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Plan B. Where Can I Heli Ski During A Covid-19 Winter?

We’re massive fans of the interior ranges of British Columbia in Canada and in our humble opinion it’s as close as heli ski perfection as you can get.  It’s where you’ll find huge expanses of un-tracked ‘Champagne’ powder, tree-skiing for bad-weather days and unbeatable heli skiing know-how from the guides and pilots. 

 However, this is no normal season and as things stand the Canadian government are keeping their borders closed for the foreseeable future. We hope that this will change but, in the meantime, it’s time to consider some alternative options for this year’s powder skiing fix…. 

We’ve compiled a list of our alternative heli ski options for this season which we hope will be easier to get to.  Be sure to keep abreast of the latest travel advisories on our travel update page.   

Deplar Farm hotel | Troll Peninsula | Smith Hotels

ONE // Iceland 

If you’re looking for the best possible accommodation for your heli skiing trip then it doesn’t get more luxurious than Deplar Farm.  You’ll find this super-luxe lodge in the Fljót Valley on the mountainous Troll Peninsula in northern Iceland. It is an adult’s adventure playground with a staggering range of activities from heli skiing to sea kayaking, dry suit swimming, snowmobiling and whale watching (just to name a few!). 

The lodge itself is newly built in the classic Icelandic style and blends into the natural landscape with its black timber cladding and living roof.  Deplar Farm is open all year round however the heli ski season kicks off in mid-March to May.  And the skiing…?  Just picture huge couloirs and vast valleys just waiting to be explored – and the long-extended daylight hours due to the midnight sun mean that guests can make sea-to-summit runs even after dinner!  It’s about the whole package experience and not just the heli skiing so make sure you leave enough time in the day to enjoy the incredible spa and swimming pool! 

 Deplar Farm offers 4- and 6-day heli skiing trips in March, April and May.  Single rooms are available on special request. 

 

Pyrenees Heliski : Heliski in the Val d'Aran, Spain

TWO // Pyrenees 

Vielha is located in the Val d’Aran region surrounded by the Pyrenees Mountains of northern Spain. It is relatively close to the French border, however as heli skiing ibanned in France, you can head to Spain to get your heli ski fix. The area is all about the stunning scenery and it is a fabulous place to base yourself any time of the year if you’re a lover of the outdoors. For the heli skiing programme, guests have the choice of three hotels to stay near Vielha which are suitable for a range of budgets.  

Heli skiers will explore the varied terrain in the Val d’Aran region throughout its fantastically long season which stretches from mid-November through to April. This region benefits from the Atlantic climate that brings lots of snowy precipitation right the way through the winter.  Heli skiers can expect runs of around 800 vertical metres varying from skiing in the high Alpine as well as in lower elevations through the trees.  

Although the heli skiing in the Val d’Aran region is less reliable than Canada for example (you can expect an average of 2 to 3 down days per week) there are plenty of ‘backup’ options – for example some resort skiing in the neighbouring Baqueira, snowmobiling, ski touring or if you need a day off skis to rest those ski legs then you can go regional wine tasting.   

The heli skiing programme is made up of groups of 4 guests with one guide. Each helicopter has a maximum of 4 groups on rotation however private trips can also be arranged. 

Pyrenees heliski offer 1-, 3- or 5-day trips and you have a choice of three hotels to stay at. 

Abisko Ski Resort Info | Nuolja Offpist | Abisko Arctic Lapland Sweden Review

THREE // Sweden 

The Abisko Mountains are situated in one of the last, great wildernesses in Europe and so there’s no wonder why the IFMGA certified guide Stefan Palm (whose heli skied around the world) and his highly trained team at Heliski-Guides Sweden set up their heli ski operation here. Heli skiers stay at the Abisko Mountain Lodge, just one hour’s drive from Kiruna in northern Sweden; and have access to the immense ski area which is similar to the size of Austria.  Due to the lack of tree skiing in Sweden, days are spent skiing in the high Alpine where there is a huge variety of open bowls and steep descents to shred.  

The lodge has 20 rooms and its rustic style makes for a very comfortable stay.  The Abisko Mountain Lodge is also home to the highly regarded Brasserie Fjällköket which showcases local delicacies which include reindeer and freshly caught fish from the nearby river. And, with experienced chefs from all around the world, guests should prepare for a fantastic culinary experience during their stay. 

