High Mountain Heli Skiing
Few areas in the United States spark as much excitement in the minds and hearts of backcountry skiers as Jackson Hole and the surrounding Tetons. Renowned for its staggering cliffs, beautifully dense glades, and extreme skiing features that can’t be found anywhere else in the world, this iconic region is a bucket-list item for many.
Helicopter-assisted backcountry skiing is available here by High Mountain Heli – a very seasoned heli skiing operator. Since opening its doors in the 1974, High Mountain Heli has been pioneering first descents, guiding extreme film crews, and facilitating exceptional memories for skiing enthusiasts!
If you’re looking to experience all that the Wyoming wilderness has in store for you, this is the operation you’ll want to book with. Here’s a deep dive into everything they offer.
Facts & FAQ
High Mountain Heli Skiing Jackson Hole has two primary base locations. One is found just 13 miles south of Jackson at Astoria Hot Springs. The other is found at the Teton Springs Lodge and Spa in Victor, ID.
The easiest way to get to these locations is by flying to Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), although as a smaller airport, this may be much more expensive. Alternatively, you can fly into Idaho Falls and rent a car to arrive at your accommodation. Regardless of which base you choose, expect longer and more expensive travel plans as Jackson is by no means easily accessible by air.
On the morning of your heli skiing trip, High Mountain Heli will provide transportation from Teton Springs Lodge or Astoria Hot Springs to the helipad.
As mentioned, High Mountain Heli Skiing operates out of two bases. Astoria Hot Springs is located at Snake River Sporting Club and does not have its own lodge, but accommodations are close by. Staying right in Jackson is usually your best bet, and this provides you with numerous rustic, wild-west options, as well as high-end resorts and hotels. Some skier favorites include:
- The Lodge at Jackson Hole Resort
- SpringHill Suites by Marriot
- The Lexington
All these locations have world-class amenities like spas, pools, and on-site restaurants and lounges. If staying at the Jackson Hole Lodge, you’ll have convenient skiing access to the resort’s legendary on and off-piste terrain.
Teton Springs Lodge and Spa offers a more all-inclusive lodging option for your trip with High Mountain Heli Skiing. Teton Springs Lodge features one and two-bedroom suites equipped with full kitchens, fireplaces, balconies, and tiled baths. They also have a range of private cabin options. Heliskiers with High Mountain Heli will receive a discounted rate at Teton Springs Lodge and Spa with a two-night minimum stay. Guests at the lodge can experience the comprehensive spa amenities, including:
- Swedish, sports, and deep tissue massage treatment options
- Couple’s massages
- Hot stone treatments
- Hair and nail services
High Mountain Heli Skiing reviews mention an expansive tenure that runs over 305,000 acres. All their terrain is south of Jackson Hole and is found throughout multiple mountain ranges, including all of the Snake River and Palisades Mountain Ranges, and portions of the Wyoming, Teton, and Gros Ventre Mountain Ranges. Their tenure is found within the Bridger-Teton and Caribou-Targhee National Forests, with special operating permits from the National Forest Service.
Terrain can vary widely across the ranges, but rest assured you’ll find your dream line. Steep chutes, never-ending bowls, and beautiful glades are the norm here, and all demand extreme ability levels. High Mountain Heli Skiing requires all its skiers to be in great physical shape and advanced level skiers. This provides a more enjoyable and safer experience for everyone involved. In general, every skier should be able to comfortably ski 40 degree slopes.
Powder experience is not necessarily required (why would you be going?), but you should have experience skiing off-piste terrain with ease. If you don’t have the proper skis or equipment, you can rent fat skis and boards from High Mountain Heli. Above all else, you need to be in good physical condition, as this can often make up for any shortcomings or lack of powder experience.
The guiding team at High Mountain Heli consists of some of the most experienced individuals in the industry. Many are AMGA certified, and all are well-educated and trained in avalanche safety and mountain rescue. The entire team exceeds the guidelines set forth by the Heli-Ski USA Association and the National Ski Patrol.
You can feel completely confident in your safety out in the Wyoming backcountry. Additionally, all individual avalanche safety gear is provided, including transceivers, probes, shovels, and proper training on rescue practices.
High Mountain only offers single-day packages, allowing you to combine this once-in-a-lifetime experience with a larger Jackson vacation ski trip. However, these one-day excursions are comprehensive and will give you an unforgettable experience every time. High Mountain keeps its operation small and only flies A-Star B3 helicopters. This supports up to 3 other skiers and a guide. While cat skiing is not available for bad weather days, you will receive a refund if the day must be canceled.
Included in the one-day package is:
- 6 guaranteed heli runs
- 12,000-15,000 vertical feet on average
- Lunch in the backcountry
- Extra runs available for purchase, time and conditions permitting
Book a Trip With High Mountain Heli Today!
Unless you’re looking to skin your way up to the top of the Tetons or find a buddy with a snow machine, heli skiing is the only way you can drop in on some of the gnarliest lines that the heli skiing Wyoming offers. High Mountain Heli Skiing is the only operation in this region to facilitate the experience, and they do it with the skier in mind. Featuring 6 guaranteed runs, highly qualified guides, and lodging partnerships with neighboring resorts, you’ll have everything you need for this insane experience.
Reservations fill up quickly with this exclusive operator. If you’re ready to experience all that Wyoming offers, book a trip with High Mountain Heli well in advance.
Reviews & Comments
Please share a comment or review, if you have skied here! This REALLY helps the heliskiing community! Thank You!
BRADY
5/9/23
Brady is an avid skiing & backcountry enthusiast, aging "big wave" surfer and is totally addicted to heli skiing!
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