Which heli-ski operators have run for 30 years or more?

By Richard Jasinski·Updated 10 November 2026

These 20 heli-ski and cat-ski operators give a year of 1996 or earlier for their founding or first season on their own websites, read 10 November 2026. Each card gives what the operator says about it, with the place, package, group size, vertical, price or number where it names one, then why to choose it, what to ask for and the limits it publishes.

Which heli-ski operators have run for 30 years or more?

20 heli-ski and cat-ski operators in the Uncompromised Travel table say on their own websites that they give a year of 1996 or earlier for their founding or first season; Air Zermatt, Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing and Powderbird have the most Google reviews under the operator's own name.

Who is on this page and why. The Uncompromised Travel heli-ski and cat-ski operators table holds 83 companies: the heli-ski and cat-ski operators ChatGPT names most often when asked about heli-skiing and cat-skiing, plus the helicopter and snowcat members of HeliCat Canada. Agencies that sell several operators' weeks are not in it. Their own websites were read on 10 November 2026, with their Google listings matched by name. This page carries every operator in the table that, on its own website, gives a year of 1996 or earlier for its founding or first season: 20 operators. Cards are in alphabetical order. Each line on a card gives what the company's own website says, with a link to the page it came from; a second reader checked 440 of the table's rows against the pages. No company paid to be on this page.

Air Zermatt

Best for: Day heli-skiing from Zermatt, Switzerland
Founded: Has flown from Zermatt since 1968, founded by Beat H. Perren, with heli-skiing as one of its products.
Why choose them: Takes guests from its Zermatt and Raron heliports to landing sites in the Swiss Alps, from Monte Rosa at 4,200 m to Aeschihorn, Testa Grigia and the Unterrothorn. Google: 4.9 out of 5 from 336 reviews. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a guided glacier or off-piste descent booked through ZERMATTERS, or an on-piste heli-ski landing in Zermatt-Matterhorn or Grimentz.
Not the fit if: you cannot ski confidently in open terrain, which glacier and off-piste runs require.
Enquiry: air-zermatt.ch/en/air-zermatt/contact-us

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: en/information/gtc, en/experience/heliskiing.

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Alaska Heliskiing

Best for: Lodge-based heli-skiing in Alaska's Chilkat Range
Founded: Began guiding guests in 1995 and says it was the first guided heli-ski operation to open in Alaska.
Why choose them: Says its heli-skiing covers 300,000 acres of terrain in the Chilkat Range near Haines, Alaska. Google: 4.6 out of 5 from 27 reviews. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a package at Powdah Mountain Ski Lodge or for the private heli-skiing and heli-assisted touring it lists as available on request.
Not the fit if: you may need to cancel late: deposits are 75% refundable with 90 day cancellation notice and there are no refunds if you have not cancelled 90 days before the trip.
Enquiry: alaskaheliskiing.com/reservations

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: faq, about, reservations.

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Crescent Spur Heli-Skiing

Best for: Lodge-based heli-skiing in northern British Columbia
Founded: Has offered heli-skiing since the winter of 1992; 2027 is its 36th season.
Why choose them: Says its tenure covers 1,500 square miles and contains over 300 runs in the Northern Rocky and Northern Cariboo Mountains.
Ask for: Ask for a 6 Day/7 Night week or the Heli Legends Week (27 March to 3 April 2027), flown from its own lodge.
Not the fit if: you are not a strong parallel skier comfortable with most runs at major ski areas, including treed runs.
Published price: $14,275 CAD for the 6 Day/7 Night Package, Tour 4, 9 to 16 January 2027, with lodge accommodation on double occupancy, all meals, powder skis, poles, an avalanche airbag, a night at the Vancouver Airport Fairmont and the scheduled Prince George airport transfer; flights, extra vertical and gratuities are extra (the page does not say per person or per group). Read 10 November 2026.
Enquiry: crescentspur.com/contact

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: our-story, terrain, faq.

