If you are a thrill-seeking adventurer seeking out a one-of-a-kind skiing experience, look no further than heli skiing. The heli skiing experience is an unmatched one, combining adventure and rugged powdered landscape for the skiing experience of a lifetime. At Pure Powder, we boast over 40 years of experience in the skiing industry, specialising in the curation of heli skiing trips to some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.
Traverse the slopes of Canada or brave the icy shores of Alaska and the Antarctic, Iceland and beyond, and allow Pure Powder to facilitate the ultimate heli skiing experience. In this article, we’ll discuss heli skiing and the gorgeous destinations that await you.
The Allure of Off-Piste Skiing
At the very heart of heli skiing is off-piste skiing – the endeavour of leaving behind the predictability of groomed slopes and venturing into the unexpected beauty of nature in its purest form. With Pure Powder, you are not just skiing, you are adventuring through untouched and raw wilderness landscapes. Carve fresh lines through the pristine snow and immerse yourself in nature in a way that few will ever experience.
If this isn’t incentive enough for the adventurous at heart, off-piste skiing also offers the unparalleled experience of unfettered freedom and solitude. Standing along a remote peak with not another person on the horizon is an indescribable sensation.
With every new run feeling like your own personal discovery, offering a new opportunity to merge deeper with the uncut landscape, you will have a chance to embrace the purest form of this sport.
Another additional advantage of this type of experience is that it offers a wide variation of terrain. Mixing open bowls, tight tree runs, steep ridges and powder-filled valleys, you certainly will not be bored. However, do not fret if you are not the most advanced skier, we will ensure that you are accurately matched to the terrain which best suits your skill level so that everyone can have an opportunity to seek out the thrill of off-piste skiing in a way that is both challenging and highly rewarding.
Discovering A World of Unique Experience With Exciting Destinations
With Pure Powder our heli skiing trips span the globe, with every destination chosen for its own unique take on heli skiing. Whatever your desire may be – a steep descent, endless, sweeping vistas or unique cultural destinations, we will find the perfect location for you.
Canada: The Birthplace of Heli Skiing
Considered, the birthplace of heli skiing, Canada’s vast wilderness in British Colombia is unmatched for off-piste skiing activities. Experiencing over 15 meters of annual snowfall, it is a region that has always had consistent powder and varied terrain. Partnering with the Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH), Pure Powder has access to some of the most exclusive and remarkably untouched regions in Canada.
This vast skiable terrain ensures that you will have the ultimate playground no matter what your skill level. From lush alpine meadows to navigating dense forests and daring to embark on the descent of a majestic glacier, you can experience all of this and more in a single day.
Added to this, both Pure Powder and the CMH are dedicated to our shared responsibility for the protection and ongoing care that we take to maintain these pristine mountain locations. As such, we consistently take actionable steps to reduce, as far as possible, our environmental impact, conducting everything we do in a sustainable manner.
Alaska: An Expert’s Heli Skiing Playground
If you are looking for some of the steepest and most dramatic terrain in the world, you may find Alaska at the top of your list. Its iconic Chugach Mountains create the ideal opportunity for advanced skiers to don their skis and test out their skills on long and complex technical runs.
Alaska’s peaks are renowned for their sheer scale and vast powder fields, which create an experience equal parts challenging as it is awe-inspiring. For these trips, Pure Powder curates a small group structure which guarantees personalised attention for the tackling of this ambitious terrain.
Iceland: Where Adventure Meets Culture
Transport yourself to rugged volcanic slopes which lead down to the ocean and embrace the unique cultural milieu of Northern Iceland’s Troll Peninsula. Against an otherworldly backdrop for your runs, you can soak in the geothermal warm baths and perhaps even catch a sighting of the Northern Lights. Iceland is a destination that is so much more than just skiing.
Beyond The Traditional
Are you perhaps interested in traversing a lesser well-frequented heli skiing terrain? If Canada and Alaska are not for you, you should consider exploring some of Pure Powder’s options for lesser-known locations such as Greenland and New Zealand. Whilst providing unique opportunities to navigate unchartered territories and ski in absolute solitude, these destinations offer the thrill of adventure in every form.
Luxury Lodges: Remote Settings For Unparalleled Comfort
Adventuring through the uncut landscapes that Pure Powder has on offer does not have to be a challenging venture overall – take the time to hang up your skis and unwind in one of the world’s most luxurious and remote lodges. More than just a space in which to recharge, these accommodations are designed as an integral part of the experience with exclusive offerings such as gourmet dining, top-notch amenities and the unique opportunity to connect with other travellers.
