Outdoors

Top Heliskiing Spots In The World

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Top Heliskiing Spots In The World

Heliskiing is the pipe dream of serious skiers and thrill-seekers around the world. There’s no experience that compares to having a helicopter transport you to unimaginable heights, with baby-fine powder and views to last a lifetime. Heliskiing takes your average adrenaline rush to the next level.

Many resorts offer heliski packages to explore the backcountry reaches, but they aren’t all worth the hefty price tag. Fortunately there are several spots that get it just right, from day trips to all-inclusive weeklong luxe packages.

Here’s a list of the top heliskiing spots from across the world. Get ready to update that bucket list!

Chugach Powder Guides, Alaska

Setting a record for the greatest terrain expanse in North America, Chugach Powder Guides has miles of untouched spines, couloirs, and powder runs. Based out of Alyeska Resort’s already comprehensive 3,300 vertical meters, CPG will take you places you’ve only ever dreamed of. In fact, they operate on 250,000 acres of exclusive terrain that no other outfitter has access to. If you’re looking for backcountry at it’s absolute best, there’s no better choice that Chugach Powder Guides!

ValHeliSki, Val D’Isere/Tignes, France

Flipping the traditional heliskiing adventure on it’s head, ValHeliSki out of the Tarentaise Valley in France has an epic experience lined up for skiers of all proficiencies. Because laws forbid classic heliski operations in France, ValHeliSki has it’s patrons meet at the top of the Tovière lift in between the Tignes and Val D’Isere resorts. From there, a tour operator takes skiers on a hike-to adventure of a lifetime. Once finished, a helicopter is ready-and-waiting to whisk you back to the resort.

Bighorn Lodge, Revelstoke, British Columbia

Luxury meets adventure at Revelstoke, British Columbia’s Bighorn Lodge. Modeled after grandiose chalets in the Alps, Bighorn has a plethora of amenities to impress even the gnarliest of skiers. Spend all day traversing more than 10,000 feet of vert, all from the ease of stepping out your front door… because there’s a private helicopter pad on the property. British Columbia is known for its impeccably fine powder, and the mountains around Bighorn Lodge are no exception. After days spent in the glorious snow, nights are filled with meals prepared by the in-house chef, dips in the outdoor hot tub, and movies in the cinema room.

Southern Lakes HeliSki, New Zealand

New Zealand is the premier destination for intermediate skiers who dream of heliskiing. Southern Lakes HeliSki conveniently operates near Queensland and accesses backcountry areas out of Coronet Peak, Treble Cone, and Cardrona. With plenty of thrilling runs for the experts in your group, Southern Lakes HeliSki is the wisest all-around choice in the Southern Hemisphere.

Mountain Guide Travel, Riksgransen, Sweden

Long spring days make the Arctic Circle the perfect spot to spend hours dropping more than 1,000 meters of vertical. Operating until late May, it’s easy to get a few thrills in before summer truly starts. Mountain Guide Travel, based in Riksgransen, Sweden, has several choices for every level of skier. Choose a three-drop, three-run package that gives intermediate skiers an intense thrill, while sticking closer to the resort. Experts will relish the six-run packages that explores as far as the Kåtotjocka, Mårma and Kebnekaise backcountry areas.

Helitrax, Telluride, Colorado

Based in the idyllic mountain town of Telluride, Colorado, HeliTrax takes skiers to unbelievable heights. You’ll experience the finest, lightest powder that Colorado is famous for, not once, but six times. You heard right! A day trip includes food, water, and six drops for a combined vertical of 3,600 meters. And the best part? You’ll get to explore Telluride’s epic inbounds runs on your day off.

Mandy Burkholder is a travel, adventure, and outdoor writer who honed her craft in the foothills of the La Plata Mountains of Southwest Colorado. After a stint in the Swiss Alps, she now resides in Tennessee. Follow her on twitter — @mandyburkhold3r

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