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Guide Monterosa

Best for: Heli-skiing in the Italian Alps
Founded: Was founded in 1995 as Guidemonterosa in Gressoney and says its first heli-ski destination there has run for over 25 years.
Why choose them: Says its mountain guide office has about 50 certified mountain guides and that its first heliskiing destination in Gressoney has operated for over 25 years.
Ask for: Ask for a private group in Val Formazza with 1 helicopter and 1 guide, or for a group booking adapted to your skiing level.
Not the fit if: you expect a cash refund by default: it issues a voucher for use in later years unless you ask otherwise and booked mountain guide services are non-refundable.
Enquiry: guidemonterosa.com/contact

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: contact, about-us, terms-and-conditions.

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High Mountain Heli-Skiing

Best for: Single-day heli-skiing from Jackson Hole
Founded: Traces its history in Jackson back to 1974 ("Jackson Hole. Since 1974.").
Why choose them: Says it has 350,000 acres of tenure across 4 mountain ranges beyond Jackson Hole.
Ask for: Ask for the three-day package at USD 5,700 (2027) per person, or the Private A-Star for your own group.
Not the fit if: you have not skied powder before, as it says a first heli day should not be a first introduction to powder.
Published price: USD 1,990 per person for one day on standard dates (USD 2,099 on peak dates), winter 2027, with six guided runs, a safety briefing and lunch; lodging and transfers not included. Read 10 November 2026.
Enquiry: heliskijackson.com/contact

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: home page, field-guide/first-time-heli-skiing, experiences/single-day-heli-skiing.

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Himalaya Heliski

Best for: Small-group heli-skiing in the Indian Himalaya
Founded: Has run heli-skiing from its Manali base since 1990 and calls itself the longest serving heliski operation in the Himalayas.
Why choose them: Says it operates 2 AS350B3 helicopters from base facilities near Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India. Google: 5.0 out of 5 from 1 review. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Himalayan Odyssey week (six ski days, seven nights in Manali), the Himalayan Exclusive Private package or the Himalayan Standby seats.
Not the fit if: you may cancel late: there is no refund for cancelling less than 12 weeks before the trip.
Published price: €13,700 per person per week for the Himalayan Odyssey (2027 season): six ski days, seven nights in Manali with all meals and 5 hours of helicopter flight time per group of up to 3. Extra helicopter hours are €3,500 per hour. Read 10 November 2026.
Enquiry: himalayaheliski.com/contact

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: home page, about/aviation, infos/payment-cancellation-extra-vertical.

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Last Frontier Heliskiing

Best for: Four-guest groups in Northern British Columbia
Founded: Was founded in 1996 by George Rosset, Franz Fux, Mike Watling and Geoff Straight, with a first eight-week season from Bell 2 Lodge.
Why choose them: Says its 10,100 square kilometre tenure in Northern BC is the largest single heli skiing area in the world, with over 1,000 named runs. Google (whole company): 4.9 out of 5 from 55 reviews. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a 4, 5 or 7-day tour at Bell 2 Lodge or Ripley Creek, or the Single Group Private for 4 guests.
Not the fit if: you are not at least a strong intermediate skier or snowboarder comfortable on black diamond runs, as it says heli-skiing is not for novices.
Published price: CAD 13,220 per person plus 5% GST, 4 days, 12 to 16 March 2027, Bell 2 Lodge, double occupancy, with 17,500 vertical metres guaranteed, meals, guides, powder skis and avalanche safety gear included. Read 10 November 2026.
Enquiry: lastfrontierheli.com/who-we-are

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: home page, heliskiing-area, is-heliskiing-for-me.

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Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing

Best for: Unlimited vertical heli-skiing in Blue River
Founded: Was founded by Mike Wiegele in 1970 and counts 2026/27 as Season #57.
Why choose them: Has more than 1,500,000 acres of terrain and over 1,000 peaks. Google: 4.7 out of 5 from 255 reviews. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Deluxe package with unlimited vertical, or Intro to Off-Piste for a snowcat day.
Not the fit if: you are below intermediate: it asks for at least a good intermediate skier or boarder who can ski every run in a major ski area.
Published price: From CAD 13,160 per person for the 7 day Deluxe package, 2026/27 season (the price depends on the week), with unlimited vertical, 3 gourmet meals a day, powder skis or snowboard, safety gear and log chalet accommodation on double occupancy included. Read 10 November 2026.
Enquiry: wiegele.com/plan-your-trip/booking-cancellation-info

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: why-us/our-team, why-us/why-us, frequently-asked-heli-ski-questions.

