Harris Mountains
Harris Mountains Heli Ski New Zealand
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, and 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 is an amazing experience. Way up high in the mountains the alpine vistas are absolutely spectacular. But the trip down is even more stunning because there are fresh tracks on offer. This is the ultimate skiing or boarding 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 the nearby ski resorts. However once you go heli skiing you might not ever want to go back to lift accessed skiing!
Typically the packages with 3-4 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.
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
Canada heli skiing and USA heli skiing, so make the most of it!
Harris Mountains Heli Ski also offers Mt Cook packages that include gorgeous scenic flights (for about NZ$190 return - 2011 price) between Queenstown and Mount Cook.
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 guests
- gourmet buffet lunch (yum!)
- use of transceivers
- return transfers from accommodation to helicopter staging area 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 access to vast terrain across seven mountain ranges, covering over 3,000 square kilometres.
Heli Ski Terrain
With all that space available and 400-plus runs to choose from, HMH are able to find plenty of untracked slopes that have the best snow possible.
HMH can also find suitable terrain to tailor the experience depending upon ability. The 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 in wide bowls, chutes and steep valleys.
The alpine runs vary from about 600 to 1,050 metres of vertical drop. The Mt Cook terrain is at higher elevations than the Queenstown/Wanaka region, so the runs are generally longer.
When Does Harris Mountains Heliski Operate?
The heli ski season goes from the start of July through to the end of September.
The heli skiing occurs above the timberline so it’s very weather dependent. Inclement weather conditions normally ground the Queenstown and Wanaka operations 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. Thankfully there are a plethora of Queenstown activities on offer for down days.
The weather in the Mt Cook region can be somewhat fickle so the frequency of no-fly days is a little higher.
More Reasons to Heli Ski with HMH
Harris Mountains Heliski is a very experienced operator, you can be assured of a high level of quality and service, and HMH have a great reputation amongst experienced heli-skiers.
The Powderhounds love Harris Mountains Heli Ski and to date we’ve given HMH the best rating amongst the New Zealand heli skiing operators. See our
heli skiing ratings for more info as well as the Powderhounds'
Harris Mountains Heli-Ski review.
If you have any questions or would like to enquire about a specific date
click here.