As a skier, you will no doubt have an understanding of what heli skiing is and what it entails, but perhaps you are unsure about how to start planning a helicopter skiing trip; if this is the case, this guide is designed for you. If you’re a confident, intermediate-level piste skier, you’re certain to find that a Pure Powder heli skiing trip will be the perfect level up from traditional skiing to serve as your next big adventure.
Furthermore, at Pure Powder, we take care of all of the logistics involved with your excursion; all you have to do is come ready and prepared! In this article, we’ll go over what you can do as a ski enthusiast to ensure you have the best heli skiing experience possible.
What We Offer At Pure Powder
As a family business with a passion for all things powder skiing, we are proud to be the most prolific heli ski specialist in the UK, having been in operation for over four decades. We have been fortunate enough to travel the world extensively in pursuit of the best and most breath-taking off-piste skiing locations. We are keenly aware that there are many options when it comes to skiing experiences, and as a new heli skier, it can be difficult to know whether a certain adventure is the right fit for you. This is why we have honed the art of matching guests with their perfect remote skiing trip, based on their particular needs and what they hope to get out of their experience.
With helicopter skiing trips spanning across the globe from within Europe to Japan, Chile, Sweden, Turkey, and beyond, you are sure to find your next best thrill with a Pure Powder heli skiing excursion. We take great care in maintaining close relationships with the ski operators in each of the destinations we collaborate with. For instance, we facilitate trips with CMH Heli-Skiing, widely considered to be one of the world’s leading heli ski operators, for our Canadian excursions. So above all, you can rest assured that when you choose us, you are in extremely capable hands! For more details about the specific destinations that we frequent, check out our destinations tab.
If you know you are keen on trying remote skiing but are unsure which destination would be most ideal for you, our team is happy to work with you and offer recommendations based on your needs. Our aim is to remove the hassle often involved in planning these experiences, allowing you to focus your attention on enjoying the wonderful adventure ahead of you. To this end, we will manage all the logistics involved, including the flights to your chosen destination, your accommodation at a gorgeous remote ski lodge, the skiing excursion itself as well as your flight home. Beyond this, we will also provide on-call support should you have any questions or requests to ensure you are comfortable.
Excellent client service is extremely important to us – our aim is for every skier who journeys with us to have an unforgettably enjoyable time.
More About Heli Skiing
Helicopter skiing is an exhilarating form of backcountry skiing in which skiers are flown in via helicopter to remote, untouched slopes that are far beyond the reach of traditional ski lifts. Heli skiing offers you the excitement and adrenaline of carving your way down beautiful expanses of pristine powder, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. This form of skiing is not just about the thrill of gliding through untracked terrain; it’s also about the journey itself. The sense of freedom and connection to nature that you experience as you explore a region where few others have set foot is unlike any other. More about heli skiing here.
While heli skiing is often considered an extreme sport reserved only for expert skiers, intermediate skiers looking for an exhilarating, unique experience are more than capable of partaking. Rather than having you leap out of a helicopter straight onto a steep mountainside, the experience you’ll have with us would be more similar to backcountry or off-piste skiing – without the interference of lift lines and busy slopes.
Because we pride ourselves on our ability to match our clients with their perfect ski destination, we also make sure to recommend trips according to your skill level and experience. Additionally, we offer specialty coaching programmes to serve as a suitable entry point into heli skiing for any strong piste skier interested in broadening their horizons – these are known as our Powder Introduction programmes. These programmes run at a relaxed pace, with two guides per group providing hands-on coaching to help you build confidence and set strong foundations. The comfort of our clients is paramount to us, and you’ll have the support of our team every step of the way.
What You Can Do To Prepare For Your Trip
So, you’ve decided to embark on a heli skiing journey! Now it’s time to prepare for your trip and make sure you get the most out of your excursion.
Ensure You Are Ski Fit
First and foremost, it’s important that you are confident about your level of fitness. Not only does this help to ensure you get the most out of your heli skiing experience, but having a good level of skiing fitness will hugely reduce the likelihood of injuries or accidents occurring while skiing (which, while rare, is still a crucial safety consideration). There is less oxygen in the air at higher altitudes, so being ski fit also ensures that you can handle the thinner atmosphere you’ll be skiing in. When heli skiing, you will encounter deep powder, which requires more strength and endurance than piste skiing. To prepare yourself for the exciting challenges ahead, it makes sense to focus on leg strength, core stability, and cardiovascular endurance.
