Heliskiing in Himachal

The skiing

The powder skiing at Manali is exceptional! Our location at approximately 34¡ N. latitude, roughly equivalent to Los Angeles, gives us long days, and a variety of exposures allows us to ski both with or against the sun. The altitude allows much greater "back radiation" than other areas, which creates excellent recrystallised powder. Manali is known for having one of the deepest snowpacks in the entire Himalaya, and due to our continental climate, snowfalls tend to be of low moisture content. As an added bonus, the potential is vast for terrific, spring corn-snow skiing!

Our vast terrain is well suited to strong intermediate and expert skiers. Manali sits by the Beas river at an altitude of roughly two thousand metres, surrounded by beautiful deodar cedar forests and huge peaks soaring to more than six thousand metres. Under certain conditions we can ski to the valley floor through massive Cedar forests, but most skiing takes place on long rolling ridge lines; through glades of birch and oak trees; down steep cirque bowls or on huge undulating glaciers. Both during and after storms the skiing in the trees is excellent.

The altitudes at which we ski vary depending on group fitness and ability, the interests of the group and the snow and weather conditions. HHS has wonderful conditions at the same elevations as resorts in America and Europe, but the opportunity exists to ski on what is truly the roof of the world. Most skiing takes place between high valley floors around two thousand, seven hundred metres and ridges at four thousand, three hundred metres, with vertical averaging between nine hundred metres and twelve hundred metres. However, some of our most spectacular terrain is as high as five thousand metres.

Please note that we do not require anyone to ski at these altitudes and our guides reserve the right to deny access to these higher altitude runs to anyone for any reason whatsoever. While the Manali region is generally blessed with excellent weather, HHS must stress that we operate in a wilderness environment, and that our guests will be skiing in wilderness conditions. Most of the time, the skiing is very good, but conditions can change quickly, and you may encounter some difficult or poor skiing. Our guides will attempt to find the best snow possible, but you must be prepared to accept whatever Nature gives us!

The valley

Our location is truly one of our greatest assets! Himachal Helicopter Skiing has base facilities located approximately 500 km. north of New Delhi, near the town of Manali in the peaceful north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. "H.P."is one of the wealthiest and most politically stable states on the Indian subcontinent.

Because of our our relative proximity to New Delhi, transportation networks are well established, providing HHS clients with a relatively easy and scenic journey from New Delhi to our bases in the Himalayas.

Using a combination of train, flight and a short drive we take our guests on facinating journey over the plains and foothills to the high mountains. With regard to your transportation to New Delhi, HHS will be glad to recommend carriers and schedules providing comfortable and convenient options. Indira Gandhi International Airport / New Delhi is serviced by most major international carriers.

Please note that HHS leaves all international transportation responsibilities with the guest! Be sure that you are able to make all connections and itineraries, as failure to do so could delay your arrival in Manali.

The local scene

On days when you come in early or we are unable to ski, the surrounding countryside provides ample opportunities for shopping, walking, photography, exploring the local culture or just relaxing. Many guests have commented that they would have arranged their itinerary to include more time in the Kullu valley had they known of the variety of activities that are available there.

The lower reaches of the Himalaya have been inhabited by the local Pahari folk for eons. No one knows when they first came to the area. Many of the local temples are revered as sacred spots by people throughout India. In the summer months it is common to meet pilgrims who have travelled from all over India. In winter the locals have less agricultural work and spend much of their time finishing household chores such as spinning wool and weaving ( the valley is renowned for woolen handicrafts). In addition to completing domestic chores the winter provides an opportunity for the fulfilment of religious obligations. As a result many religious celebrations are performed throughout the winter months.

Village life in the valley is little changed from that of many centuries ago. Greater education and exposure to outside ideas have not changed the outward appearance of life in the villages. Outside opportunities have not lead to an exodus from the valley, and few who have been born in the valley ever leave it permanently. HHS employs a "cultural interpreter" to organise tours to villages and to explain the sights. These activities are what sets HHS aside from other heliskiing operations. We would like to show our guests what we can of the charm of a different pace of life, and hopefully explain some of the underlying philosophies.

Nikolai Roerich, a Russia emigre artist and explorer, lived in the valley in the 1920s. When Yuri Gagarin (the first man in space) was asked what the earth looked like from space, he said "I feel like I am looking at a Roerich painting." One of the largest collections of Roerich paintings is housed at a place called Naggar, where Roerich established a small artistic community. Viewing the paintings in Naggar, where some were painted, puts the images in a different perspective as opposed to viewing them in a museum or private collection.

Hot springs, temples, art galleries, the local ski field (very small), bootleggers, Tibetan monasteries, the Manali bazaar and many other exotic sights await you. The Himalaya is not just a ski experience but a complete cultural experience. This means that any non-skiing days will not necessarily be wasted idling in the lodge, with the outside temperatures preventing ventures out of doors.

The lodging

Rates 2012: Euro 6850

Max skiers per guide is 4.

Included in this package:

•• International airfare to Delhi
• Single rooms
• Meals and accommodation in Delhi
• Alcoholic beverages
• Himachal State Government Heliski Tax (US $ 300.-/week/person)
• Service tax equal to 10.3% of package price. This tax has been imposed
on all tour operators in India by the Central Government.
• Room services
• Excess baggage charges
• Taxis
• Visa fees
• Departure taxes and gratuities
• Extra vertical meters
• Rescue flights are billed separately
Extra vertical meters (see also details “additional vertical meters”):
• € 100.- / 1`000 meters vertical skied.Extra charge for single room:
• € 290.- for seven nights in Manali, whether by guests choice or if no rooming partner can be found.Extra charge for transfer Pinjore (near Chandigarh) - Manali by helicopter per rotation (max 5 guests):
• € 3`500.-