Heli-Skiing is big in the New World, but there are still only few opportunities in Austria. My personal favourite is Heli-Skiing at the Arlberg region. Not only is the Arlberg the cradle of alpine skiing, with a huge reputation all over the world. It also offers some of the best off-piste action you will find in the Western Alps. Even in winters, where snow is scarce, there is a great abundance of it on the Arlberg. This is due its perfect position, which allows Mother Nature to drop its heavy white burden just above the villages of Lech and Zürs.

The back lands of Lech, Zürs and its Tyrolean neighbour St. Anton, are therefore one of the hotspots for Ski-Buns and Cracks. Therefore you have to get up early to find “virgin” runs, after days of snow-fall. This is especially hard, as there are so many bars and pubs to socialise, which makes it hard to get up early.

Another opportunity to get fresh powder is the local “Heli-Skiing offer”, which gives everyone a chance to get his first heli-skiing experience. Unlike the day or week-packages you get offered in a lot of the well known back-yard resorts in the Rockies or the Caucasus, at the Arlberg you do not have to book whole days or weeks. The offer is directed to people, who want to test the waters and test if they like the experience. There are two flights offered – to the Mehlsack or the Schnee-Täli (valley of snow) – both at about €400: this is for the flight. Up to three people per flight are possible – one additional seat goes to the Ski-Guide, who has to be on board. If you want to treat yourself to an especially great day, you might consider checking if Hubert Strolz, former Olympic Gold medallist, is available!

After a short flight, up to the top, you can enjoy about one hour of pure powder. Normally you book your ski guide for the whole day, so before and after your Heli-run, he will show you the best powder runs that can be reached from the lifts.

Heli-Skiing is very limited in Austria – but this offer should attract every serious skier. It is the highlight inside a skiing region, which offers a lot of great runs for passionate skiers and should not be missed if you ever visit the Arlberg region!