Helicopters
Helicopters are often seen buzzing overhead our favourite ski slopes. Many of the flights are private transport flights including:
- Transfers to and from airports and between ski resorts
- Alpine scenic flights
- Heliskiing trips
- Corporate days involving the Audi Ice Driving experience
- Or simply a lift back from a long lunch somewhere special.
Our partners at SAF helicopters, Air Glacier and Wucher have been chosen for their exemplary safety records and relatively large fleet sizes. We have found their levels of VIP service the best in the business at providing a seamless, safe and efficient private trip, not to mention a spectacular visual treat.
A big trend in the luxury market is for the use of helicopters for airport transfers. The speed, efficiency and excitement of what would otherwise be a mundane 2 ½ hour drive, (this can be substantially longer during high season), makes the extra investment a worthwhile proposal, often allowing for an extra half day on the slopes.
As an example of what to expect for a typical Geneva – Courchevel or Zurich – Arlberg transfer;
Scheduled flight arrivals will be met at the baggage collection carousel by a representative from Kaluma or SAF/Wuscher helicopters, and taken through the private passport control reserved for jet and helicopter charters only. Arrivals by private jet will be met directly off the aircraft. You will be taken by luxury transport for the short drive across the apron to your helicopter. The flight time for your VIP transfer takes approximately 32 minutes from Geneva International Airport to the Altiport on the slopes of Courchevel 1850 and approximately 40 minutes from Zurich to the Arlberg. The flight with your highly experienced pilot will allow for stunning views of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc and the Vanoise National Park en route to Courchevel and the stunning flightpath to the Austian Alps takes in the beautiful Vorarlberg mountain range. Once at the Courchevel Altiport or helipad, you will be met by a Kaluma representative and taken at your discretion directly to your hotel, chalet, favourite
restaurant or simply to put on your skis and enjoy the extra few hours that you have earned in the resort.
The Facts
Passenger Capacity is for 4, 5 or 6 people per machine, (subject to helicopter type), with baggage, although excessive baggage may require further logistics.
Prices:
A typical airport transfer from Geneva to Courchevel costs £235 per person, based on 5 people sharing a transfer.
Scenic flights around the resorts, or a trip back from a long lunch in St Marcel cost £65 per person (including ski equipment) based on 5 people sharing a helicopter. Longer flights to view Mont Blanc are also available.
Heliskiingin both the French and Austrian Alps starts at £145 per person. The price is subject to the number of people per group, the number of ‘heli drops’ and the ski area chosen. Your off piste guide will recommend the most suitable place to ski depending on the groups ability, the snow conditions and the weather on the day of the trip. The drop location is often decided from air after the guide assesses the conditions during a fly over.
The fleet:
Squirrel (AS 350) : |
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Bell 407: |
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Twin-engine helicopters
Squirrel (AS355) |
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EC 135 : |
Further VIP configurations are available upon request.