Travel » Heli Skiing in India

From high in the Himalaya, you can experience fast, vast runs that test even the fittest.

Think of the world’s great mountains and you immediately think of the Himalaya the highest, longest range of mountains in the world. For heliskiers in India, this awe­some range provides some of the most ex­citing runs on the planet, with vertical drops tip to 2000 and downhill runs that stretch for up to 14km. Thc base from which to ex­plore this powder paradise is the town of Manali, situated at around 2000m in the idyllic Kullu valley – sometimes referred to as the valley of the Gods’. From here, the closest slopes are just a six-minute helicop­ter ride away, while the highest runs start from over 5000m.

The adrenalin starts pumping in the helicopter ride on the way up – one minute you’re 50m above the snow, then all of a sudden you crest the ridge and the nearest solid ground is thousands of metres below. The vastness of the area is astounding even at 4000m plus, the mountains still soar thousands of metres above you. But it’s the endless runs that keep you captivated. One convert described a typical run.

"The sense of openness, freedom and expectation has you totally wired before you start. Then you’re off, following the guide and winding your way down into a long, fast series of S-curves that takes you full-bore down a seemingly endless slope. For safety, you follow a predetermined sequence. Usually after fifty turns, you all stop while the guide checks the next stretch. The break is welcome even if you’re fit. Some­times the guides will talk to you about the mountains. Then you’re off again into another wild blast across an open sea of white crystal. In all my skiing, all over the world, I’ve never experienced anything like it."

Most skiing takes place at between 2700m and 4300m, and journeys commonly end 900-1200m further down, though if con­ditions permit, it’s possible to ski all the way to the valley floor through cedar forests. Skiers looking for high-voltage excitement can choose from some great runs: Rock and Roll, a 1000m run that leads through a mas­sive boulder field; Kothi Ridge, which of­fers a sensational 12km run through a combination of powder and corn snow; and Durga - the area’s highest run which drops from 5100m through knee-deep powder.

Overall, the seriously long runs, the purity of the powder and the sheer spacious grandeur of the environment is a completely mind-boggling experience for ski­ers. This is thrilling skiing, but it can also be very hard work, even if you’re fit. Also, this really is the high country so be sure you can handle it before you go.

Once the day’s adventure is over, you’ll appreciate the comfortable accommodation in the well-equipped hotels in the area, and for relaxing moments, there are lovely mountain villages to explore, with their thronged markets, monasteries and old tem­ples. If you want to supplement your ski­ing action with a little Indian culture or wildlife, extension trips can be arranged through a reputable local agent.

HIMACHAL HELISKLING
Himachal is the only operator in the area, and consequently they’re very popular, so early booking is essential. Himachal have been in the area since 1989, and offer high standards: the helicopters are from Switzer­land, flown by Swiss pilots and maintained by Swiss ground staff-, while another key as­pect of Himachal’s packages is the 3:1 ratio of guests to guides.

For those looking for a more relaxed heliskiing experience, the Private Odyssey package gives 18 hours’ dedicated use of a helicopter over a six-clay, period. The price depends on group size.