Lifestyle Travel

Heli-Skiing; Experience the Ultimate Rush

Heli-Skiing is undoubtedly not for the faint of heart, but for those brave enough to take on the untamed slopes, a world of thrills awaits. Dropping out of an airplane, into untouched white powder on the top of the highest mountains. What could be better for those skiing fanatics that love the sport? Or the adrenaline junkies that want something a little more challenging? 

The Sport In a Nutshell

This sport is about as extreme as winter sports get. The basic premise revolves around boarding a helicopter, flying to a remote mountain and skiing back down. However, you’ll find there’s much more to it than that. Have you ever dreamed of skiing an untouched mountain? No noise, no crowds, not even any lifts? Then heli-skiing is probably the sport for you.

By moving away from the resorts and into the real backcountry, you are given access to tens of thousands of acres of prime slopes, with thick, virgin powder just begging to be carved up.

One of the biggest draws is the year-round skiing opportunities. By using a chopper and not relying on the roads and lifts of the resorts, you will have access to glaciers and summer shredding on the mountain.


Due to the very nature of the sport, you’ll find that it is not available within the confines of ski resort areas, to experience it you will have to research a helicopter tour operator and a knowledgeable local guide.

Much of the thrill associated with heli-skiing is the unknown. The unknown difficulty level of the slope, and the hidden snow conditions. While the thrill of the unknown certainly adds to the rush, you should still ensure you employ a well regarded, experienced local guide to accompany you on your adventure.


A heli-skiing trip involves much more preparation than a day on the piste. The remote nature of the sport means that the usual amenities associated with ski trips may not be available, and so you will have to bring your own. Many of the better guides and companies will provide extra the necessary equipment, but if you find yourself hooked to the sport, you may want to invest in your gear.

Heli-Skiing presents the final frontier of snow sports. The use of a helicopter to get off the beaten track will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. You’ll push your skiing abilities to the absolute edge as you encounter powder, tree runs, and drop-offs simply not found within the confines of a ski resort. Once you’ve tried it, you will be asking yourself why it took so long to do so!


Northern Escape Heli-Skiing

Los Angeles Times

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