What could surpass the adrenaline rush when you are skiing down an almost 90 degree slope? If the extreme variety of extreme sports is your forte, heli-skiing will interest you. That too in the lofty Himalayan slopes. Heli skiing gives you skiing conditions that are unique, namely, the excellently smooth snow, the extra long descents, extremely steep slopes, naturally contoured terrain and above all, the atmosphere that is so in tune with nature. Heli skiing is said to be un paralleled by any other skiing activity.
Heli skiing
What is Hele skiing all about? In short, you are dropped by helicopter to a peak of your choice. There is no effort involved in scaling the peaks, which could be a pain if the Himalayas is where you are at. It is off-trail skiing and is favored by the more adventurous skiers. Also since the guide and the copter are present always, you can ski without being scared of safety.
The Himalayas
It is but common knowledge that the Himalayas are at the very top of any list of skiing destinations. If the sheer height of the peaks (5000-6500 m peaks!) is not incentive enough, the client-guide ratio of 3-4 per group, which is the lowest in the world and the diverse local culture and geography that differentiates the mighty Himalayas from the rest may be enough. There is an innumerable variety of slopes for your choice.
Where?
Himachal Pradesh, India
Manali in Himachal Pradesh is the base for heli skiing in Himachal Pradesh. Manali is about 500 km far from New Delhi. There are many resorts that offers package heli skiing deals with accommodation, guides and travel thrown in. Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba,Rohtang pass and Chanderkhani Pass are the main areas offering heliskiing.peaks of upto 14000 in height are observed.
Kashmir, India
Kashmir is also a preferred heli skiing destination. This state is described as a veritable paradise. In spite of security issues; the tourism industry is improving day by day.
Gulmarg and Khilanmarg are the chief heli skiing spots in Kashmir. Skiing here goes on between December to March annually.
Nepal
Nepal is home to the eight highest mountains in the world.Until recently, before permission was granted for heli skiing in Nepal, it would have taken 45 days or more to scale the peaks, with the risks involved enormous. This difficulty has now been surmounted, and Nepal is now open for hele skiing.
The peaks of Everest, Dhauligiri, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Cho oyu, the Dolpo regions, and more are excellent for heli-skiing.
