Southern Lakes
Southern Lakes Heli Skiing New Zealand Do you fancy yourself as a bit of a powder skier or boarder? Or you've heard about the lure of riding virgin snow and want to give it a go? Either way fresh powder at New Zealand ski resorts is somewhat rare, and unfortunately you have to compete with all the punters for the pow. The perfect solution? Go heli skiing in the Southern Lakes backcountry where there's plenty of elbow room for any powder pig (or powderhound!).
With over 23 years of experience and the largest heli ski tenure in NZ, Southern Lakes Heli Ski is one of New Zealand’s premier heli skiing operations. Southern Lakes Heliski has awesome scenery, amazing skiing and snowboarding, good food, and fun staff; this is a skiing and boarding experience of a lifetime.
Heli Ski and Heli Board Packages
Southern Lakes Heliski offer packages starting from just 2 runs for intermediates that have little to no powder skiing experience. At the other end of the spectrum they offer advanced maximum vertical packages of 6 to 8 runs.
In addition to the guided skiing, all packages include door-to door transport from your accommodation to the staging area. They also include a buffet style lunch that can be enjoyed whilst taking in the magnificent vistas of the region.
Southern Lakes operate B2 and B3 Squirrel Helicopters with groups of 5 guests to a guide.
If you want a chopper all to yourself and a few of your very best ski and snowboard buddies, Southern Lakes Heliski also offer personalised charter tours.
Where is Southern Lakes Heli Ski Located?
As the name suggests, Southern Lakes Heliski operate in the majestic mountains of the Southern Lakes region of New Zealand. Their offices are located in Queenstown & Wanaka, although transport pick-ups are provided from your accommodation in Queenstown or Wanaka.
The staging area (the place you take off from in the helicopter) can vary from one day to the next depending on weather conditions, and the transport to the staging area may include a 4-WD vehicle or a boat ride across the gorgeous Lake
Wakatipu.
Heli Skiing Terrain Southern Lakes has over 5,000 square kilometres of terrain - the largest area of any New Zealand heli skiing operator. With several mountains to choose from, Southern Lakes Heliski has something for everyone. They offer flexible options to suit various ability levels or styles; from cruising through untouched powder to challenging slopes on glaciers.
Southern Lakes Heliski also have exclusive rights to the Central Harris Mountains on Branches Station and the famed Towers Ridge beyond the Treble Cone Ski Area, which is arguably the best free skiing and snowboarding terrain in New Zealand.
As with all New Zealand heli skiing, the terrain is above the tree-line so there is no fear about having to learn to ski powder and navigate around trees at the same time!
Runs vary in length but generally the vertical drop is within the range of 400 to 600 metres.
Snow & Weather Conditions
Snow falls in the Southern Lakes area tend to be lower in volume than those further north (e.g. the Arrowsmiths near Methven) so you probably don't need to pack a snorkel. However the climate in the Southern Lakes region is far cooler, and the snow tends to be dryer and stay dryer for longer periods after a snowfall. There are also far more sunny days down south.
Combined with a huge ski area, most days you will be skiing on dry powder snow in sunny conditions. Sounds perfect eh?
If you have any questions or would like to enquire about a specific date
click here.