A unique experience
When it comes to Heli-skiing in South America, Valle Nevado is the PREMIER destination.
With over 35 years of expertise, Valle Nevado Heliski, guided by its seasoned experts, unlocks the most breathtaking terrain and finest snow in the Andes. Founded in 1988, we pioneered personalized heli-skiing in South America, maintaining an unwavering commitment to safety and a dedication to delivering an exceptional experience.
Hectares
125,000
of virgin terrain
Maximum Elevation
4,500 to 2,500
meters
THE EXPERIENCE
Where joy leaves a fresh imprint
Accede a lugares inexplorados en nuestros helicópteros AS350B3 y bajadas de hasta 1.500 metros de desnivel en el mejor terreno y nieve disponibles. Todo bajo la supervisión de expertos guías de ski de montaña y equipos de seguridad de última generación, como mochilas airbag. Además, podrás contar con equipos de Ski y Snowboard especiales para esta práctica, los cuales están disponibles en nuestro Ski Rental, con increíbles descuentos para nuestros huéspedes.
At Valle Nevado Heliski, every day becomes an unforgettable memory. Located in the heart of the stunning Andes Mountains, we have expansive, high-quality terrain just minutes from the resort, giving you maximum time to get fresh tracks.
Security
OUR GUIDES, PILOTS, AND HELICOPTERS
Our commitment to safety is our highest priority: highly qualified local guides with international experience and expert pilots ensure that each descent is not only exciting, but also safe and perfectly adapted to the level and preferences of each skier. Here, the heli-skiing experience is taken to the next level, with every detail carefully designed to ensure your safety and satisfaction on every descent.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you need to know to plan your Heli-skiing adventure in the Andes
Find answers to your questions about our operations, preparation, safety, and more. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us directly.
The best time to heli-ski around Valle Nevado is between July and September. The heli-skiing program typically operates from the last week of July to the first week of September although the season may start earlier or end later if conditions permit. Snow is very consistent in the Central Andes and there is no period of particularly poor light or bad weather. During July and August, it is very easy to find powder and September offers longer days and more spring-like temperatures. The good quality of snow is maintained throughout the winter, so choose according to your availability and personal budget. The biggest snowfalls of the year can occur anytime between July and September.
It depends on your time availabillity, your budget, how much you want to heli-ski and how many skiing friends you have.
Our Full Day package is perfect for those looking to experience heli-skiing in a shared helicopter. Whether you’re a strong skier trying it for the first time or simply curious to explore the vastness of the mountains, this is your chance.
Fair warning—heli-skiing in Valle Nevado is highly addictive!
The Full Week package is ideal for those who want to ski extensively and explore diverse terrain without the need to book a private helicopter. This package includes five days of heli-skiing, which you can schedule flexibly throughout your week-long stay, sharing the helicopter with other skiers.
The Private Week package is perfect if you want exclusive access to a helicopter just for you and your friends or family with similar skills and enthusiasm. This package includes 7 hours of flight time, which you can use flexibly over 7 days. Ski at your own pace, account for possible weather delays, and explore the breathtaking terrain on your own terms, all with the guidance of two expert guides. If you want more time in the air, additional flight hours can be purchased once your initial 7 hours are used.
All Heliski Valle Nevado packages include:
Helicopter flight, professional guides, safety equipment (airbag backpacks, avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes), training to familiarize yourself with safety equipment and the helicopter, and lunch on the mountain.
Each package has specific details according to the program and the conditions of the service, so do not hesitate to contact us to answer additional questions about what is included in each option.
The office is located downstairs from the Ski School sales room, next to the slopes adjacent to the Hotel Puerta del Sol. (Follow the signs.) The Heliski Valle Nevado office is where you can register, complete paperwork and get further assistance if you need it. Visit us at any time during your stay to discuss weather, snow conditions or any specific questions or concerns; we will be there from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM (the rest of the time we may be skiing).
Please note you must visit us before your the day you are booked to heli-ski!
There is no minimum to book any of our heli-ski packages. If you are a single skier, you will most likely be paired with others skiers. If you are skiing with others, we may add additional skiers to your group.
If you book a Private Week, you will always be accompanied by two guides whether you are a single skier, or if you’d like to book up to 8 of your friends or family.
No. You can book individually or as a group. Please note that for Full Day and Full Week the maximum capacity per day is 12 people and for Private Heli the maximum is 8.
You can book with Heliski Valle Nevado directly from our website or via e-mail by writing to heliski@vallenevado.com. You can pay by credit card or bank transfer according to how you reserve your package.
