Heli Ski Classic | 7 Runs, 1 Day (Intermediate and Advanced Ability)

Book well in advance for your preferred heli-ski date. However, we also recommend that you contact us as soon as you arrive in the area, to allow flexibility in case of bad weather on your chosen date. For example, if you’re booked for a trip on Saturday, but you arrive in Wanaka on Wednesday, let us know if you’re also available to ski Friday and Sunday. The more options we have, the better we’re able to find you the best ski conditions! Remember, reservations must be confirmed no later than 6pm on the day prior to your trip.

Run length varies depending on the terrain and snow conditions, from 600 vertical metres to as much as 1300 vertical metres of skiing. On average, run length ranges from 800-1000 vertical metres. 

• You will need to bring your own ski/board or your hire equipment
• Warm clothing
• Warm gloves
• A helmet and a hat
• Windproof jacket and pants
• Snow-quality sunglasses or goggles
•  Sunscreen.
• Camera
• Water and snacks

No, ski equipment is not included. There are a variety of hire equipment retailers in Queenstown and Wanaka.

Wide-body powder skis or all-mountain skis are the preferred choice for your heli-ski trip. This style of ski allows you to handle a wide range of snow conditions, faster, easier and with more stability. All of the guides use these and they’re wonderful for those wanting to go longer and harder in more advanced terrain.

The heli-staging areas are:

• Queenstown Base - 29 Lucas Place, Frankton

• Wanaka/Mt Aspiring - 2211 Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road, Wanaka

You will be required to sign a Risk Disclosure on arrival. The details are:

Risk Disclosure and Conditions of Participation
ll activity inherently involves risks and potential hazards, and we cannot anticipate or eliminate all risks, however together we can manage and mitigate risk. Our risk management includes monitoring of natural hazards including potential atmospheric, land or water related occurrences. (Landslides, earthquakes, tsunami, volcanic, storms, flooding, avalanche, rock, or ice fall). We provide information to participants before and during the activity to ensure their participation suits their ability and objectives and is as safe as practicable with any potential changes identified prior or during the activity.  We are committed to ensuring the highest level of safety of all staff, visitors, contractors, and others who may interact with any part of our activities. This is achieved through developing and maintaining a culture where safety is our paramount consideration in everything we do. We actively promote safety objectives, not only in the operation of our assets and equipment, but also through maintenance practices, the management of passengers and the training and competency assessment of all staff to a high standard. We have implemented Safety Management Systems approved by the relevant regulators.

Insurance: Under New Zealand law the ability to sue for personal injury by accident exists in only limited circumstances. Further The Accident Compensation legislation provides limited cover for visitors to New Zealand who may be injured participating in any activity operated by HMH. All guests are recommended to have full insurance cover for injury, including medical treatment cover and repatriation, before undertaking any activity operated by HMH.

UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS AND HAZARDS
The risks and hazards include, but are not limited to, heli-skiing and snowboarding, as well as travel to and from the location where the activities are carried out. These hazards include but without being exhaustive, such things as rocks, cliffs, cornices, avalanches, changing snow conditions or mechanical failure. These create ever present risks when participating in the activities offered by HMH. HMH will identify, assess, eliminate, or minimise risk involved in undertaking activities as far as reasonably practicable, and as a guest you will be required to always follow the guide’s instructions, understanding that this is critical to your safety and that of the group. HMH contracts helicopter and other services to provide Heli-ski, these operators are regulated and audited for health and safety compliance. Helicopter operation takes place within an environment involving aircraft and over water/mountainous terrain, where there are elements of risk involved. The primary risks being (but not limited to) equipment failure, human error, changing weather conditions, unavoidable external occurrences, and potential aircraft hazards.

CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATING IN HELI-SKI WITH HMH
You will:

• Inform the staff of HMH (or will, prior to undertaking the activity) of any medical conditions, previous injuries, and any medication you are currently taking which may affect your ability to undertake the activity
• Confirm you are physically fit and able to participate in the activities and have not been advised otherwise by a qualified medical person.
• Consent to receive any medical treatment deemed necessary by HMH in the event of injury, accident or illness while undertaking the activities.  
• Understand it is your responsibility to disclose any conditions (health or otherwise) that may affect the safety and enjoyment of myself and those around you.  
• Participate with care, following the rules and instructions always set out by HMH pilots and guides. If you do not adhere to these or act dangerously, recklessly or in a way that might endanger yourself or others, HMH may remove you from the activity. If this occurs, you will not receive a refund.  HMH will not be held responsible for any injury, damage, or loss cause to yourself/your property, or another person/their property, resulting from you action (or lack of action).  
• Accept that Harris Mountains Heli-Ski reserves the right to cancel this activity if it becomes concerned for your safety, or the safety of another person.  
• Agree to wear appropriate clothing and use/wear all safety clothing and equipment (as required by the guide) at all times when participating.
• Not be under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or drugs (be they legal or illegal) which may in any way impair your ability to undertake the activity.
• Tell your guide if you intend to use any of your devices and ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions are switched off before getting into the helicopter and remain off until back on the valley floor. (Electronic devices such as GPS, mobile phones, iPhones, and Go Pros can interrupt avalanche rescue transceivers and hinder a rescue resulting in serious harm or death.)