Helicopter skiing is among the best outdoor sports to try if you’re looking for exciting outdoor experiences. From Heli Ski Coaching to Private helicopter skiing, there are many different types of programmes available that are sure to be unforgettable experiences.
If you’re looking for a helicopter skiing programme that is both fast and flexible, we recommend maximising your experience with small group helicopter skiing. From the intimate mountain skiing to the personalised guided tours, there is great value to be had from skiing in a small group. In this quick read, we’ll be breaking down all there is to know about small group helicopter skiing and how you can book your next backcountry skiing expedition with Pure Powder.
What Is Small Group Helicopter Skiing?
Small group heli skiing is the perfect solution for those who enjoy deep snow and epic lines while venturing out with a handful of other skiers. Unlike helicopter skiing groups of 8+ skiers, these smaller groups allow for a more intimate experience as you take on different terrains. While helicopter skiing has been around since the 1960s, the advent of small group heli skiing has revolutionised the backcountry skiing game, allowing for skiers to run at a more efficient pace while having the needs of their group better monitored by guides.
With small group helicopter skiing, you have the choice to build your own team of skiing buddies or be paired up with other skiers in a ready-made group. Whether you want to experience the thrill of gliding down pristine powders with your friends or join an existing group, you’re guaranteed to create unforgettable memories. If you do choose to ski with new people, you’ll be teamed up with skiers that match your skill level, allowing you to enjoy speedier runs and get the most out of your trip.
Smaller Heli Skiing Group, Bigger Vertical
One of the greatest benefits that come with small group helicopter skiing is the opportunity to rack up more vertical, offering you more distance to ski than any large group heli skiing expedition. The small group experience is ideal for snow seekers that want to cover as much new terrain as they can throughout their trip. With just four to five skiers in your group, you can hop from glaciers to glades as you take laps through virgin powders.
For dedicated heli skiers that crave a more personalised, adventurous skiing experience, helicopter skiing allows you to maximise your powder time. You and your skiing buddies can get in and out of helicopters seamlessly without waiting in lengthy queues, giving you the extra time to make turns and meet your skiing goals.
Where To Go Small Group Helicopter Skiing
If you want to have the added flexibility of getting more terrain in and having fewer people to compete with for fresh powder, there is a wide variety of small group helicopter skiing programmes to choose from. From the high alpine of Canada to the Chilean Andes, heli skiers are spoilt for choice with access to prime ski lodges across the globe.
Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the top helicopter skiing locations and lodges for small groups available through Pure Powder:
Chile: Altiplanico Lodge
If you’re looking for a refreshing, new experience to shake up your helicopter skiing, the Altiplanico lodge offers the perfect blend of breathtaking views and Chilean culture. Located near the foothills of the Maipo River, this rustic yet contemporary ski lodge is home to a range of snow-capped mountain peaks and glaciers, setting the tone for your helicopter skiing expedition and giving you prime access to untouched snow peaks. Not only does this charming ski lodge boast stunning views, but it’s only a helicopter ride away from your first ski run location.
What makes this destination a truly unforgettable experience for heli skiers is the endless terrain of the Central Andes. From steep ridges to glaciated peaks, Chile offers diverse landscapes for all heli skiers to enjoy. During winter, you can expect to experience pristine powders and regular snow throughout the duration of your trip. With elevations ranging from 2,500 to a whopping 4,500 m, you can glide through champagne powder adorned by clear blue skies.
With your group of 4 skiers, you can experience a range of different snowy terrain and powder quality in the heart of the Chilean Andes. From the stable weather conditions to the variety of peaks and steep ridges, the Altiplanico lodge offers a powder skiing playground like no other.
Iceland: Deplar Farm
Looking for the idyllic setting of a traditional Icelandic farmhouse but with luxury amenities? Enjoy a stay at the stunning Deplar Farm bordered by the Icelandic Sea. This helicopter skiing lodge is run by a team of engaging local staff that offer Icelandic hospitality like no other. Argued to be one of the best accommodation spots on the globe for helicopter skiing, the Deplar Farm boasts 13 beautiful guest suites equipped with a range of luxurious features. From the fully decked-out spa area to the endless mountain views, you’re sure to experience prime relaxation during your stay.
