Book your Meribel Ski Chalet
through Whitetracks and take part in Heli-Skiing
for FREE or receive a discount towards Heli-Skiing
.
Heli Skiing or Heli
Boarding is the ultimate experience for every serious skier and
snowboarder. Heli Skiing / Boarding does not
have to be restricted to just experienced snow users, with the recent introduction
of fat skis, improved technology and equipment you don't have to be the
hardcore, die-hard dedicated Snowsport
enthusiast to enjoy effortless powder turns through untracked fresh snow
that can last for miles over thousands of metres of vertical drop.
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The Heli-Skiing Ban in France
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Heli-skiing was banned on Mont Blanc by the French President Valerie Giscard after he skied
it by helicopter. He appreciated the argument that had been put towards
him for the ban that Heli-skiing disturbs the
environment and causes a great deal of noise in relation to the number of
people who can benefit from this activity. For these same reasons the 1st Mitterand
government generalised this to the whole of France.
Helicopters are now only allowed to be used in France for work or rescue.
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Heli-Skiing Italy and France
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The Italians have followed
the same ideas and have limited heli-skiing to
Val Ferret and Val Grisenche.
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The majority of heli-skiing
is in the Val d'Aoste: Val Grisenche
- La Thuile and Monte Rosa (4633m). You can
find the biggest vertical in Europe,
extreme skiing, couloirs, glaciers but you need to go when the snow is
good. Val Grisenche has its own
micro-climate meaning you shouldn't rely on the snow cover in neighboring
regions for its conditions.
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You can ski or board many of
the Italian summits from the French stations on the border.
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Heli-Skiing - ITALY - AostaValley
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Helicopter Drops - 1 Guide + up to 4 people / Helicopter
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Heliskiing Photo Gallery >Click Here For
More Heliskiing Photos<
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CHOOSE YOUR MOUNTAINS - COST PER DROP
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Possible to do 1, 2, 3, 4 drops in a single day
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Les Verdettes du Rutor
Mount
(Mt.) Freduaz, Roc Rouge
Mt.Miravidi, M. Ouille
P. Lechaud
Mt.Fortin, M. Favre
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MOUNTAIN
GUIDE - Transceivers, shovels and probes supplied
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It is hard to plan exact routes
beforehand as these will depend on snow conditions, weather and other
groups and air traffic.
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Heli-Skiing Itinerary
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Each Heli
Skiing trip differs, but as a general guide:
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A One-drop option will generally take up a ½ day and could be anything up to a 3500
metre vertical descent. Any one run could last from an hour up to two and
a half hours (dependant on ability).
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For those whose legs are up
to it, multi drop days are also possible.
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Skill level required
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Heliskiing requires of
course a good physical fitness and a reasonable level of skiing to make
the most of the day. All trips are made with a fully qualified high
mountain guide who will choose the routes adapted to your level with
safety being paramount at all times.
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In order to paticipate in a Heli drop
you will need to be of a high intermediate level. A good indicator for
this level is about 6 weeks on snow with good off piste
experience as well.
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This above information is
given on the understanding that it is used as a guidance note only.
Individual skill levels can vary in accordance with time on snow and your
6 weeks experience still may not come up to the base skill level.
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Equipment
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Warm hat
Sun hat
Fleece layers
Wind & waterproof jacket
Wind & waterproof trousers
Thick gloves
Thin gloves
Downhill boots & skis
Poles
Harness
Sun glasses
Goggles
30L rucksack
Water bottle
Sun block
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Shovel*
Probe*
Avalanche transceiver*
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* Should be provided by the
guide
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For any Heli-Skiing
trip you will need a snow shovel, probe and avalanche transceiver.
