{"id":16,"date":"2021-09-21T12:47:07","date_gmt":"2021-09-21T12:47:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enfinmamaquette.com\/heliski\/?page_id=16"},"modified":"2024-10-07T00:04:11","modified_gmt":"2024-10-06T22:04:11","slug":"heliski-trip","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.pyrenees-heliski.pro\/en\/heliski-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"Heliski Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1634578541366{background-color: #142239 !important;}” el_class=”site-row-p20x” el_id=”team”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-sm-offset-0″][vc_empty_space height=”50px”]
We are a professional, solid, and motivated team<\/p><\/div>
Local high mountain guides with the UIAGM \/ AEGM certification (International Union of Mountain Guide Associations and the Spanish Association of Mountain Guides) spend most of their season in the Val d'Aran or at other heliski bases worldwide. Some are also helicopter pilots or professional rescuers.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>
The helicopters are Ecureuil B3+ from the Spanish company Eliance. They are the best helicopters for mountain operations and performance, with a capacity of 5 passengers (4 skiers + 1 guide). The pilots are based in Vielha and fly in the mountains year-round, performing aerial work and other operations. They are the best mountain flight pilots in Spain.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>
Eduardo GONZALEZ and George ROBBI are our snow science specialists. These ski and mountain enthusiasts have over 45 years of experience in managing avalanche risk. Their work involves profiling the snowpack and conveying information about its stability. They also contribute daily to our own avalanche bulletin.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>
In the event of an accident, depending on its severity, we have a direct link with the GRAE P\u00f2mpiers Val d'Aran, allowing rapid intervention thanks to the base's location. Depending on the severity, established protocols will be applied. Evacuation can be performed by vehicle to Vielha hospital (5 minutes) or by medical helicopter to Toulouse hospital (a 30-minute flight).<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>
Our day starts with a Guide briefing where we set the work framework for the day based on weather and snow conditions. This framework is reflected in the Powder Management tool, an essential element in managing a heliski operation. Your day starts with a presentation of the activity and safety rules. After completing an administrative form and practicing safety drills, we board the helicopter to begin the activity.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>
Fabiana BOSQUE is an indispensable part of the team. She handles all reservations, scheduling, hotels, transfers, restaurants, customer relations, problem resolution, etc. She is our guardian angel, and everything runs smoothly thanks to her professionalism. Her kindness, attention, and charisma at the base never go unnoticed.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” el_class=”site-row-p70x” el_id=”hotel”][vc_column]
Our infrastructure is organized in temporary modules while awaiting the heliport's new renovation. We have a safety briefing room and changing rooms for our participants, a storage warehouse, and a customer service office.<\/p>\n
At our base, you will experience the pleasant atmosphere of a heliski operation.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1634578576722{background-color: #142239 !important;}” el_class=”site-row-pt70x site-row-pb20x” el_id=”equipment”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-sm-offset-0″]
Safety and the best gear are our priorities. We provide you with:<\/p><\/div>
\u2022 1 ARVA Calgary 18 airbag backpack with a shovel and probe
\n\u2022 1 Mammut Barrybox S avalanche transceiver
\n\u2022 RECCO system
\n\u2022 1 Radio for the last person in the group<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>
\u2022 1 Satellite phone for the pilot
\n\u2022 In Reach for the lead guide
\n\u2022 RECCO antenna in the helicopter
\n\u2022 AmbuBag and AED in the helicopter
\n\u2022 Cervical collar and immobilization equipment in the helicopter<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>
\u2022 Skis \/ Snowboarders: evacuation chair, immobilization board with elevator, vacuum mattress, safety sled, immobilization equipment, thermal blankets, etc.
