First OffPiste / Heli / Backcountry options ? Weekend

[Bushi]

Anyone have any experience with some introduction to off piste and/or heliskiing that would be doable from the UK in a long weekend ?

I have many years off experience on piste and the standard " between piste " conditions, powder & trees etc..

I Board and Daughter Skis, she's 16 but a solid skier on piste.

Not looking for anything extreme just a change of environment, quiet...long runs on actual snow....some solid experiences

Next couple of years are critical, soon my joints will be too knackered and she will be off on her own I imagine..

[fooman]

Bushi said:

Anyone have any experience with some introduction to off piste and/or heliskiing that would be doable from the UK in a long weekend ?

I have many years off experience on piste and the standard " between piste " conditions, powder & trees etc..

I Board and Daughter Skis, she's 16 but a solid skier on piste.

Not looking for anything extreme just a change of environment, quiet...long runs on actual snow....some solid experiences

Next couple of years are critical, soon my joints will be too knackered and she will be off on her own I imagine..

On my experience, children will continue to ski with you well into their 20s as long as you are subsidising!

[shunt]

Many years ago we were staying in Meribel and booked a Heliboarding day with these guys: https://evolution2.com/en/la-rosiere/heliskiing?v=...

They came and picked us up in a minibus and took us to La Rosiere. 2 heli drops and 2 guides with us. We spent the morning off piste in La Rosiere being assessed then we got in the heli, I can't recommend them enough.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLENHaryjuc&t=...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2ud_aBPoJ8&t=...

Edited by shunt on Wednesday 14th January 16:52

[jock mcsporran]

Unless it’s changed, my understanding is that you can’t be dropped in France as it’s illegal.

When we did it we were picked up by the chopper in a lay-by at the side of the road to Vallorcine from Chamonix (just over the border). We were then dropped somewhere on the Swiss/Italian border and done a bit of a hike/board back to France. Good day out.

[Bill]

I'd do a course together and learn how to do it properly. I haven't used them but friends rave about https://www.snoworks.co.uk/

[hmg]

Timings are key..you would be very lucky to be in resort following a decent dump.

Generally Italy, Switzerland and Spain

Valgrisenche / La Thuile (Italy)
Best value

Alagna / Monte Rosa (Italy)
Longer descents

Would you not employ a decent guide before trying heliskiing.

[hmg]

Are you fit enough to get the best out of a heliski experience. Big step up from piste skiing,tree skiing and margin off piste skiing..to multiple drops in deep powder.

[Bushi]

Bill said:

I'd do a course together and learn how to do it properly. I haven't used them but friends rave about https://www.snoworks.co.uk/

This is the type of thing I was thinking of.
Looks a solid safe next step.

[Bushi]

hmg said:

Would you not employ a decent guide before trying heliskiing.

wouldn't be planning on going up with just the two of us...

But I think that's the better next step, guide and off piste training then see where that takes us.

[shunt]

hmg said:

Are you fit enough to get the best out of a heliski experience. Big step up from piste skiing,tree skiing and margin off piste skiing..to multiple drops in deep powder.

This too, I was physically sick after the 2nd drop and the walk out once we'd lost the gradient. Knee high powder walking for over an hour takes it's toll.