FAQ - Tailor-made Heliskiing & Freeride Skiing Travel Agency

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our exclusive heliskiing, freerando and off-piste skiing trips here.

 

What makes L'Or Blanc Travel unique?

UIAGM/IFMGA guides, reduced staff numbers, premium logistics, days tailored to the conditions in real time. Our promise: safety, exclusivity, and memorable routes.

---

 

What level do you need to be to go heliskiing?

A good level of off-piste skiing and decent physical condition are sufficient. We adapt the slope, exposure, and pace. More technical formats are available for experts.

---

 

In which countries do you offer heliskiing?

Canada (Bella Coola, Skeena, Ripley Creek, Bell 2, Stellar, Northern), Alaska (Valdez), Chile, Iceland, Turkey, Nepal, Italy, plus freerando programs in Japan (Hokkaido) and the French Alps.

---

 

Is helicopter drop-off permitted in France?

No. We operate from Italy (Courmayeur, La Thuile, Valgrisenche, Sestrière, etc.), with the possibility of skiing on the French side depending on the conditions.

---

 

What is the best time to visit each destination?

Canada & Alaska: Dec.–Apr. | Iceland: Mar.–mid-Apr. | Turkey: Feb.–Apr. | Nepal: Mar.–early Apr. | Chile: Jul.–Sep. | Japan (Hokkaido): Jan.–Feb. | Alps: Depending on snow conditions.

---

 

Flight hours or vertical meters: how does it work?

There are two models: a credit of helicopter hours shared by the group, or a volume of vertical meters included. Supplements and weather credits are specified in the contract.

---

 

What happens on a non-flying day (weather)?

Active Plan B: forest skiing, freerando or snowcat depending on the destination to maintain a quality day of skiing.

---

 

What group size and supervision?

Reference: 4 skiers per guide (up to 2 groups per machine depending on operations). Daily safety briefing, radios, routes calibrated to the conditions.

---

 

What equipment do you recommend?

100–110 mm freeride skis (or snowboard/split), sometimes approach skins. PPE required: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe; helmet recommended; airbag recommended.

---

 

Can we rent equipment on site?

Yes, for many destinations (powder skis/snowboards, PPE). We confirm sizes and availability upon booking.

---

 

Are there any altitude constraints (e.g. Nepal)?

We plan for acclimatization and monitor progress. Medical questionnaires are available for very high mountains; intervention protocols are in place.

---

 

What insurance do you recommend?

Operator liability insurance included. We recommend travel insurance covering off-piste rescue, repatriation, and winter sports.

---

 

How to book? Payments and deadlines

30–35% deposit upon confirmation. Balance due 45 to 120 days before departure, depending on destination. Payments can be made by bank transfer or secure credit card.

---

 

Can I go on a heliskiing weekend?

Yes, 2-3 day formats, particularly in Italy and from the Alps: ideal for a quick break or a first experience.

---

 

Helicopter or lodge privatization

Available on request: private machine, reserved lodge, photographer/videographer, massage, private chef... Custom quote.

---

 

Sustainability: How do you limit the impact?

Small groups, optimized rotations, committed partners, fauna/flora awareness, emissions offsetting at the operations level.

---

 

 

What is heliskiing?

Heliskiing, or heli-skiing, is an exclusive off-piste skiing experience where skiers and snowboarders are dropped off by helicopter to the summits of mountains inaccessible by ski lifts. This allows for untouched descents in exceptional powder snow, supervised by certified guides and equipped with high-end safety equipment.

---

How much does a heliskiing trip cost?

The price of a heliskiing trip varies depending on the destination, duration and type of program chosen (classic or private).

• Canada – Bell 2, Ripley Creek, B. Coola : from €6,200 for 4 days, up to €13,800 for 7 days.

• Iceland : from €8,090 for 4 days or €12,500 for 6 days.

• Turkey : approximately €9,850 for 7 days.

• Nepal : from €11,800 for 6 days.

• Chile : approximately US$14,990 for 6 days.

Each trip includes premium accommodations, transfers, safety equipment, and expert guidance. For a personalized quote, we recommend contacting us directly.

---

Where to go heliskiing in the world?

Lorblanc Travel offers heliskiing trips to the world's most beautiful destinations:

• Canada (Bell 2, Ripley Creek, B. Coola, Northern, Stellar, Skeena, Tyax)

• Alaska – Valdez

• Türkiye – Kaçkar Massif

• Iceland – Troll Peninsula

• Nepal – Annapurna and Himalayas

• Chile – Andes Mountains

• Alps & Italy (Chamonix, Courmayeur, La Thuile, Valgrisenche…)

These destinations cover all seasons, from December to September, offering almost guaranteed powder snow.

---

How to organize a heliskiing weekend?

A heliskiing weekend is tailor-made. The agency takes care of everything: private transfers, accommodation in a lodge or mountain hotel, safety equipment, ski passes, and supervision by expert guides.
Typical organization includes:

• Safety briefing and equipment handover

• Heli-ski flights with several drop-offs per day

• Lunches on the slopes or in the lodges

• 24/7 assistance for any logistical needs

Each stay is designed to maximize ski time and guarantee an exclusive experience.

---

Is heli-skiing dangerous?

Heliskiing is a high mountain activity, but its safety depends on rigorous preparation:

• Guided by UIAGM/IFMGA certified guides with recognized local expertise

• Safety equipment provided (ABS bag, DVA, shovel, probe, harness)

• Modern helicopters and rescue procedures available (e.g. reserve B3 helicopter in Nepal)

• Small groups for optimal control and daily safety briefings.

This organization guarantees an experience that is both intense and reassuring.

---

What are the best destinations for heliskiing?

• Canada : the world's best, with British Columbia and its 10,000 km² of powder snow.

• Alaska – Valdez : for expert skiers seeking extreme thrills.

• Turkey : a "European Canada", accessible in 5 hours by plane.

• Iceland : for skiing all the way to the ocean, under the Northern Lights.

• Nepal : the ultimate experience, at the foot of the Annapurna mountains.

• Chile : the exoticism of South America and descents of 2,000 m.

• Alps & Italy : quick and spectacular weekends (Chamonix, Courmayeur, Valgrisenche)

 

Assistance during the trip

24/7 Support. Your guide and our team are available XNUMX/XNUMX before and during your stay.