500 Adrenaline Adventures (Frommer's) - Lois Friedland [94]
New Zealand: Heli-skiing in New Zealand is growing in popularity, especially in the Liebig and Malte Brun ranges as well as on the Tasman Glacier (see ). To ski the mountains, contact Wilderness Heliskiing ( 64/3/435-1834; www.wildernessheli.co.nz) or Ski the Tasman ( 64/3/435-1834; www.skithetasman.co.nz). Their packages offer an array of accommodations, ranging from an upscale hotel to a youth hostel in Cook Mountain Village. If you prefer to ski the Arrowsmith and Ragged ranges, contact Methven Heliskiing ( 64/3/302 8108; www.methvenheli.co.nz). Methven lands its operations at the highest elevations of all the South Island heli-skiing outfitters, ensuring long runs.
Himalayas, Nepal: You may not have the desire or wherewithal to climb Mt. Everest, but why should that mean you can’t take on the Himalayas in another fantastic fashion—heli-skiing? A trip with Himalayan Heliski Guides ( 33/97/39-0359;www.heliskinepal.com) starts in Kathmandu, then flies you to the world’s highest mountains—in the Everest and Annapurna regions of Nepal. There, you’ll ride and ski for several days with experienced and licensed Russian and Nepalese pilots and guides.
Chugach Mountains, Alaska, U.S.A.: The southern Alaskan mountains see more snowfall than almost anywhere else in the world, ensuring pristine powder for heli-skiing expeditions for all stripes. Chugach Powder Guides ( 907/783-HELI [4354]; www.chugachpowderguides.com) is a popular choice for skiers who want a single day of heli-skiing followed by a stay at a luxury lodge. Valdez Heli-Camps ( 907/783-3243;www.valdezhelicamps.com) hosts skiers who want a more intense experience. Valdez Heli-Ski Guides ( 907/835-4528;www.valdezheliskiguides.com) caters exclusively to advanced and expert skiers and offers an array of packages.
Telluride, Colorado, U.S.A.: Helitrax ( 970/728-8377;www.helitrax.com) is the company to go with for heli-skiing in Colorado. The operation ferries skiers to slopes in the stunning San Juan Mountains, with altitudes up to 13,000 feet (3,900m). Pickup is in the Mountain Village, in the heart of Telluride’s lift-served slopes, and the runs range from 1,000 to 2,500 feet (300–750m). Day and multi-day trips are available for adventurous intermediate, advanced, and expert skiers. Snowboarders are welcome but must be comfortable with long traverses.
Wasatch Range, Utah, U.S.A.: Be whisked away to the Wasatch and heli-ski to your heart’s delight. With the help of a chopper, among these peaks found just outside of Salt Lake City, skiers will find hidden wide-open powder bowls and some of the best chutes in the country. Wasatch Powderbird ( 800/974-4354;www.powderbird.com) has scheduled and charter heli-skiing adventures available. With a guide-to-guest ratio of 1:4, you’re sure to get all the attention you desire and require.
Greenland: And you thought all there was to do in Greenland was go dog-sledding (see )? Why not take your exploration of this population-sparse, snow-heavy land to a different elevation? West Greenland provides an abundance of unspoiled terrain on which to drop and go, with Maniitsoq being one of the most inviting destinations. Powderbird ( 800/974-4354;www.powderbird.com), the same operation who flies in the Wasatch Range in Utah (see ), also runs game here.
Sweden: Because of its chilling temperatures and near 24-hour daylight in the months of March through June, heli-skiing in the Scandinavian country is ideal for those who want to hit the powder almost year-round. Though the peaks in the region aren’t particularly high (around 1,800m/5,900 ft.), you can get a surprising amount of distance on the way down (1,000 vertical meters/nearly 3,300 ft.). A number of reputable companies run heli-skiing adventures here. Among them are Elemental Adventures ( 44/207-836-3547;www.eaheliskiing.com) and Arctic Elements