I’ve never been heli-skiing before. Should I go?

Yes!  You should confidently ski or ride blue to black runs at the resort in all conditions and be able to traverse, side-step, and control your speed.

 

Experience in deep powder is highly recommended, as is being fit enough for multiple runs each day (and multiple days in a row for multi-day trips).

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How skilled do I need to be?

Back country skiing and riding require confident intermediate to expert ability.
You should be comfortable skiing or riding in a variety of snow conditions (powder, crust, ice, heavy snow) and handle rapid weather changes.
When joining an Open Program, please be honest about your skill and fitness — everyone’s safety depends on it.
Guides reserve the right to adjust groups or end a guest’s program if necessary for safety.

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Can I book a single seat?

Yes. We run open group trips on scheduled days throughout the week. Open group trips operate as half-day programs departing from one of our partner ski areas.

 

Should I buy trip insurance?

Yes. High Desert Heli recommends purchasing trip insurance to protect your investment. Coverage may include trip or flight cancellations, lodging, guiding fees, illness, or injury.
It’s best to arrange trip insurance early in your planning process, as many carriers offer better options when purchased in advance.

 

Do you offer vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free lunches?

Yes, in most cases. Please inform the HDH office of any dietary restrictions or food allergies in advance. We can accommodate most needs with notice.

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Can I book my kids for heli-skiing?

Yes, with certain requirements.
Guests under 18 must have all forms signed by a parent or legal guardian before joining a program. They must also be advanced-intermediate skiers or snowboarders, able to follow guide instructions, and handle a full mountain day in variable conditions.
If a minor is deemed unsafe to themselves or others, we reserve the right to return them to the Heli Base without refund.
We do not recommend heli-skiing for guests under 14.

 

What about avalanches?

Avalanches are an inherent risk in skiing, even in the resort.  Our Guide staff, a mix of Certified Ski Guides and Professional Ski Patrollers are highly skilled in avalanche forecasting, avoidance, and mitigation.  All of our guides maintain a Level 3 / Pro 2 certification from an American Avalanche Association accredited provider.   These courses are the highest level available in the United States.  

 

We continuously monitor weather and snowpack throughout the season.  Looking to avoid the avalanche problem, and find the best quality snow + group appropriate terrain on any given day.  

 

All guests will receive hands-on training with avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel.  Guests will practice a mock rescue scenario at the beginning of the day.    Guests are also required to wear BCA Float 22 Avalanche Airbags.
While airbags improve survival chances, they do not guarantee safety. Education and caution remain key.

 

What happens if we can’t fly?

Partial fly days and no-fly days occur every season.
If weather prevents flying, unused runs may be carried over to the next reserved day in your program.
Please refer to our Policies Page for detailed credit and refund information.

 

Where do you operate / At what altitudes do you operate?

We operate  between 5,500’ and 8,400’. 

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Can we do extra runs after our 10 runs are up?

Yes — when conditions and logistics allow, and all four guests in your group wish to continue.
Extra runs cost $125 per person, per run, and are subject to guide approval.

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How much vertical does High Desert Heli guarantee?

We guarantee 10 runs per day, not a set vertical.
Our goal is always to ski the longest and best-quality terrain possible based on weather and snow conditions. This typically equals at least 9,000 vertical feet per day, though often more.

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Do you mix skiers and snowboarders in the same group?

Yes. We welcome both skiers and snowboarders. Mixed groups often occur among friends or on half-day open programs.
If differences in ability or group chemistry arise, guides may adjust groupings to ensure safety and enjoyment for all.

 

How are groups (or loads) organized?

Each group (“load”) includes four guests and one guide.
Loads are arranged primarily by weight, as well as ability, experience, and fitness. We do our best to keep groups together when requested.
Guides may adjust loads to optimize safety and experience.

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How important is my fitness level?

Fitness is essential. The better your conditioning, the better your experience.
Guests should be fit enough to ski or ride 8 heli descents per day in variable snow conditions.
We recommend consistent exercise and stretching for at least four weeks prior to your trip, as well as skiing or snowboarding regularly.

 

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Do you rent or provide Alpine Touring skis, splitboards, skins, or boots?

High Desert Heli does not maintain a rental fleet.
However, our partner shops — The Mountain Supply in Bend, OR and [Partner Shop Name] in Eugene, OR — can fully outfit you with Alpine Touring or splitboard gear.