At Valle Nevado, heli-skiing is possible almost every day. Our helipad, situated at 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) above sea level, offers a distinct advantage—while lower-altitude areas remain clouded after a storm, our base stays clear, allowing us to take off and enjoy blue skies and fresh powder. Thanks to its high altitude and prime geographic location, Valle Nevado offers the best conditions for flying after a major snowfall.
At times, poor visibility—caused by snow, wind, flat light, or cloud cover—can make heli-skiing unsafe or impractical. Unlike a ski resort, heli-skiing takes place in the wilderness, with no signage or chairlifts, meaning delays for safety are a necessary part of the experience. On days when flying isn’t possible, you can enjoy skiing at the resort or relax at the hotel. But when the skies clear and the helicopters take off, the adventure will be nothing short of incredible!
In the Full Day and Full Week programs, if we are unable to fly because conditions do not allow it, either due to bad weather or unsafe snow conditions as determined by our guides and pilots, we will fly at the next possible opportunity. If rescheduling repeated bad weather/condition days conflicts with your Valle Nevado visit, you can choose to opt for credit for the following year or we will refund 100% of the value of your reservation (or the proportion of how many days you were unable to use). That’s our good weather guarantee!
For the Private Week package, given the commitments we have to make with the helicopters and guides, your refund amount will be according to our cancellation policy described in the booking agreement. Full refunds will not be given for this package.
We understand that sometimes plans change. You can cancel your reservation, although the percentage of your refund will vary depending on the package you have booked and how far in advance you book. Please review our cancellation policy in the booking agreement for specific details. In some cases, the refund will not be in full due to commitments made with helicopters and guides. If your plans change, let us know as soon as possible and we will do everything we can to help you!
Yes, Valle Nevado Heliski reserves the right to cancel a reservation if weather or safety conditions are not suitable for the activity. The percentage of the reservation refunded will depend on the conditions of the reservation and type of package.
In all programs, Valle Nevado reserves the right to cancel at least 60 days prior to the departure date. In this case the refund will be 100%.
The safety and satisfaction of our clients is our priority.
It is a good idea to have insurance to cover the cost of a heli-ski cancellation. Even though there is no other heli-skiing operation in South America that will refund your money if you are unable to fly, we have the best refund policy in the industry. If you purchase insurance, you will have extra protection in case you have to cancel, suffer an injury or illness. Call your insurance agent and ask about heli-ski medical and evacuation insurance (Check Global Rescue).
Our heliskiing is aimed at solid intermediate, advanced and expert skiers. When you are doing Heliski, you are in an off-piste skiing environment. If you are a somewhat unsure intermediate, take some lessons at the ski school, tell your instructor what your goals are and improve your skills. If you are not sure of your level you can check the level description (intermediate, advanced or expert). If you are a strong intermediate, ski controlled black runs and have some off-piste experience, you will have a great time. You don’t need to be an expert; if you are, fine, but it’s not a requirement. We have terrain to suit your level.
Off-piste skiing with few people around is great for building confidence. Our guides are also ski instructors who will help you improve your technique and get the most out of the experience.
It never hurts to take a lesson or two before your trip. We group people with similar skills and mentality. If you come with your family or friends, you will be grouped together. By organizing our heliskiing groups carefully and with experienced guides leading the way, we aim to create a supportive and enjoyable environment for all participants, regardless of their skill level. Our priority is to ensure that every client has a memorable and safe heliskiing adventure in Valle Nevado.
To enjoy heliskiing and ensure everyone’s safety, it’s essential to have a strong intermediate or higher level of skiing or snowboarding. If you have booked the program and our guides, consider that you do not meet the minimum level, we may recommend additional lessons at the ski school. Our goal is for you to have a safe and positive experience; if you are unable to participate due to your level, we will seek the best solution, either by rescheduling the departure or applying our cancellation policy accordingly.
You are never too old! As for taking children or youngsters, it depends on their level of maturity, ability to follow instructions and how much they value a heliskiing experience. It is possible to take children from 12 years old and up, although occasionally it is necessary that they are accompanied by one of our guides exclusively.
To get the most out of your trip, you should arrive in good skiing shape. Heliskiing is physically demanding, so go hiking, biking or, better yet, go skiing! It never hurts to take a lesson or two before your trip.
