Heliskiing Hotspots

The history of heliskiing goes back to the early 1960s when skiers and climbers began to experiment with the use of helicopters to access mountains. The first commercial heliski holiday took place over two weeks in 1965 in British Columbia, Canada. It was organised by Hans Gmoser, an Austrian who became one of Canada’s best-known guides. While British Columbia is the sport’s undisputed capital, there are heliski operations in at least 20 countries, including Greece and Chile.  Let’s take a look at some of the heliskiing hotspots around the world.

Bighorn, Canada 

Bighorn is a mountain retreat like no other, it is both a heliski lodge and a 5 star ski chalet. The property is located at the base of Revelstoke Mountain Resort, in the heart of the world’s best heliski terrain, which has created a new ski concept. The area has been a magnet for heliskiers for over 50 years. Bighorn offers a truly bespoke experience with private heliskiing from the house helipad and access to unbeatable ski terrain at Revelstoke Mountain Resort.

India

Manali is a bustling hub for adventure tourism in the Greater Himalayas and has long been a popular stop on the hippy trail. But since 1990, it has drawn heliskiers too, attracted by the tantalising prospect of skiing in the Himalayas. The Pir Panjal range of the Greater Himalaya, has an average elevation of more than 4000 metres (13,000 ft) above sea level.

Alagna, Italy

Heliskiing in the Alps is far more regimented than in the wilder ranges. Hardcore skiers should head for the pretty village of Alagna, from where they can access the infamous Marinelli Couloir, a steep run down, which is probably one of the best descents of steep skiing in the world.

Nepal

Himalayan Heliski Guides is the first and only company that has been operating in Nepal for the past 15 years. Over the years the company has carried out heliskiing trips to Everest, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Humla regions of Nepal. A trip to Nepal is guaranteed to be one of the most memorable trips of your lifetime and if heliskiing in the heart of Himalayas has been on your bucket-list then you are up for an experience beyond your imagination.