Are you a total adrenaline junkie? There’s nothing quite like being dropped on a snowy peak after a spectacular journey across mountain ranges.
It is the ultimate ride for advanced skiers and snowboarders and it’s no wonder why. Heli-skiing has become increasingly popular over the years, with many individuals seeking the adventurous thrill of free-riding the remote off-piste and challenging terrain ski resorts offer. Expect terrific powder conditions and the ever-sought-after first tracks. It will be a truly unforgettable experience. Discover our best resorts for heli-skiing in Europe and North America.
Cervinia, Italy
Cervinia is one of the most popular ski resorts in Italy and offers fantastic border skiing to Switzerland via Zermatt. Both ski resorts offer spectacular views of the mammoth Matterhorn Mountain. The high altitude of Cervinia means visitors are guaranteed snow-sure skiing.
Heli-skiing in Cervinia offers breathtaking views both during the journey to the drop-off zone and when you are descending the epic heights. Enjoy the beauty of creating your own lines.
Stay At:
Sertorelli Sporthotel is a centrally located family-run hotel in Cervinia. The hotel is just moments away from the nearest ski lifts.
La Rosière, France
Experience the exhilarating off-piste descents in La Rosière, in the heart of Haute Tarentaise. La Rosière is a relaxed ski resort, which conveniently links to La Thuile, in Italy, and is part of the Espace San Bernardo ski area. The ski terrain is best suited to intermediates with more than 160km to explore.
Amazing scenery surrounds La Rosière and the Isère Valley, so what better way to take in the backdrop than heli-skiing? Heli-skiing is actually forbidden in France, however, companies on this border are allowed the exception. Guides drop in on the Italian side and traverse to the French section.
The journey offers beautiful views of the Franco-Italian peaks as well as spectacular mountain panoramas further afield. Whether you go alone or in a group, explore the untouched mountains with a team of professionals.
Stay At:
Have everything taken care of for you at Club Med. Enjoy the piste-side location, fabulous facilities and all-inclusive meals.
Jackson Hole, USA
Jackson Hole, USA, holds an excellent snow record, ensuring skiers return year after year. The backcountry is littered with steep chutes, challenging bowls, and infamous couloirs. The ski resort is perfect for those who enjoy extreme thrills and difficult, but exciting runs.
Experience glorious, deep powder when helicopter skiing in Jackson Hole. Heli-skiing in North America is a dream for many, because of its unrivalled conditions and wicked terrain. Whether you’re a skier or snowboarder, the experience will be once in a lifetime.
Jackson Hole heli-ski tour guides have been ferrying small groups across the acres of untouched terrain for decades. They know the best areas to drop in, ensuring you a memorable adventure.
Stay At:
Hotel Terra is a modern boutique-style hotel with a friendly ambience. Guests are only a short walk away from the base of the gondola and nearby amenities.
Lech, Austria
Lech is one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world and with snow-sure conditions, one of the most sought-after. The whole ski area has more than 300km of piste to explore, mainly suited to beginners and intermediates. Plus, with short transfer times from three separate airports, it is an excellent choice for maximising your trip.
Lech Zürs is the only ski region in the whole of Austria that allows heli-skiing, where it is actively encouraged. Explore the ski area in a different way, by sending it through the untouched snow with your group. It doesn’t matter if you’re not a pro, there are two peaks to explore, one is ideal for advanced skiers, and the other is more suited to intermediates. If you take up the challenge, it is certainly doable, perhaps a little bit demanding! Explore the deep fresh powder and create unforgettable memories with your group.
Stay At:
Nidus Penthouse is a luxurious apartment just five minutes’ walk from the Schlosskopf lift. A great choice for its location and top-class service.
Whistler, Canada
Whistler is an extremely well-known ski destination and one of the biggest in Canada. It is a purpose-built resort, with everything geared towards the slopes. Skiers return year after year for its impeccable snow record, lively village, and friendly hospitality.
For many, Whistler is seen as the mecca of snowsports, and to heli-ski here would be the crème de la crème. For lots of skiers, this is a bucket list activity. To say you’ve been heli-skiing in Whistler is the ultimate boast.
Discover endless backcountry and push yourself into the unknown. The freeride sections are excellent and the ski terrain is second to none.
Stay At:
The Westin Resort and Spa is a brilliant choice for a Canadian ski holiday. It sits right at the base of the slopes and steps away from the heart of Whistler’s car-free village.
Chamonix, France
Chamonix is an extremely popular ski resort with the Brits. The transfer from Geneva is short and the snow tends to be pretty reliable! There is a nice mix of terrain, perfectly suiting all abilities. However, for those who are seeking a bit more excitement, explore the ski resort in a different way.
As previously noted, heli-skiing is forbidden in France. However, the mountains that surround the Chamonix valley border both Italy and Switzerland, where it is perfectly legal. Now, providers cannot pick skiers up from Chamonix, so most companies meet their passengers just over the border, in Switzerland.
Once skiers have dropped in on their chosen peak, your guide will lead you to traverse back over to the French border. Here you will find spectacular views of the Mont Blanc Massif, where you can admire the surroundings away from the hustle and bustle of the main pistes.
Stay At:
Chalet Des Cristaux is a beautiful home-away-from-home, moments away from Les Houches ski area. The large cosy chalet sleeps up to 10 guests.
Revelstoke, Canada
Revelstoke is home to some of the best champagne powder in Canada. It’s light, it’s fluffy and there’s a lot of it. Heli-skiing has been popular in the ski resort for decades, and with half a million acres of terrain, there are plenty of drop-in zones to choose from.
Marvel at the remarkable views of the Rockies as you cruise over the peaks. Superb couloirs, powder bowls, and excellent tree-skiing await.
Stay At:
Chalet Bighorn is an extremely luxurious 16 person chalet in Revelstoke. The property benefits from its own helipad as well as other world-class facilities.
To find out more about the best resorts for heli-skiing in Europe and North America, call our ski experts on 020 7471 7700.
