A TYPICAL DAY
What To Expect on Your Heliski Day
WHAT TO BRING
Your trip includes snow safety equipment and a delicious mountain lunch. All you are required to bring are the essentials;
Powder skis or snowboard
Suitable clothing for the mountains
Camera or GoPro
Sunscreen
Extra water (if desired)
WEATHER CALL
In the days leading up to your heliski, our team will be in touch with you if weather conditions may impact your day. Where your schedule allows we will move you to the best possible day based on forecasts and conditions.
Be awake and have your morning coffee by 7:30 am on the day of your heliski. You will receive a call from your guide between 7:30 am - 8:30 am advising on the plan for the day. Your guide will inform you of the meeting time and location following the morning snow safety meeting.
CAREFREE MULTI-DAY SKI HIRE
To maximize your holiday time, Snopro provides the world’s most convenient ski hire solution. Book your hire, and they will deliver your skis/board to either your Wanaka or Queenstown accommodation or directly to the heliport for your heliski day.
A 2-day minimum hire is required due to the labour-intensive nature of delivery and custom fitting service. That being said, Snopro offers free heliski upgrades for Southern Lakes Heliski guests as a part of their Premier Package.
For example, you’re heading on a multi-day ski trip and book your hire in advance, mentioning your dates to heliski. Snopro will attend the evening before the Heli to provide powder skis at no additional cost.
STAGING
Your staging location is where your helicopter meets you to transfer you to the mountains. This staging location will sometimes be closer to Wanaka and sometimes closer to Queenstown, all depending on the best conditions. Occasionally you may even be transferred across the lake by boat to get to your staging location.
You will meet at the location advised by your guide or will be picked up if requested. Once at the staging area you will be divided into your groups for the day (excluding private charters). We do our best to determine groups based upon similar ability levels.
Your guide will then provide a safety briefing and discuss the plan for the day.
ON MOUNTAIN
Your guide will choose runs and terrain in line with your group’s ability levels. You will complete a few runs before enjoying your on mountain lunch at mid-day. Once lunch is complete you’ll head out for your remaining runs. Additional runs can be purchased for $135pp should you decide you’d like to keep going.
RETURNING HOME
Our 4 run groups will typically return to town early afternoon. 6 runs + and Private Charters are considered full-day trips, returning at the end of day around 4pm - 4:30pm.
*Please note return times may vary if additional road transfers are required due to staging locations on the day.
Not sure if heliskiing is for you?
Need Equipment?
HIRING YOUR OWN EQUIPMENT
We recommend hiring powder skis/board for the size you need.
If you’re not sure about sizing, talk to the attendants at the ski rental store. Don’t forget boots and a helmet!
We recommend hiring the day before your heliski day to ensure you have enough time to get fitted, and collect.
Our recommended stores are;
REMINDER
Every rider must be wearing a helmet and appropriate clothing
Organise your hire a few days before your trip to ensure easy pickup. (Especially for weekend trips in peak times)
Bring your gear to the meeting location for your trip.
BRINGING YOUR OWN SKI/BOARD
If you are bringing your own equipment, please ensure it is safe and in good working condition. We recommend powder skis with at least 100mm underfoot or a powder snowboard. If you don’t have a powder snowboard, set your bindings back on your regular board.