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Mid-Season Report
We’re right in the middle of our season here at Southern Lakes Heliski! Can you believe how fast the season is flying by? We started the season patiently waiting for the snow to arrive, and now that it has, we’ve been carving our way through fresh powder and chasing those adrenaline highs. Whether you’ve been shredding with us or cheering from the sidelines, this mid-season report is your backstage pass to all the action, events, and drool worthy photos.
Ready to snag your spot? Book in before the season bids us adieu, and let’s ride those mountains like there’s no tomorrow!
Women’s Weekend Avalanche Training
With thanks to Aspiring Guides and The North Face
Our Women’s Weekend event is fast approaching in September, and for the first participants to register for the weekend’s activities, they were granted a spot on an Avalanche Skills Course 1 training. This training was graciously compensated by The North Face, in support of enabling and encouraging women to get into the backcountry and feel more comfortable to explore the outdoors.
It was a fantastic couple of days, with a training session in the evening with facilitated by the knowledgeable and experienced guides, Bron and Monika. This training session was great to introduce the risks, types, and gear associated with avalanches. The following day we loaded the girls, (and our photographer) into the vans to head up to Treble Cone Ski Resort. The day was full of practical training, including engaged conversations and examples of different hazards and risk mitigation, to learning about transceivers, shovels, and probes and running rescue drills solo and as a team. All the women involved greatly benefited from this experience and some have already expressed wanting to further their education.
This course was just a glimpse of the community and female empowerment our Women’s Weekend hopes to bring to the snow community, and we can’t wait for the full Women’s Weekend on September 15th and 16th.
A huge shout out to Aspiring Guides and The North Face for bringing it all together
Film Festivals
Did you attend the Warren Miller Film Festival or the NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival?
Nothing brings community together quite like a film festival. Gather your friends, grab a snack, see some art, and then you get to watch some of the worlds craziest, funniest, heartstring-pulling, creative, and inspiring outdoor and adventure films in a giant room with other likeminded people. What could be better?
This year we were thrilled to be a part of two great festivals, the Warren Miller Film Festival and the NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival.
We got the chance to talk to many locals and travellers about our products and events, and we answer many of your Heliskiing questions. Many have been included in our Frequently Asked Questions - so if you have any other queries, please do check out the website!
We can’t wait for next season where we can help support the film festivals return to Wanaka once more.
It’s far from over!
Don’t miss out!
The party isn’t over yet. With more snow on the radar, this is one ride you don’t want to miss. Spots in August are filling up faster than you can say “powder chasing”, with limited spaces available, but we’ll be keeping the stoke alive through September, and if the snow gods bless us, we aim to keep rocking into October. So, if you’re craving a taste of winter magic, grab your gear and let’s make some memories together!
Embrace the Thrills: Southern Lakes Heliski Season Opens for an Epic Winter Adventure!
Attention all adventure seekers and snow enthusiasts! The moment we've all been eagerly waiting for is finally here – the Southern Lakes Heliski season has kicked off, and the Southern Alps are calling!
Attention all adventure seekers and snow enthusiasts! The moment we've all been eagerly waiting for is finally here – the Southern Lakes Heliski season is about to kick off, and the Southern Alps are calling! Get ready to experience the exhilaration of heliskiing as we delve into an epic winter filled with untouched powder and breathtaking views.
Conditions from the weekend
The snow had eluded us at the beginning of the season, but after a western front providing us with exactly what we need, winter's snowy arrival marks the start of our 2023 heliski season.
We've been keeping a close eye on the weather reports, and the forecast for the Southern Alps region is turning in favour of the snowy activities we love. Our recent weather report indicates we’re expecting more snow Thursday, and then an extended fine spell after that. Perfect conditions to allow us access up into the mountains.
In the lead up to opening, our guides have been busy doing their refresher courses, avalanche management, and team training to ensure that this season runs without a hitch.
Southern Lakes Heliski takes pride in providing guests with the experience of a lifetime. From seasoned enthusiasts to first-time heliskiers, everyone is in for a treat. With an expert team of guides and pilots, safety is always a top priority, ensuring you can focus on the sheer thrill of each descent.
What to Expect for Your First Heliski
As the helicopter lifts off from the base, your heart races with anticipation. You'll be transported to exclusive terrain that only heliskiing can offer – untouched runs, vast backcountry, and endless opportunities to challenge yourself. The adrenaline-fuelled lines are met with cheers of triumph, creating bonds with fellow adventurers that will last well beyond your winter escape.
You can find out more information about what to pack and the equipment you need here.
To help you understand what level skiier or snowboarder you are, you can complete our Ability Guide and don’t forget to watch our Assumption of Risk video to have a clear understanding of what Heliskiing is all about.
As the heliski season opens, the buzz of winter comes alive in the Southern Lakes region. It's a time of camaraderie, laughter, and sharing unforgettable
moments on the slopes.
Book Your Winter Adventure
Now is the time to secure your spot with Southern Lakes Heliski. Whether you're a seasoned snow enthusiast or a curious first-timer, the Southern Alps are waiting to be explored. Create memories that will last a lifetime and experience the delight of heliskiing in one of the world's most stunning winter destinations.
