Aspen Heliskiing

About

Aspen Heliskiing is the only heliskiing operation based in Aspen, Colorado. They run only private charter days, flying from Aspen Airport into a 26,000-acre heli ski zone in the San Juan Mountains. Every day is built around a dedicated helicopter and a private group, so guests never share a machine or a guide with strangers. The day starts at Aspen Airport's private aviation terminal (FBO). From there, guests fly roughly 45 minutes south through the Rockies, passing over nine different wilderness areas on the way to the San Juans. Guests who want a shorter transfer can arrange their own fixed-wing flight to Telluride, either the evening before or the morning of, and get picked up there for a 6-minute helicopter hop to the terrain. According to Aspen Heliskiing, the San Juans typically get more snow than anywhere else in Colorado, and the zone's high elevation keeps powder fresh for weeks after a storm. The operation is affiliated with Silverton Mountain and run out of the Silverton Mountain office. That means the guides are Silverton Mountain guides who know the San Juan range, its snowpack, and the helicopters flown there. Helicopter operations are provided by Precision LLC, an FAA-authorized air carrier. Days are priced at a flat rate for groups of up to 3 skiers or snowboarders. Larger groups can be accommodated with a second helicopter or a larger aircraft. The operation runs 7 days a week through the winter, with peak demand from mid-January through March. For travelers who want big-mountain heliskiing without the long trip north to Canada, it's a compelling option much closer to home.