Guide/ FAQ
Find Answers to Your Most Commonly Asked Questions
What is Heli-Skiing?
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Heli-Skiing is simply when you use a helicopter to get up on the mountain instead of using a lift or walking. It’s normally done on mountains where no lifts exist, which give you access to untouched terrain. Unlike traditional ski resorts, heli-skiing takes you to remote and unspoiled mountain areas, offering an unparalleled and thrilling experience in the heart of nature. Helicopters serve as your exclusive means of transportation, allowing you to access challenging runs and deep powder that are otherwise inaccessible. It's the definition of adventure and a chance to ski fresh snow in some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes. Unlike what many people think, you do not need to be an expert skier to enjoy heli-skiing, there are normally groups and skiing at different levels, please check with your chosen operator before booking to assure you find a group suitable for your skiing experience. Also, nature and adventure is a big part of the experience itself.
Is Heli-Skiing Safe?
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The short answer is yes, safety is always a priority among serious heli-ski providers, both in terms of skiing and helicopter transportation. We partnered with well-established and serious heli-ski operators who adhere to stringent safety protocols, ensuring your well-being. With that being said, heli-skiing can be an extreme sport depending on where and how you ski, and all extreme sports are associated with a certain risk. We recommend that you check the safety guidelines and insurance directly with the operator before you finally book, and also check with your own insurance company what your policy says about extreme sports or heli-skiing. Please read more below about the guides’ certification. One of the HeliSkiInternational founders, Marcus, is a commercial helicopter pilot with a Swizz Mountain Flying Rating and has a special interest in aviation safety and aims to implement safety comparison measures in the coming year to help skiers without aviation knowledge to understand and evaluate the risk associated with flying. You will find information about how safety is handled by each operator, on every Experience page.
Are Guides Certified?
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Mountain guides are not only passionate about the sport but also hold professional certifications from recognized organizations. For example, most of them are UIAGM/IFGMA/IVBV-certified guides. The IFMGA is the exclusive international umbrella federation for all mountain guide associations, establishing the minimum standard for certification of mountain guides around the world. This ensures that your guide is a professional with adequate training and expertise. Additionally, there are national standards that also maintain high levels of certification, such as the ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides). These national standards ensure that guides have undergone rigorous training and testing to guarantee their proficiency in navigating diverse terrains, ensuring your safety and enjoyment.
Is Heli-Skiing Environmentally Friendly?
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At Heliski International we are committed to responsible heli-skiing practices and environmental sustainability. We collaborate with operators who share our values, prioritizing minimal impact on the landscapes we explore and the animals living there. We are continuously working to develop an even more aware and sustainable heli-ski industry to assure our grandkids and their kids can enjoy it as well. Our sustainability program is still under construction and we hope to be able to present concrete numbers and activities within short.
What is the Level of Skiing Ability Required?
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Heli-skiing welcomes both intermediate and advanced skiers. Whether you're honing your skills or seeking an adrenaline-packed challenge, our partners’ heli-skiing experiences cater to a range of abilities. Our professional partners tailor each adventure to match the group's expertise, ensuring an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all.
Do I Need Avalanche Training?
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While not mandatory, having basic avalanche safety training is highly recommended for your safety during your heli-ski adventure. Operators guides prioritize safety and will guide avalanche awareness. If you don't have prior training, consider participating in one of our recommended avalanche safety courses to enhance your understanding of mountain conditions. Your safety is paramount.
How Fit Do I Need to Be?
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A reasonable level of fitness is beneficial for heli-skiing. The activity can be physically demanding, especially in high-altitude conditions. While you don't need to be an athlete, being in good health and having a basic level of cardiovascular fitness will enhance your enjoyment. Each operator’s experienced guides are skilled at adapting to various fitness levels, ensuring everyone has a rewarding experience.
What is the Group Size?
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Group sizes vary, offering options to suit your preference. Choose a small group to ensure a more personalized experience and if you prefer a more exclusive adventure, search for private or custom trips, where you can tailor the group size to meet your specific desires. Whether you seek camaraderie or a more private escape, our flexible options cater to your ideal heli-skiing experience.
What is the Cost?
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The cost of your heli-skiing adventure depends on the experience you choose and typically ranges between 10,000 - 15,000 USD for a week. The cost is often associated with how much time you spend flying in the helicopter and most operators include either X helicopter hours, X vertical feet/meter or X runs in the price. One of our goals at Heliski International is to increase transparency, providing detailed information for every package to make it easier for you as a customer to find the right heli-ski experience for your needs and budget. We recommend that you send a booking request to 2-3 alternatives that seem to suit you and agree on a final price directly with the operator. Going on a heli-ski trip is a large investment for many people and therefore important that you get what you are searching for.
How Remote is the Terrain?
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The skiing terrain with is most cases remote, providing an authentic and unspoiled experience. Helicopters allow you to explore untouched powder in pristine, secluded locations. While the terrain is remote, rest assured that the operators’ experienced guides and support team are well-equipped to handle any situation. Their commitment to safety includes robust transportation logistics and contingency plans, ensuring a thrilling yet secure heli-skiing adventure in even the most remote landscapes.
What is the Cancellation Policy?
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We understand that plans may change. Specific terms may vary based on the chosen heli-skiing package and operator. We encourage you to review the details of your selected package for information on potential penalties or refund options.
What's Included in the Package?
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Each heli-skiing package includes different features. You can choose to enjoy a specified number of helicopter runs, runs, expert guide services, access to top-notch equipment, accommodation, meals, and additional amenities. Under each experience we list what’s included or not, some things can also be tailored to your needs and therefore we recommend that you send a booking request to 2-3 alternatives that seem to suit you and agree on the details directly with the operator
What Happens in Case of Bad Weather?
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In the event of unfavorable weather conditions, our experienced operators have contingency plans in place. These may include alternative skiing locations, adjusted schedules, or different experiences such as hiking trails, mountain biking, wine tasting, or relaxing at a spa. Each operator has different policies when it comes to so-called “down days”, we recommend that you check this with the operators before you book and pay for your trip. If you are unlucky, you might have several down-days during a week and then it becomes important how you are compensated.
How Many Runs Will I Get?
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The number of runs varies based on the heli-skiing package you choose. Our partner operators offer a range of options to suit your preferences. The itinerary is thoughtfully structured to maximize your time on the mountain, providing a perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Whether you're seeking an adrenaline rush or a more leisurely pace, the packages cater to your heli-skiing aspirations. Number of runs can also vary depending on weather and length of the runs, we recommend that you send a booking request to 2-3 alternatives that seems to suit you and agree on the details directly with the operator.
What Should I Bring?
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