The season is fairly short here and guests can heli ski from March through to May.  The heli ski groups are made up of 4 guests with one guide per group.   

Abisko Mountain Lodge and Heliski-Guides Sweden offer trips from 3– to 7-days and can be tailored around your requirements. Private groups and single rooms are available on special request. 

Private Package | Turkey Heliski

FOUR // Turkey 

Small group heli skiing in Turkey is a very exciting experience which operates out of the small mountain village of Ayder, which is situated in the Kaçkar Mountain Range near the Black Sea in the northeast of Turkey.  The heli ski groups are made up of 4 guests plus a guide with a maximum of 4 groups sharing a A-Star helicopter Accommodation is at the Hotel Hasimoglu – a small, family-run mountain hotel which has a cosy and friendly atmosphere. 

The Kaçkar Range offers exclusive access to 5,000 sq. km of Alpine terrain ideal terrain for heli skiing.  Regular snowfalls throughout the season twinned with a deep and stable snowpack makes this an excellent heli ski destination.  The heli skiing is characterised by long, Alpine runs which meander back down to the picturesque valley. 

The guides are multinational heli skiers who spend the majority of their season heli skiing all over the world. Guests are in safe hands when heli skiing in Turkey, as the heli ski guides are internationally certified and the helicopter and pilot expertise is provided by Air Zermatt. 

Hotel Hasimoglu with Heli Ski Pro offers 3- and 7-day heli skiing trips from January to March.  Private groups and single rooms are available on special request. 

Are you looking for an alternative trip this coming 2020/2021 season? Get in touch with one of our heli ski specialists today to find the best option for you – call the office on 0207 736 8191 or email info@purepowder.com 

 

Posted by: Zillah Bell

Mastering Off-Piste Skiing: An Introductory Guide

  For many thrill seekers, the tame slopes of a ski resort do not offer the excitement they’re looking for – this is where off-piste skiing offers an excellent alternative. The popularity of this adventure-based sport has increased over the past couple of years as skiing has become more accessible to more people. And yet, […]

Posted by: Samantha

Helicopter Skiing: The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush

  If you are interested in undertaking an outdoor adventure like no other, helicopter skiing may be the perfect option for you. Helicopter skiing involves off-piste, downhill skiing with the added thrill of a helicopter trip to reach untouched backcountry terrain.   Perhaps breathtaking views and an exhilarating experience are what you are after? If […]

Posted by: Samantha

About Heli Skiing: Myths And Misconceptions

  For those of you who have already had the chance to head out on your very own heli skiing excursion, you will know what to expect when embarking on your next adventure. For those who have not, this brief guide is for you – we will clear up some common misconceptions regarding heli skiing, […]

Posted by: Samantha

Heli Skiing: Prepare For An Unforgettable Trip

  In the past, heli skiing used to be a sport that only those adventurous few who could afford the exorbitant cost could enjoy. However, more recently, with the help of companies like Pure Powder, the sport has become more accessible than ever. Today more and more avid skiers are being introduced to and partaking […]

Posted by: Samantha

Plan An Unforgettable Off-Piste Skiing Trip

  If you are eager to set off on an unforgettable off-piste skiing trip, then you have come to the right place. Pure Powder is one of the best ski specialists based in the UK, but we organise off-piste ski adventures all around the world. In this quick read, we will cover some essential information […]

Posted by: Samantha

A Comprehensive Guide To Heli Ski Preparations

  Let’s get into the ins and outs of trip preparation for your next heli ski adventure! At Pure Powder, we take care of all the logistical aspects of your skiing experience, but there are a few things you can do from your side to make sure that you kick off the excursion as prepared […]

Posted by: Samantha

Helicopter Skiing vs Resort Skiing: A Comparison Of Skiing Experiences

  Over the past few years, there has been a rapid rise in the popularity of helicopter skiing. Spurred ever onwards by this increased interest in the sport, Pure Powder strives to make heli skiing an accessible activity for skiing novices and veterans alike. With helicopter skiing now more accessible than ever, avid adventurers have […]

Posted by: Samantha

Steep Heli Skiing: Exploring Alaska

  If real thrills are what you’re searching for, heli skiing with Pure Powder is the way to go. We organise heli skiing trips all over the globe, tailoring each experience to your level of expertise. For the experienced skiers looking for an adrenaline rush, Alaska is the holy grail of pure skiing freedom.   […]

