Thrill-seekers know heli-skiing as the ultimate in winter adventure travel. From helicoptering to remote mountaintops to conquering challenging bowls and chutes, it’s the quintessential thrill ride. If you’re ready to board a chopper, clip into power skis and follow a private guide through backcountry terrain, we’ll show you the way. Check out our list of the six best heli-skiing locations in the lower 48 states for an adrenaline-charged ski experience.
Selkirk Range, Idaho
Most skiers recognize the Sun Valley and Grand Targhee regions of the Rocky Mountains. But more adventurous spirits head to the Selkirk Range, in the Northern Rockies, for its epic backcountry terrain. Perfectly positioned in the path of winter storms, the Selkirk Range sees snow falls amassing waist-deep powder year after year. This Idaho ski locale offers a wide selection of heli-skiing operators, but Selkirk Powder provides small group settings, personalized service, and short flights. Licensed and permitted to cover more than 200,000 acres, their expert guides will lead you through this pristine Idaho mountain range.
Telluride, Colorado
This former mining town is known as more than just a trendy ski area. The Telluride area offers top-notch heli-skiing in the San Juan Mountains. Most of the untracked powder is above the treeline, allowing you to hop out of the helicopter and into big bowls without having to dodge trunks. Book your adventure with Helitrax, Colorado’s only full-service helicopter skiing operation, and a family-owned and operated business with 37 years of experience.
Ruby Mountains, Nevada
Towering over the remote deserts of northeastern Nevada, the Ruby Mountains provide an oasis of deep powder and unspoiled ski terrain that’s perfect for a heli-skiing adventure. Being located far away from the cluster of ski resorts in Lake Tahoe makes the Ruby Mountains a true heli-skiing destination location. Covering more than 200,000 acres of terrain, Ruby Mountains Heli has been operating for more than 43 years, and knowledgeable guides will lead you through Nevada’s untapped trails.
Wasatch Mountains, Utah
Powder-hungry junkies can heli-ski to areas of the Wasatch Mountains only accessible by chopper. With an annual snowfall of over 500 inches, this Utah mountain range is sure to deliver the ultimate heli-skiing experience. With more than 70,000 acres of private terrain, Whisper Ridge guarantees six to 12 runs of epic backcountry skiing, well-trained guides, and plenty of waist-high powder.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Skip the crowded resort lift lines by carving through the five mountain ranges surrounding Jackson Hole. After 46 years of guiding adventurers through Wyoming’s backcountry, High Mountain Heli-Skiing knows how to deliver the adventure of a lifetime. Explore hundreds of thousands of remote acres offering some of the best chutes and bowls the Northern Rockies have to offer.
North Cascade, Washington
With more glaciated peaks than anywhere in the continental U.S., North Cascade is dubbed the “American Alps” for good reason. It’s high alpine terrain means ample opportunity to ski off summits. North Cascade Heli is a small company offering an intimate experience, a laid-back vibe, and access to more than 300,000 acres of pristine backcountry skiing.
