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Heli Skiing France - A Forbidden Experience You'll Never Forget

Heli Skiing FranceForget roughing it in remote lodges. Heli skiing France means skiing the steep and technical Alps in the birthplace of après ski.

From the rich culture to the classic ski lines there may be nowhere that offers a complete adventure the same way heli skiing in France does. However, if you want to heliski France then you need to be just as good at making plans as you are at making turns.

Fortunately, we listed incredible operators in the heart of the French Alps that make heli skiing France a breeze, but to decide on the best tour and operator for your own trip you must know the basics first.

For example, if you tried to book a heli skiing trip in France right now you wouldn’t get very far because heli-skiing is illegal in France.

 

Heli Skiing in France - Loopholes and Details

 

Why is Heliskiing Banned in France?

The short answer is that in the eyes of the French, the environmental footprint and noise from helicopters outweighs the benefits of having a heli-ski industry there. Of course, we wouldn’t be raving about heli-skiing France if it were that simple, though.

Thanks to heli-skiing being legal just over the border in Italy and Switzerland, you can easily stay in France, board a helicopter for a ride over the border, and be dropped on top of a beautiful line for a day of heliskiing. As the result, the answer to the question of can you heli ski in France only depends on how good of a skier or snowboarder you are. 

So, How Do You Heli Ski in France?

In terms of where you can heli-ski in France, you’ll want to start your search in the southeast corner of the country where the borders of France, Switzerland, and Italy meet to create one of the most ski crazed regions in the world. 

One of the most popular places to base your heliski France adventure is in the Chamonix Valley. We call this region the "Chamonix Loophole". Mountaineers from all over the world have come to Chamonix for decades to test their skills and courage in the shadow of Mount Blanc, and as a result there is a deep passion for all things outdoors in the area. Enjoy the stay in France, while skiing the beautiful Chamonix region in Italy or Switzerland, where heli-skiing is legal. 

Even James Bond did a heli skiing drop in Chamonix in this classic scene from The World is Not Enough was filmed there. Pretty epic!

What About Lodging and Travel?

Thanks to the passion for spending time in the mountains, the Chamonix Valley is home to a myriad of choices for lodging, skiing and snowboarding, and, of course, après ski. 

The closest major airports to Chamonix and the other ski areas nearby are Geneva and Lyon, but if you want to travel throughout Europe then you can fly into any European airport and take a cross-country train into the area.

From there, you can book a heli-skiing tour with an operator that will fly you into a neighboring country, or you can book a “reverse heliski” trip which means touring to the top of your line and then using a helicopter to take you to another drop-in where you will tour to another line.

Operator Directory for
Heli Skiing in France

The Two "Chamonix Loophole" Operators

  • Chamonix Sports Adventure
    At the border of France, Italy, and Switzerland, Chamonix Sports Adventure specializes in providing the serious Heli Ski terrain and challenge that every experienced skiier is looking for.
  • Heli Ski Chamonix
    Explore Europe's most sought after outdoor playground and put your ski skills to the test with Heli Ski Chamonix. These expert guides will show you the ropes of the slopes they know best.

World Class Travel Idea

No matter where you choose for heli skiing France, you’ll enjoy adventure by day and one of the riches cultures in the world at night! Experience the vibrant nightlife of Chamonix with a visit to Chambre Neuf, a lively après-ski bar offering live music and a lively atmosphere. For beer enthusiasts, Micro Brasserie de Chamonix and MBC - Micro Brasserie de Chamonix are must-visit spots, where you can savor a variety of craft beers brewed on-site. End your evening at Chamonix Social Club, a trendy nightclub that promises an unforgettable night of dancing and live DJ performances.

 

Peter Brady

BRADY

6/13/23
Brady is an avid skiing & backcountry enthusiast, aging "big wave" surfer and is totally addicted to heliskiing!
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