CMH Lodges
The Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH) lodges are specifically designed for heli skiing enthusiasts. Every CMH lodge offers an inviting and refined atmosphere with cosy fireplaces, panoramic mountain views and on-site spa facilities. After you have worked up a healthy appetite from the strenuous adventuring of the day, you can be rest assured that you will be well taken care of with gourmet chefs who prepare meals in-house. Using the freshest locally sourced ingredients, they combine them with an international flair for an interesting and unique culinary experience.
Deplar Farm
If luxury and comfort are intrinsic to your enjoyment of a heli skiing holiday, then Iceland’s Deplar Farm should be top of your list. A former sheep farm located in the remote region of the Troll Peninsula, this luxury lodge is now a five-star retreat.
Enjoy the minimalist appeal of the Scandinavian design paired with enticing geothermal pools. Kick up your skis after an eventful day, unwind in the spa, and savour the Icelandic cuisine. If you are lucky, you may even get a chance to view the breathtaking Northern Lights from the comfort of your lodge.
Attention To Detail And First-Class Service
No matter where you decide to make a home for your stay, attention to detail and great service is non-negotiable. At these lodges, you will receive custom-prepared meals and access to drying rooms so that your gear is ready for your next journey down the slopes. Additionally, all the staff are well-trained, knowledgeable and approachable to ensure that your comfort and enjoyment are maximised.
Expert Guidance And Safety Protocol For Your Peace Of Mind
Understandably, as is with any outdoor sport in the wilderness, there is a level of safety precaution needed. Fortunately, prioritising safety is one of the core underpinnings of every heli skiing trip crafted by Pure Powder. Every expedition onto the slopes is supervised by a seasoned guide who is well-versed in the backcountry and environmental conditions, while also being highly trained in the advent of an avalanche and emergency response protocol. Additionally, skiers are always equipped with the latest safety gear which includes items such as avalanche beacons, airbag backpacks and radios to keep you as safe as possible on your skiing trip.
Our guides at Pure Powder are also given extensive training in understanding the mountainous terrain, varying weather conditions and snow stability. With each excursion, the guides will conduct thorough safety briefings with the skiers to ensure that the group understands the necessary safety precautions and protocols.
Further, guests are informed on how to recognise and respond to avalanche risks so that they too have a deeper knowledge of heli skiing safety measures. On arrival, all guests undergo an avalanche safety training session so that they are optimally prepared for any conceivable emergency situation.
At Pure Powder, we partner with operators who align with the highest of industry standards when it comes to heli skiing safety. All helicopters are piloted by highly qualified professionals who have extensive experience in the navigation of mountainous and uncut terrain. The flight paths are routinely planned with the utmost care to optimise the safety of skiers, whilst maximising the best snow conditions.
Choosing Pure Powder For Your Next Heli Skiing Adventure
Heli skiing is far more than just a sport. In its purest form, it is a chance to convene with nature, challenge yourself with new terrain and experience the relaxation of solitude and freedom. Booking a trip with Pure Powder allows you to discover why heli skiing is considered the ultimate adventure. Descend the powder-laden peaks in Canada, explore the Icelandic volcanic terrain, or immerse yourself in Alaska’s awe-inspiring landscape where every moment is a chance to embrace a once-in-a-lifetime heli skiing experience.
Pure Powder offers heli skiing experiences across the globe, our Signature Programme is designed in such a way that it connects discerning and serious skiers to elite services and breathtaking terrain. While Canada does feature prominently with prime destinations like Revelstoke and Whistler boasting unrestricted access to vast powder bowls and tricky descents, there are programmes which extend beyond North America.
We curate heli skiing trips to diverse locations that are well-known for their reliable snowfall and exceptional skiing conditions. This includes the powdery slopes of Iceland or Greenland for those who value solitude and a snowy, rugged landscape.
Additionally, when planning a trip, we will always take individual preferences and skill levels into account. For this, we consider factors such as terrain preference, the desired vertical drop, and how long you would like your trip to be. We will also organise every logistical aspect of your trip, from planning your flights and travel itinerary to your accommodation and safety briefing.
With our personalised service, world-class heli skiing staff and operators, every trip is custom-tailored to match your individual preferences, competency level and love of adventure. With access to some of the most awesome and breath-taking landscapes alongside premium accommodations, every trip is a chance to experience the exhilaration of skiing in unchartered territory. Whether you are embarking on your first skiing adventure or a veteran on the slopes looking for the next big thrill, we will design the ultimate heli skiing adventure for you.
If you’re looking to go on a heli skiing trip, give us a call at +44 (0)20 7736 8191 or pop us a message on our website. We’re ready and waiting to help you create an unforgettable skiing experience.
