Photo courtesy of Last Frontier Heli
Montana hosts Big Sky Resort...with the looming Lone Mountain...
Big Sky Resort and the majestic Lone Mountain, and especially its couloirs dare you to be brave!
With so much access to high elevation, incredible backcountry terrain, and a rich history of skiing, one would think that heli skiing Montana was a possibility. There are numerous large resorts in the state, and the Rocky Mountains run right through it.
MONTANA also boarders Big, BIG SKY COUNTRY...
Big Sky Country - Yellowstone - Photo courtesy of Mohan Nannapaneni
However, due to a lack of local interest and regulatory roadblocks, sadly (from a heli-skier's perspective), there are currently no operators that fly within any Montana mountain ranges.
With that in mind, there are still a few neighboring operators in other states that are easily accessible from Montana.
This provides plenty of opportunity for heli skiing near Big Sky Montana, as well as heli skiing Whitefish Montana. If you’re coming to these destinations for a trip, heliskiing is available at just a short drive or flight away.
In the coming years, heli skiing Montana may become an established industry, but for now, skiers will have to wait, opting for the alternatives, which can be wholly captivating as these pictures demonstrate!
Here are some details on operators that are close by:
Heli Skiing Montana - Nearby Heli Operators & Other Hidden Gems
As mentioned, if you're interested in heli skiing in Big Sky Montana and heliskiing Whitefish Montana, there are no current options available. Don't let that stop you though...if you’re determined, a quick trip can easily land you in to two of Montana’s neighboring states: Idaho and Wyoming - locations well known for their deep powder skiing.
These two states don't boast a wide selection of heliskiing operators, but they do provide options. These include:
- High Mountain Heli: Based out of Jackson Wyoming and the mountains of the Tetons, High Mountain Heli is a well-established operator that has partnerships with various accommodations. You can choose to stay at Teton Springs Lodge or stay in the greater Yellowstone National Park. They specialize in affordable single-day heliskiing trips, but you can reserve multi-day adventures as well. Jackson is just 180 miles due south of Big Sky, and you should be able to easily drive it in 3.5 hours.
- Sun Valley Heli Ski: This operator was the first American heliskiing operator, and they have the largest tenure in the lower 48 states. With over 750,000 acres of terrain, this is one of the best options for people looking for heli skiing Montana. Sun Valley is just a 5.5-hour drive away from Big Sky.
Another option nearby is heliskiing in British Columbia. Although a bit of a drive, the Purcell and Selkirk Mountains around the Banff and Revelstoke area are home to exceptional terrain and an abundance of operators. If you're up for the adventure, most of B.C. is accessible by car in just 10-12 hours from Big Sky. If time isn't a concern, how about our World Class Travel Idea below!
ANOTHER Option...a Hidden Gem...
Just 17 miles northeast of Bozeman lies a little hidden GEM named Bridger Bowl Ski Area....
I've been to Big Sky Montana several times. Although I have come up from Jackson, typically, you'll fly into Bozeman and haul ass west, without any though to what's right "in front of you!"
Without my good friends, who are Big Sky / Bozeman locals, telling me how great this place is, I would never have given it a second thought. I hear it can get just as deep as anywhere else in the state.
I'm told it's family friendly and it has expert, steep terrain to boot! So leave the wifey and ski pups on the intermediate slopes and go charge the runs of The High Traverse...like Exit Chute & Zits!
Their website has a sick highlight reel at the bottom of the home page full of tree skiing and narrow rock chute entries!
Those who KNOW...GO!
