Where is Himalayan Heliski?

Himalayan Heliski in Nepal shouldn’t be confused with Himalaya Heliski in India.

The base for your Himalayan Heliski trip is Pokhara in Central Nepal, which is 200km by road to the northwest of Kathmandu. Whilst the drive is long, thankfully you’ll get there via an included short flight or helicopter trip.

Pokhara is a vibrant mountain city that sits at an elevation of about 830 metres above sea level, so the mean daily maximum temperatures in March and April is 27 to 30 degrees Celsius.

From Pokhara, the heli ski terrain can be readily reached where you’ll ski or snowboard high altitude powder. Meanwhile down in Pokhara at an elevation of about 830 metres where temperatures in March and April reach 27 to 30 degrees, in the afternoon you’ll be able to sit poolside sipping on a cocktail at your 5 star hotel.

Nepal may be known for its complicated travel logistics but Himalayan Heliski makes your trip seamless from the moment you touch down in Kathmandu.

The team will meet your group at Kathmandu International Airport, where you’ll spend a night in Kathmandu, which provides a perfect opportunity to soak up the culture and energy of the city if you wish.

The next day the Himalayan Heliski team will organise your transfer to Pokhara via a flight or helicopter trip.

Himalayan Heliski Terrain & Snow

Himalayan Heliski operates in the Annapurna Region. The Annapurna Sanctuary is a small part of the operational zone, whilst a greater proportion of exploration occurs in the vast Manaslu region.

Considering the enormity of the terrain possible, there is the full gamut of aspects and slopes to choose from, and the heli skiing terrain varies significantly from mellow slopes up to uber expert slopes (conditions permitting). Terrain includes ridgelines, glaciers, open faces, steep chutes, and even some hidden glades. Many of the lines will be previously unskied, which is a delightfully unique experience to know that you’re making first descents.

It goes without saying that much of the terrain is at high altitude, and depending on conditions and weights, there is the potential for LZs to be as high as 5,300 metres. With plenty of elevation to work within, runs are typically long and provide more than 1,000 vertical metres (3,500 feet) of untouched powder.

The vastness of the terrain also allows the guides to find quality snow. Even if it hasn’t snowed in recent days, the runs skis like cold smoke powder due to the high elevation.

Terms & Conditions

The Himalayan Heliski activity offered by L’Or Blanc is a mountain activity requiring the following prerequisites for participants:

• No medical contraindications to mountain sports, altitude travel, or helicopter travel. A medical certificate is not mandatory but recommended. Participation without such a certificate is at the client’s sole risk, who is informed of the particularities and risks of high-altitude activity.
• Adequate skiing or snowboarding level to practice off-piste skiing in all snow conditions, including poor weather.
• Appropriate modern off-piste ski clothing and minimum equipment (helmet, gloves, goggles, hat, etc.)

The stay organized by L’Or Blanc has been designed considering the needs expressed by the Client and based on their declared capabilities in skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering, and sports in general. Stays are adapted to participants’ technical level and capacities as declared.

For participants’ safety, the organizer reserves the right to cancel any activity if the participants’ technical level or equipment does not correspond to their declarations or if their clothing or equipment is inadequate. 

RISK ACCEPTANCE

Final validation of the stay and participation in activities is subject to the Client and all participants signing a provided Release of Liability form. This release confirms the Client’s acceptance of the risks involved and reminds of appropriate behavior during activities. The organizer reserves the right to cancel activities if a participant’s behavior risks group safety, equipment, or the environment. Cancellation due to participant behavior will not give rise to any refund or compensation. 

REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS

• Cancellation of one or more heliski days due to adverse weather will not entitle a full or partial refund of the stay.
• However, if the flight hours included in your package are not fulfilled, you will receive a refund of 50 EURO per missed drop, based on a total of 25 drops for the entire stay.
• Pursuant to Article L.121-21-8 of the French Consumer Code, there is no withdrawal period. Any order made by returning the signed document is therefore firm. •
• Cancellation due to non-compliance with safety instructions or participant behavior will not be refunded or compensated.
• Cancellation by the Client must be notified by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt as soon as possible. Cancellation fees are as follows:
  • The 30% deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • For cancellations more than 120 days before the stay start, the balance will be refunded less €375 cancellation fees.
  • For cancellations less than 120 days before the start, all sums paid are non-refundable.
• If COVID-19 forces cancellation, a 100% credit for amounts paid will be granted, valid for 3 subsequent winters with L’Or Blanc. No COVID-19 refunds will be issued.
• The booking and cancellation policies are absolute due to firm commitments with local partners requiring early planning.
• In case of cancellation by L’Or Blanc, the provisions of articles R211-9 to R211-11 of the French Tourism Code apply (see annex).
• The stay is subject to a minimum of 4 registered participants.
• Cancellation due to insufficient participants will be communicated no later than 21 days before departure. The Client may reschedule or obtain a full refund.

 

INSURANCE

Cancellation insurance covering search and rescue, medical expenses, and repatriation is mandatory for all L’Or Blanc arrangements. It applies if the trip is canceled or delayed due to illness, accident, death of the insured or close relative, property damage, force majeure, strikes, or disturbances. Other travel insurances (theft, baggage, etc.) are recommended but optional.

Guiding & Safety

At Himalayan Heliski, safety is not just a priority — it’s a foundational commitment.

The guides are well versed in Nepal’s safety considerations. The guides are certified by UIAGM/ENSA and have a wealth of high-altitude experience including expertise in heli-assisted rescue, alpine navigation, and high-mountain risk management.

The helicopter operations adhere to the most stringent international standards. In partnership with Heli-Everest, Himalayan Heliski work exclusively with certified helicopter pilots from New Zealand, Italy, or France, each with extensive training in high-altitude flight and mountain aviation. The helicopters are state of the art Eurocopter AStar B3+, which are well maintained to the highest aviation protocols.

Each guide and client are provided with a backpack containing an airbag, probe and shovel, and an avalanche transceiver. Guides carry radios and sat phones and the helicopter has additional survival equipment, food and first aid equipment.

Each mission is supported by dedicated ground crews, ensuring real-time monitoring of weather patterns and avalanche conditions for optimal safety.

Himalayan Heliski operates with full governmental authorization, in compliance with Nepalese Civil Aviation and Ministry of Tourism regulations. The flight zones are carefully selected and approved in partnership with local communities, environmental authorities, and regional safety boards. This level of compliance ensures not only legal integrity, but also long-term sustainability of the heli-skiing zones explored.