Heliskiing: Helicopter skiing 101

As part of our Ski Travel Guide, we’re taking a look at off the beaten track activities to do on your ski holiday. Helicopter skiing, or heli-skiing, is an extreme winter sport for the adventurer in you! After being transported to the backcountry via helicopter, it’s time for off-piste skiing in unspoilt natural areas. After drop-off, go down virgin slopes (no tracks!) and get picked up when you reach the valley. The idea is to give advanced skiers access to regions where there isn’t any ski infrastructure. Heliskiing is perfect for those who are looking for a challenge and an intense adrenaline rush. 

Runs are generally longer, with newly fallen snow, and you’ll have the exhilarating feeling of having the mountain entirely to yourself. The helicopter acts as your own personal ski lift, so you can leave the queues and behind and ski on fresh powder. Ready to take the plunge? Let’s have a look at the prerequisites. 

Prerequisites to Heli-skiing 

As stated above, heli-skiing is an extreme sport and shouldn’t be undertaken without the proper skills and experience. Participants must be physically fit with an excellent level.  

• Alpine ski level: You should be able to comfortably take on black pistes.  

• Nordic ski level: You should be able to navigate various types of terrain without tiring yourself out.  

Not sure of your level? Check out our ESF Ski School Guide to learn more. 

Those with chronic health problems should abstain. Heliski can take you out of range of hospitals and doctors. We recommend doing an endurance training program to prepare yourself for a heli-skiing holiday. 

Ski Wear and Equipment for Adapted to Heli-Skiing 

Heli-skiing often takes you participants to higher altitudes than traditional Alpine skiing. Conditions can be harsh in the dead of winter. It is essential to dress warmly and to wear a waterproof top layer. Don’t hesitate to add an extra mid-layer. You’ll be glad you did. The rest doesn’t differ too much from traditional Alpine skiing: a wool hat, gloves, ski googles, sun cream, etc. For more details on the basics, see our Ski Packing List. 

Traditional Alpine skis are not adapted to all types of terrain, so it’s best to go with Nordic skis. Nordic skis are more robust and Nordic ski boots have a detachable heel, which allows you more freedom of movement on unpredictable terrain. (Some heli-skiing companies can provide you with the proper skis and ski boots.) 

Experience in outdoor survival skills can prove useful. Additional equipment is required as a safety precaution. We recommend an airbag backpack, an avalanche probe, and a shovel. (Equipment may be available for rent by your heli-skiing provider.) Off-piste areas are at greater risk for an avalanche, so it’s best to be prepared just in case. Privilege lightweight items if you can, as you’ll be carrying them around for most of the day. 

Scouting Terrain and Going with a Guide 

It’s best not to go blindly into uncharted territory. Heli-ski trip organisers take certain precautions to ensure participants’ safety. The first is scouting. The area is scouted in advance by experienced guides, and any potential hazards are clearly communicated to skiers. If weather conditions are unfavourable, a heli-skiing session may be postponed or cancelled. 

Guides familiar with the terrain are present at the session, which is usually capped at seven skiers for safety reasons. Your guide isn’t just there to show you the route—they can also help you evacuate the area quickly or act as an EMT if necessary. 

Practical Information about Heli-skiing 

Heli-skiing is a financial investment and a full or half-day commitment. It’s best to do your research and know what you’re getting into. It is an unforgettable experience that can be well worth the time and money spent. Read on to find out if it’s the right experience for you.  

The Cost of Heliski 

As you may have guessed, heli-skiing doesn’t come cheap. But an increase in demand has led heli-skiing companies to offer lower cost packages. Choose from half day, full-day, multi-day packages, depending on your budget.  

Prices vary depending on how many people are in your group, the number of drop-offs you’d like to do, and the capacity of the helicopter. Average prices for the different options are listed below. 

• Single Drop-off (shared helicopter): around 300 euros 

• Half-day, Number of Drop-offs varies (shared helicopter): 500-700 euros 

• Full-day, 6+ drop-offs (shared helicopter): around 1200 euros 

• Multi-day heliski trips: Contact your chosen provider for up-to-date pricing information 

Private helicopters are available for those looking for a VIP experience. 

A Typical Heli-Skiing Session  

Regardless of how long you’ll be heli skiing, a typical first session includes the following: 

• An introduction to heli-skiing, including a safety briefing 

• Distribution of ski equipment (if applicable) and safety equipment 

• Explanation of the terrain you’ll encounter on arrival 

• Helicopter ride to destination (Once you’ve arrived, additional hiking may be required to reach the area)  

• Descent! 

• If you’ve chosen a package with multiple pick-ups and drop-offs, it’s time to rinse and repeat. 

Where to Go Heliskiing in France 

Heliski is highly regulated in France, but heli-skiing companies do operate at French resorts in the Alps. Some helicopter bases are located in France, drop off is in Italy or Switzerland, and you can ski back to France. Others bring you back to France via ground transportation.  

The Best Places to Go Heli-skiing in France 

Sainte Foy en Tarentaise is a resort located at the Italian border, and the mythic slopes of thec Ruitor Glacier are accessible by helicopter. It’s the place to be for both advanced and expert skiers—routes are known for their diverse levels of difficulty.

La Rosière, in the heart of the Haute-Tarentaise Valley, is less than 10 kilometres from Italy. It's the perfect resort for a heli-skiing holiday. And you can take advantage of all the activities that the Aoste Valley has to offer. 

Avoriaz is part of the Portes du Soleil domain, an agglomeration of 12 ski resorts in France and in Switzerland. Just about any winter activity you can imagine is at your fingertips, including heli-skiing. If you’re a fan of exhilarating sensations, Avoriaz is home to a famous zip-line as well. 

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