Affordable Heliskiing in New Zealand
Best Value Powder Skiing and Snowboarding With Helicopter Access
Apr 17, 2009
Affordable heli-skiing sounds like a contradiction in terms. For many skiing and snow boarding enthusiasts the idea of putting fresh tracks down an endless slope of untouched champagne powder is the ultimate dream. This dream usually comes at a high price. New Zealand operators offer arguably the cheapest, high-quality guided heli-ski services in the world. The catch for deep snow devotees from the northern hemisphere is the cost of getting there.
When to Go Heliskiing in New Zealand
The heli-ski season typically runs from the 1st July to the 30th September. When helicopters are grounded due to inclement weather; local ski resorts – there are 20 of them across the country – offer terrain for all snowboarding and skiing abilities. For an overview of NZ ski fields take a look at the article Skiing in July in New Zealand.
Where to Go Heliskiing in New Zealand
More than ten operations offer daily heliskiing services on New Zealand's South Island in the Southern Lakes, Canterbury and Mackenzie districts.To access the Southern Lakes and Mackenzie, the closest airports are located near the picturesque tourist towns of Wanaka and NZ's adventure capital, Queenstown. An international airport on the edge of Christchurch (the largest city on the South Island) provides the best port of entry for heliskiing in Canterbury.
How Much Does Heliskiing in New Zealand Cost
Based on 2009 prices, a day package of heli-skiing with Wilderness Heliskiing in the Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park costs NZ$875 (approx. US$500) per person.
This price includes:
- 5 heli-runs (an average run is between 750–1000 vertical meters)
- Professional guide service (low ratio of one guide for every four clients)
- Generous on-site picnic lunch
- Safety equipment, including avalanche transceivers
- Return transport from accommodation in Mt Cook Village to Mt Cook Airport
- Extra runs are possible at a rate of NZ$120 / 1000 vertical meters (approx. US$70)
It is necessary for skiers to arrange their own accommodation at Mt Cook Village. A "Fly-Heli-Fly" package can be arranged allowing heli-skiers to stay at their lodging of choice in the more vibrant destinations of Queenstown or Christchurch and take a return airplane flight to Mt Cook on the morning of their heli-skiing day.
What Conditions Can Skiers and Snowboarders Expect of NZ Heliskiing
New Zealand has a temperate maritime climate. Expect variation in snow conditions and snow cover throughout the season.The New Zealand mountains receive close to 50 meters (165 feet) of snow per year. Virtually all heliskiing terrain is above the tree line and in the Mt Cook area in the heart of the Southern Alps, a portion of the heliskiing is on glaciers. Powder snow is more common early season, July and August. Spring snow is likely from the end of August.
What Experience is Needed For Heliskiing
To get the most out of heli-skiing an intermediate skiing / snowboarding ability and moderate fitness is required. Heli-ski operations typically group skiers according to ability and experience and fly to terrain suitable to that group.
What to Bring Heliskiing in New Zealand
- Dress for a cold day on a ski field: windproof ski pants and jacket, warm gloves and hat.
- Sunglasses and goggles
- Small backpack (optional)
- Fat skis (or snowboard), ski boots and poles (most heliski operations will rent out fat skis which are more suitable for deep powder or mixed conditions than traditional skinny skis or carvers). Snowboards are not typically available for rent.
- Camera
With the increase in fuel prices and the cost of operating a helicopter; heli skiing will always be a luxury. If heli-skiing is a skiing enthusiast's ultimate dream, a 'bucket wish' then it may be worth booking a New Zealand ski holiday during the northern hemisphere summer!
 |
 |
 |
