Thank you for arranging the most successful of trips, culminating in one of the biggest and most consistent deep powder days I have ever experienced… An amazing spot with the most welcoming of hosts and expert of guides.
RA – Alagna, Italy 2013
Heliskiing in Italy
A short ski break to Alagna packs a big powder punch
Alagna is an off-piste paradise. Forming the border between Italy and Switzerland, the Monte Rosa Massif’s three huge summits (4500m plus) tower above the resort. Expert local guides and Europe’s most extensive heli skiing opportunities make Alagna ‘a must do’ for every keen skier.
Alagna is ideal for a long weekend or a short ski break, being within easy reach of Milan’s two airports.
Off piste skiing
Part of the inter-linked area of Monterosa Ski, Alagna offers a huge variety of spectacular off piste ski runs, many of which are easily accessible directly from the lift system. From Punta Indren at 3275m, uninterrupted descents of 1500 vertical meters are typical and runs of 2000 vertical meters are not uncommon. Steep couloirs, open alpine bowls and long valley runs through the trees provide suitable terrain – and exhilarating memories – for advanced skiers.
Heli skiing in Italy
With nearly 30 established drop points, Alagna boasts the most comprehensive heliskiing in Italy, if not Europe. There are numerous routes on both the Italian and Swiss sides of the Monte Rosa.
From the highest landing point at over 4,000m, you can choose from a variety of spectacular descents, one of which takes you down to Zermatt, with the Matterhorn thrillingly in view for much of the way.
Helicopters
Our helidrops in the Monterosa Freeride Paradise are typically in an ‘A star’ Eurocopter. These helicopters carry four skiers and one guide, plus the pilot.
Heliski Guides in Alagna
Most of the guides that we work with have been born and brought up in the area. Alagna does attract guides from out of the area, but we don’t use them as we prefer to stick with locals who know the area best.
Accommodation in Alagna
James Orr Heliski offers a choice of accommodation options in Alagna for our clients depending on the size and type of group.
Ski Hire in Alagna
We use SportHaus, located at the bottom of the Alagna-Pianalunga gondola. SportHaus is perfect for our needs on a heliski trip as it is geared for off-piste and freeride skiing. Whether you need skis with touring bindings, fat powder skis, ava bags, a new helmet or anything else, they can help.
Getting there
We recommend flying to Milan Malpensa airport. We will arrange your private transfer direct to Alagna. Typically the 120km journey takes slightly less than two hours.
Highlights
- Try our ‘Heli Intro‘ long weekend to Alagna
- Most extensive heliskiing in Italy & Europe
- Near Milan – ideal for a short break
- Charming alpine village
- Huge off-piste ski area
- Spectacular scenery