THE MOST EXCLUSIVE AND EXPENSIVE HELI SKI EXPERIENCE IN THE WORLD

Looking for a plan for a snowy vacation? Are you one of those who cannot decide when asked between the sea or the mountains? Well, the snowfall might throw you off a bit more, but catching some good waves never hurt anyone. If you are one of those, here we come to tempt you with the next experience that will make your teeth long and for which you will want to start saving like crazy, because it is as exclusive as it is unforgettable. We're talking about the most expensive heliski in the world, but don't worry… it's on discount! Its original price is 1 million euros, however, to make the experience more accessible to athletes who love adrenaline, the price has been lowered to the "modest" figure of 750.000 euro. Do you want to know everything about her?

FIRST OF ALL: WHAT IS HELI SKIING?

Before continuing to tell you about all the possibilities for this activity, we are going to stop along the way to talk about heliskiing. For the curious who have come this far without being very clear about the concept, this challenging adventure consists of going up in a helicopter equipped with all the materials. When the helicopter reaches the destination, it descends into the snow (no, you don't jump from the heights as some think) and from there your descent begins. You can be one of the lucky ones that goes down when the helicopter is still moving meters before it lands, or wait for it to touch the ground to go down. We are sorry to say that those who carry out this activity must have, at least, an intermediate knowledge of the sport, not being suitable if you have started this season. Now, with practice you will soon be able to do it.

Those who choose these experiences are mainly in search of crossings of steep and very long virgin powder snow slopes, with obstacles, uneven terrain, crossing wooded areas... In short: a Premium freerider experience.

WHAT IS THE MOST EXCLUSIVE HELI-SKI EXPERIENCE?

This experience, designed by businessman James Orr Heliski and the yacht company Super Yachts Monaco, offers 12 lucky guests a trip on a luxury yacht to Greenland where, upon arrival, they will enjoy a Premium heliskiing experience in this snowy paradise That is, the envy of any lover of snow sports.

The experience is on board the MV Cloudbreak yacht, seven nights in which the passengers will be distributed in the 6 cabins and pampered by the 22 crew members. This ship has, in addition to the impressive helicopter pad, a gym, movie theater, indoor pool, Jacuzzi on the terrace... Come on, in case heliskiing was too little for you, the experience is crowned with the opportunity to see the glaciers of that frozen paradise that is Greenland while you take a bubbly and warm bath. Could it be the eighth wonder of the world?

THE ITINERARY

The itinerary of the voyage would be as follows: After a few days of cruising, you would dock in Greenland, where you would board the helicopter equipped and ready to ski up what could be the most elite and unreachable mountains in the world. How many times can you ride? At the taste of the consumer. You can descend as many times as you want throughout the day. When the sun has gone down, you can relax and enjoy a beautiful evening of gourmet meals and exclusive wines.

Does skiing in Greenland leave you sore? Don't worry because, again, Orr Heliski has thought of everything: he has included physical therapists and yoga teachers to lessen post-sport ailments.

This yacht, classified as a mixture between 5-star hotel and a highly advanced military battleship, is one of the most exclusive experiences in the world. But in case this super offer doesn't quite go with you or adapt to your budget (at least for the moment), here we leave you some other places where you can do heliskiing. Hint: many have nothing to envy to the yacht or even surpass it, so keep reading.

OTHER DESTINATIONS WHERE TO DO HELISKIING

• VAL D'ARAN

The first one catches you very close to home, and we are not talking about any other than Baqueira. The experience may not be the same as the one of the million euros that we mentioned, but in Vielha (in Valle de Arán) this flying experience is offered. Unlike in France, this activity is allowed in the Spanish Pyrenees and has the most competitive prices in Europe.

• THE ALPS

If we continue advancing north, we reach the Alps, where the opportunities, along with the price, grow, around 300-400 euros per descent. In the Italian mountains we can try Courmayeur or Sestrière. And, although in the French Pyrenees it is prohibited, in the descents near Mont Blanc or the Matterhorn, in the alpine mountain range attached to Italy, if we can practice it. Finally, highlight the Dolomites mountains, UNESCO World Heritage in 2009, another perfect setting.

MATERIALS AND PROTECTION

To your surprise, this is not a modernity that was invented now, but began to be practiced in the 60s. Of course, the materials and protections that are worn now are much safer.

• We must carry suitable skis for freeride (a little wider on the surface), poles and a good ski mask to protect us from any accident. At Uller we sell goggles specially focused on freeride, so it is a sure bet to avoid scares, we should not play with our safety, the mountains can be very dangerous.

• The mask is not only necessary for the descent, but it will also be necessary during the flight, since the helicopter's propellers kick up good amounts of snow.

• Another of the rules to follow is, during the flight, always keep your seat belt fastened and, when the helicopter is descending, approach the side of the helicopter crouched down.

• It is very important not to wear any loose accessories, as the wind could move and hit another partner, just like the sticks below the hips.

CURIOSITIES ABOUT HELISKIING

It is well known that the jewel in the crown of heliskiing goes to Canada, but its match in Europe would be white Switzerland, exactly the canton of Valais.

If you are one of those who always seeks the best of the best, the VIP and renowned heli-skiing is in Golden, Bighorn in Revelstoke, Ripley Creek and Monashee Mountains, all of them belonging to British Columbia of Canada. An experience that, for your pocket, will cost you 7.000 euros upwards, but for the spirit... priceless. In the United States there are also some spots capable of competing with this Canadian marvel, such as Jackson Hole, on its extremely steep slopes of the Snake River and Palisades mountains, or those of Wasatch, in Utah.

And we couldn't end this article without talking about Haines and Valdez in Alaska, we get goosebumps just imagining the wind in our faces and the adrenaline rising as we descend that snowy blanket of white powder.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

• WHAT IS HELISKIING?

It is a freerider experience par excellence. A helicopter picks you up and takes you to high peaks where the snow is virgin, and from there you descend.

• HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HELISKI?

Heliskiing is not one of the cheapest activities, but you can find affordable prices depending on where you want to do it. The minors are in Baqueira (around 200 euros). As we go up towards the Alps, these increase to 300-400 euros, and become more expensive in places like Switzerland, Greenland or Russia. The highest are in the US and Canada, rolling around the figure of 7.000 euros (the cheapest) per descent.

• DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT TO HELISKI?

For this activity you will absolutely need suitable freeride skis, poles, technical clothing and a good mask that can withstand and adapt to these conditions. At Uller we specialize in masks for freeriders, with which you will have the confidence that they will be an excellent option if you are thinking of doing this experience.

• WHERE CAN I HELISKI?

Heliskiing can be done in many places, in the Spanish Pyrenees (specifically in Baqueira), in the Italian and French Alps close to it (heliskiing is not allowed in France), in Switzerland, Russia, Greenland... And jumping the pond par excellence in Canada and Alaska (USA).