Wilderness Heliskiing FAQ
If can’t find an answer here, please get in contact with us ›
- What dates does Wilderness Heliskiing operate?
- Are minimum numbers needed?
- What ability level is required?
- What are the group sizes?
- How long are the runs, and can I buy extra runs?
- When should I make my heliski booking?
- Do I need special clothing or equipment?
- Where is the helipad located?
- Accommodation at Mount Cook, where can I stay?
- What about the weather?
- How long does a heliski day take?
- What kind of helicopters are used?
- Can we book a private helicopter and guide?
- What is your Cancellation Policy?
What dates does Wilderness Heliskiing operate?
Every fine day from 1 July to 30 September. Check our Blog or snow report update for the latest conditions.
Minimum Numbers
Individuals are welcome to book, but we need a minimum of 3 total bookings to operate.
What ability is required?
If you are a 'strong intermediate' to 'advanced' skier/ snowboarder you can heliski.
We have terrain to suit all levels of heliboarders and heliskiers, from first-timers to experts. Wilderness Heli also has more advanced-level terrain than Queenstown or Wanaka.
Use our incredibly accurate ability-checker ›
You will be grouped according to your ability.Your guide will select terrain best suited to your group.
What are the group sizes?
A maximum of 5 heliskiers/boarders per guide. We operate in small groups and provide a personalised service.
How Long are the Runs?
The average is around 800 vertical metres, but this will vary according to specific runs, and snow conditions. Our extensive terrain has a number of runs in excess of 1000 vertical metre drops..
All our heliski terrain is above the tree line, in the true alpine zone.
Extra runs can be purchased for NZ$125 per 1000 vertical meters.
When should I book?
We recommended booking 2 weeks in advance for heliskiing in August (our peak month). At other times at least 3 to 4 days advance booking is recommended.
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Do I need special clothing or equipment?
Dress in what you normally take to a ski area, but remember, it can be colder at altitude.
- Ski or snowboard equipment? Alpine skis, telemark skis, or snowboards are all welcome. Ride on whatever you are comfortable with!
- You can hire Fat skis, boots and poles from us ›
- Bring goggles or quality sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen
- A small backpack is useful for water, or a spare pair of gloves
- Don’t forget your camera!
Where is the Helipad?
At Mount Cook airport, 5 km from Mount Cook village. Free return transfers from Mount Cook village are provided, if required.
Accommodation at Mt Cook. Where can I stay?
Mount Cook Village has several accommodation options and there are more available in the wider Mt Cook/Mackenzie region.
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What if the weather turns bad?
Wilderness Heliskiing operates only in "fine weather". This means good visibility and light - moderate wind. On average we operate 4 or 5 days per week.
New Zealand has a temperate maritime climate, and very changeable weather patterns. We encourage you to have flexibility in your plans. We can 'carry over' bookings to the following day if requested.
The decision to operate (or not) is made by 07:00 each day. However, we can take advantage of late weather clearances for guests staying at Mt Cook
How long does a heliski day take?
A standard day - all times are approximate:
- 07:00 Weather & conditions check by guides
- 08:15 Registration and payment opens
- 09:00 Rental ski gear organised - at Mt Cook airport helipad
- 09:30 Each group is given a safety briefing and issued with avalanche transceivers. First helicopters depart
- 13:00 Lunch
- 15:00 First loads return to Mount Cook
Helicopters
The Helicopter Line provide helicopters and mountain pilots. The fleet is mainly Eurocopter AS355 Twin Squirrel's.
Private Charter heliskiing / heliboarding
Yes! We specialise in private heliski/heliboarding charters ›
Cancellation Policy
Please See the Booking Page for details ›
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Operating Season 01 July - 30 September
Location - Mount Cook, New Zealand
Mount Cook is mid-way between Christchurch and Queenstown. A perfect winter stop-over destination.
- Christchurch to Mount Cook: 330km - 3.5-4 hours drive south
- Queenstown to Mount Cook: 270km - 3 hours drive north.
Rental Equipment
We rent a range of fat skis, ideal for the variable snow conditions you will encounter. Most skis are Volkl Explosive, and various Atomic models.
Boot sizes range from approx. Euro 33 through to 48.
We will fit your hire skis after registration. You don't need to arrange a fitting earlier.
Rental rates 2010
- Skis NZ$45/day
- Skis, Boots and poles: NZ$60/day
Bringing your own gear
You are welcome to bring your own equipment.
If you are renting, make sure that your board or skis are well waxed.
Sorry - snowboarding equipment is not available for rent at Mount Cook
