A unique experience

To speak of Heliski in South America is to speak of Valle Nevado.


With more than 35 years of leadership, Valle Nevado Heliski reveals, hand in hand with its expert guides, the most impressive terrain and the best snow in the Andes Mountains. Founded in 1988, we are pioneers in South America in offering personalized heliskiing services, with an unwavering commitment to safety and an absolute dedication to providing an exceptional quality 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 breathtaking Andes Mountains, we have vast terrain of exceptional quality just minutes from the resort, allowing us to make the most of our time in the untouched snow.

Unparalleled Terrain in the Central Andes

See more

A Spectacular Andean Landscape

See more

The Best Snow Quality

See more

Perfect Flying Conditions

See more

Huge Skiable Terrain

See more

Good Weather Guarantee

See more

Security

OUR GUIDES, PILOTS, AND HELICOPTERS


Our commitment to safety is absolute: 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 reaches its peak, with every detail thought out so that your satisfaction and safety leave a fresh mark on every descent.

Our Guides

See more

Helicopters

See more

Pilots

See more

Safety Equipment

See more

Small Groups

See more

Itinerary Options

See more


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Everything you need to know to plan your Heliskiing adventure in the Andes

Solve your doubts and questions about our operations, preparation, safety and more. If you don’t find what you are looking for here, feel free to contact us directly.

The best time to Heliski around Valle Nevado is between July and September. The heliskiing program operates from the last week of July to the first week of September although, exceptionally, 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 available, your budget, how much you want to Heliski and how many skiing friends you have. 


Full Day is ideal to live the heliskiing experience in a shared helicopter and complement your stay at the resort, if you are a good skier and have never experienced heliskiing before and want to try it or just out of curiosity to know something of the immensity of the mountain range. Attention, it is our duty to warn you that heliskiing in Valle Nevado is highly addictive!


Full Week is perfect if you want to ski a lot and explore terrain but don’t want to hire a private helicopter just for you or your friends. In the Full Week package you have five days of heliskiing to distribute throughout your week-long stay in a helicopter shared with other skiers.


Private Week is a good option if you want to keep a helicopter exclusively for yourself. If you can, gather friends and/or family with similar skills and enthusiasm and sign up for a private trip. It includes 7 hours of flight time, to be used as you estimate over a period of 7 days. This will allow you to enjoy at your own pace, gives you extra time in case of weather delays and you will have the chance to explore the area at your own discretion, which is breathtaking, accompanied by two guides. You can always purchase additional hours if you wish to continue flying after the initial 7 hours are up.

Our heliskiing packages in Valle Nevado are designed to offer you a complete experience in the Central Andes. All packages include:

Helicopter flight, professional guides, safety equipment (airbag backpacks, avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes), training to get to know this 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 solve any doubts or additional questions about what is included in each option.

The office is located downstairs from the Ski School sales room, next to the slopes of the Hotel Puerta del Sol. There’re some signals indicating its location. This 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 Heliski day!

There is no minimum to book any of our programs, if you come alone or with friends you are welcome. If you come alone, you will most likely ski with others and if you come with friends, we will try to have you all ski together although we could potentially add other participants.

If you book a Private Week, you will always be accompanied by two guides and you can go alone or with 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 do it directly from the comfort of our website or via e-mail by writing to heliski@vallenevado.com, paying by credit card or bank transfer according to the different options.

In Valle Nevado you can Heliski most of the days. Our helipad is located at three thousand meters above sea level and, while clouds cover other places at lower altitudes after a storm, our base is clear, we can take off and enjoy blue skies and fresh snow. Because of its altitude and geographic location, VNH simply has the best options for flying after a major snowfall.

Occasionally, poor visibility makes it difficult for helicopters and skiers to perform, which can impede heliskiing on snowy, windy, flat-light or cloudy days. It is necessary to be patient and wait for safe conditions, as nature is unpredictable. Heli-skiing is very different from a ski resort; it is a wilderness environment, with no signage or chairlifts, and it is important to be prepared for days of waiting for safety. On these days, you can ski at the resort or enjoy at the hotel. When it is possible to fly, the experience will be amazing!

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, you don’t have to worry. We will try to fly at the next available opportunity, and you will be able to fly as soon as possible. If that doesn’t happen, you can choose to opt for credit for the following year or we will simply refund 100% of the value of your reservation (or the proportion of what you didn’t get to occupy). That’s our good weather guarantee!
In the Private Week program, given the commitments we have to make with the helicopters and guides, the refund will not be complete, according to our cancellation policy described in the booking conditions, but it will still be the most beneficial for the client.

Yes, we understand that sometimes plans change. You can cancel your departure, although refund conditions vary depending on the package you have booked and how far in advance you book. Please review our cancellation policy in the booking conditions for specific details. In some cases, the refund will not be complete due to commitments made with helicopters and guides, but our policy is still the most beneficial for our clients. 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 and, depending on the conditions of the reservation and type of program, you can receive up to a 100% refund.
In all programs, VNH 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 program cancellation. Even though there is no other heliskiing operation in South America that will refund your money if you are unable to fly, we have the best credit policy in the industry, if you hire insurance, you will have extra protection in case you have to cancel, suffer an injury or illness. Call your insurance agent and ask about Heliski 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:

Our team will be happy to assist you and provide you with the information you need to plan your heliskiing experience.

ENJOY A DAY OF HELI-SKIING IN THE ANDES!

Reservations through our email heliski@vallenevado.com

Book