Heli-skiing in Sestriere

Posted October 05, 2023 under Blog

The heli-skiing in Sestriere is the closest there is to a Canadian style heli-ski operation in the European Alps. There are 5 different sectors in the Upper Susa Valley with over 80 heliski runs in total. Each zone offers a different aspect, maximising the chances of finding good snow.

An A-Star Helicopter, or Squirrel as it’s known in Europe, will get you quickly to the best terrain. There are four skiers or snowboarders per group and each group is accompanied by a qualified guide.

 

 

How many heli-ski runs do you do in a day?

 

Any number of runs are possible from a minimum of one to a maximum of how many your legs can stand in one day. Two runs is a good introduction to heli-skiing or boarding and four runs provides a very satisfying day in the mountains. If conditions are good, and your legs and wallet are up to it, six or even more runs a day are possible.

 

 

 

 

How does a heli-ski day work in Sestriere?

 

Your guide will meet you in your hotel after breakfast and set you up with all the kit required for heliskiing. Powder skis & poles, transceiver, shovel probe and avalanche airbag are all provided.

It’s then a short 10 minute road transfer to the helicopter staging area at Sauze di Cesana. From there you will fly out to your first run, followed by as many runs as you have decided to do that day. If there is time after heli-skiing, your guide may well take you to one of his favourite restaurants for a late, well earned Italian lunch.

 

Lift accessed off-piste

Sestriere is part of the interlinked area called the Milky Way (Vialattea) that provides 400km of piste skiing. The lift accessible off-piste is therefore equally vast. Our expert mountain guides will get you to the best terrain in preparation for your time heli-skiing or if the weather that day means the helicopter can’t fly.

The legendary freeride area of Le Grave is also only an hour away by car and can easily be fitted in as a day trip from Sestriere.

 

Hotels & Restaurants

Sestriere was originally developed by the Agnelli family of Fiat car company fame in the 1930’s and was further expanded in 2006 when hosting the winter Olympics. The village offers every convenience of a modern ski resort with a wide selections of hotels and restaurants. Recommended hotels are:

 

Getting to Sestriere

Sestriere is easy to get to by road from the well served airports of both Turin (1.5 hours) and Milan (2.5 hours)

By helicopter, Sestriere is just 20 minutes from the popular resorts of Val d’Isere,  Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens.

Group sizes

A group of four (or multiples of four) are ideal as this is the number of people the helicopter carries plus the guide.  However, all our trips are bespoke and we can accommodate any group size. Whether there are one or two of you looking for a heli-taster day or a group of 16 looking for a full heli-ski week we can put together your perfect itinerary. 

 

Itineraries

At least a 3 or 4 day trip is recommended. With easy access from Turin or Milan Airports, Sestriere works well as a long weekend break.

We can arrange a guide for the duration of your stay so you can combine heli-skiing with lift accessed off-piste. Typically you will ski off-piste with the guide on day 1, followed by 1 or 2 days heli-skiing, before a final day off-piste with the guide before heading for home. Between 4 and 6 heli-drops over 2 days will give you the chance to fully experience all the terrain on offer.

Take a look at our recommended itinerary