Best Helicopter for Heli Skiing
As adrenaline-pumping of an experience heli skiing may be, none of it is possible without the help of the workhorse machines that drive the industry. The helicopters used by operators around the world are what provide such a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Without their aid, extreme skiers would be forced to strap on their skins and spend the entire day endurance hiking just for one – hopefully good – run.
Not all helicopters are created equal!
There are different types used in the heli skiing industry. Each has its own specs and capacities that make them better suited for different journeys. Here are the best helicopters for skiing in the industry today.
Facts & FAQ About the Best Helicopter for Heli Skiing
The Bell 212 is the most used helicopter in British Columbia, flown by legendary operators like Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH). These helicopters were originally manufactured in Texas in 1968, but production moved to Quebec, Canada 20 years later. These helicopters have a capacity of up to 14 passengers, but nearly all heli skiing operators limit transportation to 12 individuals.
Overall, this is the best heli skiing helicopter for larger groups. Typically as many as 10 skiers, accompanied by one or two guides, normally fly in this big bird. If you book one of the general, more affordable heli-skiing packages offered by B.C. operators, you can expect to be flying in this (but yours will have a basket for gear!) 🙂
The Bell 205 is quite similar to the Bell 212 in capacity, although it features a little more advanced technology. It was primarily designed for civilian transport and finds use as one of the best helicopters for heli skiing. Two main highlights are light body weight and greater fuel efficiency. Like the Bell 212, the 205 can carry 10 or 11 skiers, as well as one or two guides. (and a basket attached to one of the skids!) 🙂
The Bell 205 is a favorite of Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing, an operator that does business two miles outside of Revelstoke, B.C, but will soon be moving to the new location at the famous Revelstoke Mountain Resort.
Heli skiing operators are not known for having the most modern, advanced helicopters. Most choppers are first developed for military use, and only reach the public sector after many decades of service. The Bell 407, on the other hand, was announced in 1995 and is a contemporary helicopter used for civil utility. Some main benefits of this type of helicopter include:
- More stable flight – even in harsher weather
- Comfortable and spacious seating with with 3 rows and large side windows for scenic viewing
- Quieter cabin experience
- More powerful motor, resulting in faster transportation
The Bell 407 is one of the best heli skiing helicopters when it comes to smaller groups. This chopper has a seating capacity of three skiers across the back, facing forward, then two skiers facing backward. In the front row, the guide and the pilot are seated. If booking a smaller skiing package, especially with five skiers, this may be the helicopter you will be using.
The Mi-8 is undoubtedly the “school bus” of heli skiing helicopters. This massive chopper can transport up to 22 guests, making it the best heli skiing helicopter choice for large skiing groups that have multiple guides. Most packages that feature this helicopter entail around 15 skiers, a few guides, one or two pilots, and an onboard engineer.
Originally designed in the Soviet Union in 1960, the Mi-8 is one of the most popularly used helicopters around the world for transportation. It’s in service in over 50 countries worldwide, both in civilian and military duty.
Generally, you will not find this helicopter in North America, Europe, or Chile. It’s most seen with heli skiing operators in Russia and the Himalayas.
When it comes to small groups and operators, the best helicopter for heli skiing is without question, the A-Star. This compact, single-engine machine carries four skiers across the back row and the guide and pilot up-front. It's an ideal ride for private groups and boutique heli skiing operators that prioritize smaller-scale operations.
Primarily used in the United States and British Columbia, companies like Last Frontier Heli Skiing, Mike Wiegele, and Northern Escape all use this renowned helicopter. Originally designed in France, this helicopter goes by a different name in Europe– the Eurocopter AS350, or “the Squirrel.”
The Squirrel has some significant benefits that make it a preferred helicopter for heli skiing:
- Cost Effective: Affordability makes this one of the best heli skiing helicopters for smaller companies that don’t require massive transportation power.
- Noise Reduction: The A-Star is meticulously engineered to be as quiet as possible and allows for conversation while inside.
- Maneuverability: The small size and nimbleness of the helicopter make it ideal for hard-to-reach terrain, allowing skiers to access some of the most remote skiing locations in the world.
- Quick Operation: Easily powered up and shut down, back-to-back runs are never an issue with this machine.
The AgustaWestland Koala AW119 helicopter is said to be fast! (We at heli-skier have yet to be a passenger in this aircraft. It sounds cool, but the passenger load is high.)
This fine machine is fuel efficient and used primarily for civil purposes. It's rarely seen in the heli skiing business, although Bella Coola Heliskiing advertises using this aircraft. It has the capacity of seven passengers plus the pilot, so one can conclude that the total of eight represents an inconvenient number. If you're skiing with six skiers, a guide and a pilot, it approaches a semi-large group set-up. Wouldn't you rather be in the Squirrel?
Any Helicopter for Heli Skiing Will Do When It's Waist Deep!
With varying group sizes and terrain, every heli skiing package choice can be different. As such, there’s no one “best helicopter for heli skiing." Each of the machines listed above is designed with different purposes in mind. The Bell 212 and 205 are both great for larger skiing groups, primarily in British Columbia, and the Mi-8 is notorious in Eastern Europe for its massive size.
If small-group, extreme heli skiing is the agenda, the Bell 407 works well, but the A-Star is the prime choice and significantly quieter! It's called "the Squirrel" for good reason.
Regardless of which helicopter you’re flying in, IF IT'S WAIST DEEP...you can expect a thrilling experience that gives you the opportunity to shred some of the best powder on the globe. Jump in, buckle up, and prepare to score the heaviest line of your life.
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BRADY
5/9/23
Brady is an avid skiing & backcountry enthusiast, aging "big wave" surfer and is totally addicted to heliskiing!
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