Helicopter Skiing in Nevada's Ruby Mountains

A Remote Backcountry Ski Experience near Elko, Nevada

Jan 17, 2009

The Ruby Mountains feature no resorts or lift lines - just 200,000 acres of pristine snow, steep lines, and powder filled bowls accessible only by helicopter or touring.

Heliskiing in the Ruby Mountains of Nevada just may be one of the best-kept secrets in North American skiing. Not only will the day be spent skiing world-class lines with the Ruby Mountain Heli Experience in untouched terrain, but also the lavish lodging at the Red Ranch provides for some serious relaxation time and a chance to reflect on all the incredible adventures of the day.

Ruby Mountain’s Terrain and Snow

The Ruby Mountain Range is located in the heart of Nevada’s Great Basin located 20 miles southeast of Elko, Nevada . The range is 60 miles long and nearly 12 miles wide and boasts 10 peaks over 11,000 feet. Lamoille Canyon, the largest valley in the Rubies, is a beautiful, U-shaped, Yosemite-esque canyon. Annual snowfall averages around 300 inches and is the perfect powder, very light and dry due to the extremely low humidity.

Ruby Mountain Helicopter Ski guides are the only heliskiing outfitter permitted to operate in the Ruby Mountains. The guides can fly in 200,000 square acres of pure wilderness. The terrain ranges from steep lines and chutes to long, low-angled tree runs and large, wide-open bowls. The Come Line, the Rubies' most sought after run, is a 45-degree angled, 2,000 vertical foot chute that is carved perfectly onto the cliff face.

Ruby Mountain Heliski Guides and Safety

With any winter backcountry adventure, avalanche danger must be currently assessed and considered. Before the start of skiing on the first day, all skiers will participate in an avalanche and helicopter safety training. All skiers will wear avalanche beacons and will be instructed on their use during the safety training. All guides have extensive training and experience with backcountry and avalanche safety. Guides are constantly evaluating the snowpack and weather conditions to ensure the safety of their clients. Snowcat accessible skiing is available if the conditions are not safe for helicopter skiing.

The Ruby Mountain Helicopter Skiing Package

Ruby Mountain ski packages are available in either a three-day package or a single day of skiing. Packages are not for the budget traveler. Heliskiing is definitely an elitist sport with three-day packages running in the $4000 range.

For the next extreme adventure trip, book a Ruby Mountain Helicopter trip for guaranteed solitude and killer lines. Lodge, dine, and ski in the remote, untouched, and stunning beauty of the Rubies.

The copyright of the article Helicopter Skiing in Nevada's Ruby Mountains in Heliskiing is owned by Amiee Maxwell. Permission to republish Helicopter Skiing in Nevada's Ruby Mountains in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.