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Best Heliskiing Destinations in the World

British Columbia in Canada is the best heliskiing destination in the world for 2026, because it has the most operators, the most reliable deep snow and the longest pedigree, having effectively invented commercial heliskiing decades ago. Alaska delivers the steepest, most dramatic descents on earth, New Zealand offers the most accessible southern winter heli, and the Caucasus republic of Georgia is the best value heli on the planet. Below we rank the eight destinations we would actually book for a once in a lifetime heli trip, with an honest verdict on who each one is for and who should skip it. As a snowboarder I will tell you straight: heliskiing on a board is superb on open faces but punishing on the long flat runouts, so destination choice matters even more for riders.

How we ranked them

Snow and terrain, then operators, then who it suits

Heliskiing is the most committing and expensive way to ski, so we rank carefully. We weigh the depth and reliability of the snow, the scale and variety of the terrain, the maturity and safety culture of the operators, and the level of skier or rider each place actually suits. We have flown in several of these ranges and spoken to guides in the rest. This is a destination ranking rather than a resort list, so the terrain is vast backcountry rather than marked pistes, and we have flagged the runout traps that catch snowboarders out.

A skier dropping into deep North American powder

Snowy forest ski terrain in British Columbia

A skier on a snow capped peak above the clouds

A snowboarder riding deep powder through trees

The ranking

The eight we would book

British Columbia, Canada

British Columbia is the best heliskiing destination in the world because it has the deepest, most reliable snow, the largest and most experienced operators and an unmatched variety of terrain across its interior ranges. It is where commercial heliskiing began, and the safety culture and tenure sizes are second to none. It tops the list on the combination of snow, scale and pedigree.

The terrain suits boarders beautifully, with vast open glades and faces, and resort bases like Revelstoke make a fine launch point. See our Revelstoke review and the wider Canada destination guide.

For: Skiers and riders who want the most reliable deep snow and mature operators.

Skip if: Anyone on a tight budget or short on time.

Alaska, USA

Alaska, and the Chugach range in particular, delivers the steepest and most spectacular heliskiing in the world, where snow clings to absurdly steep faces thanks to a unique maritime snowpack. It is the proving ground for big mountain films and the dream of every expert.

For strong riders these spines and faces are the ultimate, but this is for experts only. Browse the United States destination guide for resort skiing to build up to it.

For: Expert skiers and riders chasing the steepest descents on earth.

Skip if: Intermediates and anyone uneasy on serious exposure.

New Zealand

New Zealand offers the most accessible southern hemisphere heliskiing, flying skiers into the Southern Alps during the northern summer, with dramatic scenery and well run operators around Wanaka and the wider region. It is the obvious choice for an off season heli fix.

The terrain is varied and board friendly, though the maritime snowpack is less consistent than Canada, so flexibility on dates matters.

For: Northern travelers who want a heli trip in our summer.

Skip if: Those wanting the deepest, most reliable snow.

Georgia, Caucasus

Georgia, in the Caucasus around Svaneti and Gudauri, is the best value heliskiing in the world, with huge vertical, reliable snow and a fraction of the cost of North America. It is the connoisseur's budget heli secret, increasingly well run by experienced guides.

The open Caucasus faces are excellent for boarders, and the value means you can fly more for the same money, though the infrastructure is rustic.

For: Adventurous skiers and riders who want big terrain for less.

Skip if: Travelers who want polished, predictable infrastructure.

Iceland

Iceland offers the most unique heliskiing scenery in the world, with spring descents on the Troll Peninsula that finish almost at the edge of the ocean under near endless daylight. It is as much an experience as a ski trip.

The terrain is generally moderate and rider friendly, but this is a spring corn snow destination rather than a powder one, so set expectations accordingly.

For: Travelers who want unique scenery and spring descents to the ocean.

Skip if: Anyone after deep midwinter powder.

Greenland

Greenland is the most remote and wild heliskiing destination on earth, flying skiers over vast empty ranges that descend toward the sea ice, often based from a ship. Nowhere feels further from a ski resort.

The open terrain suits confident boarders, but the remoteness, cost and logistics mean this is for seasoned heli travelers only.

For: Experienced travelers who want the most remote heli adventure.

Skip if: First time heliskiers and anyone wanting comfort.

