can expect an unrivalled skiing experience from June through September. The rugged Andes Mountains offer a million acres of exclusive terrain with features such as alpine glaciers and steep gullies. The high altitude ensures light and dry powder, which are must-haves for those who appreciate fine powder conditions. In addition to heli skiing, you’ll enjoy a unique cultural experience with fine wines, authentic cuisine, and warm South American hospitality. Small-group programmes allow for explorative skiing, making Chile the perfect choice for adventurous skiers.
Iceland
Iceland’s Troll Peninsula offers a unique adventure with 1,500 square miles of incredible terrain. Skiing here involves passing majestic peaks and fjords with stunning vistas, all based out of the luxurious Deplar Farm. The lodge provides guests with unmatched comfort, and the land of the midnight sun offers extended daylight hours, which means you can spend more time out on the slopes. Whether you’re navigating steep couloirs or enjoying long descents to the shores of the North-Atlantic Ocean, a heli skiing trip to Iceland promises an intimate and explorative experience, with plenty of other activities to enjoy on down days, including snowmobiling, kayaking, and even fly fishing.
Japan
Japan has garnered a reputation for consistently deep powder and the unique cultural experiences that come part-in-parcel with a trip to this extraordinary location. The light, dry champagne powder is some of the best in the world, falling regularly due to consistent storms and cold temperatures. Off-piste skiing and ski touring adventures are especially popular here, with nomadic trips running every year in January. These trips allow you to explore hidden powder stashes away from crowds, making it an ideal destination to visit if you want to experience Japan’s incredible powder skiing.
Sweden
With the largest wilderness terrain on the continent, Sweden offers a European skiing adventure unlike any other. Based out of the remote Abisko Mountain Lodge, you’ll explore Alpine terrain the size of Austria, complete with open bowls and steep descents. Like Iceland, the longer daylight hours and small group offerings provide guests with flexibility and, more importantly, ample skiing opportunities. The experienced team of guides also ensures a safe adventure, with the midnight sun ensuring you get the most out of your skiing trip to Sweden.
Turkey
The Kaçkar mountains in Turkey provides more than 5,000 square kilometres of Alpine terrain, with consistent deep powder due to storms rolling in off the Black Sea – based in the charming small town of Ayder, there’s easy access to heli ski runs when lodging at the cosy, family-run Hotel Hasimoglu. Small group and private trips run from January through March, with groups of four guests serviced by one helicopter. The international guides and expert pilots from Air Zermatt ensure your safety as you explore the vast powder skiing terrain Turkey has to offer. It’s no wonder Turkey is one of the top choices for heli skiing adventures!
5 Tips To Make The Most Of Your Heli skiing Adventure
If you want unrivalled access to pristine powder and breathtaking mountainous landscapes, heli skiing is perfect for you, but it’s important to be prepared ahead of your trip. To ensure you make the most of your experience, we’re going to outline some essential tips to keep in mind for your time on the slopes.
Choose your perfect group size: We offer heli skiing programmes in both larger groups of up to 10 or 11 guests, and smaller groups of 4 or 5 guests. If you are after a speedier, more flexible programme, then small heli skiing groups is the way to go, however, if you are after a more sociable experience or have a larger group of friends, then our larger groups are perfect.
Always Dress For The Occasion: One key to a comfortable day on the slopes is dressing in layers, which allows you to adjust your clothing based on changing temperatures and the extent to which you physically exert yourself. Unlike resort skiing, there’s no cold chairlift time – your lift is a heated helicopter. Your sample packing list for your heli skiing trip will outline detailed recommendations on gear, such as synthetic layers of varying thicknesses. If you are searching for some of the finest ski clothing and boots, we recommend checking out our equipment partners Ellis Brigham and Surefoot.
Remember To Take Your Time: Heli skiing can be physically demanding, so don’t rush yourself. If you need to stop to catch your breath, do so. To add to this, remember that falling is part of the experience. If you fall, simply take a moment to clean your goggles and appreciate your stunning surroundings before continuing. Ultimately, many heli skiing terrains require different techniques, so be prepared to adapt your usual style.
Listen To Your Guide: On any heli skiing trip, your safety and enjoyment are always paramount. To this end, it’s important that all skiers pay close attention to their guide’s instructions, regardless of whether it’s about using the safety equipment or navigating the terrain. Your guide’s expertise will ensure you stay safe throughout your skiing adventure, and you’ll get some great tips along the way.
Embrace the Experience: Regardless of the heli skiing destination you visit and whether you’re a seasoned pro or it’s your first time, helicopter skiing is always a one-of-a-kind experience. Each run you embark on will offer something new, and the thrill of making your way down untouched mountainous slopes cannot be beat.
About Pure Powder
Pure Powder has been in the helicopter skiing business for more than four decades, helping countless skiers forge unforgettable memories across the globe. Regardless of your experience or skill level, Pure Powder provides personalised service to ensure your trip is as seamless as it is memorable. From planning your trip to preparing all the necessary details, we act as your personal concierge throughout. Since 1978, we’ve perfected the art of matching guests with their ideal skiing destination. So, come join us for a winter adventure unlike any other as you embrace the thrill of heli skiing!