If you have off-piste skis that you like, bring them! We recommend that your skis be around 100mm wide in the middle, although 110mm or more is even better, and rocker is a big advantage. The same with snowboards although often a simple modification to the stance is enough. We can save you the hassle of packing and carrying your skis/boards as you will find a selection of boots, skis or snowboards in the Valle Nevado Rental Shop. Check your bindings and have your equipment checked before the trip.
We recommend carrying a few essentials in the backpack that we will provide, such as water, a snack you can’t live without. Sunscreen, camera, an extra layer of clothing and any personal items you may need during the day. Our guides will help you secure your backpack properly during the helicopter flight. We also have a store where you can buy anything you may have forgotten at home.
We provide all the necessary safety equipment, including airbag backpacks, avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes. Our guides will instruct you on how to use this equipment effectively.
Here in the Andes, extreme cold is not common, and you may even feel warm during the activity. Therefore, it is essential to dress appropriately for maximum enjoyment. Dress in layers to effectively regulate body temperature. We recommend our guests wear helmets for safety. If you do not have your own, you will find suitable helmets at the Valle Nevado rental store or at the resort stores. We recommend wearing goggles with adequate UV protection and anti-fog features. We advise wearing insulated and waterproof gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm and protected. Choose gloves that offer good hand-friendliness to operate the equipment smoothly. We suggest wearing padded, moisture-wicking socks specifically designed for skiing or snowboarding. Buffs or collars, hats, caps and hand warmers provide additional warmth and protection in colder conditions.
In Full Day or Full Week, Small Groups means that the helicopter carries up to four passengers, accompanied by one or two guides. In small group heliskiing, up to three groups (never more, and almost always less) share one helicopter and ski in the same area. Each group includes its guide and a maximum of four passengers. We try to have at least two guides on the field every time we go out…
The helicopter is in continuous motion, moving groups from one run to another to maximize skiing time. Groups are organized according to ability and we always try to keep family and friends together. We can accommodate individuals as well as groups of any size. We limit the number of passengers to a maximum of 12 people, which allows you to ski more, wait less and enjoy personalized attention, enhancing your experience.
In the Private Week, you can occupy the helicopter as you wish, always accompanied by two guides. It can be just one person, two or three passengers and two guides, or up to two groups of 4 passengers and two guides.
In our Full Day and Full Week programs, we calculate that each day you will ski at least four runs, and almost always more. Depending on the vertical drop reached, the time available, the ability of the group, the snow conditions at different altitudes, the length of the runs and their difficulty and other factors, we estimate that you can ski up to 6 runs per day (some days may be less, others more). You will be impressed. If you manage to ski 6 runs in one day at Valle Nevado Heliski, that’s a LOT of skiing and an INTENSE day! Don’t compare 6 runs at the ski resort to 6 Heliski runs; it’s not the same, not even close. Our goal is to exceed your expectations of what a great day of skiing is all about. Let’s just go skiing. It’s more fun that way.
There are landing spots located 4200 meters above sea level and pick up spots at less than 2500 meters, so that on a day when all conditions are met, runs of up to 2000 meters vertical or more could be made. But this is not always the case. Sometimes we find a face with short descents and steep slopes of no more than 300 meters of vertical and other times we can ski long descents from high peaks to deep valleys for more than 1500 meters of vertical. Keep in mind that the guides strive to find the best conditions for each skier to have a memorable experience.
Heliskiing in Valle Nevado Heliski happens in a big, open mountain environment that is, without trees, and skiing in the Andes, in the second largest mountain range in the world after the Himalayas, is a unique experience. Skiing in these mountains is an incomparable experience, and that is what attracts our guests.
The sheer size and magnitude of the Andes can be awe-inspiring, and it is difficult to comprehend its scale until you experience it. There is a wide variety of options, from wide valleys of gentle, rolling slopes to narrow, steep couloirs with 800 meters of vertical, constant gradient and everything in between. When you return to the resort after a day of heliskiing you will have the feeling of coming back from another planet.
Snow in the Central Andes is known for its quality and consistency, with a texture that varies according to altitude, sun exposure and recent weather conditions. During the months of July and August, it is common to find light, dry powder in the higher altitude areas. As we move into September, temperatures begin to rise slightly, creating slightly wetter snow conditions at lower elevations and spring snow in sunny areas that is more compact and faster, perfect for long descents. However, in the high and shady areas you will be surprised by its excellent quality, even well into spring.
Our guides, experts in the terrain, are always searching for the best conditions and will select the routes that offer the best snow available each day for you to have an unforgettable experience.
