 Located
in Sun Valley, Idaho, SVHSG has over 750-square-miles of terrain
in three mountain ranges. This prime location gives our guests
access to the services and ski area of the Sun Valley Resort as
well as amenities in the neighboring town of Ketchum, such as
fine dining and year-round cultural events. Your choice to ski
with us is the foundation for a wonderful family vacation!
While a day spent skiing or boarding from the helicopter is always
an exhilarating adventure, much of our terrain is ideal for the
first-time or family heli-ski experience. Our permit gives us
access to a variety of terrain, including inviting, low-angle
slopes, which allow us to customize your trip based on your level
of experience.
Vacationing with your family? You won't find a resort
more family friendly than Sun Valley. Bring your family on your
heli adventure or let them make their own adventures in the Wood
River Valley. Teens will be challenged at the resort’s new
half pipe and terrain park while others may enjoy the wonderfully
varied skiing that only Sun Valley Resort can provide…from
the gentlest cruiser run to steep bumps and trees. Of course,
you can always try to pace the locals on one of Sun Valley's renowned
high speed cruising runs. And did we mention no lift lines? Couples
and singles won't feel left out with the area’s unsurpassed
dining and nightlife. Allow our helpful staff to arrange your
heli trip and we'll make sure you get all the help you need planning
every detail of your trip. We have provided lots of information
on this site, but feel free to call us for more detailed information.
SUN VALLEY HELI SKI CELEBRATES 42nd ANNIVERSARY
This coming 2007/2008 heli ski season will mark the anniversary
of our operation here in Sun Valley started back in 1966. Sun
Valley Heli Ski is the birthplace of heli skiing in the United
States. Come help us celebrate by skiing with us this winter.
Bluebird skies, untouched powder-filled bowls, a ride high above
remote alpine wilderness . . . if this sounds like the stuff of
your daydreams, join SVHS for a great ski adventure!
Get a preview of your heli ski experience. Nine minutes of heli skiing and boarding with guests, guides, and local hardcores. Find out more about heli skiing and Sun Valley. Get psyched for heli skiing and boarding this winter!
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The mountains surrounding the town of Ketchum were discovered
in 1935 to be the ideal surroundings for a ski resort and the
opening of the Sun Valley Resort followed just one year later.
The same spectacular terrain and pioneering spirit of the region
led to the founding of Sun Valley Heli-Ski Guides in 1966 by Bill
Janss, the owner of Sun Valley Resort.
As the company has witnessed changes in ownership, progression to
quieter and more powerful aircraft, and the general evolution of
the sport of skiing, the tradition of untracked powder, exploration,
and adventure remains with each present-day heli-ski trip. As SVHSG
celebrates 40 years of of operation and 23 years of ownership by
Mark Baumgardner, we are excited to watch heli-skiing in the Sun
Valley area continue into the twenty-first century.
Day trips leave from our downtown Ketchum office at approximately
8 a.m. and return by mid to late afternoon. A full day typically
totals around 10,000 to 14,000 vertical feet (6 runs). Enthusiastic
riders who hit good conditions may ski more at the additional
rate of $85 per run per person.
We can take three groups per day. We will sometimes take a fourth
group if the area we are skiing is appropriate for it. This fourth
“Stand-By” group will be notified in the morning whether
or not they will be able to fly.
All paperwork must be completed before skiing.
Ski boots must be delivered to Sun Valley Heli Ski the night
before skiing if our skis are to be used the following day.
Food Provided
Continental breakfast (bagels, coffee, tea) in the morning. Snacks
(gorp, banana bread, water) are provided in the helicopter. Lunch
is served after skiing to prevent having to shut down during the
best skiing of the day. Lunches are from Perry's.
It is only fitting that the birthplace of heli-skiing in the United
States is Sun Valley, Idaho—the same locale dubbed “America’s
First Destination Ski Resort.”
Contrary to the popular perception and ski-movie portrayal of
heli-skiing as an extreme sport, Sun Valley Heli Ski offers a
wide variety of terrain to accommodate nearly any level of skier.
If you can ski our local area Bald Mountain, then making the jump
to heli skiing in the backcountry will be an easy transition.
Attitude is everything. With over 750 square miles within our
permit area, we can select the appropriate terrain for your group.
The Guides
At Sun Valley Heli Guides we comply with all the requirements
for guides as recommended by Heli Ski US. This organization was
instituted to ensure and protect the future of Helicopter Skiing
in the United States.
Heli Ski Package includes
6 runs guaranteed
Average 12,000 vertical feet
Continental Breakfast
Shuttle to Staging Area
Guided Heli Skiing
Lunch in the field
HASTA (Helicopter one-lift assist)
New this year are our "HASTA" one-lift helicopter tour
combining instant access to the backcountry with a full day of
adventure. Offering a variety of routes in three mountain ranges,
these tours provide skiing and snowshoe possibilities for everyone—from
scenic valley floor tours for beginners to high alpine tours for
advanced downhill skiers. Whether you prefer a relaxed ski or
snowshoe tour with a leisurely lunch or endless turns in the high
bowls, our guides will accommodate your ambitions. If you decide
you want a second helicopter assist bump, the extra bump can be arranged the day of your trip. Many runs can be made by skiing out. The bump or pickup may be arranged with Sun Valley Heli-Ski
Guides upon your arrival.
| Heli Skiing |
Fee |
| By The Day |
$1,100 6 Runs, average 12,000 vertical
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| "HASTA" |
$500 per person. Based on a group of 4 people one lift
w/guide |
| Packages |
These packages may be booked online!
Details are on our Accommodations
Page |
| Smoky
Mountain Lodge |
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| 3 day package |
$40,000 per person 8 people, 3 days/2 nights inclusive |
* Idaho Sales tax is 6% for heli skiing and 7% for lodging
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