Posted by: Samantha

Heli Ski Gear Guide: Must-Have Skiing Equipment

  If you have ever participated in a heli ski experience, you will know that having the right equipment is essential. Not only does the heli ski gear protect you from the elements out in the backcountry, but it can also improve the entire experience overall. Regarding heli ski gear, experienced skiers stick to functional […]

Posted by: Samantha

Incredible Heli Skiing Destinations

  If you are considering setting off on your very first heli skiing adventure, allow us to walk you through some of the amazing options you have at your disposal! In this brief guide, we will have a look at a few different heli ski destinations and consider what makes each of them unique.   […]

Posted by: Samantha

Off-Piste Skiing: Embrace The Freedom Of Untracked Slopes

  Very few sensations can be compared to the feeling of off-piste skiing in deep powder snow. If you have yet to throw yourself into one of these incredible ski excursions, allow us to fill you in on the basics of off-piste skiing. In this brief guide, we will cover what exactly an off-piste skiing […]

Posted by: Samantha

Helicopter Skiing: The Ultimate Alpine Experience

  Helicopter skiing is a great way to take your ski experience to the next level. In this brief guide, we will explain the differences between our tailored heli skiing excursions and your typical ski getaway. Of course, this is not to say that a standard resort skiing trip cannot be a great experience, but […]

Posted by: Samantha

Some Useful Advice For Your Heli Skiing Adventure

  As exciting as a heli skiing trip surely is, it is always best to go prepared. In this quick read, we will walk you through a few different aspects of our heli skiing adventures, arming you with everything you need to know about heli skiing before you embark on your trip.   When you […]

Posted by: Samantha

Best Heli Skiing In Canada: Make Your Next Adventure Unforgettable

  CMH Heli Skiing offers not only the best heli skiing in Canada, but some of the best off-piste skiing adventures in the world. The interior ranges of western British Columbia, Canada have been hailed as the Mecca of heli skiing excursions, and for good reason. There is no shortage of choice with Canadian Mountain […]

Posted by: Samantha

Exploring The Heli Ski World: An Introductory Guide

  When hearing the term “heli ski”, peoples’ minds often wander to the world of action movies. The word may evoke images of James Bond or Jason Bourne leaping off a helicopter several feet in the air onto a steep slope, followed by villains, as they expertly manoeuvre their way down death-defying heights and avoiding […]

Posted by: Samantha

Off-Piste Skiing: Your Questions Answered

  If taking on challenging terrain sounds like a thrilling adventure, then off-piste skiing may just be the ideal outdoor sport for you. Venturing outside the boundaries of standard ski resorts can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to leave behind the groomed slopes and instead make tracks across the fresh snow of the backcountry. […]

Posted by: Samantha

Heli Skiing: Everything You Need To Know

  Heli skiing is an invigorating outdoor sport involving breathtaking views from remote backcountry slopes. Whether you are an excited first-time/beginner skier or a seasoned skier looking for a new challenge, heli skiing has something to offer. In this quick read, we will be covering everything you need to know about heli skiing.   If […]

Posted by: Samantha

Pure Powder’s Skiing Resort Guide: Whistler/Blackcomb

Location: Most famously known as just Whistler, Whistler and Blackcomb are two mountains that sit side by side and make up Canada’s biggest resort. Together they make up a whopping 8,171 acres of terrain, split between pisted runs, Alpine bowls and glaciers. Whistler Village is at the base of Whistler, the hub of the village […]

Posted by: Georgie Knox

Pure Powder’s Skiing Resort Guide: Silver Star

Location: Located in the stunning Okanagan Valley, Silver Star is British Colombia’s fourth largest ski resort where you can expect the famous champagne powder we all know and love due to being further west. The varied terrain spreads over 3,282 acres and attracts every kind of skier. Getting there: Silver Star is extremely easy to get […]

Posted by: Zillah Bell

Pure Powder’s Skiing Resort Guide: Sun Peaks

Location: Sun Peaks is the second biggest ski area in Canada, behind Whistler. It is the perfect warm up destination for anyone who is heli skiing at CMH’s Cariboos Lodge. Getting there: Sun Peaks is located in the heart of British Columbia, only a 45 minute drive from Kamloops and less than an hour by […]

Posted by: Zillah Bell