If you take a moment to browse the many heli ski destinations we frequent, you’ll notice that our trips take place all over the world. Since each location is unique, you will surely encounter distinct terrain and snow conditions, with some regions boasting challenging, intense formations and terrain and others being more suited to heli skiing first-timers.
To help you make the ideal choice for your purposes, we will investigate a few of these skiable regions and explain how the conditions and terrain will affect your skiing experience. At Pure Powder, we understand that it can seem daunting to make a final selection when presented with so many appealing options, but that’s why we create these guides—to fill in any informational gaps you might have.
In this comprehensive post, we will venture into the beautiful snowy expanses of Iceland, Turkey, and Chile—all so you know exactly what you’re in for on your next heli ski excursion with us. So, if you’re eager to get the scoop on some of the most remarkable skiing destinations on the planet, why not read along with us?
Heli Ski: Does Terrain Make A Difference?
Those with a good amount of skiing experience will already know that terrain is one of the most crucial considerations for any trip, as it has a major bearing on the overall difficulty of the experience. This is especially relevant when skiing in the backcountry, away from pistes or groomed runs. As backcountry lines are not controlled or regulated, the terrain tends to be somewhat less predictable and warrants a high level of skill and fitness.
This is a part of the reason why we insist that skiers be of an intermediate level and above for most of our adventures, as a decent amount of experience is required to confidently tackle the exciting challenges ahead. Formations like open bowls, which are wide, expansive snow-covered slopes, usually found above treelines, are ideal for intermediate skiers because they offer a sense of openness and are generally obstacle-free. Rolling meadows are another example of terrain that is suitable for heli ski newcomers, providing gentle, undulating lines that can often be found below the treeline or in alpine valleys.
On the other hand, chutes and couloirs, which are steep, narrow gullies that form between sheer rock faces or cliffs, lend themselves to seasoned, technical skiers who are capable of making precise turns and maintaining control. It is worth noting that each region, remote lodge, and destination will include a variety of terrain, and your experienced guides can make on-the-fly adjustments to the day’s run lineup based on the overall ability of the group.
Heli Ski: An In-Depth Look At Specific Locations
Now that we’ve covered the essential nature of ski terrain and the impact it can have on the experience as a whole, let’s explore some of the regions we frequent:
Iceland
For whatever reason, Iceland tends to be one of the more overlooked skiing destinations when compared to its international counterparts; however, this small, beautiful country has plenty to offer when it comes to skiing opportunities and excitement. With a ski season that stretches from November to May, what better way to glide through pristine powder than underneath the waving green elegance of the aurora borealis?
The skiing and snowboarding culture in the region is quickly gaining traction, with more and more skiers making the journey to experience the idyllic vistas and fascinating Norse culture. If you weren’t already convinced, we encourage you to check out the Deplar Farm, which serves as the base of operations for our Icelandic adventures. This breathtaking remote lodge may appear traditional, but it boasts all the modern amenities you might expect from a luxury lodge and then some.
Terrain And Conditions
Should you choose Iceland, you have the option of embarking on a Private Heli Skiing or a Small-Group Heli Skiing adventure – both boast speedy turnaround times and a smaller, more intimate group size. The terrain at your disposal is vast, spanning 1,500 sq. miles of untouched Troll Peninsula. This region is renowned for its steep coastal mountains, which often go hand-in-hand with dramatic, stunning peaks and descents.
In terms of formations, you can expect to encounter steep, alpine lines with frequent narrow chutes and rolling slopes thrown into the mix, often leading straight into the ocean. The maritime snowpack results in dense, moist snow that sticks to the underlying layers, ultimately reducing the risk of avalanches in certain regions. The frequent storms, which roll in directly from the North Atlantic, deliver fresh snow regularly.
In spring, the formation of corn snow is common, making for an exceedingly pleasant experience on the slopes. The weather can be somewhat unpredictable, but your competent guides and operations team will have all the information they need to account for the strong winds and temperature fluctuations. All in all, for any adventurous skier, Iceland is a simply unmissable bucket list destination that is sure to impress.