If you’re looking to experience a breathtaking blend of views as you shred through untracked snow, Iceland’s Troll Peninsula offers it all. As you hop aboard your helicopter and prepare for your next drop, you’ll have access to beautiful rolling descents and endless skiable terrain. With the magic of the midnight sun, you can ski for longer, giving you the chance to shred untracked snow all day.
When it comes to finding the perfect luxury spot for you and your skiing buddies to enjoy, the Deplar Farm is the unique retreat of any skier’s dreams. Built with the highest specifications to accommodate the needs of every skier, you and your group will get to experience extraordinary beauty in this remarkable getaway spot.
Sweden: Abisko Mountain Lodge
Take a step into Europe’s last wilderness at the Abisko Mountain Lodge. Nestled in the Lapportan Valley of Sweden, this arctic mountain range has all the steep peaks and vertical drops you could ever need for your helicopter skiing adventure. The Abisko truly makes the effort of creating a worthwhile experience during your stay, offering a showcase of expertly prepared local cuisine for you to indulge in amidst your helicopter skiing trips.
What sets Lapportan Valley apart as a prime heli skiing destination is the variety of steep descents and open bowls to ski through. Given the immense size of the available ski area in this region, it’s no surprise that this magic landscape is any heli skier’s dream location. With exceedingly long runs and over 100 unique peaks to choose from, you’ll have access to endless ski terrain. Whether you want to shred down the steep Kåtotjåkka mountains or the peaks of Tjåmahus, the Abisko Mountain Lodge has it all.
If you’re looking for a cosy base for your helicopter skiing group with steep glacial peaks, look no further than the Abisko Mountain Lodge. With wood-burning stoves each night and the hustle and bustle of other heli skiers visiting the lodge, this destination is perfect for small group skiers that want to experience a friendly atmosphere in the heart of the great Swiss wilderness.
Canada: Adamants Lodge
Nestled in the northern Selkirks of Canada is the stunning Adamants Lodge. When it comes to finding a location that offers more ski runs with fewer people, the Adamants Lodge is supreme. This cosy backcountry lodge accommodates a maximum of 32 guests, skiing in 8 groups of 4, making it the perfect home away from home for small helicopter skiing groups. With a range of relaxing communal areas to experience, you’re sure to have a more than comfortable experience at this remote lodge.
The Adamants Lodge is situated at the meeting of 4 major alpine valleys, making it the perfect home base for those seeking big snow. You and your group will be set up with an A-Star B3 helicopter, maximising your ability to shred down untracked snow. Whether you’re new to helicopter skiing or you’re a powder hound, the Adamants offer the perfect blend of varied terrains to experience. This is the prime location for small group helicopter skiing, as they specialise in programmes for no more than 4 heli skiers. Here, you can experience deep valley runs and open glaciers as you take on speedy runs.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced skiing experience with prime powder conditions, the Adamants is the lodge for you. Get paired with other skilled heli skiers as you take on untracked snow deep in the northern Selkirks.
Why Choose Small Group Helicopter Skiing?
Many experienced heli skiers that have tried out skiing in small groups have never turned back since. The small group format of 4 skiers to 1 guide works out for everyone involved, creating a more personal experience between you and your guide while improving communication. Whether you create your own team of skiing buddies or join an existing group, you’ll get a far more efficient experience out of your helicopter skiing expedition.
Benefit from faster helicopter travel and less admin to fuss over, which equals more runs to shred. Maximise your heli skiing trip with safer access to landing zones, a vast tenure of terrain to choose from, and like-minded skiing mates that have the same goals as you. With a smaller group, you’ll have the opportunity to experience deep snow and more epic lines while you share this intimate mountain adventure alongside your team.
Create Unforgettable Memories With Pure Powder
As off-piste and helicopter skiing specialists, we know what it takes to create the perfect heli skiing trip for you. Whether you want to be paired up with a small group of like-minded skiers or go with a handful of friends, Pure Powder is here to arrange the heli skiing expedition of a lifetime.
With access to stunning destinations across the globe, we offer a diverse range of prime locations to choose from that are sure to make your experience a magical one. From the pristine alps of the Icelandic Troll Peninsula to the unrivalled views of the Chilean Andes, we’ll match you with the heli skiing destination of your dreams.
If this quick guide to small group helicopter skiing has piqued your interest, it’s time to choose Pure Powder to fulfil your need for thrill-seeking adventure! Visit our website to find out more and let us lead the way to a heli skiing expedition like no other.
