Heli Skiing Montana
With so much access to high elevation, 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. However, due to a lack of local interest and regulatory roadblocks, 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. Here are some details on operators that are close by.
Heli Skiing Montana - Nearby Operators
As mentioned, there are slim pickings for heli skiing in Big Sky Montana and heliskiing Whitefish Montana. In fact – none. If you’re determined though, a quick trip can easily be made to two of Montana’s neighboring states: Idaho and Wyoming.
These two states aren’t particularly full of heliskiing operators, but they do provide some 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.
- 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 for nearby heliskiing is 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.
World-Class Travel Ideas!
Although you can't go heliskiing in Montana, there are exciting heli skiing itineraries that could include resort skiing in Whitefish or even Big Sky. Why not take in the Powder Highway in Canada - lots of heli skiing and resort skiing opps! Then come down to Whitefish, further to Big Sky, then down to the Park and or Jackson! Yellowstone is beautiful in the winter, and then Corbet's Couloir is calling your name!
Facts & FAQ
Heliskiing in The Treasure State is not completely out of the question. In 2018, heliskiing took place in Montana for the first time, although on a very limited scale. Three lucky skiers won a sweepstake for Big Sky Montana Heli skiing. The resort brought the three individuals on a few runs within resort bounds via the helicopter, after the season ended. Up until this point, no commercial heliskiing flight had ever occurred.
In 2021, Rocky Mountain Heli issued an application to launch an exploratory venture into the Centennial Mountains of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. They planned on investigating snowpack and scouting a few peaks via snowmobile.
However, due to environmental concerns and backlash, this application was struck down. Various research articles came to the surface showing that low-flying helicopters can disrupt regional grizzly bears’ hibernation, forcing them to abandon their dens. At this time, no other applications have been submitted, but Ruby Mountain Heli is working with the National Forest Service to develop an environmentally friendly plan.
Book a Heli Skiing Trip Near Montana Today!
As of 2021, it doesn't appear that the state of Montana is going to allow permitting for operators.
However, browse this site for heli skiing in Idaho or heli skiing in Wyoming, and see if you can find a trip that's a fit!
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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