Himalaya Heli Ski Terrain & Snow
Terrain
Himalaya Heli Skis' vast terrain is well suited to strong intermediate to expert skiers.
Manali sits by the Beas river at an altitude of roughly 2,000 m, surrounded by beautiful cedar forests and huge peaks soaring to more than 6,000 m. With fresh snow and cold temperatures, it’s possible to ski to the valley floor through massive cedar forests, but most skiing takes place in the alpine on long rolling ridge lines or mellow bowls or down steep cirque bowls. Both during and after storms, the skiing in the trees is excellent and includes nicely spaced birch and oak glades.
The altitudes that will be ridden vary depending on group fitness and ability, the interests of the group, and the snow and weather conditions. Most heli skiing takes place between high valley floors around 2,700 m and ridges at 4,700 m, with verticals averaging between 900 m and 1,200 m. However, some of the most spectacular Himalaya Heli Skis terrain is as high as 5,000 m.
The size of the Himalayan Heli Skiing terrain is immense; so large that it’s probably never been officially measured.
Snow
Considering the massive size of the tenure and the large range of elevations, the guides have plenty of options to choose the ideal terrain and aspect for the best snow conditions. Manali heli skiing is known for having one of the deepest snowpacks in the Himalaya, and due to the continental climate, snowfalls tend to be of low moisture content. The high altitude and fridge effect of the terrain also contributes to excellent re-crystallised powder. Some aspects also have lots of potential for great spring corn-snow skiing.
While the Manali region is generally blessed with excellent weather and snow, Himalaya Heli Ski operate in a wilderness environment, so conditions can change quickly, and you may encounter some difficult or poor skiing. HHS guides will attempt to find the best snow possible, but you must be prepared to accept whatever nature delivers!
Skiing and Riding at High Altitude
Skiing at high altitude is one of the most common concerns of HHS guests with respect to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or Altitude Sickness.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
AMS is the term used for a number of symptoms associated with the physiological reactions to altitudes that are generally above 2,500 metres. AMS is not a concern for most heliskiing guests because although you are skiing at above 2,500 metres you are always sleeping below this altitude at approximately 2,000 metres, which means the body never has to fully acclimatize or adapt to high altitude.
If for some reason guests are stranded above 10,000 feet, AMS could become a concern. To deal with this possibility, the company has placed Portable Altitude Chambers (PAC units) at strategic points around the mountains.
Other Health Concerns at Altitude
Altitude induced headaches are a concern to heli-skiers which can be worsened by dehydration. To counter this, it is strongly recommended that guests drink frequently from the small bottles of mineral water provided in the helicopter.
Certain cardiac conditions may pose a risk at altitude. This is rare, and guests should consult their doctor if they have any cardiac problems.
The reduction in available oxygen at altitude will mean that people will ski fewer turns before they feel tired and out of breath. In the first few days of skiing, guests generally ski 10 to 20 per cent fewer turns per pitch. After a few days, most people do not notice any difference.