Chile
If you’re looking to mix it up and embark on an unforgettable Southern Hemisphere skiing experience, Chile is a truly world-class destination. You can choose to stay at the Puma Lodge, Altiplanico Lodge, Santiago 5-star hotel, or the exceptional Patagonia Luxury Yacht – all of which are outstanding choices that offer a unique cultural experience. The world-renowned Andes mountains serve as the perfect location for Small-Group and Private Heli Skiing, with a ski season that conveniently stretches from June to September.
The Southern Hemisphere winter gives skiers a chance to experience this powder paradise when most of the skiing world has been put on hold for the summer months. Whatever accommodation you decide on, you can rest assured that you will be treated to some warm South American hospitality, incredible Chilean food, and fine wines. The seemingly endless valleys and Andean peaks are an ideal backdrop to these wonderful adventures.
Terrain And Conditions
Like Iceland, Chile also boasts a stable maritime snowpack, allowing for reliable heli ski conditions during the winter months. In the central Andes, especially near Santiago, you can expect plenty of light, dry powder that forms as a result of the region’s high elevation and frigid temperatures – particularly between July and August, when the powder snow is most consistent. This elevation does require some getting used to, but acclimation shouldn’t take too long.
The high alpine terrain features wide, open slopes, intense ridgelines, and fantastically steep couloirs – an advanced skier’s dream, we would say. Should you opt for the Patagonia Yacht that we mentioned earlier, you will likely encounter some excellent tree-lined runs, with descents into the native forests of lenga and araucaria trees. This gladed terrain is common in the southern regions of Chile and makes for outstanding powder runs and challenging manoeuvres.
Turkey
Another welcome departure from traditional excursions is our Turkish Small-Group and Private heli skiing excursions, which take you into the Majestic Kaçkar Mountain Range. Should you choose a Turkish trip, you’ll be based in the small town of Ayder, conveniently located in the centre of the region, made all the easier by the fact that the helipad is on your doorstep.
These trips are run out of the Hotel Hasimoglu, a laidback, family-run establishment with astonishing views of the surrounding mountain ranges and the river running alongside the hotel. The cosy hotel boasts a range of amenities, including a games room, massage rooms, jacuzzi, sauna, and gym – so there is plenty to keep yourself busy after an exhilarating day in the Kaçkar mountains.
Terrain And Conditions
This region of Northeastern Turkey, part of the Pontic Mountains, is well-known for its vast valleys, jutting peaks, and stable snowpacks that are influenced by both continental and maritime climates. With more than 5,000 sq. km of alpine terrain at your fingertips, skiers are absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to terrain. These alpine slopes feature dramatic ridgelines, broad, open bowls, steep faces, and, famously, a plethora of exciting chutes and couloirs.
The rugged geology of the Kaçkar Mountains means there is plenty of steep, technical skiing on offer, and for those who like to get creative and playful with their descents, Turkey is the perfect choice. As the skiable region is so expansive, you can set off on any given day and experience almost all of the backcountry terrain one could imagine.
The Black Sea allows for ample snowpack stability and often brings in heavier, wetter snow than would be possible in exclusively continental regions. This also has the added benefit of reducing the risk of avalanches, as the thick snow effectively bonds with the underlying layers. If you’re eager to dive into deep powder, there are plenty of sheltered areas in which the fresh powder builds up, creating exceptional skiing opportunities and conditions. If you have yet to experience the majesty of Turkey (and even if you have), we cannot recommend these trips enough.
Heli Ski: In Conclusion
In this guide, we have touched on only a few of the Pure Powder destinations, but there are many more available. Including Sweden, Japan, Alaska, Canada, various locations in Europe, and more. As you may have noticed in this guide, these experiences are vastly different from one another, each offering something distinct and exciting. At the end of the day, whatever trip you decide on, we do not doubt that you will have an unforgettable adventure.
We have travelled the world in search of the finest skiing destinations, and if we do say so ourselves, we have certainly succeeded in that endeavour. So, if you have yet to test your skills on a Pure Powder trip, there is no better time than now. If you’re interested in securing a booking, give us a call at +44 (0)20 7736 8191 or pop us an email at info@purepowder.com, and a friendly member of our team will get back to you in no time.
