 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 will
run $100 each. Many runs can be made by skiing out. If you decide
to ski more remotely, you may need a pickup, which will run $125
each. The bump or pickup may be arranged with Sun Valley Heli-Ski
Guides upon your arrival.
| Heli Skiing |
Fee |
| By The Day |
$925 6 Runs, average 12,000 vertical
Extra Runs, $90 per run |
| "HASTA" |
$400 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 |
|
| 3 day package |
$4500 per person 3 days/2 nights inclusive |
| Yurt
Rental |
|
Pioneer Yurt
Fly-in |
$475 per person
Additional nights at $175 per person
Fly out: $125 per person |
| Pioneer Yurt Tour in/out |
$40 per person, per night
$320 per day for guide |
* Idaho Sales tax is 6% for heli skiing and 7% for lodging
Color coding of our calendar:
Gray areas are dates that are currently unavailable.
White check boxes are for a one day trip/reservation.
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Color coding of our calendar:
Gray areas are dates that are currently unavailable.
White check boxes are for a one day trip/reservation.
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Once you booked your dates for any of these trips, you will get
a confirmation email from Sun Valley Heli-Ski Guides for your trip.
You can search all the trips that we offer:
Safety Briefing
While we do acknowledge the inherent risks in all winter backcountry
endeavors, SVHS uses the most progressive technology and highly
trained experts to assure that such risks are managed. We offer
the following list of significant risks that must be considered
on every heli-ski outing as well the procedures, resources, and
equipment we employ to handle such factors.
Terrain Discussion
Terrain will be matched to the group's ability.
Avalanches and uncontrolled falls are some of the unique hazards
we are faced with here.
While every effort is made to avoid avalanches and natural hazards,
the possibility of accident cannot be completely eliminated.
Listen to and follow your guide's instructions, especially when
s/he explains where to ski.
Always ski one at a time unless directed to do otherwise by your
guide.
Some things to avoid unless directed by your guide are skiing over
convex slopes (roll overs), skiing above terrain traps, skiing into
double exposures (ie: avalanches or falls above cliffs).
Do look for islands of safety to stop or rest in: below large rocks
at the far edge of a chute or gully (out of the slide path). Far
into the flats and off to the side at the bottom of a steep slope.
Don’t make yourself a target.
Helicopter Safety
Only approach the helicopter with your guide.
Always approach in front where the pilot can see you.
Always stay low around the aircraft.
Never climb uphill from the helicopter into the rotor blades.
Make sure all skis and gear are held low around the aircraft.
Drag gear whenever possible.
Avalanche Procedures
The best way to avoid being in an avalanche is follow your guides
instructions and use the information provided in this briefing.
If you do get in an avalanche:
Right after it starts, before you’re trapped:
Get some speed up and try to ski off to the side (at a 45°
angle).
If you can’t ski out, try to scamper off the top.
If you are trapped in it:
Try to get rid of as much gear (skis and poles) as possible.
Try to swim upstream and to the surface. Fight for your life.
Don’t give up.
When you feel the slide begin to slow, make yourself an air pocket
by making a clearing in front of your face.
Try to be calm and wait for your rescuers.
If there is an avalanche and you are not caught in it:
Stop all action.
If you can see the victim(s) during the slide, keep an eye on
him and make note of the “last seen point”.
Do a head count. How many are missing and who?
The guide will take charge of the search. If the guide is the
one in the avalanche, the most experienced person should take
charge.
Most victims end up partially buried or on top. Look down the
path for a visual on the victim: body, arm, ski boot, or gloves.
If you see him/her, go directly to the victim and dig him/her
an airway. You may need to clear packed snow from his mouth.
If you cannot see the victim, begin a Transceiver search.
Go to the last seen point or to the top of the slide path. Start
at the bottom of the path and work up if you are below the slide.
Spread out 20’ to 30’ (up to 75’ if it is a
big path and you have no idea where the victim was caught) across
the hill.
Switch your transceiver to receive. Check and make sure everyone
is on receive!
Proceed downhill until a signal is received. It is important when
searching to talk to each other and determine where the first
and/or strongest signal is, so your energies can be concentrated
there.
Use the directional capabilities you learn in your transceiver
drill. If you get confused or very close, fall back to the grid
search method.
Keep volume as low as you can hear.
When the search narrows down to a room size area, one searcher
continues with a fine transceiver search and the others become
probers and diggers.
The probe is what finds the victim. Use probes, probe poles, poles,
or skis.
When searcher feels he is over the victim, begin digging immediately
and continue to probe.
Try to uncover the head first. Clear an airway to the mouth. Remove
packed snow from the victim's mouth if necessary.
Refund Policy/Conditions
All reservations must be reconfirmed by 5:30 p.m. the night prior
to skiing
Cancellations prior to 14 days receive full refund less $50 administration
fee
Cancellations within 14 days receive full refund less $100 administration
fee
Cancellations within 24 hours lose full amount for reserved day(s).
 If
weather or snow conditions dictate cancellation, the reservation
is moved to the next open day or a rain check is offered. Rain
checks are good for two years and transferable. If you want a
refund a $100 fee is charged.
No refunds for no shows, poor ability, fitness, equipment failure
or personal choice.
In the event a day is cut short. You will be charged as follows:
· 1 run ·$400
· 2 runs $500
· 3 runs $600
· 4 runs $700
· 5 runs $800
If possible, plan on a couple of extra days and stay in Sun Valley.
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