Heli-skiing with the Wasatch Powderbird Guides?

Do you like your skiing with lashings of adventure? Us too! That’s why we’re dedicating this post to a Utah institution that makes on-snow adventure happen: the Wasatch Powderbird Guides.

The Wasatch Powderbird Guides first set up shop in 1973, when dinosaurs roamed the earth (on skis, probably). Back then it was just a handful of ski professionals taking mega-sideburned adventurers in very tight ski suits heli-skiing Utah backcountry.

Thanks to the Powderbird’s magical mix of fun times and skilled instruction, its reputation quickly grew. Greedy powerhounds from all over the globe travelled to “the greatest snow on Earth”.

Today Powderbird Guides call two heliports home – the first at Snowbird Resort, in Little Cottonwood Canyon, and the second at Canyons Resort, Park City. Thanks to the Powderbird’s US Forest Service special use permit, both bases offer access to some of Utah’s best terrain.

If you’re getting the party started at Snowbird, you won’t believe the views of Little Cottonwood Canyon from the Powderbird heliport, but fortunately you’ll have plenty of time to take it all in over a continental breakfast. Plus, when you return you’ll be served an après-ski lunch. In addition to heli-skiing Utah, folks can enjoy excellent lift-accessible terrain at Alta and Snowbird.

From the Canyons Resort heliport, you’ll start the day in the Powderbird Clubhouse having your fill of fresh fruit, bagels, pastries, yogurt, and more. At the other side of your heli-ski, celebrate your grand adventure with lunch provided by one of the Canyons Resort’s top restaurants.

The Powderbird’s Utah heli-skiing adventures usually go like so… The helicopter takes off, pointing its nose towards secret-squirrel powder stashes. Normally you’ll cover between 11,000 and 15,000 vertical feet, while over 100,000 acres of jaw-dropping terrain is yours for the taking. The Powderbird-to-guest ratio is typically 1:4, so a highly-trained expert will always be on hand to see you through this experience of a lifetime. Contingent on snow conditions, you may tackle bowls, basins, chutes and steeps in the six to seven runs you make throughout the day.

There are packages to suit every schedule including Premium Heli-ski Adventures, Private Group Heli-Ski Adventures, and Charter Helicopter Heli-ski Adventures. A premium package includes up to seven jaw-dropping runs, while the private charter is priced per heli-flight hour.

The Powderbird Guides have an exclusive special-use permit for heli-skiing throughout Wasatch, Cache and Uinta National Forests – that’s an area greater than all of Utah’s 14 ski resorts combined. Phew.

Scared that the challenging terrain and extreme chutes may make you wee yourself a little? Fret not. The Powderbird Guides will form different groups according to ability. And there are plenty of bowls, tree skiing and chilled out runs to be had if that’s more your cup of mulled wine.

The location of the Wasatch Powderbird Guides makes this heli-skiing experience a standout throughout North America. Plus, let’s not forget what Utah offers up on a plate to all skiers: over 500 inches of dry snow fall annually.