\n\u2022 Avalanche gear with shovels and probes
\n\u2022 First aid kit for small issues as well as more serious accidents<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” el_class=”site-row-pb70x” el_id=”room”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”70px”]
For over ten years, we have worked with the best hotels in the valley. Feel free to let us know your preferences, and we will be happy to make your accommodation reservations. For any questions or bookings, you can contact us through our contact page.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” content_placement=”middle” el_class=”site-row-p70x” css=”.vc_custom_1633944608315{background-color: #0a1527 !important;}”][vc_column width=”2\/3″ el_class=”mobile-space-x25″]
1- Which helicopter is used for heliskiing? : Airbus Helicopter AS 350 Ecureuil B3+<\/p><\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”15px”]
2- Is it recommended to stay the night before in a valley hotel? : Yes, traveling the same day may cause delays, preventing you from joining the activity. We work with trusted hotels and can help arrange your accommodation.<\/p><\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”15px”]
3- If I am alone and don\u2019t have a group, can I join one? : Yes, we have a list of open groups, and we just need to know your availability. We will do our best to include you in an activity. If the group is incomplete, we will give you other options.<\/p><\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”15px”]
4- What time is the meeting, and how does the day unfold? : Individual travel to Val d'Aran \/\/ Meeting point at 8:30 AM at the Hotel Tuca parking lot. The time will always be confirmed the day before the activity, starting at 7 PM, for safety and weather reasons \/\/ You cannot drive your private vehicle to the Vielha heliport, our shuttle will handle the access and return transfer \/\/ Upon arrival at the base, welcome and safety briefing with the guides, and provision of safety equipment \/\/ The descents and landing zones are determined by our guides based on weather, snow conditions, andAvalanche risks \/\/ Our program is flexible and can therefore be adapted from one day to the next depending on weather conditions and availability.<\/p><\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”15px”]
5- Can I bring my skis\/snowboards and safety equipment? : You can bring your skis as long as they have a waist width of at least 90 mm, are adjusted to your boot size, and are in perfect sliding condition. Otherwise, you will need to rent skis \/\/ You must bring a snowboard suitable for off-piste skiing, with properly adjusted bindings and a sole in perfect sliding condition, otherwise, you will need to rent a board \/\/ The company is responsible for the safety equipment, so it is mandatory to use our backpacks and avalanche transceivers, ensuring the equipment is in perfect working order.<\/p><\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”2058″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” css=””][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” content_placement=”middle” el_class=”site-row-p70x” css=”.vc_custom_1633944608315{background-color: #0a1527 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1289″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” css=””][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″ el_class=”mobile-space-x25″]
6- What time does the activity end? : From the time you arrive at the heliport until the end of the activity, it will take a minimum of 3 hours. This can be extended depending on snow conditions, weather, and the pace of other groups.<\/p><\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”15px”]
7- What is the difference between a Classic and Private program? : Exclusivity. With the Private program, the helicopter is reserved exclusively for the group. It\u2019s custom heliskiing. Maximum for a group of 8 people. Unlimited descents. The flight time is counted, not the number of descents.<\/p><\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”15px”]
8- What happens if the activity is canceled? : If the operation fails due to reasons such as bad weather, avalanche risk, or technical issues, and the guaranteed number of descents cannot be reached, we will refund \u20ac100 per descent and per person for Classic programs and \u20ac30\/min for Private programs.<\/p><\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”15px”]
9- Other reasons for cancellation or suspension of the activity: No refunds will be issued in cases of illness, accidents, lack of physical fitness, insufficient technical skills, late arrivals, or interruptions during the heliski day due to defective personal equipment.<\/p><\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”15px”]
10- What should I bring to participate in the activity? : Your usual ski equipment for a winter activity. You won\u2019t get cold as quickly as in a ski resort, it\u2019s not cold in the helicopter, and the climbs are shorter than on a chairlift. 2 pairs of gloves: your gloves will get wet quickly as you\u2019ll need to put on and take off your skis at each descent. Bring one or two spare pairs. Sunscreen: sun cream and sunglasses. In the mountains, the reflection is very strong, so wear glasses with a minimum category 3 lens. Ski goggles (mask): Even in good weather, if there\u2019s deep powder snow, your sunglasses will get covered in snow. Helmet recommended.<\/p><\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”10px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” el_class=”site-row-p70x” el_id=”program”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-sm-offset-0″]
Heliski programs can be half-day, full-day, or multi-day. They can be combined with Freeride, Ski Touring, or Helirando. We also offer custom guided activities, seminars, and ascents.<\/p><\/div>\n
\u2022 Pickup at Hotel Tuca Parking.
\n\u2022 Administrative formalities at our Base.
\n\u2022 Safety briefing and self-rescue exercises.
\n\u2022 Heliski
\n\u2022 Payment of Extras and return to Hotel Tuca Parking.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n
\u2022 Reception at Tarbes or Toulouse airport by our team.
\n\u2022 Transfer by minibus to our base at Vielha heliport (approx. 2h).
\n\u2022 Ski and boot unloading for adjustments if necessary.
\n\u2022 Transfer to the Hotel and welcome by our team.
\n\u2022 Dinner at the Hotel.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n
\u2022 Pickup by minibus to go to the heliport (Classic Programs)
\n\u2022 Pickup by helicopter at the Hotel pickup point (Private Programs)
\n\u2022 Safety briefing. Heliski and mountain lunch from 9am to 3pm.
\n\u2022 Option for dinner at a mountain restaurant (Private Programs)
\n\u2022 End of activity and transfer back to the Hotel.
\n\u2022 Dinner.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n
\u2022 Pickup by minibus to go to the heliport (Classic Programs)
\n\u2022 Pickup by helicopter at the Hotel pickup point (Private Programs)
\n\u2022 Heliski activity and mountain lunch from 9am to 2pm.
\n\u2022 End of activity and transfer to the Airport.<\/p>\n <\/div> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” el_class=”site-row-p70x”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-sm-offset-0″]