Backcountry & Heli-Skiing

Heli-Skiing

As the birthplace of heli-skiing in the US, Sun Valley has a long tradition of flying visitors to an untouched skier’s paradise on top of the Rockies. Most of the skiing takes place in the 7,000 to 10,000 foot range and there is a variety of terrain and runs to suit every level of skiing ability, including 33-degree pitches, 40-degree chutes, steady 2,000-vertical-foot descents and vast bowls of flawless corn. But don’t get the impression that heli-skiing is only for the super advanced. There are plenty of inviting, low-angled slopes ideally suited for the first-time or family heli-ski experience. And with the new fat ski technology, skiing in deep powder and ungroomed snow is a breeze. For more information visit Sun Valley Heli-Ski Guides.

Backcountry Access

One of the special joys of skiing in Sun Valley’s backcountry is the network of well-equipped huts and Mongolian-style yurts that offer a welcome shelter at day’s end. The huts and yurts are strategically placed at the doorstep to some of Idaho’s most spectacular powder stashes. Skiers can ski from hut to hut (or yurt) or can use any of them as a base to explore the surrounding mountains. The huts and yurts are shared by local guiding companies and are available for use by skiers on guided tours as well as for rent by independent skiers. For information on renting a yurt or backcountry guide service contact Sawtooth Mountain Guides and Sun Valley Trekking.