Experience firsthand the virgin snow and exhilarating slopes amidst the stunning peaks of the Andes with a full-day heliski adventure. Helicopter drop-offs reach as high as 4,300 – 5,000m, and runs average 1,300 – 2,400m of vertical skiing/boarding. Since 2005, Santiago Adventures is Chile’s leader in heliski tours, working with highly experienced heli-guides and pilots to provide a safe, one-of-a-kind heliskiing experience. Santiago Adventures is the only tour operator in Chile who directly charters heliski tours for clients.
GUIDES
Our heli ski guides are lead by Philippe Bouteille who has extensive experience in the snow business. Starting his 22nd ski season in 15 years, he is a certified and qualified snow professional, trained by the E.N.S.A (French National Ski and Alpinism School in Chamonix, France), the A.N.E.N.A (French Snow and Avalanches Studies Association) and the National Outdoor Leadership School (N.O.L.S.).
From Europe to Central Asia, from North to South America, Philippe has proven his snow skills as a heliski guide, professional ski patrol and ski instructor. Philippe works as a snow safety consultant for many ski resorts, catskiing, heliskiing and mining companies in Chile. In addition to his technical qualifications, he has strong interpersonal and communication skills and a genuine passion for the sport of skiing and telemarking. Philippe lives in Chile year round and speaks fluent French, English, Spanish and Portuguese.
SAFETY
All Santiago Adventures heli skiing clients enjoy the benefits of the following safety measures:
1. A backpack with an M2 Ortovox beacon, shovel and probe are provided to each rider.
2. Every participant will participate in a security briefing on:
- The use of snow safety equipment and procedure
- The proper behavior to adopt in case of avalanche
- Safety procedure around the helicopter
3. Each guide is in permanent communication by VHF or UHF with the base and the pilot and is equipped with an Iridium satellite phone. Guides also carry first aid kit, altimeter and GPS.
4. For security reason, the heliski day will end around 3:30 pm.
5. A snow report on current conditions is always available from the guide.
6. Santiago Adventures also requires our clients to observe the following requirements:
- Please follow guide instructions at all times. Access to the slopes is controlled by the guide and you may only ski/ride where they indicate it is safe. All descents are led by our guide.
- For your safety our guide reserves the right to dismiss any skier or rider for failure to follow their instructions or if our guide determines the rider is unfit for the conditions.
- Each rider MUST read and sign our liability release waiver before participating in any heliskiing activity with Santiago Adventures.
