Step 1: Pick your destination and dates
Start with where and when. Destination sets the character and cost of the trip — see our comparisons of Iceland vs Alaska and the best destinations in the world. For Iceland, the season runs March to mid-June, with the mid-April to mid-May peak booking out first. Have two or three candidate weeks in mind rather than a single fixed date; flexibility gives you far more choice on format and rooming.
Step 2: Choose your flying format
The single biggest lever on price and feel is whether you fly shared, semi-private or private. A shared group spreads the helicopter cost and keeps the week accessible; a private charter gives you the aircraft and the day to yourselves at a much higher figure. Most first-timers are best served by a shared or semi-private week. Our note on private versus shared weighs the trade-offs.
Step 3: Match ability and group
Be honest about the ability of everyone in the group. Heliskiing suits confident intermediates and up; guides match terrain to the group, so a mixed-ability party is fine within reason but a total beginner is not. Note the group size too — it affects helicopter format and rooming. If you are travelling as a family or mixed group, read heliskiing for groups and families.
Step 4: Confirm price, deposit and terms
Before you pay anything, get the essentials in writing: the total package price, exactly what it includes, the deposit and payment schedule, and the cancellation and weather policy. Pay close attention to the pricing model — a guaranteed-vertical-feet package protects you against weather delays in a way a simple day rate does not. Our cost breakdown explains what to look for.
Step 5: Sort insurance and logistics
Two practical jobs remain. First, specialist travel insurance that explicitly covers off-piste skiing, helicopter use and mountain rescue — standard ski policies often exclude these. Our insurance guide covers it. Second, book your international flights and transfers and start your packing list. For Iceland specifically, see getting to North Iceland.
Step 6: Book early, and through the right channel
Heliskiing has a short season and limited helicopter capacity, so the best weeks go first — aim to book six to twelve months ahead for peak dates. As for the channel: with an authorised agent the price is identical to booking direct, so there is no cost reason to go direct, and a good reason not to. You gain impartial advice, help with rooming and logistics, and one point of contact for the whole trip.
That is what we do. Heliski Travel is the authorised agent for Viking Heliskiing, we charge no markup or booking fee, and we reply within 12 hours. When you are ready, choose a package or send us your dates and group and we will build the options with you.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book a heliski trip?
Book as early as you can, ideally six to twelve months ahead for peak dates. Heliskiing runs a short season with limited helicopter capacity, and the busiest weeks — mid-April to mid-May in Iceland — fill first. Early booking secures your dates, format and rooming.
How much deposit is needed to book heliskiing?
Deposits vary by operator but are commonly a percentage of the package to secure your week, with the balance due before the trip. Always confirm the exact deposit, payment schedule and cancellation terms in writing before you pay.
Do I need special insurance for a heliski trip?
Yes. You need travel insurance that explicitly covers off-piste skiing and helicopter use, plus mountain rescue and medical evacuation. Standard ski policies often exclude both. Arrange specialist cover before you travel.
Is it better to book direct or through an agent?
With an authorised agent the price is the same as direct, so there is no cost reason to book direct. An agent adds impartial advice on format and dates, help with logistics and rooming, and a single point of contact. Heliski Travel is the authorised agent for Viking Heliskiing and charges no markup or booking fee.