8 Mountains to drop in on this winter.
The winter season is now in full swing, so it’s the perfect time to swap the ocean for the mountains and take off for a one-of-a-kind heli-skiing experience. What could be more exciting than combining your luxury charter with the ultimate skiing adventure? If you love winter sports, you’ll love Heli-skiing, take off from your personal on-board helipad and fly high above the stations, leaving the crowds behind. Then set off down quiet, pristine slopes for the ride of your life with just the mountains for company, before heading back to your yacht for some rest and relaxation. To help you find some fresh powder this season, we’ve put together a guide to the best areas for heli-skiing in the world. All that’s left for you to do is pick your favourite and enjoy the snow!
Monte Rosa- Switzerland
If your superyacht is based in the Mediterranean, nearby Zermatt in Switzerland is one of the best heli-skiing locations in Europe. Enjoy stunning views of the town and the Matterhorn as you fly overhead before landing on the Monte Rosa, 4300m up. The Monte Rosa range is wild with all kinds of terrain and routes. Experienced skiers will love the many couloirs and deep powder, but the range is suited to all skiing levels, so all members of your party will enjoy the Monte Rosa experience.
Mont Blanc- Italy
Although you can’t heli-ski in France, you can still enjoy a fantastic day’s heli-skiing on Mont Blanc by heading to the Italian side of the Alps in your helicopter. Another great location when you’re on charter in the nearby Mediterranean, you’ll love discovering the glaciers and frozen lakes on the North face of the mountain. Mont Blanc has the highest, deepest powder snow in Europe and some incredible vertical drops to get your heart racing. Heli-skiing in the Alps, is truly one of the best off-piste experiences in the world.
The Kamchatka Peninsula – Russia
The Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia is one of the snowiest places on earth, so it’s a heli-skier’s idea of paradise. The heli-skiing terrain in Kamchatka is the size of Switzerland so you will have hours and hours of long rides before you, once you arrive at the summit. The 1000km long peninsula is made up of over 200 volcanoes some of which are still active, and the terrain is wild and untamed. Heli-skiing in Russia’s land of ice and fire promises to be the ride of your life.
Chugach Range- USA
Alaska is fast becoming one of the world’s top heli-skiing destinations. So why not combine a superyacht charter through the region’s glacial cruising grounds with a heli-skiing adventure in Valdez? The mountains in the Chugach Range are majestic, bigger is better after all in the US. There are all types of terrain to enjoy and you will have a chance to see some of the most breathtaking glaciers in North America. Alaska is a fabulous winter wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts.
Coast Mountains- Canada
Canada was one of the early pioneers of the heli-skiing craze, so while you’re on charter off the Pacific coast, go back to where it all began and ski some of the most extensive terrain in the world. The Bella Coola Valley is skiing heaven. The enormous ski area is bigger than the French Alps with endless powder skiing amongst the Coast Mountains. Snow falls hard in British Columbia and you might well find yourself up to your waist in fresh powder. Be warned, this is one charter trip you won’t forget in a hurry.
Shiribetsu-Dake- Japan
The Land of the Rising Sun might not be your first choice for a ski trip, but the island of Hokkaido in Japan receives an incredible 18 metres of snowfall every year. So, a charter to East Asia needn’t just be about sandy beaches and tropical seas, Japan can also be a prime heli-skiing location. The snow in Hokkaido is deep and dry, ideal for extreme powder skiing. Shiribetsu-Dake offers some of the steepest skiing in the region, it’s easy to see why you need a helicopter to access the deep powder. Best reserved for advanced level skiers, the terrain on this dormant volcano is pretty impressive, you’ll love the long runs and open powder lines on the way down.
The Himalayas- India
Another little-known ski destination, India offers the ultimate heli-ski experience amongst the mighty Himalayas. Drop anchor in the Bay of Bengal and then head up to the Himachal Pradesh region for a heli-skiing experience to remember. This area is known as the Valley of the Gods, and it has everything you could possibly need for thrilling heli-skiing with its steep summits, tree-line skiing and wide open terrain. Be one of the first to experience this incredible ski destination before the rest of the world catches on to its beauty.
Mount Cook- New Zealand
If you’ve got a taste for heli-skiing and you want to keep the season going as long as possible, why not think about setting sail for New Zealand once winter in Europe is over? The Mount Cook resort has been providing thrills and spills for heli-ski enthusiasts since the 1960s and has over 1500km² of ski terrain to discover. Mount Cook promises the highest landings and greatest snowfall in New Zealand, and with a huge range of terrain and runs of up to 4km, you’ll have more than enough to keep you busy whilst you’re down under.
If you’d like any more information about combining your charter with a fabulous heli-skiing experience, please contact us at contact@superyachtsmonaco.com
