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Skill requirements

Experience level

Heli-skiing is a thrilling adventure in remote, unmarked wilderness areas accessible solely by helicopter. Expect deep snow conditions (face-shots!), making prior experience in powder skiing a prerequisite.

terrain knowledge

You will be in the wilderness meaning that snow conditions will range from bottomless powder to crust and ice. Ski terrain can vary from long and mellow to steep and treed.

Physical and mental condition

Prior to skiing with us, we require guests to be in excellent physical and mental condition, prepared for diverse conditions and extended runs. Strong listening skills and making intelligent decisions while following our staff's instructions are equally important for a safe and rewarding experience.

parallel turns

You need to be able to make strong and controlled parallel turns with confidence and, if the situation calls for it, you need to be able to side slip, step up and sideways, and traverse (even if you are snowboarding).

A Typical Day With High MTN Heli

1. safety briefing

Once you arrive at one of our bases, you’ll receive a safety and equipment training session before your first day of heli-skiing and riding. This will include how to use a transceiver, probe, shovel, and radio. We will also cover how to safely move in and around the helicopter.


Please check our Liability Release for more information. Please note you are responsible for coordinating transportation to and from our base.

2. EQUIPMENT

We provide an avalanche transceiver, airbag pack with a shovel and probe, and radio. You bring your skis, boots, and outerwear.


You must bring your own ski and snowboard boots. We do not offer them.

3. LUNCH

We provide lunch which usually consists of a locally produced sandwich from Teton Lunch Counter and a Kate's Real Food bar. Please bring your own water bottle and let us know of any dietary restrictions at least two days before your trip.


Private trips are provided with a more customized lunch that we plan with you two days in advance.

4. GROUPS

Group assignments are based on factors like ability, math, and safety. While we aim to accommodate those traveling together and individuals with similar skills, we cannot guarantee perfect matches. Rest assured, we prioritize your best interests in creating groups.

5. THE HELICOPTERS

After a safety briefing, your guide will load your skis/board onto the AS350 B3e helicopter's basket. Upon their signal, you'll board the helicopter and ascend to the top of your first run. Once the pilot finds a suitable landing zone, your group will disembark one by one. After ensuring a safe distance from the helicopter and crouching safely in the snow, the helicopter will depart.

6. GUIDED TURNS

Once the helicopter has departed your guide will give you instructions on where you will ski and once you’re ready, you’ll follow them down for some of the sweetest turns of your life. Repeat. During either a pickup or drop-off, your guide will give your group time to enjoy the lunch provided. You can expect your day to last from 9 am to 4 pm.

What to bring

We provide all guests with an airbag backpack, beacon, probe, shovel, and radio. You can rent powder skis (around 110mm+ underfoot) if needed. Bring appropriate clothing and a water bottle.

  • Heli Skiing Equipment

    • Ski boots
    • Snow pants
    • Shell jacket with a warm layer underneath, or a one-piece suit
    • Goggles
    • Mitts or gloves
    • Wool hat/toque or helmet liner
    • Helmet
    • Multi-layer clothing for skiing 
    • Ski socks
    • Neck warmer or buff

    *Please do not wear heated vests as they interfere with beacon searches.


  • Heli Boarding Equipment

    • Snowboard boots
    • Snow pants
    • Shell jacket with a warm layer underneath, or a one-piece suit
    • Goggles
    • Mitts or gloves
    • Wool hat/toque or helmet liner
    • Helmet
    • Multi-layer clothing for skiing 
    • Ski socks
    • Neck warmer or buff

    *Please do not wear heated vests as they interfere with beacon searches.


How to get here

You can fly into Jackson Hole Airport which is just 12 miles north of town. Alternatively, some people like to make a big ski trip out of it and fly into Salt Lake, and spend time skiing there before flying or driving (a 4-hour drive) up to Jackson.


While we offer some of the best heli-skiing terrain in the US, we also happen to be located close to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort as well as Grand Targhee Resort. We highly encourage getting lift tickets to check out one of the world-famous resorts while you are in town. HMH's two local bases are located at the Snake River Sporting Club, 10 miles south of Jackson, and the other in Teton Springs Lodge, over the pass in Victor, ID. Teton Springs Lodge offers a discounted lodging rate to guests who fly with us.


