Heli-Accessed Ski and Splitboard Touring

Heli-ski touring tours give skier and splitboarders the opportunity to explore the peaks of the Harris Mountains and Buchannan Mountains, just west of Lake Wānaka. These are a short flight from the Matukituki Valley and provide excellent viewpoints over Lake Wānaka and the peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. They are seldom travelled ski and splitboard touring venues so flying into these remote locations allows an uncrowded and remote day trip from Wānaka.

Heli-accessed Locations

Locations for heli-ski and splitboard tours or can be chosen depending on conditions, budget, ability, and aspirations. For multi-day trips to these remote areas, check out our Heli-camp. Locations include:

Mount Alta

Mount Alta (2339m) in the Buchannan Mountains has views from Mt Aspiring through to Lake Wānaka. Day trips can fly directly to the summit to ski the south face and upper basins of the Rumbling Burn before climbing up and crossing the ridge and a final descent to the Tarns for a pickup and return to the valley floor.

300m+ ascent with 1200m+ descent

Black Peak

The summit of Black Peak (2289m) in the Harris Mountains provides outstanding views down over the southern end of Lake Wānaka and the township. Ski the 500m south face and journey along the ridge southwards to the summit of Treble Cone (2058m) and a final ski down through the ski field. A big day.

1000m ascent with almost 2000m descent

End Peak

From the summit of End Peak (2100m), explore the basins on both sides of the ridge into the North Branch of the Mototapu or Twin Falls. Either fly out at the end of the day or journey northwards along the ridge, arriving back at the Saddle of Treble Cone ski field.

500m ascent with 1000m descent

Isobel Glacier

The Isobel Glacier on the north slopes of Mount Tyndall is deep in the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park. Flight over the Harris Mountains to reach this spectacular area with views from the rugged West Coast to Tititea / Mount Aspiring.

Itinerary

Your guide will pick you up from your accomodation in Wānaka or meet the at Cattle Flat Hanger near the bottom of the Treble Cone ski field access road ready for the first flight into the mountains. Helicopter access allows ski and splitboard tourers the opportunity to skip the lift queues and enjoy some untouched backcountry terrain. Finish back at Treble Cone ski field or with a final helicopter ride back to the valley floor at the end of the day.

What to Expect

We offer flexibility to ensure good conditions and weather. Participants must have some ski or split-board experience and good fitness to make the most of the full day out. We recommend warming up on a Treble Cone Backcountry tour a few days before.

Trips start at the Aspiring Helicopters hanger at Cattle Flat, near the bottom of the Treble Cone access road.

Heli-ski Touring Pricing and Dates

Duration: 8 hours

Private day trips by arrangement on any suitable day from July to September.

Day trip prices from $430 per person.

Inclusions: GST, guide fees, helicopter flights, and landing fees (if applicable), compliance costs, transport from Wānaka, and avalanche safety gear.
Exclusions: Ski touring equipment hire (if required)

Maximum ratio:1:4

I did a day ski touring trip with WMG with Tim as my guide. He was excellent at communication before I arrived in NZ as well as sorting out some travel logistics for me. Tim was very helpful and great at explaining what we were doing. He took the time to give some ski tip instructions and made sure that everyone in the group was looked after in terms of ability while touring. It was a wonderful day out. Thank you.’

— Sheila, Remarkables Backcountry Tour

‘Really good no1 fun day. Perfect conditions, great guide, got everything out of the trip that we wanted and more: fresh tracks, beautiful scenery, stunning weather, great company, and very safe and knowledgeable guide.’

— Wayne, Treble Cone Backcountry Tour