Heliskiing Chile -A Dream Come True!

For information on heliskking as part of your Valle Nevado ski vacation package please contact Ripley's Mountain Adventures (877) 752-6754.

I had every intention of heliskiing Chile if at all possible while there, but the helicopters had not been fired up this season yet and the writing on the wall was that we were a bit early in the season to heliski, not necessarily because of conditions, multiple 6 foot dumps had provided plenty of snow, but because the go to heli operation, Eco Copter, was not ready to go yet. So much for fulfilling a life long dream! This was the initial word we received from Valle Nevado Headquarters in Santiago when we arrived in Chile, and basically a reiteration of the same upon arriving up at Valle Nevado Resort. Claudia, who runs the marketing on site at the resort approached us with good news however a short time after the initial discussion with her. The heli operation was going to do some testing of the equipment and terrain because we had expressed such an interest in getting out to heliski. We were catalyzing an early kickoff to the heli skiing season in Chile. This same operation operates out of Valle Nevado, Portillo, and even Santiago. If everything worked out right, we would be the first heliskiers in Chile this winter! We needed four spots so we had to present the idea gently to a hesitant Julie. Once she overcame her initial hesitation, the game was on. When we got the definite on heliskiing we were all positively giddy pervaded by a little apprehension on the part of some. Some of us were so excited, we certainly spent too long in the disco tech the night prior to heliskiing! I paid for that personally on the hill the next day! Enjoy the photos of pristine back country Andes Skiing Terrain. I have posted many videos below as well!