Max slope angle
45+ Degrees
Primary aspect
North facing
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Looking for fresh powder and unrivaled winter scenery? Come enjoy the spectacular Idaho backcountry with Sun Valley Heli Ski, the first heli ski operator in American helicopter skiing. Located in historic Sun Valley, SVHS has exclusive helicopter access to an amazing playground of 750,000 square acres, by far the largest heli terrain in the Lower 48. This legendary powder terrain offers runs for intermediate and expert skiers and riders. SVHS operates from December 20 through March 15, although the season may be extended if conditions permit.

Experience the intimacy of flying in a four-passenger A-Star B-3e, the unquestioned king of helicopters for helicopter skiing. Ski runs range from 1,500 to 3,000 feet of pristine Idaho powder, and groups are small with a guest-to-guide ratio of 4:1. Guests are guaranteed six runs per day and typically enjoy lunch on a sunny and protected spot with exceptional views and camaraderie.

Safety is the standard, and SVHS provides its guests with Mammut Ras Rocker 18-liter Air-Packs and Barryvox Avalanche Transceivers. Personal service is the trademark of SVHS, and the team of SVHA guides is unsurpassed. Together the team offers over 100 years of collective experience, a testimony to the level of dedication and professionalism that distinguishes SVHS as the preeminent U.S. heli-ski operation.

SVHS offers day heli skiing as well as the only fly-in heli lodge in the Lower 48, the Smoky Mountain Lodge. The lodge sleeps up to 12 guests, and it is a great venue for a group or corporate getaway in a remote location with fantastic skiing. A sampling of the other packages that are available include a mix of resort and heli skiing with SVHS’s local lodging partners. This package can be combined with support from a ski instructor for the first-time heli skier as well as for the expert who wants to hone their skills.

SVHS also offers a Heli Assisted Ski Touring Adventure (HASTA). The HASTA Program provides a single lift in the morning to a majestic mountain peak followed by a day of guided ski touring in the Idaho backcountry with one of SVHS’s guides.

Visit the SVHS website for more information, frequently asked questions, and to learn more about lodging partners, including the premier resorts in Sun Valley and the remote Smokey Mountain Lodge. Sun Valley Heli Ski is located in Ketchum at 215 Picabo Street #102. Book online or call at 208.622.3108.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

No

Pros

Private tour. Unparalleled backcountry access. Safety, support, and experience.

Cons

Costly.

Pets allowed

Not Allowed

Features

Big vistas

Access

Vehicle

Typically multi-day

No

Shuttle required

No

Terrain type

Couloir

Snowmobiles allowed

Yes

Location

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