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Mount Cook Heliski

Best for: Day heli-skiing at Aoraki Mount Cook
Founded: Says Alpine Guides, together with Glentanner Station, pioneered helicopter skiing in New Zealand in 1974.
Why choose them: Says it has the single largest heli-ski block in New Zealand, with six mountain ranges and over 200 named runs.
Ask for: Ask for the 5-Run Heliski Day, extra runs at NZ$165 (no season given) per person per run or a private charter.
Not the fit if: you want to ski outside July to September: it flies every fine weather day from July to September.
Enquiry: mtcookheliski.co.nz/private-charter-heliski-booking-form

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: home page, faq.

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North Cascade Heli

Best for: Small-group heli-skiing in the North Cascades
Founded: Has guided skiers and snowboarders in the North Cascades since 1989.
Why choose them: Operates within a 300,000-acre permit area on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Ask for: Ask for the 1 Day heli-skiing trip with 8 runs guaranteed, or an exclusive charter for 2 or 3 groups.
Not the fit if: you ski below a confident intermediate level: it says confident intermediate to expert ability is required.
Enquiry: heli-ski.com/contact

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: about/faqs, about.

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Powderbird

Best for: Utah heli-skiing from Little Cottonwood Canyon
Founded: Was founded in 1973.
Why choose them: Was founded in 1973 as one of the world's first helicopter skiing operators, it says. Google: 4.6 out of 5 from 87 reviews. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Individual Seat day (6 runs, group of 4 with 1 guide) or the Silver or Gold package with lodging at The Cliff Lodge.
Not the fit if: you have not skied powder, as it says guests should be comfortable skiing black to double black diamonds and have experience skiing powder.
Published price: US$1,499 to US$1,955 per person for an Individual Seat day with 6 runs in a group of 4 with 1 guide, Early Bird rate for the 2026-27 season, with breakfast and lunch at the heliport, K2 ski demos and Mammut avalanche safety gear included. Read 10 November 2026.
Enquiry: snowbird.com/guiding-lessons/powderbird-helicopter-skiing/th

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: guiding-lessons/powderbird-helicopter-skiing/the, guiding-lessons/powderbird-helicopter-skiing/uta.

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RK Heliski

Best for: Drive-to heli days at Panorama
Founded: Was founded in 1970 by Roger Keith Madson as Radium Hot Springs Glacier Skiing.
Why choose them: Says it operates in 6 heliski zones with over 250 unique ski runs in the Purcell Mountains.
Ask for: Ask for the 3 Run Powder Adventure as a first heli day, or the ASTAR Semi-Private for a group of 4.
Not the fit if: you are under 14, as its minimum age to heliski and heliboard is 14, with guests aged 14 to 18 accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Enquiry: rkheliski.com/request-availability

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: about-us/our-history, details/our-terrain, details/booking-information.

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Ruby Mountain Heli-Skiing

Best for: Small-lodge heli and cat skiing in Nevada
Founded: Has been family owned and operated since 1977.
Why choose them: Says it is the oldest family owned heli-skiing and riding operation in the United States, after 50 years.
Ask for: Ask for the 1-day or 3-day heli package, a standby seat or the heli-assist touring day.
Not the fit if: you may need to cancel: the deposit is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Published price: $2,141.81 per person for the 1-day heli package (2027 tours, taxes and fees included): 5 runs guaranteed and up to 6 at no additional charge, with arrival-night lodging, breakfast, lunch and guide service. Read 10 November 2026 (currency not named on the page).
Enquiry: helicopterskiing.com/contact

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: our-story, booking, terms-and-conditions.

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Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing

Best for: Large-tenure heli-skiing from Revelstoke, BC
Founded: Says founder Peter Schlunegger, a fourth generation Swiss Mountain Guide, introduced helicopter skiing to Revelstoke and the Selkirk Mountains in 1978.
Why choose them: Says its heli-ski tenure is a 500,000+ acre wilderness with 400 named runs. Google: 4.8 out of 5 from 64 reviews. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a Small Group A-Star package (groups of up to 4), the Bell 212 Signature Experience or a Pinnacle package with a private helicopter.
Not the fit if: you are under 15: it requires participants to be 15 years of age or older.
Published price: CAD 1,909 to 1,999 per person for the Classic Bell 412 1-Day Adventure depending on date, 2026-27 season, with 4 runs guaranteed and unlimited vertical included; 5% tax is extra and accommodation is not included. Read 10 November 2026.
Enquiry: selkirk-tangiers.com/plan-your-trip/book-heli-skiing

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: about/our-story, experience/our-terrain, plan-your-trip/preparation-faq.

