Helicopter skiing is a thrilling outdoor activity that takes place all over the world. From the breathtaking vistas of British Columbia, Canada, to the challenging terrain of Chile’s mountainous region, organising your helicopter skiing adventure with the help of Pure Powder means you have plenty of promising destinations at your fingertips. Alongside gorgeous views and skiable terrain to match any ability level, you’ll also have your pick of the various luxurious lodges we partner with to ensure your trip is a memorable one.
At Pure Powder, we work to match you up with the ideal helicopter skiing adventure to suit your preferences. All you have to do is get in touch and let us know what you’re looking for. We’ll account for your ski level, location preferences, budget, and more to craft the perfect powder adventure aligned with your goals.
With that said, each destination has its own unique ski season, meaning specific months of the year when the weather is good and the powder conditions are just right for carving fresh tracks down the slopes. In this brief read, we’ll be covering a few of the diverse locations available to you for the helicopter skiing adventure of a lifetime, along with the peak ski seasons of each region.
Versatile Helicopter Skiing In North America
Alaska
With a stable maritime snowpack and 1,500 sq. miles of skiable terrain, Alaska is a world-famous destination for steep heli skiing. The incredibly steep terrain coupled with couloirs and ‘spines’ means this unique location is not for the faint-hearted.
Set in the Tordrillo mountain range, Alaska’s steep and deep helicopter skiing is perfect for veteran skiers looking to test their skills and take their helicopter skiing adventure to the next level. This remote setting boasts large open bowls and challenging ‘movie lines’ – and thanks to Pure Powder’s exclusive use of our heli skiing tenures, you have this breathtaking ski terrain all to yourself, with no risk of anyone outside of your group dropping in to steal your perfect powder line.
In Alaska, you can look forward to fast and flexible Small Group Helicopter Skiing, consisting of 4 guests and a guide, allowing you to make the most of the miles of fresh powder around you. You could also opt for a Private Helicopter Skiing experience, with room for up to 4 guests of your choosing and 2 guides at your disposal. In terms of accommodation, you have the cosy and remote Tordrillo Mountain Lodge, a gem of a heli ski getaway with a lake-side setting, a wood-fired hot tub, and even an outdoor sauna where you can relax after a long day of exploring the spacious, open glacier terrain.
When To Book Your Trip
The winter ski season runs from mid-February through late April – a relatively short season due to the lack of daylight hours early in the year.
- Mid-February is usually the best time to take off on a helicopter skiing trip in Alaska, as the icy temperatures and rolling snowstorms contribute to the impeccable layered snowpack. The downside of mid-February heli skiing is that the days are rather short and the weather can take a turn for the worse, but these factors are balanced out by the light and dry powder and the quick turnaround time afforded to smaller groups.
- Mid-March is the most popular period when skiers choose to go helicopter skiing in Alaska. The days are longer, meaning more time out in the powder, and the weather is a little more predictable. The temperatures around this time are still relatively low, and regular snowfall can be expected, striking the perfect balance between delightfully fresh powder and substantial ski runs.
- April is around the time when the temperature really begins to warm up and the days get a little longer. This is the end of the heli skiing season, and while you may not have access to the lightest, driest powder, the weather will have settled alongside the snowpack. This period means more opportunities to fly around in your designated helicopter and plenty of stable snow to throw yourself into, so you can hit those steep runs with ease.
Canada
Boasting expansive terrain packed with pristine champagne powder, the interior ranges of western British Columbia are the place to ski. Canada is known as the global mecca of the heli skiing world as well as the birthplace of the thrilling sport itself – meaning that when you choose Canada as your destination, you can experience some of the most consistent and reliable heli skiing on the planet.
For your heli skiing trip in Canada, Pure Powder partners up with CMH Heli Skiing (the world’s leading heli ski operator), and we work together to bring you the heli skiing experience of a lifetime. Thanks to CMH, you’ll have access to the biggest collection of exclusive terrain at your disposal, with the perfect combination of alpine and thrilling tree skiing, as well as a variety of CMH lodges to choose from. You could also try out our Canada warm-up Ski Resorts to fully prepare yourself for your heli skiing adventure.
The accommodating terrain means that CMH can offer plenty of unique heli skiing trips to match a variety of ski levels. Whether you are a seasoned off-piste skier or a heli skiing first-timer, there is a heli skiing programme perfect for you. You can read more about your Canada trip options here.
When To Book Your Trip
Canada has one of the longest heli ski seasons in the world, with various trips running from the beginning of December to the end of April.
