Not too long ago, heli skiing Argentina was a pipe dream. Not many operators were established in the area, and those that did offer helicopter-assisted skiing were only able to provide terrain that was similar to what could be found at a ski resort.
However, in recent years the heliskiing industry in this South American country has exploded with the ever-increasing popularity of the sport. It’s now a sought-after destination for adventurous skiers seeking a change of scenery and terrain that’s different from the typical Alaskan or British Columbian packages.
Here’s a look at the top operators in Argentina today, how to get there, and what you can expect up in its mountains.
Getting to Argentina
Nearly all heliskiing operators in Argentina are located on the Western border, butting up against the Andes Mountains and Chile. There are several regional and international airports along this strip, but for most travelers, the first stop will be Ezeiza Airport in Buenos Aires.
Once in Buenos Aires, you’ll have a variety of smaller airports to connect to including Bariloche Airport, Esquel, and Mendoza. When you arrive at these airports, the operator will normally do the rest and shuttle you to their lodge.
Terrain to Expect When Heli Skiing Argentina
The Andes are a legendary mountain range that constitutes much of the Patagonian region. Keep in mind that the heliskiing season is complete opposite of Northern Hemisphere destinations, making it possible to heliski all year round. Peak season runs from August – October, with up to 50 feet of annual snowfall in many areas.
Most operators fly to elevations around 15,000 feet, but you’ll be constantly surrounded by a backdrop of Andes’ peaks that surpass 20,000 feet. This natural geological barrier makes for many clear days, as storms tend to stop and break up when they hit the mountains. The terrain in the Andes is wildly varied. You can expect widespread alpine bowls, difficult features like chutes and couloirs, and even tree runs. There’s something for everyone down in South America.
