Helicopter or snowcat riding near Zinal

Post by **Rob Stevens** » Thursday 13 December 2007, 2:14

If I came to your event (which I would really like to do), I would want to get some untracked riding on my noboard or freeride board.

Is there an operator near Zinal that does this?

The ideal for me would be blue skies for Sun - Mon on my new Swoard, with a monster storm overnight and pow on Monday. As this is a fantasy scenario, I should set up something else if I'm going to go all that way.

The idea of riding there has me pretty stoked.

Post by **nils** » Thursday 13 December 2007, 8:54

1. yes, its possible in Switzerland to do Heliski
2. Zinal beeing one of the best resort in the alps for freeriding, you should not be in need of a helicopter.. just hire a guide there and you're set

3. Italy is nearby and you could even try the Monte Rosa which is a great heli trip, or on the mount blanc on the italian side ( courmayeur area)

Nils

Post by **fivat** » Thursday 13 December 2007, 10:19

Hello Rob,

In Europe you are allowed to freeride and go backcountry where you want directly from the lifts, at your own risks and if you don't create danger for the people skiing on the slopes.
It's different in USA and Canada where you have to stay in the ski areas (but there are big bowls for freeriding in the ski areas, so USA and Canada are cool too!

).

In Zinal there is a special freeride area. But it's often closed when it has snowed.

The fresh snow is not as stable as what I have experienced in Canada. The off piste from Zinal to Grimentz is nice and can be steep. Be careful, some guys have died there.

Unfortunately there is no snowcat riding in Switzerland (and Europe?). Heliboarding is not allowed in France! So the helicopters take off from Italia and go to France! It's a bit silly.

In Switzerland there is only a number of limited summits where one can go with an helicopter. The closest places from Zinal are in the two valleys just beside "Val d'Anniviers" (valley of Zinal):
- Zermatt: the famous resort with the beautiful mountain Matterhorn, symbol of Switzerland. Summit: "Rosablanche".
- Arolla: small resort, well known for backcountry. Summit: "Pigne d'Arolla". This is a very good place for the snowboard freeriders, my favourite one:

2000m of difference in altitude, and steep enough from to top bottom! Zinal-Arolla by car: about 1h30.

Too bad we could not freeride together when I was in Alberta and BC in 2005. Next time, or if you come in Switzerland maybe!

Patrice Fivat

Post by **oliv** » Thursday 13 December 2007, 11:41

Hi Rob,
If you don't mind moving a little bit, you have La Grave in France. 3-4 hours driving from Geneva. No heliski because this is in France but a single lift.

Post by **Rob Stevens** » Thursday 13 December 2007, 16:21

Thanks for the replys, Boys.
I have been looking at airfares from Calgary and it is surprisingly cheap to fly from here to Geneva, return.
I hope the snow is on when your event is... It sounds much easier to do something right from the resort. Maybe some of you will want to join me, if the conditions are right.
The only downside is the time change. Switzerland is 8 hours ahead, so I hope some of you are ready to party late!

Post by **Silber** » Thursday 13 December 2007, 19:05

Rob, a few years ago I did a great heli trip in Val Grisenge (Italy - Val d'Aosta). My guides were absolutely awesome. one of them was Abele Blanche, an Italian that has hiked all the highest peaks in the world. U can get in touch with him and the other guides at www.heliski-valgrisenche.it

Ciao!
Francesco

Post by **Rob Stevens** » Thursday 13 December 2007, 20:07

Yah, Silber...
Looks like a good outfit.
Did you see that Kamchatka trip they're advertising? That one looks amazing.

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Helicopter or snowcat riding near Zinal

Helicopter or snowcat riding near Zinal

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