Local heliski operators Southern Lakes Heliski and Harris Mountains are committed to getting skiers and riders into the backcountry this winter season.

“The mountains and winter are such a big reason people live here. After the challenges of lockdown, we are excited to be able to access fresh powder every day and allow skiers to indulge in their passion,” Southern Lakes Heliski general manager David Hiatt said.

David said he was thrilled to see Cardrona, Treble Cone and Snow Farm opening their fields this winter, as well as both Remarkables and Coronet Peak across in Queenstown.

“Winter is a critical part of our local economy and while it will be fantastic if the Trans-Tasman border does open, for us the local and domestic market have always been the key part of our business. It is where we started and we have never lost sight of that.”

According to head guide James Hamilton, early indications suggest Southern Lakes Heliski’s ‘gold charter’, where up to eight skiers share two guides and a helicopter for the day, will be one of its biggest sellers. 

James said the ‘first turns charter’, enabling people to ski fresh powder and be back on the job by mid-morning, is “perfect for locals”.

The team at Harris Mountains is also gearing up for the 2020 season.

“We will be looking to operate from early July through till the end of September,” general manager Hugh Barnard said.

“Though international guests typically make up 75 per cent of our skier numbers, we have many loyal local and domestic clients, and we’ll be able to offer them our usual high standard of service.”

Hugh said the company’s base, at 99 Ardmore Street, will reopen from late June, “though our office hours will be a little less than usual due to decreased numbers.”

“Due to the high operating costs of heliskiing we are not able to drastically alter pricing for the domestic market but we will be running our 25 per cent standby discount for all local season pass holders - another bonus of picking up a TC/Cardies season pass,” Hugh said.

“With all forecasting models showing a decent winter ahead we’re confident we will have great skiing on offer,” Hugh said. And “there will be even more untracked out there this year than normal.”

David is also looking at the upcoming season with optimism: “Our focus this year will again be on great experiences shared with people you know. We can’t wait for the season to start.”

PHOTO: Harris Mountains