New Zealand Heliskiing - Skiing Madness Goes Downhill
New Zealand boasts of some of the world's finest heliskiing areas. Heliskiing is an off trail (off-piste) downhill skiing accessed by a helicopter and not the usual ski lift.
It happens on remote wild mountainous terrain known for its ecological pristineness. This sport originated in the 1960s and it owes its inception to Hans Gmoser.
Physical fitness is of prime importance in this sport. A knowledge of skiing is essential to take up heliskiing. One must be able to ski on all types of terrains and possibly deep untracked powder. The New Zealand heliskiing season extends from July to September.
In New Zealand, there are plenty of commercial heliskiing operators. A helicopter is used to ferry a group of skiiers to the mountain top.
The best locations are at Queenstown, Wanaka, Mt Cook and Methven, the holy grail of heliskiing. The prices include hiring a helicopter, qualified instructor, safety equipment including transceivers and lunch.
The snow powder is deep. The relatively low altitudes ensure that temperatures are not freezing. The views are breathtaking. The terrains are ideally suited for beginner, intermediate and advanced heliskiing enthusiasts.
Most commercial operators offer between 5 and 12 runs or heli lifts a day. There are also packages of various durations (in terms of days) available for heliskiing hobbyists.
Queenstown and Wanaka are home to the largest group of commercial ski fields with good quality accommodation and great night life. The majority of the heliskiing action takes place here with Harris Mountains being the prime choice.
There is a wide assortment of terrains ranging from powder for beginners to the more advanced chutes and valleys.
The Clarke Glacier is any heliskiier's ultimate dream for adrenaline pumping adventure situated in the Mt Aspiring National Park.
The terrain is made up of longer runs and highly dry powder. It is ideal for intermediate heliskiier and beyond. The views are a visual treat of the highest order. It will knock your senses mad.
Mt Cook, a world heritage area, consists of world class fabulous terrain on the Main Divide, suited for both heliskiing and snowboarding. It is made up of huge glaciated peaks.
Liebig and Maite Brun ranges are the core areas of exploration. The vertical drops are spectacular and the high quality pure snow is something to die for.
Tasman glacier is located in the highest alpine region in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. It is a spine tingling 12 km run set amidst majestic snow peaks and glaciers and is recommended for intermediate skiiers only.
Methven is famed for its towering peaks and glaciers encompassing 1000 km of mountainous terrain. Mt Hutt is the most popular heliskiing destination.
An hour's drive from Christchurch airport, it has got terrains to suit all levels of skiiers. The powder quality is fantastic and ideal for long smooth runs. One can encounter vertical descents of more than 1000 metres.
The scenic splendour is hard to describe in words. All in all, it takes the cake when it comes to the absolute heliskiing experience in New Zealand.
Points to note:
- Check the weather conditions with your tour company on the day of your heliskiing trip. Conditions in the mountains can change from birght sunlight to a blinding sheet of white in no time.
- Danger of avalanches pose the biggest threat to heliskiing. Your tour operator will provide expert guides and pilots who can evaluate the snow conditions and avalanche threats accurately before setting out on the trip.
- Ensure that your tour company supplies avalanche transceivers. These are specifically made for finding people or equipment buried under snow.
- Take layers of warm clothing to prevent hypothermia.
- Wear your gloves, goggles, hats and UV protective sunscreen. The New Zealand sun
