Heli-skiing
For a true wilderness experience, heli-skiing can take you to remote areas of the mountains, where the backdrop of stunning scenery is enhanced by the true feeling of being far away from it all. Add in the thrill of the helicopter ride itself, and you have an experience not to be missed.
Heli-skiing is not allowed in France but being so close to the Swiss and the Italian borders there are various departure points only a short car ride away.
Courmayeur and La Thuile, just through the Mont Blanc tunnel in Italy or the Trient Plateau in Switzerland. Where to go and which exact drops to do are decisions normally best left to the last minute as it depends on the weather and the snow conditions at the time. We will normally discuss that with the guide and the helicopter operators just before you go.
In Courmayeur and La Thuile you can do up to two drops in a morning. The heli-skiing normally finishes by lunchtime, but you have your guide for the day, so you have the option of exploring the off-piste in either ski area for the afternoon. If you are in Courmayeur you can also take the lift to Point Helbronner, the start of the Italian Vallée Blanche, to then return to Chamonix on skis.
From the Trient Plateau you will only do the one descent in a day that will take you down to the Swiss village of Trient. This is a beautiful descent with not too much technical difficulty. From Trient you can get a bus back to Vallorcine which links up with La Balme ski area, where you can continue your off-piste adventures for the afternoon.
Details
Duration: 1 day
2008 Dates: Available as required from the beginning of February
Group Size: 1-4
Ratio: 1:1-6
Included: Guide fee, helicopter, avalanche transceiver, harness.
Not included: Personal equipment, mountain rescue insurance, transport, lunches, evening meals.
Equipment: See Equipment List or contact our office.
Price: Depending on location and helicopter, 400-580€ per drop plus 370€ guide fee for the day
For whom: Expert off-piste skiers only. If you have limited off-piste experience we recommend that you join our Off-Piste Workshop before booking your heliski adventure.
