5 Heli-Skiing Destinations That Will Set Your Heart Racing

“Here in the deep powder snow you don’t hear yourself ski. You don’t hear your long turns or your short turns.
You just float. The faster you go, the better. The less you struggle, the better. ” 

- Jacques Labrie, adventure junkie and heli-skiing enthusiast.

If your idea of fun means rushing down steep mountain slopes and you get a thrill as you manoeuvre the twists and turns, go heli-skiing. With secluded mountain tops and landings well over 10,000 feet, heli-skiing is notches above backcountry skiing. As you board the helicopter, not only are you guaranteed snow-capped mountain views, but the adrenaline rush you get as you look down the slopes covered in snow is priceless.
If you want to leave a mark on the snow, head over to one of these destinations.

1. Himachal

 

Manali is one of the best places to go heli-skiing, and is known for having one of the deepest snowpacks in the Himalayas. A 10-minute helicopter ride will take you to the top of a 14,000-feet-high slope  around Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, Rohtang Pass and the Chanderkhani Pass near Manali. Owing to the altitude, Manali has longer days and allows for skiing both with and against the sun. Most heli-skiing packages include 100,000 feet of vertical skiing, a guide service and use of an avalanche transceiver, stay in Manali plus meals, escorted air and ground transfers (Delhi-Manali-Delhi), airport transfers and local taxes. But be sure to check what is included before booking a package.

Best Time to Go:  January and February
Cost: 7-day packages start from Rs 5,50,000

2. Kashmir

 

Gulmarg is a heaven for ski enthusiasts be it backcountry or heli-skiing. A few minutes on the helicopter takes you to slopes 15000 feet high, on the Pir Panjal range.   Just like Manali, the climate and location allows you to ski longer.  Most heli-skiing packages include multiple runs a day, board, meals, guide and transceivers, equipment, and a day in a houseboat on Dal Lake, too. 

Best Time to Go : End of December to March
Cost: Prices range from Rs 15000/- for one run to Rs 4,50,000 for a week

3. Nepal

Ever dreamed of skiing on the highest mountain range in the world? Well, now you can! With ranges like the Annapurna, and the Dhaulagiri, and of course Mount Everest, Nepal is the mecca of hard-core heli-skiing enthusiasts. Starting heights are as high as 16000 feet and an elevation change of 6000 feet gives you one of the most enthralling experiences of your life. 

Best Time to Go: February to April
Cost: 7-day packages would cost you around Rs 8,00,000

4. Canada

 

Regarded as the pioneer in heli-skiing operations for the last forty years, British Columbia is the most popular region to go heli-skiing. The region has it all with 700 mm of snow a year, varied terrain, and some of the best operators in the world. You will be spoilt for choice here: every slope is as beautiful as the next and every other town is a ski town. Packages usually include multiple runs, lodging, meals, equipment and transceivers and usually exclude transport and taxes.

Best Time to Go: November to April
Cost: Packages cost above Rs 1,60,000 for a 4-day trip

5. Alaska

 

Alaska has some of the most impressive slopes to satisfy your adventure craving.  The steep slopes of Chugach Mountains ensure you clock up lots of verticals in a day, and the beautiful fjords that line the range makes for a breathtaking view. The terrain is best suited for intermediate to expert riders. Long runs can take you directly to the ocean and if you are lucky, you might even spot a whale or two. Most packages include multiple runs, board, all meals, equipment and transceivers.

Best Time to Go : February to May
Cost: 6-day packages would cost you upwards of Rs 4,00,000

Safety Tips to Keep in Mind:

Like every adventure sport, heli-skiing demands certain safety measures and precautions:

#1 Prior Experience: It would help if you have some experience with backcountry skiing before you try your hand at heli-skiing. 
#2 Go with a Guide: Don’t head out to the slopes on your own. A guide is necessary, especially if you are still new to the powder and are prone to getting hurt or in case an unfortunate situation arises.
#3 Beware of Avalanches:  Be mentally alert and adhere to the safety briefing before the flight. Most agencies will provide you with a transceiver and radio to locate you in case you are buried in an avalanche.
#4 Altitude Sickness: Though most heli-skiers do not face AMS (Altitude Motion Sickness), headaches and loss of breath are common problems. Be well hydrated and take it easy for the first few days.

Hit the powder and let us know how it was!