Winter sports abound in Breckenridge Colorado, and that does not include simply skiing and snowboarding. Ice skating, min-iskiing, and snow shoeing are also very popular, and for individuals who enjoy unique sports, there is a single Heli-ski operation available in the entire state of Colorado. That operation, Telluride Helitrax, is located in the ski resort town of Telluride, as the company name might suggest.

What is Heliskiing?

The Heliskiing seen in motion pictures paints a picture of dangerous slopes and threatening avalanches. This, of course, is the Hollywood version and blown completely out of proportion. Heliskiing is not an extreme sport enjoyed only by the bravest members of society. Heliskiing is simply an opportunity to arrive, via helicopter, at areas of mountains unreachable by ski lifts or hiking.

As heliskiers spend the day in remote locations, they have the opportunity to ski through untouched power with every run they make. There are no lines, no crowds, and more importantly, no packed icy snow. Only by heliskiing can visitors experience the snowy mountains of Colorado at their finest.

Is it Dangerous?

Like any sport, there is some risk involved, but it is migrated by experience and the assistance of professionals in the field. Heliskiing is not for beginning skiers or boarders, but rather for those already comfortable on skis and searching for a new edge to their winter vacation. Packages are also available for expert skiers seeking steeper runs and greater thrills.

Skiers are comfortably led by experienced guides through six different runs per day. The utmost care is given in selecting equipment, and skiers wear the wider skis recommended for skiing in powder. This makes the heliskiing experience perfect for anyone who can ski a black diamond or an intermediate run with moguls comfortably. Confident skiers in good health are well suited for this fantastic opportunity.

What is Involved?

Individuals who are interested in heliskiing while on their Colorado vacation should contact Telluride Helitrax. (See below for contact information.) Despite it’s Telluride location, Helitrax offers packages for skiers that originate in Aspen, Vail, Crested Butte, or Steamboat where participates arrive in Telluride via plane for a day. Packages range from a single day to an entire week’s worth of unblemished powder. All packages include a highly experienced guide as well as the day’s food and drink.

Vacationers interested in pursuing this opportunity should plan on wearing traditional ski attire with a minimum of additional items. For safety, heliskiing takes place in groups of four, each led by a guide. Heliskiing trips are available from January through April, with ideal conditions available in the later period of the range.