December/January: Given the regularity of the storm cycles around this time of year, you will most likely be sticking to tree skiing. Tree skiing is often a highlight of any avid heli skier’s experience, but it doesn’t offer that postcard-worthy view of fresh trails on open Alpine slopes. With that said, the colder temperatures and large snowstorms also offer some of the finest powder skiing on the planet, with the only downside being shorter days and potentially shorter runs. These trips offer excellent value during this period as it is a slightly less popular time to travel.
February/March: This period essentially offers the best of both worlds, balancing consistent snowfall with frosty temperatures that make for ideal, dry powder, with longer days and a deeper snowpack. Demand over this period is much higher as February/March is known as the prime time for heli skiing in the region, meaning prices might be a bit steeper, but the sensational experience you can have around this time of year in Canada more than makes up for it.
April: The end of April in Canada offers better weather with sunnier days, meaning you can fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings. There is still plenty of snow around this period; you might just find that you’ll have to be heading a little higher up the slopes for the best snow conditions. The month of April also brings about corn snow on the south-facing slopes, and plenty of powder skiing is possible to the north, and you can access it all via helicopter. Prices are substantially lower in April so it can be a great time to head to Canada and get more bang for your buck.
Sensational Helicopter Skiing In The Southern Hemisphere
Chile
When heli skiing in Chile, you’ll be heading to the rugged Andes Mountains – featuring varied terrain including steep gullies and alpine glaciers, for exciting and explorative helicopter skiing. The region is popular for its stable maritime snowpack and light, dry powder. This powder paradise is best suited to intermediate and advanced skiers, with endless valleys and glaciated peaks ready and waiting to be skied. The higher altitude means light and dry snow throughout the skiing season, and the stable snowpack means you can look forward to huge vertices in fantastic powder.
If helicopter skiing in Chile appeals to you, you have your pick of two Pure Powder helicopter skiing packages to choose from – our Small Group Helicopter Skiing programme (consisting of 4 guests and a guide), and our Private Heli Skiing trip (4 guests of your choosing and 2 guides). Small groups allow for more exploration and seek out the very best powder.
In terms of accommodation, your options range from the rustic charms of the Altiplanico Lodge to the contemporary comforts of the Puma Lodge, along with luxurious city hotels in Santiago and even a unique yacht experience in Patagonia.
When To Book Your Trip
The ski season in the Andes runs from June through September, meaning you can plan the perfect holiday packed with plenty of helicopter skiing, trying out local cuisine, and enjoying real South American hospitality.
June/July: Early in the season, snowfall can be unpredictable but often brings about fresh, light powder, perfect for prime helicopter skiing. The major upside of helicopter skiing at the beginning of the season is that there are fewer crowds, meaning you have plenty of opportunities to carve fresh tracks in the snow without interruption. While this period may include thinner snow cover and limited terrain availability, the time you do spend out on the slopes will be well worth it. Moving into July, it will be mid-winter in Chile, and the terrain is usually well-established with regular, fresh snowfall. The stable maritime snowpack means plenty of high-quality powder skiing.
August: Come August, the peak of the winter season will have set in, offering a settled snowpack and consistent weather conditions. This is considered peak helicopter skiing season in the Andes – so demand is higher – as the optimal snow conditions, coupled with plenty of powder days, draw in many enthusiastic heli skiers.
September: Nearing the end of the skiing season, September brings warmer temperatures with softer and heavier snow in the afternoons. This marks the beginning of snowmelt and variable snow conditions, but also means fewer crowds and longer days out on the slopes – perfect for those who value their peace and warmer weather when helicopter skiing.
A Few Things To Consider Beforehand
When planning your helicopter skiing trip, there are several factors that can significantly impact your experience. Three important considerations that will determine when you should book your trip and where include weather conditions, snow quality, and ski fitness and experience.
- Weather Conditions are a crucial consideration as they influence visibility, safety, and overall enjoyment of the helicopter skiing experience. Consistent snowfall and favourable weather patterns are things to take into account, as they can ensure reliable and enjoyable heli skiing.
- Snow Quality, as demonstrated above, varies throughout the skiing season no matter what region you plan to visit. Early season often brings fresher, lighter snow, with weather conditions being a little more unpredictable, and later in the season, snow can become more compact and stable.
- Ski Fitness and Experience is a big determining factor as helicopter skiing, and backcountry skiing in general, demands physical endurance and skill – particularly on more challenging terrain. This is where Pure Powder steps in to help you determine your level of ski fitness and skill, and what location and helicopter skiing package would be just right for you.
With the help of Pure Powder and our Ski Fitness programme, you can ensure that you are physically prepared for your helicopter skiing trip and perfectly matched with a location and programme that can accommodate your level of skiing proficiency.