Women’s Weekend 2023
Find out more about Women’s Weekend 2023!
THIS ONE’S FOR THE GIRLS!
You may have seen we recently launched our Women’s Weekend 2023 event. We are honoured to bring the event back for another year!
Why a weekend dedicated to women?
Action and adventure sports have always been seen as a male dominated area. After seeing this imbalance over the years, we wanted to offer a weekend for the ladies. To break down the barriers and misconceptions about the backcountry. Offering empowerment, education, and an opportunity to get into the mountains with a group of likeminded ladies. We want to demonstrate, and encourage women that they too belong in the backcountry, and that getting out there shouldn’t be intimidating or scary. With the right guidance and information, it is somewhere that everyone can enjoy!
What does the weekend involve?
Women’s Weekend has grown to be a little more than a normal weekend. Offering Avalanche Training in July, and the main event in September.
The main event consists of an open-to-public event on Friday 15th September at Hello Ranger in Northlake. This event will be an opportunity for the Women’s Weekend participants to meet each other, but more than that we invite the public to join in celebrating women in the backcountry by watching a women-led ski movie, and hosting a raffle with some pretty incredible prizes from The North Face, POC, Aspiring Guides, SnoPro, and more. With all of the proceeds being donated to the Mint Trust Charitable Fund. The community night aims to start conversations around female involvement in the ski/snowboard industry and as a meet and greet for women with similar interests to mingle.
The next day, Saturday 16th September, the participants will head to their staging area where they will break into different groups. We are hosting a traditional Heliski day with 5 runs, or for those looking to learn a new skill, we also offer the Introduction to Ski Touring. Both of these activities will join for lunch atop the mountains, before heading out for some more laps. After an incredible day in the backcountry, everyone will come together by the lake for apres with B.Effect providing the drinks, fun giveaways, and some delicious nibbles.
How is the Avalanche Training involved?
The idea behind the avalanche training originated from the organiser, Cassie, having conversations with her girlfriends. They wanted to organise a time that they could all do their avalanche training and Cassie quickly realised the habit of females. We like doing things together. Especially when the thing we want to do is quite intimidating. To have a support network with you, makes it a lot easier. With these conversations in mind, the idea to facilitate an Avalanche Training was born.
Cassie took her idea to The North Face and they quickly jumped on board. With the course aligning with their ethos of education and empowerment for women they could see the value in covering the cost of the course for 11 of the Women’s Weekend participants. Aspiring Guides were also happy to be involved, putting their best women guides on the job!
So now, we’re fortunate to be able to offer the first 11 women to register for the event, the opportunity to attend an Avalanche Skill Course 1 with Aspiring Guides for free. So long as you have a Cardrona/TC pass. If not, then you’ll have to cover the cost of a backcountry pass at $60.
Why would you need Avalanche Training?
Avalanche’s are a real danger in New Zealand. No matter if it’s winter or summer, you can find yourself in a tricky situation if you’re partaking in any activity around snow. This could be skiing/boarding, hiking, climbing, or mountaineering.
These courses aren’t reserved just for professionals and guides, they can help save anyones life when enjoying time in the New Zealand mountains.
You will gain experience in trip preparation, route selection, decision making and rescue skills.
For more information about what you could learn, check out Aspiring Guides.
So how do you get involved?
Head over to our Women’s Weekend page for all of the main information, plus registration.
We couldn’t run this event without the help from our incredible sponsors:
And our event partners:
The North Face
Encouraging, empowering, and educating women is what The North Face is all about. They jumped on board immediately with our ideas and have been a long time supporter of Southern Lakes Heliski. We are over the moon to have their support once again for Women’s Weekend.
As well as the Avalanche Training, The North Face run an amazing initiative - the Mountain Development Scholarship. Covering the cost of a lucky winners flights, accomodation, and gear to help them participate in the weekend. Ensuring that women who usually may not be able to attend events like Women’s Weekend have a way to be included.
POC
POC have supported Southern Lakes Heliski for years, ensuring that our guides have the best protection systems. They continue to lead the way for personal protection, not just for guides and athletes but everyone interested in getting outdoors. We’re excited to have them support us and to offer our participants with the fantastic quality equipment they provide.
Last Year’s Event
2022 Women’s Weekend
This year we had the great honour of hosting a Women’s Weekend in partnership with The North Face and POC. The weekend was designed to encourage, equip and connect like-minded women to free themselves from their comfort zone and tap into new capabilities
Photo by: Camilla Rutherford
There are heaps of different perceptions about heli skiing, many of which have been moulded through the scenes of classic films comprised of the “Alaska-style” lines we all grew up watching. Certainly not for the faint of heart. While the Southern Alps of New Zealand can scratch the itch for those who wish to channel their inner Travis Rice, there is also an endless playground on offer for those in search of pristine snow, reprieve from the ski field queues, new terrain and incredible views. From boy’s trips, 30ths, 40ths and 50ths or just because it’s a Thursday, there is no denying the lads certainly hold it down when it comes to heliskiing.