FAqs

  • Are Rental Powder Skis Available?

    Powder skis are available for rent right in our office. Please reserve them when you make your heli-ski reservations or when you check in with us on arrival to JH. Arrive at our office 10 minutes early with your boots to have the bindings adjusted.

  • Can I Request Extra Runs?

    Our standard package includes 6 runs which are around 50,000 vertical feet depending on the time of year and conditions. If you have completed these runs and your group is looking for more you may ask your guide for extra runs at a rate of $175 per person per run.

  • Cancellations and Obligations

    Please read all information provided on our website before booking your heli-skiing trip. We want to ensure that you are set up for the best trip possible and have appropriate expectations for your day.


    Once you book, you are responsible for expenses, and the commitment of your trip. Because of this, we require deposits to reserve your seat with us. 


    HMH's cancellation policy is outlined below and we suggest you familiarize yourself with it before booking and flying with us. These policies are standard across the heli-skiing industry. 


    Any client cancellation or weather-related flight cancellation from HMH will result in your deposit of ($500 per person/per day), becoming a credit for future use within the current season.


    Any cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance of a reserved day will lose the full amount of the day ($1900/day, per person). It is not the responsibility of HMH to remind you of your reservation. It is the responsibility of the guest to be on time (9:00 a.m.) on their reserved day. No credit will be issued in the event of a no-show.


    If HMH is unable to deliver a reserved day for weather etc., we will try to roll your reservation over to the next available day during your trip. If we are fully booked and are unable to accommodate you, a full refund (less the $500 credit) will be given.

  • Deposits left on hand

    Deposits or credits held by HMH can be utilized anytime by booking through our office. During the season, you can apply these credits towards any HMH purchases. However, once the season corresponding to the booked trip concludes, any remaining deposits or credits with HMH will lapse, becoming non-refundable.

  • Weather delays

    You have no obligation in the event of a day canceled by us due to weather. However, if your reserved day is placed on a “weather delay”, you must remain on call and available to ski until 12 pm. At that time, if we still can not fly, you will be released to do any other activities you might choose without obligation. If you do not remain on hold and the helicopter flies that day, you will be charged the full amount for the day and no credit will be issued for a no-show.

  • A Note on Refunds

    No refunds are issued for missed skiing due to skier ability, fitness, equipment failure, or personal choice. If a skier becomes injured, or ill, or requests to leave the field for any reason, no refund will be made. Additional costs resulting from an evacuation or early departure will be charged to the guest.

  • Insurance

    HMH strongly recommends that all guests carry Trip Cancellation Insurance, Trip Interruption Insurance, Medical Insurance, and Emergency Evacuation Insurance. These insurance types safeguard you against unforeseen mishaps that can occur during your heli vacation with us. Contact your travel agent for assistance in acquiring travel insurance.

  • Safety

    Safety has always been our primary concern at HMH. Heli-skiing & boarding, by nature, involves certain risks and, as a client, you must take responsibility for your own actions and participation in the sport. Through our safety procedures, we can greatly reduce the potential for accidents but cannot completely eliminate all hazards. You will be required to sign a VISITOR'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISK form before you can go heli-skiing.

  • What level of skier or boarder should I be?

    The better physical condition you are in the more you will be able to ski. You should be comfortable and have experience skiing deep powder and variable conditions. If you've never powder skied before, heli-skiing is not the place for your first attempt. Thanks!

  • What's the pace of heli-skiing at HMH like?

    The pace is dependent on who is in your group for the day. For this reason, it is always beneficial to book with people who you have skied with before and who match your ability levels. Otherwise, please be as accurate as possible when describing your experience when talking to our team. We will help put you in the best-fitting group possible.

  • How do you pick your groups?

    Most groups are booked by a group of friends that decide to book together. If not we fill in any gaps by matching riders to their abilities. Our guides & staff have many years of skiing and riding experience and are very adept at matching individuals with a group.

  • Snow Report

    For current conditions, check: https://www.onthesnow.com/wyoming/jackson-hole/skireport

  • Do you mix skiers with snowboarders?

    Yes, if their abilities match and all are in agreement.

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Whether you want a single day of adventure or multiple days to explore the stunning terrain, we have the perfect package for you.

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