Heli skiing is a truly thrilling sport that’s been steadily growing in popularity over the years. As the sport has grown, it has become available in more and more countries—expanding from its native home in Canada to places as distant as Chile or Turkey. Each new destination has injected its essence into the heli ski experience, offering new terrain, challenges, and a vibrant cultural flair.
This article will offer an exploration of some of the world’s most unique heli ski destinations and the incredible experiences they offer. Each section will provide an overview of the destinations, highlighting their primary available experiences, key benefits, and important considerations. If you are curious to discover more about some of the most remarkable skiing experiences on the planet, you are certainly in the right place.
Heli Skiing From The Ocean
The Chilean Andes are a truly breathtaking sight and a must-see destination for any true adventurer. The landscape is an epic stretch of jagged peaks, alpine glaciers, and sheer gullies—a helicopter skiing paradise for experienced skiers. To make it even better, the available terrain is utterly vast and varied, giving skiers in Chile an incredible amount of freedom and choice.
There’s also the opportunity to step out of the familiar and experience the rich, authentic culture of Chile. The settlements in the Andean region are a wellspring of charm and history, certain to enchant you with their undeniable beauty and the quaint living of the friendly local inhabitants.
However, of all the ways to experience heli skiing in Chile, there’s one that surpasses all in terms of excitement. For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can join us on a Patagonia luxury yacht, which serves as your base of operations for the trip. Glide along the forested Chilean coast in this supreme vessel, enjoying the incredible scenery amidst the finest onboard amenities. When you’re ready to embark on your heli-skiing adventure, a helicopter will depart from the deck of the Patagonia yacht before heading inland towards the snow-capped mountains.
Key Benefits:
- Being situated in the Southern hemisphere, Chile’s ski season runs from July until September.
- High altitude in the Andes mountains results in very fine, dry powder snow.
- Other than the Patagonia yacht experience, Chile has a number of incredible ski lodges, such as the stylish Puma Lodge or the charming, laid-back Altiplanico Lodge.
Considerations:
- Terrain in the Andes is extreme and not suited to beginners. This trip is ideal for experienced heli skiers.
Heli Skiing The Troll Peninsula
Journey deep into Iceland’s grandly named Trollskagi, or Troll Peninsula, for a helicopter skiing adventure that will stick with you for a lifetime. Iceland has a lot to offer, as there are roughly 2,400 square kilometres at your disposal, made up of every conceivable terrain. This vastness means that in Iceland, there’s a major emphasis on explorative helicopter skiing, which is an incredibly exciting way of experiencing an already exhilarating sport.
The landscapes in this region are famous for their desolate beauty, being made up of dramatic fjords, seemingly endless rolling hills, and dark, jutting mountains—some of them volcanic. Much of the helicopter skiing here also has scenery backdropped by the brooding majesty of the Arctic Ocean, making it a truly legendary experience.
Trips into the snowfields and slopes are led from the Deplar Farm, a world-renowned ski lodge. Despite its quaint name, Deplar Farm is an incredibly luxurious establishment operating at the highest standards of comfort in the industry. The lodge is the perfect place to retreat, recover, and replenish after a day of adventuring in the snow.
Key Benefits:
- Iceland is just a short flight away from the UK, making it an easy-to-reach destination.
- During the right times of the year, heli skiers have the chance to glimpse the famous Northern Lights.
- Iceland’s ski season is long, running from February to June.
Considerations:
- Iceland’s terrain is varied and can accommodate skiers of intermediate and expert levels.
Heli Skiing The Steeps
Alaska has long been considered one of the world’s most exciting heli skiing destinations and for excellent reason. In particular, Alaska is known for its super steep big-mountain skiing, whose incredible lines offer an unparalleled adrenaline rush to those daring enough to brave them. However, there’s plenty more to explore, including wide-open bowls and dipping valleys that offer incredible thrills to skiers of varying levels.
Skiing in Alaska takes place in an awe-inspiring, pristine wilderness that is strikingly beautiful. Perched at such a high altitude, skiers are offered incredible views of some of North America’s most magical forests, lakes, and mountains. During the right time of year, there’s also a great chance of spotting iconic local wildlife on your trip, such as bears, moose, and wolves.
Alaska is a well-established and popular helicopter skiing destination. The heli ski culture is alive and thriving, and anyone who steps into this epicentre of big-mountain skiing immediately feels as if they’re part of a larger community of adventurers.
Benefits:
- Alaska has a long heli ski season, running from late February to May.
- The extended daylight hours later in the Alaskan season afford skiers plenty of time and freedom to choose when they head out.
- Many heli ski destinations within Alaska are relatively easy to access, being within reasonable proximity to Anchorage.
- Operators in Alaska are known for their experienced, professional guides, who provide top-of-the-line safety during excursions.
Considerations:
- Alaska’s most famous big-mountain skiing is a serious challenge, and best left to expert heli skiers. However, the region offers other terrain suitable for both intermediate and beginner heli skiers.
Heling Skiing The Rugged Kaçkar
Right on Europe’s doorstep, Turkey is an often-underappreciated helicopter skiing destination. That’s changing fast as more people realise the wonders this region has to offer. The Heli skiing takes place in the Kaçkar mountain range, a huge expanse of incredible terrain that receives consistent, deep snowfall from the moisture that blows in from the nearby Black Sea. The terrain is varied and challenging, full of rugged slopes sure to draw the curiosity of veteran heli skiers.
Heli ski trips are run from the small mountain village of Ayder, and skiers are accommodated in the family-run Hotel Hasimoglu. Both the hotel and the town around it have a cosy, laid-back and friendly feel, making them a delight to explore. Any heli ski trip here would be a wasted opportunity without taking time to delight in the regional culture. It’s lively and hospitable, full of history and a flair for celebration. Appreciating Turkish hospitality, music and cuisine in between exhilarating heli ski trips is a monumental treat, and shouldn’t be missed.
Other Benefits:
- As a heli ski destination, Turkey is easily accessible from Europe.
- Snow is consistent and remarkably stable, great for steep slope skiing.
- A huge available area of ski terrain— roughly 5000 square kilometres.
- The region boasts expertly trained international guides.
Considerations:
- The Kaçkar mountains are made up of fairly extreme terrain and should be undertaken only by experienced heli skiers.
Heli Skiing: Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the world of helicopter skiing offers an unparalleled combination of adventure, exclusivity, and cultural immersion, and each of these four incredible destinations brings a unique charm to the table.
Whether you’re marvelling at Chile’s majestic Andes from the luxury Patagonia yacht, exploring the raw, rugged beauty of Iceland’s Troll Peninsula, tackling Alaska’s iconic and big-mountain lines, or plunging into the wild terrain of Turkey’s Kaçkar range, each location promises a thrilling and unforgettable journey. With options ranging from remote wilderness to vibrant cultural backdrops, these destinations elevate the heli skiing experience to something far beyond a sport—they create the kind of adventures that stay with someone for the rest of their life.
And the best part is that they’re all there, waiting for you to experience them. Contact Pure Powder, and we’ll begin helping you plan your unforgettable journey into the wild world of heli skiing!
