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Heli Skiing Travel Insurance
If you are planning a trip abroad and you or a family member will be Heli Skiing, you must have a Travel Insurance policy before you leave your home. To contact us by telephone or email, 0800 043 0020 / 01273 092 757 support@jsinsurance.co.uk Summary of Cover (per person) Section & Cover…
If you are planning a trip abroad and you or a family member will be Heli Skiing, you must have a Travel Insurance policy before you leave your home.
To contact us by telephone or email, 0800 043 0020 / 01273 092 757 support@jsinsurance.co.uk
Summary of Cover (per person)
Section & Cover | Silver | Gold | Platinum |
---|---|---|---|
Emergency Medical and Repatriation* | £5,000,000 | £5,000,000 | £5,000,000 |
Search and Rescue* | £25,000 | £50,000 | £50,000 |
Personal Liability | - | £2,000,000 | £2,000,000 |
Cancellation or Curtailment* | - | £3,000 | £7,500 |
Personal Baggage* | £500 | £2,500 | £3,500 |
Activity Equipment | £1,500 | £1,500 | £1,500 |
Valuables* | £250 | £250 | £500 |
Loss of Passport* | - | £300 | £500 |
Travel Delay | - | £300 | £1,000 |
Trip Abandonment* | - | £3,000 | £7,500 |
Missed Departure / Connection | - | £500 | £500 |
Legal Expenses* | - | £25,000 | £50,000 |
Unused Activity Pack | £75 | £75 | £75 |
Piste / Mountain Closure* | £1,000 | £1,000 | £1,000 |
Avalanche / Landslide Cover | £1,000 | £1,000 | £1,000 |
*Excess payable does vary depending on the claim benefit.
Please read the Policy Wording for the complete list of Benefits.
Healix Insurance Services Ltd, on behalf of Hamilton Insurance DAC, arranges this Travel Insurance policy for Jade Stanley Ltd. Healix Insurance Ltd is registered in England and Wales under No. 5484190 and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under No. 437248. Hamilton Insurance DAC is registered in Ireland, No. 484148, authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland, and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority in connection with its UK branch. Jade Stanley Ltd is registered in England and Wales under No. 03570857 and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under No. 306205.
Popular Heli-Skiing Destinations
The best place for you depends on your skill level, budget, and the type of terrain you're looking for (e.g., steep spines, long glacier runs, or treed powder).
British Columbia, Canada: Considered the birthplace of heli-skiing and still the largest destination. It's famous for massive tenures, reliable powder, and varied terrain, including excellent tree skiing. Operators like CMH (Canadian Mountain Holidays) are well-known.
Alaska, USA (especially the Chugach Mountains): Known for extreme, steep, big-mountain terrain and the famous "spine lines" you see in movies. This is often recommended for expert skiers.
The Alps (e.g., Switzerland, Italy): While illegal in France and Austria, you can find heli-skiing in areas of Switzerland (like Zermatt) and Italy. These often feature high-alpine glacier descents and runs near famous resorts.
Iceland (Troll Peninsula): Offers a unique experience with runs that go all the way down to the ocean. The season is long, and you might get to ski under the midnight sun.
New Zealand (Southern Alps): Great for a summer trip (their winter is July-September), with beautiful alpine scenery.
Cost Considerations
Heli-skiing is a premium experience, and prices vary significantly based on location, duration, and what's included (e.g., accommodation, food, unlimited vertical drop).
Day Packages: Often available near established resorts (like in the US or Europe). A single day can cost approximately $700 - $1,900 USD/per person for a set number of runs (e.g., 3-6 runs).
Multi-Day/Week-Long Packages (Canada/Alaska):
Per-day estimate: A good rule of thumb is around $1,500 USD per person per day.
Week-long trips (6-7 days): Can range from $12,000 to $20,000+ USD per person.
Pricing Models: Some charge a base price with included vertical feet, and you pay extra for additional vertical feet. Others offer "unlimited vertical" for a higher upfront cost.
Private Packages: Hiring an entire helicopter for your group is the most expensive option, often costing upwards of $100,000+ USD for a week, but provides ultimate flexibility on pace and terrain.
Safety and Preparation
Safety is the number one priority, and you'll be with highly-trained guides (often certified by organisations like the IFMGA).
Skiing Ability: Be honest about your skill level. You should be comfortable skiing all-mountain, ungroomed terrain (powder, crud, variable snow) and be able to confidently handle black or double-black runs at a resort. You don't need to be an Olympic racer, but you must be in control.
Fitness: Get in good physical condition. Heli-skiing is demanding. Focus on leg strength and endurance.
Safety Gear: All reputable operators will provide and train you on essential safety equipment, including:
Avalanche transceiver (beacon)
Probe
Shovel
Sometimes, an avalanche airbag pack.
You can get these items through our website: www.snowsafe.co.uk
Listen to your guide's briefing; it is crucial for your safety and the group's.
Weather/Down Days: Be aware that helicopter flights are weather-dependent. "Down days" can occur due to low visibility or high winds. Operators usually have contingency plans, like snowcat skiing, resort skiing, or a refund/credit for unskied vertical.