A TYPICAL DAY OF HELISKIING
A TYPICAL DAY OF HELISKIING
Preparing for your day
Whether it’s your first time boarding a helicopter or your tenth heliski mission in New Zealand, this guide covers everything you need to know before you clip in. Below you’ll find practical details on what to pack, how the morning check‑in and safety briefing unfold, what to expect from the backcountry terrain we ride, and how we’ll get you home at day’s end. By the time you step onto the snow, you’ll be fully prepared—equipment dialled, safety basics clear, and ready to make the most of every run in the Southern Lakes.
What to bring
We take care of the essentials—avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, airbag and a gourmet packed lunch, so you can focus on the day. What you’ll need to bring are high‑quality mountain basics: quality winter layers and ski or snowboard equipment for the conditions. Alpine weather in the Southern Lakes can swing from warm to chilly in a single run, so check the forecast and turn up in the appropriate layers for the conditions.
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Dress for the conditions of the day - with quality outerwear, breathable mid-layers, gloves and goggles. Place importance on helmets - and highlight how we champion a company wide policy with all Southern Lakes Heliski staff and guides wearing helmets on the mountain.
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Ski's should at a minimum be 100mm underfoot - ensuring you have an enjoyable experience in the back country.
While the resorts can be deceiving with the groomed runs, and well packed in snow - a heliski trip exposes you to terrain that few have skied, and it will often be much deeper than you anticipate.
If you're unsure, chat to your rentals shop and mention you're going heliskiing; or call our team. Ensure you have poles.
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For the best experience, we advice that you bring a powder snowboard for your day. These are specifically designed for the back country conditions you will be exposed to - and all good rentals shops will be able to assist.
If you cant access a powder board, we highly recommend you move your bindings backwards a few notches before the day (you wont have time in the morning); putting you in a more suitable riding position.
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Small cameras, such as your phone or a gopro are allowed on this trip, however phones must be in flight mode (with Bluetooth deactivated), and no selfie sticks are allowed with gopros due to the dangers around helicopters. In addition to this, smart watches should be removed before the day, and Bluetooth devices such as headphones are banned. This is for your personal safety on the mountain.
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To stay comfortable on the day you are allowed to bring your own sunscreen or extra water (noting we will supply water at lunch). This can stay in the helicopter during your experience
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Safety is important to us, and we provide all of the safety equipment, including avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes. We're also the only heliski company in New Zealand to provide every guest with an airbag. You will receive instructions on the morning of your experience from your guide on how to use these pieces of equipment.
A real highlight of the day is the gourmet packed lunch. We'll land the helicopter and serve a mix of warm and cold food (such as soup, gourmet sandwiches and slice) as well as refreshments.
If after consuming any of this contact you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to get in touch with our team by calling 03 442 6222 or emailing info@southernlakesheliski.com.
Key Timelines
Weather call
In the days leading up to your heliski, our team will be in touch with you if weather conditions may impact your day. Where your schedule allows we will move you to the best possible day based on forecasts and conditions.
Be awake and have your morning coffee by 7:30 am on the day of your heliski. You will receive a call from your guide between 7:30 am - 8:30 am advising on the plan for the day. Your guide will inform you of the meeting time and location following the morning snow safety meeting..
Staging location
Your staging location is where your helicopter meets you to transfer you to the mountains. This staging location will sometimes be closer to Wanaka and sometimes closer to Queenstown, all depending on the best conditions. Occasionally you may even be transferred across the lake by boat to get to your staging location.
You will meet at the location advised by your guide or will be picked up if requested. Once at the staging area you will be divided into your groups for the day (excluding private charters). We do our best to determine groups based upon similar ability levels.
Your guide will then provide a safety briefing and discuss the plan for the day.
On-mountain
Your guide will choose runs and terrain in line with your group’s ability levels. You will complete a few runs before enjoying your on mountain lunch at mid-day. Once lunch is complete you’ll head out for your remaining runs. Additional runs can be purchased for $135pp should you decide you’d like to keep going.
Returning home
Our 4 run groups will typically return to town early afternoon. 6 runs + and Private Charters are considered full-day trips, returning at the end of day around 4pm - 4:30pm. Please note return times may vary if additional road transfers are required due to staging locations on the day.
