This winter has been an epic one for members at Victory Ranch. With private access to Powderbird’s premier heli-skiing services, our Victory Ranch skiers and riders have been off enjoying powder-packed, adrenaline-fueled adventures in the backcountry — all individually tailored by expert guides. To learn more about this coveted, private ski experience amidst the Wasatch, we tapped the Powderbird professionals that make it all possible.
What does Powderbird offer for Victory Ranch members?
We are excited to offer Victory Ranch members exclusive access to Utah’s most premium, private ski experience at their doorstep. Powderbird takes skiers/riders on guided helicopter skiing in the Wasatch mountains.
Heli-skiing adventures at Victory Ranch can accommodate up to eight skiers with a guide-to-member ratio of 1:4. This ski experience allows members to ski with their own group, be led by their own guides and enjoy exclusive access to their own helicopter. Whether embarking on their first helicopter skiing adventure or looking to maximize their vertical skied-in-a-day, members can call the shots when it comes to ski-levels and terrain desires.
What does a heli-skiing experience look like at Victory Ranch?
Heli-skiing experiences with Victory Ranch begin with a warm breakfast and safety briefing from your Powderbird guide. Each member is provided backcountry safety equipment and Head Kore skis for powder-skiing. After booting up, participants fly over their favorite ski resorts into the backcountry to escape the crowds and ride Utah’s coveted powder snow. Each day of private group helicopter skiing is based on two hours of flight time to ensure everyone is getting the most out of their day. After exploring the awe-inspiring Wasatch mountain range, members fly back to Victory Ranch to enjoy après-ski lunch and drinks.
Are heli-skiing opportunities available for beginners?
The private heli-skiing adventure with Victory Ranch and Powderbird is an excellent option for both beginners and experts as we can find terrain to match your ski desires. Additionally, all our privates include 2 guides for maximum safety and dedication to the client experience.
What advice would you give someone before they embark on their first heli-ski adventure?
First and foremost, in order to provide a safe experience, we make conservative decisions to fly only in safe weather. Secondly, the first run is when you will get all your nerves out for the day. It’s important to slow yourself down, put yourself in a relaxed and calm mindset and focus on the rhythm of skiing. Our guides are there to help you every step of the way.
What makes heli-skiing with Powderbird such a special experience?
Powderbird offers access to more skiable terrain than all of Utah’s ski resorts combined. This terrain encompasses alpine bowls, gladded meadows, chutes, and ski runs spanning up to 4,300 vertical feet. These backcountry slopes are free from crowds and provide fresh lines day after day.
What is the most exciting part about guiding a heli-skiing adventure?
As a guide, one of the best parts of the day is landing atop of the first run, looking out over the beautiful vistas and dropping into the run getting fresh tracks turn after turn. In the backcountry, no two days are ever the same. Heli-ski guides get to venture to a new place that no one has been before and figure out how to safely ski and operate based on current conditions — and that’s incredibly exciting.
What makes the Wasatch Range unique when it comes to heli-skiing?
Powderbird accesses a wide variety of terrain that consists of alpine bowls, tight chutes, and wide-open glades. This diverse terrain can accommodate first-time backcountry skiers and expert big mountain skiers, all within a 40-mile radius, keeping flights and waiting-time short.
Not only does Utah receive high-quality snow, but the snow starts early and lasts long. On average, the central Wasatch gets 6.7 feet of snow each April, making it one of the country’s best spring skiing destinations. Powderbird makes the most of the prime winter months by being prepared to operate December 15 through April 15. Additionally, Powderbird has access to terrain wrapping 360 degrees around the compass, enabling the guide team to consistently find optimal conditions.
Powderbird bases and ski terrain sits within the central Wasatch mountain range, which averages 550+ inches of snow annually. Storm totals often exceed 12 inches of snow in 24 hours. Although the snow is plentiful, it isn’t uncommon for Park City and the Snowbird area to receive 300 days of sun a year, making it the ideal location for guests to enjoy helicopter skiing on bluebird powder days.
