Heliboarding is an activity that involves being flown by helicopter to remote, untouched areas of the mountain that are otherwise inaccessible by chairlifts or other means. To that end, here are some of the best heliboarding destinations around the world, offering breathtaking views, fresh powder, and the adrenaline rush of exploring untouched terrain.
British Columbia, Canada
Known for its vast expanses of pristine wilderness, British Columbia is a premier destination for heliboarding. With its abundant snowfall and towering peaks, the province offers an incredible range of heliboarding opportunities. Whistler is a popular base camp, with many companies offering helicopter tours to nearby mountain ranges. Revelstoke is another option, with access to the Selkirk Mountains and Monashee Mountains, both of which offer breathtaking runs through alpine bowls, tree runs, and steep couloirs.
Valdez, Alaska
Valdez, located in the heart of the Chugach Mountains, is another popular destination for heliboarding. With steep, towering peaks and deep powder, Valdez offers some of the most challenging terrain in the world. The area is known for its helicopter-accessed runs on the Tsaina Glacier and Thompson Pass, which offer incredible views of the ocean and the surrounding peaks. Valdez was also home to the annual World Extreme Skiing Championships (1991-2000).
Queenstown, New Zealand
New Zealand’s Southern Alps offer some of the best heliboarding opportunities in the southern hemisphere, and Queenstown is the perfect base camp for exploring them. With access to remote areas of the Remarkables and the Harris Mountains, Queenstown offers a range of heliboarding experiences, from gentle, rolling runs to steep, technical terrain. Queenstown also boasts a vibrant nightlife scene and plenty of activities for non-skiers, making it an excellent choice for a winter vacation.
Chilean Andes
According to the experts at Andes Heliboarding, the Chilean Andes are a hidden gem for heliboarding enthusiasts. With towering peaks and vast expanses of untouched snow, Chile heliboarding offers a unique and challenging experience. The region’s abundant snowfall and relatively mild temperatures create a stable snowpack that makes it an ideal destination for heliboarding. The area around Santiago is a popular base camp, with companies offering helicopter tours to the nearby El Morado and La Paloma mountain ranges.
Swiss Alps
For those looking for a European heliboarding adventure, the Swiss Alps offer some of the most breathtaking runs in the world. With towering peaks and glacial valleys, the Swiss Alps offer a range of terrain from wide-open glacier runs to steep couloirs. Verbier is a popular destination, with access to the vast 4 Vallees ski area, which offers runs for all levels of experience. Zermatt is another option, with access to the iconic Matterhorn peak and a range of challenging runs.
Tips for Heliboarding
- Book with a reputable company: Heliboarding involves some risks, so it’s important to book with a company that has a good safety record and experienced guides.
- Check the weather: Heliboarding is weather-dependent, so make sure to check the forecast and plan accordingly.
- Dress in layers: The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so dress in layers that you can easily add or remove as needed.
- Stay hydrated: The high altitude and physical activity involved in heliboarding can lead to dehydration, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Listen to your guide: Your guide is there to ensure your safety and help you make the most of your experience, so listen to their instructions and follow their lead.
Conclusion
Heliboarding offers an exciting and unforgettable way to explore some of the world’s most breathtaking mountain terrain. Whether you’re looking for challenging runs or gentle powder fields, there’s a heliboarding destination out there that is perfect for you.
