Eleven Experience is known for crafting unforgettable luxury experiences in remote, pristine locations around the world, and heli-skiing is one of its most exhilarating offerings. With bespoke trips that combine adventure with comfort and exclusivity, Eleven takes skiers to rarely touched terrains, offering everything from thrilling powder runs to first-class service and safety protocols. We spoke to one of Eleven's expert heli-ski guides, Doug Krause and Mike Hattrup, the Director of Skiing, to answer the most pressing questions for luxury travelers considering this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Q: What factors—such as snow conditions, elevation, and avalanche risk—do you consider to ensure both safety and an optimal skiing experience?
Our top priorities include snow and weather conditions, terrain suitability, timing, and the skier’s ability, experience, and fitness. We have rigorous risk management protocols to mitigate avalanche risks and helicopter safety concerns. This careful planning allows us to deliver a safe and thrilling experience on every run. At Eleven, it’s all about exclusivity and personalization. Unlike many operations, we guide guests through untouched terrains. Each location, like our Rio Palena Lodge in Chile, offers one-of-a-kind experiences you won’t find anywhere else – an adventure that’s as refined as it is rugged.
Q: How do you customize the terrain to suit each traveler’s preferences, whether it’s steep couloirs, open powder bowls, or tree skiing?
We ask guests about their preferred terrain before and during the trip, then adjust based on conditions, safety concerns, and the broader plan for the day. If a guest prefers steep couloirs but conditions are better suited for powder bowls, we’ll guide them in that direction. We also gradually introduce new terrain to help build confidence and skill.
Q: What characteristics of snow do you look for to provide both safety and an exhilarating experience?
Cold, dry powder snow is ideal for heli-skiing, but lightly wind-transported snow can also create an amazing, smooth “velvet” feel. Some of our properties also offer exceptional spring skiing on “corn” snow—a unique experience that’s smoother and more forgiving, ideal for luxury travelers looking for variety. In terms of gear, we stock a different kind of gear that is optimized for the conditions and the terrain of that location.
Q: For luxury travelers new to heli-skiing, what level of safety training do you provide?
All guests receive mountain safety, avalanche, and helicopter operation training before their first heli-skiing outing. This includes practical exercises so they’re confident using the equipment and understanding our safety protocols. We also keep a high client to guest ratio – three clients to two guides, which is quite rare in the industry. And often we'll have a second helicopter right there or nearby.
Q: How do you assess a skier’s ability level, and what skills should a luxury traveler have before attempting heli-skiing?
We begin with a self-assessment followed by an on-site evaluation. A minimum intermediate skill level is ideal, though we can accommodate private groups with mixed abilities, including beginners, by tailoring the experience to their level.
Q: What type of avalanche safety gear do you provide, and how do you ensure guests are comfortable using it?
We supply all essential avalanche safety gear, including beacons, shovels, probes, radios, and airbag backpacks. Each guest is trained to use this equipment in pre-flight sessions. We focus on clear, manageable instructions so that guests feel prepared without feeling overwhelmed.
Q: How often do you conduct avalanche rescue drills, and how do you make this part of a luxury experience?
Pre-flight training includes avalanche rescue practice, and guides are regularly trained to ensure readiness. We use research-based training protocols that balance essential knowledge with practical skills to ensure that guests are capable in an emergency while still enjoying the experience.
Q: What are the biggest challenges you face when guiding in remote terrain?
Weather is the biggest challenge, closely followed by the logistical complexities of operating in remote areas. Our team is skilled at adapting quickly, which ensures that guests have a safe and seamless experience.
Q: Do you recommend any specific fitness regimen for luxury travelers preparing for a heli-skiing adventure?
General fitness, strength, and cardio will enhance anyone’s experience, but there’s no need to be an athlete. We prioritize having fun, and our guides adapt the experience based on each person’s fitness and comfort levels.
Q: Can you describe a particularly memorable heli-skiing spot that Eleven Experience offers exclusively?
At our Rio Palena Lodge in Chile’s Andes, we’re the only operation offering heli-skiing in this part of the range. Every run here is pioneered by our team, offering a unique adventure with untouched powder and breathtaking views—a heli-skiing experience available only through Eleven.
Q: How do ensure travelers embrace the local culture during their heliskiing adventures?
It’s not just about skiing. For instance, in Patagonia, we have a big Chilean Asada, a barbecue where they roast beef, lamb, chicken, pork and vegetables. And they have a big pizza oven where they're cooking empanadas. You're drinking Pisco, the local alcohol there. They're all Chilean cooks with a lot of local seafood. In Iceland, we have a Viking sauna with a cold plunge that you go back and forth that's quite invigorating and rejuvenating. In Canada, while most of the operators are in remote lodges, we're in downtown Revelstoke, which is a ski town on the Columbia River. You can go to a local hockey game or go curling.
Q. What are other activities guests can take part in?
Down in Patagonia, we take pride in our ‘down day activities’. From fishing to snowmobiling, whale watching and surfing, there are a slew of different opportunities. We have river right in front of our lodge, giving easy access to stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking on the river. You don't want to have six perfect days when you're flying everyday; you'll miss out on a lot of what Patagonia has to offer.
Q: Can you walk us through a day in the life of an Eleven heli-ski guide?
Our day starts before dawn with weather and hazard forecasting, followed by operational briefings with our guide, aviation, and hospitality teams. Once guests are briefed, we take to the skies if conditions allow. If the weather is unsuitable, we offer alternative activities like rafting, mountain biking, or a relaxing spa day. We aim to ski as long as conditions are good, with options for lunch either in the field, at the lodge, or at a remote outpost. The day ends with après-ski for the guests and wrap-up meetings for the guides.
Q: What are some myths about heli-skiing?
Common myths include:
You have to be an expert.
Heli-skiing is only for thrill-seekers.
There’s a lot of downtime.
Remote lodges must be rustic.
Heli-ski guides spend all day skiing and having fun—they’re actually among the most skilled risk managers in the world.
