Air Zermatt’s heliskiing group in deep snow against the backdrop of the Valais four-thousand-metre peaks

Away from the
mainstream

Heli Skiing in Switzerland – Powder Runs from Zermatt & Raron

Air Zermatt takes you heli skiing to the best powder runs in the Swiss Alps: from Monte Rosa at 4,200 m to Aeschihorn, Testa Grigia and the Unterrothorn. Flights depart from Zermatt and Raron; all glacier descents are accompanied by a certified mountain guide. Offers start at CHF 80 per person.

Heliskiing Areas & runs in Valais

Whether it’s your first run at a ski resort or a glacier descent with a mountain guide—Air Zermatt will fly you directly to the starting point from the Zermatt or Raron heliport. The snow and avalanche conditions on the day of the flight will determine which landing site is available. You can find all prices using our price calculator.

Heliski prices

Depending on availability, the helicopter starts from the Zermatt or Raron base. This can affect the price. Whenever possible, we choose the cheaper option or find a suitable departure time together when it is available. A mountain guide is mandatory at most landing sites and we are happy to arrange one if needed. The stated minimum number of passengers applies.


to

Choose start and destination

Mountain guide not included in the price. Further connections available on request. Prices subject to change.

How a heliskiing day works, step by step

1. Meeting point: approximately 15 minutes before the flight at the Zermatt or Raron heliport; the crew will explain how to board and disembark, how to behave at the landing site, and hand signals. For glacier descents, the mountain guide will conduct the safety and avalanche briefing and check the equipment.

2. Flight: a few minutes instead of hours of hiking—the descent route is already visible during the approach.

3. Landing: at an official mountain landing site, quickly and in an orderly manner; the crew unloads skis and backpacks.

4. Descent: the first tracks of the day in the ski area; on the glacier, the mountain guide leads the way and determines the route and pace.

5. Afterward: Return via mountain railway or ski lift—or another run, weather and availability permitting

Season & Conditions

Off-piste heliskiing in Valais is typically possible from March through April/May; the exact season depends on snow conditions, avalanche conditions, and the weather. Glacier runs require stable conditions, which is why the landing site is not determined until the day of the flight (e.g., Alphubel, Äschihorn, or Monte Rosa). In case of poor visibility, storms, or an increased avalanche risk, the flight will be postponed—safety takes priority over the schedule. Webcams show current conditions, and the ZERMATTERS mountain guide office is happy to provide information.

On-piste heliskiing (by helicopter to the ski area) is possible as soon as the slopes in the respective destinations (Zermatt-Matterhorn and Grimentz) are open.

Requirements: Ability, Fitness, and Equipment

For landing sites on a ski slope (Unterrothorn, Testa Grigia, Grimentz), safe skiing on the slope is sufficient; a mountain guide is not required, and the ski pass is not included in the flight price.

For off-piste and glacier descents: the ability to ski safely in open terrain and in varying snow conditions, normal mountain fitness, and familiarity with your own equipment. You’ll need freeride or touring skis, an avalanche transceiver, a shovel, and a probe, as well as weather-appropriate clothing, gloves, a helmet, and sun protection. Equipment can be rented directly from the ZERMATTERS mountain guide office or through a sports store. You can find all Recco products here.

Safety: Mountain Guides & Avalanche Equipment

Glacier and off-piste runs are only permitted with certified mountain guides: from Zermatt, in cooperation with the ZERMATTERS Mountain Guide Office. The mountain guide fee is included in the price per person; from Raron, it is not included and must be arranged separately. The mountain guide agency or the mountain guide, in consultation with the operations management, decides on the landing site and route.

Landing Zones Without a Mountain Guide

Unterrothorn
Testa Grigia
Arolla
Tsanfleuron
Croix de Coeur
Bec du Nendaz
Jungfraujoch
Mittal Tunnel
Grimentz

 

Frequently asked questions about heliskiing

What level of skiing ability do I need?

For runs in the ski resort, confident skiing on the slopes is sufficient; for glacier and off-piste runs, confident skiing in open terrain is required.

Is a mountain guide included?

For the tour departing from Zermatt with ZERMATTERS, yes, the mountain guide fee is included in the price per person; for the tour departing from Raron, it is not; for Unterrothorn and Testa Grigia, a mountain guide is not required.

What happens in case of bad weather or an avalanche risk?

The flight will be rescheduled at no charge.

What equipment do I need?

Standard ski gear is sufficient for the ski resort. Off-piste, you’ll also need an avalanche transceiver, a shovel, and a probe. These can be arranged through ZERMATTERS.

How many people are required to go heliskiing?

The per-person rates apply to groups of four or more; smaller groups will be combined with others, or available seats can be booked.

Can you give heliskiing as a gift?

Yes, all flights are available as gift certificates by mail or as print@home tickets.

Getting here

Zermatt:
Zermatt is car-free. So it makes sense to travel by train; the final stop is Bahnhofplatz Zermatt. From there, it takes about 10–15 minutes to walk to the Zermatt Heliport, either along the road. If you’re arriving by car, you’ll need to park in Täsch and take the shuttle to Zermatt (final stop: Zermatt Bahnhofplatz).

Raron:
Located at the foot of the Bietsch Valley, the municipality of Raron is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Swiss Alps: Jungfrau-Aletsch.” To reach the Raron Heliport by public transportation, take the train to Visp Station and then the bus (Bodmereia stop). From there, it’s a 15-minute walk. By car, you can drive directly to the Raron Heliport.

Enquire about heliskiing now

Off-piste from Zermatt

The offers are only available with a certified mountain guide. The cost per person includes the mountain guide fee. This offer is in collaboration with the ZERMATTERS mountain guide office.

On-piste from Zermatt and Raron

Do you prefer to stay on the slopes?

We are also happy to fly you directly to one of the mountain landing sites located in the Matterhorn Ski Paradise ski area in Zermatt.In no time at all, you'll be right on the slopes. What are you waiting for? Put on your skis, and we'll take care of the rest.

Inquiry to Air Zermatt