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Ski The Tasman

Best for: Intermediate heli-skiing on the Tasman Glacier
Founded: Says Alpine Guides has run glacier and heliskiing activities since 1974.
Why choose them: Says it uses helicopters to access NZ's 2 longest ski runs, with 1,000+ metres of vertical on each run. Google: 5.0 out of 5 from 18 reviews. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Classic Ski The Tasman day (2 runs, about 5 hours on the snow) or the Queenstown version with airport transfers and 40-minute scenic flights.
Not the fit if: you snowboard: Ski The Tasman is for skiers only.
Enquiry: skithetasman.co.nz/book

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: booking-terms, home page.

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Southern Lakes Heliski

Best for: Shared daily and private heli-skiing near Wanaka
Founded: Says it has delivered heliski experiences since 1985.
Why choose them: Says it has terrain across 17 mountain ranges with in excess of 800 runs, reaching 2,585m. Google: 4.8 out of 5 from 31 reviews. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a 4, 6 or 8 run daily package or a Silver or Gold private charter.
Not the fit if: you ski below intermediate: it says you need to be able to confidently link your turns on a blue run.
Enquiry: southernlakesheliski.com/contact

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: about-us, terrain, faq.

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Sun Valley Heli Ski

Best for: Day heli-skiing in the Idaho backcountry
Founded: Was started in 1965 by Bill Janss and says it has flown skiers into the Sawtooth and Smoky Mountains since 1964.
Why choose them: Flies an A-Star helicopter that holds 4 guests, a guide and a pilot, giving a 4 to 1 guest to guide ratio, with capacity for 16 skiers or riders a day. Google: 5.0 out of 5 from 21 reviews. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the full day (6 runs guaranteed), the special introduction to heliski package or a Smoky Mountain Lodge trip (3 days and 2 nights, 18 runs guaranteed).
Not the fit if: you ski below intermediate level: it says you should be at least an intermediate skier or boarder.
Enquiry: sunvalleyheliski.com/book-now

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: history, faq.

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Telluride Helitrax

Best for: Small-group heli-skiing in Colorado's San Juans
Founded: Was founded in 1982 by four Telluride friends and has run continuously since its first trip in 1983.
Why choose them: Says its US Forest Service permit covers over 200 square miles (128,000 acres) of San Juan terrain. Google: 4.8 out of 5 from 47 reviews. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the daily heli-skiing package (six runs, groups of four) or a custom tour billed by the flight hour.
Not the fit if: you ski below advanced level, as guests should confidently link solid turns on black ungroomed runs and in powder.
Website: helitrax.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: 2014/11/the-history-of-telluride-helitrax, about, faqs.

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Valdez Heli-Ski Guides

Best for: Week-long Chugach heli-skiing from two lodges
Founded: Was founded in 1993 on Thompson Pass by Doug Coombs and Emily Coombs.
Why choose them: Says it has guided helicopter skiing in the Chugach since 1993, when Doug Coombs and Emily Coombs founded it on Thompson Pass. Google: 4.4 out of 5 from 14 reviews. Read 10 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for Joining a Group, one seat in a group of up to 4 guests with 1 guide, or the Classic at Alaska Rendezvous Lodge.
Not the fit if: you want a trip shorter than a week, as every trip runs Saturday to Saturday and only week-long packages are published.
Published price: $8,500 per guest, Classic week at Alaska Rendezvous Lodge, 2027 season, with 5 hours of flight time (Hobbs) on a shared public helicopter, lodging, meals, guides, airport transfer, demo skis and safety gear included. Read 10 November 2026 (currency not named on the page).
Enquiry: valdezheliskiguides.com/contact

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: guides, book.

