- Heli-skiing is best enjoyed by advanced and expert skiers. Intermediates, save your money and book some ski lessons inbounds to get you to the place where you can truly appreciate the experience (and not bum out the others who are skiing with you).
- Heli outfitters can rent you everything you need for the day including fat skis and avalanche gear.
- It's always a good thing to practice avalanche transceiver drills in case of a burial. There are two training parks in Utah. One at Snowbird; the other at The Canyons.
Overview
The sound of rotors slicing through the air simulates your beating heart as you pass your skis to the guides and climb aboard for a day of heliskiing in the Wasatch. It's not Alaska or British Columbia. Heli-skiing in Utah is better because the snow is consistently light, deep and, unless you were hoping to scare yourself silly, forgiving. Plus, when you're grounded due to weather you can count on some epic winter snorkeling at the nearby resorts.
You can fly anytime from December through April as long as the wind is mellow, the visibility acceptable and a seat available.
Where To Go
When you dream of making those endless powder turns you see in ski films, it's time to call a local heli-operation in Utah and book a seat. Six runs by helicopter can nab you 12,000 vertical feet of skiing and some tired thighs. Experienced guides will lead you to virgin snow just waiting for those first tracks to penetrate its surface. You'll be high-fiving your partners all the way back to the bar at the end of the day.
The Uinta Mountains east of Park City, Utah, provide some of the best and most remote helicopter skiing in the Wasatch. Powderhounds can also ride over to Powder Mountain outside of Ogden. The heli departs from the parking lot for a lift to 9,422-foot James Peak. There's a helipad at The Canyons and at Snowbird to carry you to Mt. Superior and Flagstaff in Little Cottonwood Canyon, or any number of areas throughout northern Utah.
Booking a day or more with a heliguide comes with a hefty pricetag. Some would say it's worth every penny.
