The Lowdown
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- Base elevation: 2,500m
- Highest landing: 4,500m
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- Av. length of run: 1,500m
- Longest run: 2,400m
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- Group size: 4 + guide
- Groups per helicopter: 1 or 2
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- Season: July to September
- Terrain: High alpine
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- International flight: Santiago
- Warm up resorts: Valle Nevado
The best of the Southern Hemisphere
For most skiers and snowboarders, summer in the northern hemisphere is an enforced break from skiing that we tolerate. Chile's huge mountains offer sweet respite from sweltering cities and beaches.
High and spectacular mountains
The Andes are significantly higher than the mountains we ski in Europe and North America. That means snow that stays light and dry for weeks and long, leg-burning descents in wide open alpine terrain.
Out of the ordinary bases
Dare we say, heliski lodges can get a bit "samey"? While we love a log cabin style lodge set in a snowy forest as much as anyone, a helicopter directly from a skyscraper rooftop in a buzzing city metropolis or from a cutting-edge winery adds a totally new dimension to a ski trip. And because the mountains are so high, you can bask in sunshine after skiing, well below the snowline.
Extending your trip beyond the skiing
Chile is a great year-round destination. From Santiago, arty Valparaiso and surf spots on the Pacific coast are within easy reach. Chile's other highlights - Patagonia, Easter Island and the Atacama desert are just a direct domestic flight away and Torres del Paine can be even more beautiful and a lot less crowded at this time of year.
Prices & Dates
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Cordillera Central
Urban heliskiing
From US$15,980
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Cordillera Central
Lodge Programme
From US$14,290
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Cordillera Central
VIK Winery
From US$20,990
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Cordillera Central
Heliski Safari
From US$18,990