Harris Mountains
Avid powderhounds might get a little frustrated with the conditions at the
New Zealand ski resorts. Long hikes, ice, slush, moguls, tracked out runs, lift queues, muddy carparks – sounds ugly doesn’t it? The perfect solution for a powderhound who is itching for fresh powder is a good scratch from Harris Mountains Heli-Ski.
The trip up in the helicopter in itself is an amazing experience. Way up high in the Harris Mountains the amazing alpine vistas are absolutely spectacular. But the trip down is even more spectacular. Skiing or boarding fresh tracks with only a small group of others is an awesome experience.
Heli-Ski Packages Harris Mountains Heli-ski offer single day packages so your ski holiday can include some heli-skiing mixed in with resort skiing at
Treble Cone,
Cardrona,
The Remarkables or
Coronet Peak. However once you go heli skiing you might not ever want to go back to lift accessed skiing.
Prices start at only $775 for 3 runs (2009 price). There are various other packages available that include more runs where the cost per run is less. Typically better skiers should aim for the “maximum vertical” packages whilst intermediates will probably get enough out of 3-4 runs. The prices for HMH and other New Zealand heli-ski operators are all pretty similar, so there’s no point shopping around for a better price. And remember that
heli skiing New Zealand is substantially cheaper than
heli skiing Canada, the USA, and
Chile heli skiing, so make the most of it!
Various options are also available for private charter and multi-day packages. The following is included in all HMH packages:
- fully qualified and certified guides who will take you in small groups of 4-5
- gourmet buffet lunch (yum!)
- use of transceivers
- return transfers from accommodation to heli-staging areas if required
- pick up and drop-off of any rental equipment
- video service on request
Where is Harris Mountains Heli Skiing Located? Harris Mountains Heli-ski operate out of
Wanaka,
Queenstown and Mt Cook and have exclusive access to vast terrain across seven separate mountain ranges, covering over 3,000 square kilometres. With all that space available, they are able to choose the best terrain to suit the conditions and get the best snow possible. The Powderhounds have been heli-skiing out of Wanaka in the Buchanan Ranges, and that was superb. The terrain near Mt Cook is more extreme, but it’s more prone to wind so there are less flying days than heli-skiing out of Wanaka and Queenstown.
Heli-Ski Terrain Considering that HMH have 200-plus “runs” to choose from, they can find plenty of slopes that are untracked and have the most ideal conditions. During the day they can choose runs that are either in the sun or shade.
Considering the wide range of areas available, HMH have an increased change of finding a calm and clear area in which to fly. Nevertheless, inclement weather conditions normally ground them about two days a week, and if it’s a particularly stormy season they may only fly about half the time. Obviously you’ll need to be flexible with your itinerary so that if weather conditions preclude flying, you can reschedule for a subsequent day.
The snow conditions within the mountain ranges can vary significantly from beautiful shin deep powder, to crud or spring corn. The staff in the offices in Wanaka and Queenstown will not provide embellished stories of what the likely conditions will be. Rather they will provide frank information so you can choose whether you want to go or not.
Skiing and Snowboarding Ability Level HMH can find suitable terrain to tailor the experience depending upon ability. Their registration process includes an ability-rating questionnaire that allocates skiers and boarders into one of four group types. During the day the guides can also tailor the runs somewhat in case someone has under or over-estimated their ability.
Strong intermediates or those without much powder experience will be taken on gentle slopes, whilst the more experienced can go on challenging adventures of wide bowls, chutes and steep valleys. Generally the packages with fewer runs will suit intermediates to advanced skiers, whilst maximum vertical packages are really only suited to advanced to expert skiers who don’t need to take things at a leisurely pace.
More Reasons to Heli Ski with HMH Harris Mountains Heliski are very experienced operators, you can be assured of a high level of quality and service, and HMH have a great reputation amongst experienced heli-skiers.
See the Powderhounds'
Harris Mountains Heli-Ski review.
What to Take on a Heli-ski Day There is minimal space inside the chopper so you can’t pack a suitcase for the day. Multiple groups will use the one chopper so it’s also difficult to store anything in there whilst you’re out skiing. You’ll need to have a jacket with big pockets! Transceivers are provided by HMH, and it’s not necessary to take other safety equipment.
Definitely take sunscreen (heavy duty) as there’s a high probably of plenty of rays reflecting off the snow. You may wish to take some water. The guides provide some juice and hot water at lunch time, but you’ll need to take responsibility for any other hydration requirements throughout the rest of the day.
It’s recommended that you leave any shyness behind. There’s a porta-loo at the staging area, but once you’re up in the mountains you’ll find it hard to have a moment to yourself. You may wish to take a little toilet paper.
If you have any questions or would like to enquire about a specific date
click here.