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 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
For an intermediate skier, a typical day of heli-skiing will include 3-7 runs, departing from either Queenstown or Wanaka. Included in your day will be a pickup from your accommodation, a full safety briefing and professional ski guiding for the day, as well as an alpine buffet lunch. Expect to ski 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.
If you choose to ski the Mt Cook area, we will organize for you to be flown by ski plane (a plane with specially adapted skis on the front, built to land on snow) to your staging area, and you will heli-ski from your plane’s landing zone. Each flight in their own right is a fantastic sightseeing experience, with the added bonus of skiing untouched powder slopes at the end!
Looking for something extra special?
If you are looking for a completely private experience, we have the option to charter a helicopter for a day. If you’re looking for detailed instruction, to enjoy your surroundings, get in the most vertical possible, or a combination of all 3, then the charter is your best option.
The private charter can include either a gourmet picnic on mountain for those looking to maximize on-snow time, or a chef prepared gourmet lunch at the spectacular Minaret Station, matched with local award winning wines for those looking to to ski hard in the morning and take a more laid back approach to the end of the day.
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 (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 ($110 each)
- 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.