Pack The Necessary Gear
Any skier knows that the right gear can make or break the experience. Having reliable gear that you are familiar with and comfortable using goes a long way in ensuring the experience is seamless, safe, and enjoyable. Depending on the destination and ski operator for your trip, you may be provided with pieces of ski equipment by the operator – but even so, it’s in your best interest to be well-acquainted with the various types of equipment in preparation for your trip. We highly recommend checking out our equipment partners Ellis Brigham and Surefoot, as they supply some of the finest gear in the industry.
It goes without saying that it gets cold in these beautiful wilderness locations. It’s advisable to dress in more layers than you would believe required to ensure your warmth. It’s better to overdress and take off a few layers before skiing than to wear too little and feel uncomfortable in the cold. Moisture-wicking clothing usually serves as the best base layer, on top of which you should wear a waterproof mid- and top-layer.
Your outer layer should be high-quality and breathable to protect you from the harsher weather conditions while ensuring you don’t overheat. This, along with an insulated mid-layer (and a warm pair of gloves), is the perfect powder skiing outfit. You should also have a comfortable pair of goggles that provide good visibility to manage the glare from the sun that tends to bounce off of the pristine white slopes. If possible, goggles with interchangeable lenses for varying light conditions are ideal.
Heli Skiing: Safety Always Comes First
The most critical pieces of safety equipment include an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel. As mentioned, ski operators typically provide you with these pieces of equipment on-site, but it’s beneficial to be familiar with them before you head out. The transceiver is worn on your body, and it emits a signal that can be registered by other members of your group in the event of an avalanche. In the unlikely event of an emergency, this transceiver acts as a vital lifeline.
A probe is a collapsable metal rod that is used to pinpoint the location of skiers in the event of an avalanche, and a shovel would be used to clear snow out quickly when necessary. While it can be daunting to consider these infrequent emergencies, on your excursion, you will be accompanied by trained, experienced guides and operators who take every precaution to prevent even the slightest chance of an emergency situation occurring, so there is little cause for concern. With that being said, it is important to familiarise yourself with these pieces of safety equipment for your own peace of mind and wellbeing.
The next important piece of safety equipment is your helmet. Wearing a helmet is a must, given the challenging nature of the terrain you’ll be gliding through. A high-quality ski helmet protects you against head injuries, and it also provides good temperature regulation without soaking up moisture. A good, sturdy backpack is a necessary piece of equipment too. Should you need to shed your outer layer, having a large enough backpack on hand to stow it away is helpful when you’re out in the wilderness. Your backpack would also contain your safety gear, hydration, and snacks; you could also bring your own first aid kit (although our guides would be able to assist in the event of a minor injury), navigation tools, and a multi-tool.
Now, you’re all set for your adventure with us at Pure Powder. We will have already handled your flights and accommodation arrangements, so all you need to do is arrive and enjoy the experience!
Heli Skiing: In Conclusion
A heli skiing adventure with Pure Powder is the ultimate experience for skiers looking to elevate their skills and enjoy the thrill of serene, untouched terrain. With decades of expertise and our commitment to matching clients with their perfect destination, we aim to ensure that every skier’s needs are met, from our helpful coaching programmes to our exhilarating trips catered to more experienced heli skiers. Preparation is the key to getting the most out of your adventure, and maintaining a decent level of physical fitness is crucial for tackling the deep powder and high altitudes. Packing the right gear, like safety equipment and insulated clothes, is equally important to ensure that you’re ready for any situation while out on the mountain with us.
Our all-inclusive approach, which covers all the logistics from flights to on-the-ground support, allows you to focus on enjoying the breath-taking scenery and the unparalleled skiing experience. With our personalised service, attention to detail, and true love of the sport, we promise to provide an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, safety, and exhilarating skiing in some of the world’s most beautiful locations. Keen for your next adventure? Get in touch with us today!