And so, this one was for the ladies.
This year we had the great honour of hosting a Women’s Weekend in partnership with The North Face and POC. The weekend was designed to encourage, equip and connect like-minded women to free themselves from their comfort zone and tap into new capabilities we know they had in themselves all along. Egos, doubts, and hesitations were left at the staging area and we took flight for a day of laughter, encouragement, and 100% good times.
We reckon we nailed it, but we’ll let you be the judge.
Movie & Mingle Community Night
Janina Kuzma and Sam Smoothy presenting their newest film. Photo by: Camillia Rutherford
The weekend festivities kicked off with a Movie & Mingle community night hosted at B. Social in Wanaka. We packed the house to support an amazing local organisation, Mint Charitable Trust, helping to raise $1,270 for their summer camp. Mint Trust works to support families and individuals with intellectual disabilities. Their programs provide physical, intellectual, and social engagement opportunities which create support, improved confidence, and new friendships. Janina Kuzma and Sam Smoothy helped to kick off our backcountry stoke with a showing of their newest film “The Pursuit.”
A packed house at B. Social viewing “the Pursuit”. Photo by: Camilla Rutherford
Raffling off a pair of Völkl skis in support of Mint Charitable Trust. Photo by: Camillia Rutherford
Backcountry Day
Attendees of Women’s Weekend booked in for a backcountry adventure of their choosing- 5 runs of straight-up heliskiing or an Intro to Backcountry Ski Touring. After receiving 15 cm of new snow days prior, the weekend greeted us with incredible blue-bird conditions and zero wind. Some might say it was too perfect.
Janina Kuzma provided morning safety briefing before lifting off. Photo by: Camillia Rutherford
Intro to Backcountry Ski Touring
Our ski touring crew was comprised of individuals who had never ski toured before, and those looking to advance their skills. Throughout the day this crew learned tips and tricks for effectively moving throughout the mountains, terrain navigation, assessing risks, and of course skiing some fun backcountry terrain.
Photo by: Victoria Wells
Photo by: Victoria Wells
Photo by: Victoria Wells
Following an incredible day of skiing and snowboarding the ladies were greeted with a special treat, a lakeside après ski celebration at Minaret Station. Our friends from B.Effect welcomed guests with delicious libations. Nibbles were enjoyed, laughs and stories were shared, and we gave a few prizes from our Friends at POC & The North Face. Prize categories included most perseverance, trailblazer (for our ski touring group), and of course…best bail.
We were sad to see the day come to an end, but the day was capped off with a stunning sunset boat ride across Lake Wanaka in true Minaret Station fashion.
Photo by: Camillia Rutherford
Photo by: Victoria Wells
We are incredibly grateful to all who attended and helped to make this unforgettable weekend possible. A big thank you to all of our supporting partners: The North Face Aus/NZ, POC, B.Effect, Peak Experience, Lake Wanaka Tourism, Volkl, Love Thy Land and Hannah Hughes Photography.
And of course, a massive thank you to the incredible ladies who documented the day: Camilla Rutherford (photo) and Deanna Gerlach (Video).
A Record Breaking Start to 2022
After a hectic couple of years of navigating lockdowns and pandemics - the season we have been waiting for has arrived with a vengeance.
We don’t even know where to start. After a hectic couple of years of navigating lockdowns and pandemics - the season we have been waiting for has arrived with a vengeance. The season began beautifully with an early season dump snowing to ground level in June. These early season offerings allowed us to kick off our season on June 23rd. The snow just kept coming and our Chief Guide was not complaining:
“I haven't seen an early season storm like this in 10 years.”
We’re recapping some of our favourite days of the season thus far. Worry not - we’re only getting started.
Warning… mouth-watering photos to follow.
The faces say it all. Photo: Jeff Ward
July Powder and Faces of Stoke
July brought a bit of unsettled weather bringing moisture in tow to many of the ski fields. Luckily between storm cycles, we were able to take full advantage of our high alpine terrain where perfectly dry winter conditions greeted us with plenty on offer.
Top to Bottom Days
You know the season is going well when your snow safety officer says:
“Tarn reckoned 10/10 skiing today. I'm not sure I've seen him put down 10/10 before! We're skiing almost all of our runs. Actual steep and deep!!!”
With such great coverage across the Southern Lakes Region we’re skiing some epic verticle meters. This year the biggest hesitation might be how much your legs can handle.
Skiing top to bottom. Photo: Jeff Ward
Photo: Jeff Ward
Photo: Jeff Ward
Photo: Jeff Ward
Deep powder conditions in July. Photo: Jeff Ward
Cool Wakushima Crowned Newest Member of the Red Bull Team
This month Cool Wakushima, New Zealand Olympic slopestyle and big air snowboarder, was surprised by Nico Porteous at Treble Cone with the presentation of her Red Bull helmet as the newest member of the Red Bull team. We had the honour of taking her and her mother out for celebratory heli-ski laps. These snaps from Miles Holden say it all…..
Congratulations Cool!