Japan, Hokkaido backcountry

Japan offers the lightest, most consistent powder on earth, and where regulations allow it, cat and heli access to the Hokkaido backcountry delivers that famous dry snow away from the lifts. The snow quality is unmatched even if the vertical is modest.

It is glorious on a board, all soft landings and tree powder, though the terrain is gentler than the big ranges. See the Japan destination guide and our best resorts in Japan.

For: Powder obsessives who want the driest snow on earth by air.

Skip if: Those expecting big alpine vertical and steep faces.

The Alps, Switzerland

The Alps are the contrarian choice, because heliskiing is tightly restricted across most of the range, but a handful of permitted drops in Switzerland let you sample it alongside a world class resort holiday. It is the way to try heli without committing to a remote lodge.

Pair a drop or two with a stay in a car free classic. See the Switzerland destination guide and our Zermatt review for the resort side of the trip.

For: Travelers who want a taste of heli alongside a luxury resort trip.

Skip if: Purists who want big daily heli mileage.

At a glance

Heliskiing destinations compared

Rank	Destination	Country	Best for	Budget band per person
1	British Columbia	Canada	Reliable deep snow	$8,000 plus
2	Alaska	United States	Steep big mountain	$8,000 plus
3	Southern Alps	New Zealand	Southern summer heli	$4,000 to $8,000
4	Caucasus	Georgia	Best value	$2,000 to $4,000
5	Troll Peninsula	Iceland	Ski to the sea	$4,000 to $8,000
6	East coast ranges	Greenland	True wilderness	$8,000 plus
7	Hokkaido backcountry	Japan	Lightest powder	$4,000 to $8,000
8	Permitted drops	Switzerland	Heli with resort comfort	$8,000 plus

Prefer lift served powder? See the best powder resorts in the United States, the best powder resorts in Japan, or the best ski resorts in Canada for a resort base near the heli ranges.

Book the extras and save

Lift passes, airport transfers, lessons and gear hire are where a trip quietly leaks money. Booking ahead almost always beats the resort window price.

Compare lift passes Book a transfer Find lessons Reserve gear hire Travel insurance

Questions worth asking

Heliskiing FAQs

What is the best heliskiing destination in the world?

British Columbia in Canada is the best heliskiing destination in the world, because it has the most reliable deep snow, the most experienced operators and the longest heliskiing pedigree. Alaska is the best for steep big mountain descents and Georgia the best value. The right pick depends on your ability, budget and the season you can travel.

Is heliskiing safe?

Heliskiing is inherently a backcountry activity with avalanche risk, but the leading operators in British Columbia, New Zealand and elsewhere have decades of experience, professional guides, strict protocols and modern safety equipment. You ski with a guide at all times and receive avalanche training before flying. It is committing, but the established operators manage the risk seriously.

Can you go heliskiing on a snowboard?

Yes, and open powder faces are superb on a board, but snowboarders need to choose terrain carefully because long flat runouts and traverses are tiring and sometimes require unstrapping and walking. British Columbia, Alaska and Georgia have plenty of steep open terrain that suits boards well. Tell your operator you ride so they can plan rider friendly lines.

How much does a heliskiing trip cost?

Heliskiing is the most expensive way to ski, with most multi day packages landing in the $8,000 plus per person band in British Columbia and Alaska. Value destinations like Georgia can come in around the $2,000 to $4,000 band for a comparable amount of flying. We price each trip to your dates, group size and the number of vertical you want.

Do you need to be an expert to go heliskiing?

Not always. Alaska and Greenland are genuinely for experts, but British Columbia, New Zealand and Iceland have terrain suitable for confident intermediates who can ski or ride ungroomed powder comfortably. The key skill is being able to handle off piste snow all day. Operators grade their programs, so be honest about your level when you book.

When is the best time for heliskiing?

In the northern hemisphere, January to April is prime, with deep midwinter powder in British Columbia and steeper spring conditions in Alaska. New Zealand runs during the northern summer from around July to September. Iceland and Greenland are spring destinations, typically March to May, when daylight is long.

Have it arranged

Tell us the dates. We arrange the flights.

If you want one of these heli destinations priced by specialists, give us the dates, group size and budget below. Send one brief and our partner operators return tailored proposals covering flights, lodges, the heli program and guiding. No fee to you, ever.

Every brief is read by a real planner. You will hear back within two working days, in season.

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By the Ski Resorts for Kings editorial team · Last reviewed June 2026. We update rankings and prices each season.