Intro to Heli-Skiing in New Zealand
Take your off-piste skiing to the skies in New Zealand’s extensive backcountry
Whether you’re looking to heli-ski long, gentle runs at a relaxed pace, or ski steeper faces and rack up the vertical, we work with top operators flying out of Queenstown, Wanaka and Mt Cook.
A more relaxed heli-ski day, suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers without much powder skiing experience. Your professional heli-ski guide guide will teach you the techniques needed to ski untouched powder with precision and style over several helicopter-accessed runs. No need to pack your lunch, as your guides will lay this out for you as a mountaintop picnic.
This day trip takes place in the Queenstown, Wanaka and Mt. Cook areas, departing from Queenstown or Wanaka.
This adventure is available for up to 5 guests, and aimed at advanced intermediate skiers who are looking for a great introduction to powder skiing and heli-skiing.
The best conditions are in the peak winter season in New Zealand, end of July through to mid September.
What to expect
A day skiing wide open slopes and bowls with soft powdery snow – the perfect environment to learn how to ski powder, under the watchful eye of your guide. Depending on your ability and fitness, you can expect to ski anywhere between 3 and 7 runs. Day trips typically depart from Queenstown, Wanaka and Mt Cook, and for those looking to arrange a chartered heli-ski day you can be collected from your lodge.
Inclusions:
- Fully-qualified, certified heli-ski guide, at a guide-to-guest ratio of 1:4-5
- Mountaintop buffet lunch
- Avalanche transceiver and training on transceiver use
- Pickup and return transportation from accommodation to heli-staging area
If you’re looking to heli-ski Mt Cook but stay in Queenstown or Wanaka, we can organise a short and incredibly scenic transfer by plane, where you will then meet your helicopter in Mt Cook. Each flight offers an unbeatable sightseeing experience, with the added bonus of skiing untouched powder slopes at the end!
Looking for something extra special?
If you’ve got a small group or just want a private heli-ski experience, why not charter a helicopter for the day? Receive tailored instruction, set your own pace, rack up the vertical, or choose to finish your day with a mountaintop wine tasting – this is your heli-ski day to go as big and as crazy as you please.
Opt for an alpine picnic to maximize your on-snow time, or fly over to the remote heli-access-only Minaret Station for a gourmet lunch. The chefs will prepare a delicious lunch from the finest, fresh local produce while you reminisce on the day’s runs and enjoy a relaxed meal matched with award-winning wines.
Got another idea? Let us know, we thrive off creating new experiences!
PRICING
Starting at NZD $995 per person for a full day, 3 run heli-skiing adventure.
4 run packages starting at NZD $1,095
7 run packages starting at NZD $1,395
Private charter starting at NZD $9,900 for up to 4 people
Inclusions:
- Professional ski guiding (4-5:1 guest to guide maximum ratio)
- Alpine buffet lunch
- Avalanche safety demonstration and equipment rental
- Return transportation to and from your Wanaka or Queenstown (or Mt Cook) accommodation
Exclusions:
- Additional runs
- Video service, available on request
- Powder or all mountain ski rental
Looking for something more from your ski trip?
Thought of something we haven’t? Been dreaming something up for a special milestone, but don’t know how to make it happen? Drop us a line today – impossible is our specialty.
