Why choose Backcountry Helicopters?

• Our exclusive heli-ski concession for Mount Aspiring National Park. From open bowls to steep chutes, we will take you to the terrain with the freshest powder!
• Highly experienced, local heli-guides who love to rip it up in the best locations. Our professional heli-guides understand the needs of the modern free rider and skier and are dedicated to ensuring your experience rocks!
• A choice of locations and terrain for all abilities. From pro riders and skiers to family groups, Backcountry Heli offer safe and enjoyable heli-ski packages for all.
• Our un-parallelled mountain safety record. All our local heli-guides are qualified members of the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association (or foreign equivalent) to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
• A focus on small groups with an average guide to client ratio of 1:3.
• Total flexibility in all our snow-heli options. Whether it’s exploring those untouched locations, enjoying some family fun, or chasing our awesome 1200 – 2500m metre verticals, we can tailor a package to ignite and delight.
• No hidden extras! We provide lunch and beverages to keep you at peak performance.
• Awesome terrain and great value! If you’re still amping you can purchase extra runs (conditions and numbers permitting).

A typical day…

The day starts with the BCH crew doing early morning weather and safety checks. You will be notified as to the situation of the day. If everything is go we then travel to our staging area where you will meet your pilot and guides. You will then be given a safety briefing covering avalanche transceivers, helicopter and mountain safety. Then you will be flown in for your first run. We will take a break for lunch and then continue into the afternoon skiing and riding. Returning to Wanaka either in the afternoon or early evening.

Can I?

Yes you can. If you can ski or ride to an intermediate level then you can
heliski/board with BCH. The varying terrain and helicopter access give us the ability to offer something for most abilities. If you are unsure of your ability, contact us and we can help you with personal advice.

Groups?

At BCH we keep our group sizes small and personal. With an average guide to
client ratio of 1:3 we are leaders in personal service and safety. Groups
are arranged to align with your ability, however we understand when friends
and family wish to ski and ride together, therefore we can arrange groups to
suit your needs.

Guides?

Our guides are some of the best in the business. All are qualified and members of the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association or hold the equivalent qualification of their country of origin. Mountain safety is paramount to us and full analysis of weather, snowpack, stability and general conditions are carried out before every trip. Your guide will give you a safety briefing before heading out for your day of action.
BCH are one of the only companies to have fully qualified snowboard guides.

Transceivers?

Avalanche Transceivers are provided by BCH for your days skiing or riding. Your guide will give you a tutorial on how the transceiver operates and how to conduct a search.

Equipment?

For the skier we recommend using powder skis. This is not required, however, it makes the day a lot more enjoyable for a skier with limited powder experience. We can arrange rental for you at a preferential rate. Snowboaders, we recommend going to a longer length board, especially if you have limited experience in powder or ride a small freestyle board. Alternatively…. Set the bindings back and lean back.

Lunch?

Don’t stress, its all provided. High quality food and beverages are provided to you during your day. Stopping to take a break amongst the mountains and amazing scenery is something else.

Vertical Metres?

The vertical measurement does not vary due to the gradient of the slope. Backcountry Helicopters have mountains up to 2400m with 1200 vertical metre runs. The length of our runs can be as long as 2.5km. We are honest with our statistics and quite simply can be, because we have the best mountains in New Zealand.

Weather Factors?

Weather plays a big part in our operation. Because we can only operate in favourable conditions this may mean your trip will be delayed. This works well for you in the long run as you get the best conditions for your days skiing or riding. Delays are not frequent but it is a good idea to have a certain amount of time set aside during your stay to make sure there is a possible flying day.

Private Charter?

Want to really indulge your passion and leave the maximum number of white lines? Backcountry Heli can arrange your own personal helicopter and local heli-guide for the ultimate adventure package. Great for larger groups who want a day to themselves with max amount of runs. Looking for awesome heliski or heli-boarding footage? We specialise in heli-charter for film and video shoots, so contact us to tailor your personal package.

More Questions?

If you have any additional questions or would like something explained please get in contact with us.