Alpine Guides (Aoraki) Ltd launches its 2011 heliskiing season on 01 July. The companies’ 2 heliski operations, Methven and Wilderness Heliski will be the first New Zealand helicopter skiing businesses to open this year.

The opening is limited, with some lower elevation terrain still not in ski-able condition. Managing Director Bryan Carter says, “The 2011 NZ Ski season has had a slow start, with mild temperatures and lower than normal snowfalls for June. But we have a distinct advantage in operating amongst the highest and most glaciated peaks in NZ. These mountains catch snow from every storm.”

Kevin Boekholt, Director of Methven Heliski says, “We still need more snow to open up all of our terrain, but that’s not uncommon for late June. This limited opening shows the inherent quality of our terrain.”

Ski The Tasman, Alpine Guides’ renowned glacier skiing operation on the Tasman Glacier also opens on 01 July.

Alpine Guides pioneered New Zealand heliskiing in 1976 in the Ben Ohau ranges near Mount Cook.

Methven Heliskiing is based in the Arrowsmith Range, inland from Christchurch. Methven Heliski opened in 1986, in conjunction with the Todhunter families of Glenfalloch and Lake Heron Stations.

Wilderness Heliskiing started in 1995 and operates in the Mount Cook region. Wilderness is the only helicopter skiing with access to terrain within Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.