HELISKI TRIPS NEPAL ANNAPURNA REGION 2018

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Heli-skiing in the Annapurna is simply amazing. To be able to ski on pristine powder snow in a small group amongst some of the highest and most beautiful mountains of the world is something I was fortunate to experience. To share it all with a small but diverse mix of people made it even better.

Thanks to Craig, Jossi & Justin who were great, relaxed, hosts who ensured the skiing was safe and the evenings in Pokhara good fun. If you are thinking about doing this trip … just do it!

Carey Mills

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I spent the 2nd week of March 2017 skiing the Himalaya with Craig's team. The uniqueness of the environment, with its constant BIG mountain feeling [this is the Annapurna after all], makes this experience so special : you haven't skied till you have been there .... it is a must on any skier's bucket list, period.

Philippe Fatzer

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I skied with Himalayan Heli Ski Guides (HHSG) the week of March 9th through 15th 2014, in the Annapurna Sanctuary of Nepal. The terrain we skied was the north facing flank of Huin Chuli, a part of the Annapurna South massif. Skiing was done between an elevation of 5200 and 3,700 meters, the lower figure being the elevation of the footpath leading to the Annapurna sanctuary Macchepuchre Base camp. The east west extension, from the Annapurna Base camp to the Macchepuchre Base Camp is about 4 km. The slope varies from 25 degrees to perhaps 40 degrees. The snow was light and seemed to fall nightly in quantities from 10 to 30cms. We flew the AS350 B3 piloted by an experienced Nepali captain and maintained by an experienced Nepali crew chief all trained by Air Zermatt. We cached fuel at the Sanctuary rather than return to re-fuel.
We flew daily from the semi-tropical city of Pokhara to the Sanctuary at or around dawn each day and returned around noon each day as the cumulus clouds built up and visibility deceased. We stayed in Pokhara, but there is a trekking lodge at the Annapurna Base camp where you could spend a night. A couple of our group did this and raved about it. Pokhara is safe, clean and well provisioned city of about 250 thousand souls, with plenty to do in the afternoon, evenings or on down days.
Craig has over 30 years experience in the himals and thirteen years experience skiing the Annapurna sanctuary. He values safety above all else and is open to discussions about options. I enjoyed his leadership and camaraderie.
I have heli-skied for twelve years, in Canada, Alaska, and Kashmir but this trip has been the highpoint of my skiing career to date. The beauty of the area, the scale of the peaks, the heartiness and kindness of the people took my breath away and the memories of this trip will last a lifetime. If you can swing it, put this one on your list.

John A Stokely Albuquerque, New Mexico USA

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It doesn’t matter where you have skied the Himalayas are like a different planet. It’s such a bizarre feeling to be in 5000 meters
and still have a whole Alps size mountain above you. It is wild. The sense of solitude and peace is unmatched. Nepal offers also
a rich cultural experience. You don’t really see Buddha temples, camels, elephants, and monkeys in ski resorts. The trip left me
with a strong urge to adventure and discover other exotic ski destinations. And someday I have to get back to Annapurna for
more pow.

Mikko Lehtinen Finland

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I have heli skied for the last 15 years in the Alps, in Canada (CMH, Wiggly, Bella Coola), and in Nepal with Craig’s organization. Of all the weeks I have had, Nepal is by far the one that has left in me the strongest and best memory.
In Nepal you are not going to get the best powder, the most vertical, the steepest runs or a big and clockwork like organization like as CMH. What you get is absolutely stunning scenery, much more stunning than the Alps, and a great ski experience, you have to try it to understand it. On top of that there is the cultural experience of being in Nepal, I strongly suggest at least seeing Katmandu and if you have time the most significant cultural spots near Katmandu.
Here are a few things learned during the trip:
Altitude: do not take any medication to prepare for it, you only spend part of the day at high altitude and the rest of the time at low altitude so you don’t get any altitude sickness, did not know that beforehand. The rapid up and down altitude changes at beginning and end of day are not a problem. I could see a problem if for some reason you get stuck at the base lodge overnight, which Craig takes very good care avoiding.
Ski difficulty: similar to heli skiing in the Alps, it's best to be comfortable in all conditions.
Temperature: not too cold in the morning, spring skiing temperature at 12:00 when you head back down to the Pokhara.
Safety: Pokhara has a relatively important airports, other helis are at hand in case of emergency, there is good medical support in town and Craig takes good care of safety, including excellent choice for the guide that supported him, the best I have had anywhere.

There are unlimited things to do: in case of bad weather, from hiking, boating, river rafting, mountain biking, renting motor cycles and touring the nearby areas, tennis, golf, endless amounts of nice restaurants, bars and gift shops... One afternoon we rode bikes around the Pokhara lake, it’s beautiful traditional rural area. We made friends with some farmers and tried our hand at oxen plowing a rice field.
Overall, if you are a fit and experienced heli I very strongly suggest going to Nepal, a stunning experience that will remain with you forever.

Marco Fiorentino Italy