The terrain at Valle Nevado Heliski offers an impressive diversity to suit all levels of skiers: from wide valleys of gentle slopes, ideal for intermediate skiers, to challenging couloirs of steep slopes for the most experienced, the Andes has it all.
We provide all the necessary safety equipment, including airbag backpacks, avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes. Our guides will instruct you on how to use this equipment effectively. Prior to your heliskiing adventure, we will conduct a comprehensive safety briefing at our helipad, located within walking distance of the hotels. This talk is crucial to ensure your safety and includes important information such as helicopter procedures, avalanche safety, communication protocols and heliski-specific skiing/snowboarding techniques.
Of course we will! You will always be accompanied by an experienced guide. Our standard model is up to four guests per guide, and two guides on the field. This ensures your safety and that you get the most out of your heli-skiing experience. In addition, our guides are in charge of choosing the best lines and conditions according to the level of the group and they will ensure your safety while minimizing the inherent risks of the activity.
Of course it is! All our guides are fluent in English and some of them also speak Spanish, Portuguese, French or German. We want you to fully enjoy the experience and make communication as comfortable as possible for you
Heliskiing takes place in a high altitude, uncontrolled alpine environment. Skiing, snowboarding and flying in mountain areas carry certain inherent risks.
These risks include, but are not limited to avalanches, falling rocks or ice, risk of crevasses, weather conditions and other environmental hazards, aircraft failure, and participant-related risks such as falls and collisions.
Since 1988, Valle Nevado Heliski has carried out thousands of heliskiing days, accumulating a vast experience that has allowed us to develop and apply strict protocols to minimize most of these risks. However, it is important that those who participate understand that, even with the knowledge and qualifications of our guides and pilots, it is not possible to guarantee 100% safety in such a dynamic natural environment. For this reason, it is essential that all participants strictly and precisely follow the instructions of guides and pilots to maximize safety and fully enjoy this unique experience in the Andes.
Yes, before leaving you must sign a liability waiver. If you are under 18 years old, a responsible adult must do it.
If we can’t fly you can ski at the Resort (the largest ski area in South America!), hike with one of our guides, relax in the hotels, attend yoga or stretching classes, visit the stores, take a massage or join us in the office while we check the weather and talk about the weather and snow. You will always find something to do.
Yes, lunch is included! During the day, we offer a picnic style lunch on the mountain, set up so you can enjoy the view and rest before you continue skiing. The exact location for lunch depends on weather conditions and terrain, but we always look for safe locations with spectacular views. Drinks and snacks are available to keep you energized throughout the day. Let us know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions and we will try to accommodate your requirements.
Our packages do not include accommodation, as we prefer to give you the flexibility to choose where to stay according to your preferences. However, there are several hotels in Valle Nevado, and we will be happy to help you find the best option that fits your needs. There are lodging options close to the meeting point to make your experience as comfortable and convenient as possible.
Of course you can. It is not necessary to be a guest of Valle Nevado to participate in our heliskiing. If you are staying in Farellones, Colorado or La Parva there could be transfer times by vehicle that you should consider to be on time in Valle Nevado before departing.
You can bring your own phone/camera, and our guides may capture some photos during the day with their own phones or cameras. Keep in mind that our guides are not professional photographers and will always prioritize your safety over the aesthetics of the photos. In Valle Nevado it is possible to hire professional photographers/videographers for the heli-skiing experience. You can pre-book these services to capture your memorable moments on the slopes, but keep in mind that you will also need to reserve a seat for your professional cameraman/videographer.
No, tips are not included in the heliskiing packages. Although not mandatory, tips are always appreciated by our guides, pilots and support team in recognition of their dedication and effort to provide a memorable experience. If you wish to leave a tip, you may do so at the end of your adventure; the amount is entirely at your discretion.
Don’t worry, we’re not in an action movie! You don’t have to jump out of the helicopter as if you were a secret agent on an impossible mission. The helicopter lands softly with the engine running; the guide gets out, unloads the skis or snowboards, and the passengers descend quietly with the helicopter. It’s all very controlled, if noisy. It may seem a bit boring compared to jumping from 5 meters high before making your first turn, but it offers a much better skiing experience and facilitates a longer skiing career. So no, you don’t have to make any epic jumps here, although with all that snow flying, you might feel a bit like you’re in a scene from James Bond!
You can visit our official website, there you will find details about our services, programs and conditions.
If you prefer more personalized attention, you can contact us directly:
- E-mail: heliski@vallenevado.com
- Phone: (+56-2) 2477-7182
Our team will be happy to assist you and provide you with the information you need to plan your heliskiing experience.