New heli-ski choice in California

22nd November 2010, by Chris Gill

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Visitors to California’s lake Tahoe region can enjoy access to more back country terrain, with the launch of new heli-skiing opportunities.

Pacific Crest Heli-Guides is Lake Tahoe’s first new heli-skiing operation since the 1970’s, giving access to more than 100,000 acres of terrain near Donner Summit.

The company is part of Pacific Crest Snowcats, already established in the region for snowcat tours and other back country adventures. Now, daily flights to the snow are available from Truckee airport, providing exciting days out for small groups.

Groups of four minimum are allowed, and the full day trip includes safety gear and lunch. The rate amounts to approximately 1 hour of heli flight time, which they reckon is about ten runs – although runs can be focused on long or shorter descents, depending on the group. One day costs $899 per person.

One of the key selling points this season is virgin terrain: some of the slopes have never been skied or boarded apparently.

Pacific Crest Heli is run by the head of Alaska’s original helicopter skiing operation, and private trips up there can also be arranged if visiting Alaskan snows.

Links: Pacific Crest Heli

• california
• tahoe
• heli ski

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