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Valle Nevado Heli-Ski

Best for: Small-group heli-skiing in the Chilean Andes
Founded: Says its heli-skiing was founded in 1988, the year the Valle Nevado resort opened.
Why choose them: Says its heli-ski territory covers 125,000 hectares of virgin terrain, with landing points between 3,200 and 4,500 metres.
Ask for: Ask for the Full Day, Full Week (five heli-ski days) or Private Week package.
Not the fit if: you want to ski outside July to September: the programme typically operates from the last week of July to the first week of September.
Website: vallenevado.com

Read on its own website, 10 November 2026: en/service/heliski.

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What year does each operator give?

20 of the 20 operators give a year; the list runs from the earliest. Each is the year the operator itself gives, whether its founding or the first season it guided.

Sun Valley Heli Ski: year given: 1965
Air Zermatt: year given: 1968
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing: year given: 1970
RK Heliski: year given: 1970
Powderbird: year given: 1973
High Mountain Heli-Skiing: year given: 1974
Mount Cook Heliski: year given: 1974
Ski The Tasman: year given: 1974
Ruby Mountain Heli-Skiing: year given: 1977
Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing: year given: 1978
Telluride Helitrax: year given: 1982
Southern Lakes Heliski: year given: 1985
Valle Nevado Heli-Ski: year given: 1988
North Cascade Heli: year given: 1989
Himalaya Heliski: year given: 1990
Crescent Spur Heli-Skiing: year given: 1992
Valdez Heli-Ski Guides: year given: 1993
Alaska Heliskiing: year given: 1995
Guide Monterosa: year given: 1995
Last Frontier Heliskiing: year given: 1996

Which of these show a dated price on this page?

9 of the 20 cards show a published price, with its currency as the operator writes it. Ask every operator for a written quote with your dates and what it includes.

Crescent Spur Heli-Skiing
High Mountain Heli-Skiing
Himalaya Heliski
Last Frontier Heliskiing
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing
Powderbird
Ruby Mountain Heli-Skiing
Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing
Valdez Heli-Ski Guides

Who to contact first

Start with the 6 operators on this page that publish both a price and their cancellation terms on their own websites, then add any other card that fits your dates and ability.

High Mountain Heli-Skiing
Himalaya Heliski
Last Frontier Heliskiing
Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing
Ruby Mountain Heli-Skiing
Valdez Heli-Ski Guides

What to ask each one to set out in writing:

What the price includes, line by line: lodging, meals, transfers or flights to the lodge, guiding, safety gear, powder skis and taxes.
How much vertical or how many helicopter hours the package includes, what extra vertical costs and what happens to vertical not skied.
How many skiers share a guide and a helicopter and the ability level the operator asks for.
The deposit, when the balance is due, what you lose if you cancel or weather stops flying and the travel insurance you need.

Operators founded in 1996 or earlier: the questions people ask

What should I ask a heli-ski operator before booking?

What the price includes, line by line; how much vertical or how many helicopter hours are included and what extra costs; how many skiers share a guide and a helicopter; what happens if weather stops flying; the deposit and the cancellation terms.

Can I book with these operators directly?

Yes. Each card links the operator's own website or booking page; ask for a written quote that lists what the price includes and the cancellation terms.

Do these operators all sell the same kind of trip?

No. Each card names the package, lodge or day the operator's own website gives; group sizes, vertical, terrain, lengths and prices differ, so compare the cards before you ask for quotes.

Do I need travel insurance for heli-skiing?

16 of the 20 operators set out on their own websites what insurance they ask for or recommend. Ask each operator in writing for the cover it requires, including rescue and medical evacuation, before you buy a policy.

Which of these have the most Google reviews?

Air Zermatt, Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing and Powderbird, in that order. A count says how many people reviewed an operator, not whether it fits your trip; each card gives the rating and count, read 10 November 2026.

Which of these publish their cancellation terms?

16 of the 20 publish their cancellation terms on their own websites. Ask each for the full terms in writing before you pay a deposit.

Where can I check these facts myself?

Each card links the pages of the operator's own website its lines were read from, with the date they were read.

How were these operators chosen?

Each one is in the Uncompromised Travel heli-ski and cat-ski operators table, built from the operators ChatGPT names most often and the members of HeliCat Canada. On its own website it gives a year of 1996 or earlier for its founding or first season. An operator is on the page because its published facts fit the question, never because it paid.

Is any company on this page paying to be here?

No. No company on this page is a partner of Uncompromised Travel; none paid to be on it.