All Images: Courtesy of High Mountain Heli
Imagine; it’s the mid 1970s in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The snow is deep, the sky is clear and the mighty Tetons tower above the valley. You awake to an early morning phone call from your closest ski partner. He tells you to get your gear together and prepare for a big day. He’ll swing by your place to pick you up in an hour.
The two of you pull into an empty parking lot and spot an old, beat up Chevy truck idling in the far corner. A thin filament of cigarette smoke rises from the barely cracked driver side window. As you get closer the door swings open and a pair of cowboy boots hit the snow-packed gravel. You recognize the guy’s weathered face from the tram line, but are unable to put a name to it. “Howdy fellas,” he mutters as he transitions to his Lange four-bucklers. “You boys ‘bout ready to saddle up?” Just then, you hear a faint ‘whap, whap, whap’ and look up to see a helicopter approaching—you’re about to go heli-skiing.
When Jackson Hole-based High Mountain Heli (HMH) was founded in 1974, it wasn’t just Wyoming’s first heli-ski operation—it was one of the first in the country. Back then, the upstart crew embodied the rugged spirit of the Wild West. The skis were long and straight, sunglasses were preferred over goggles and the heli’s dashboard was a great place to thaw your frozen sandwich. Despite the rough edges, hundreds of thousands of acres of untouched powder were accessible, resulting in millions of deep turn potential. HMH was carving out its niche, building a reputation for one-of-a-kind experiences in the pristine backcountry found along the mountainous Wyoming/Idaho border.
Fast forward 50-plus years, HMH is one of the most respected heli-ski outfitters in the country, with their own state-of-the-art AS350 B3e helicopter, gourmet lunches, top-tier accommodations and a team of seasoned guides who are masters of their craft. Their current level of sophistication would have seemed unimaginable in the 1970s. With bases in both Victor, Idaho, and Hoback, Wyoming, they have created a logistical marvel, offering access to over 350,000 acres across two states and four mountain ranges: the Snake River Range, the Idaho Palisades, the Wyoming Range and the Little Greys.
The wide breadth of options, which allows the team to rapidly adapt to changing weather and snow conditions, is no accident. With the help of advanced weather forecasting tools and real-time observations, guides can reliably pinpoint which terrain will have the best conditions on any given day, oftentimes before the sun rises above the jagged horizon. This means that no two days are the same when you fly with HMH.
On-mountain safety has also come a long way. In the 1970s, avalanche protocols were basic (at best), relying more on intuition than science. Today, HMH’s guides conduct the highest level of snowpack analysis and guests are equipped with the latest safety equipment, including an avalanche airbag backpack and easy-to-use multi-antennae avalanche transceivers—a far cry from the rudimentary analog beacons used in the early years. In the unfortunate event of an in-the-field medical emergency, clients can take solace in the fact that the veteran guides undergo detailed medical training on a regular basis.
Perhaps, though, the most striking evolution is in the client experience. In the early days, heli-skiing with HMH was about the adventure, not the amenities. There were no lodges or catered lunches—just raw, unfiltered skiing. The thrill was palpable, but so were the discomforts.
Today, HMH caters to a clientele accustomed to Jackson Hole’s world-class service. Guests are welcomed with a high-end, seamless experience from start to finish. Luxury accommodations at the Snake River Sporting Club in Hoback, Wyoming offer everything from deluxe three and four-bedroom homes to a brand new hotel which is slated to open in 2025. On the other side of Teton Pass—in Victor, Idaho—a full range of options to suit a variety of budgets can be found we well.
Through all this change, one thing has remained constant: the expertise of HMH’s guides. For industry insiders, Jackson Hole is sometimes referred to as ‘home of the heli guide’, and HMH directly benefits from that reputation. Their seasoned guides have been with the company for decades, bringing unparalleled knowledge of the area’s terrain and weather patterns, which translates to an unmatched skier experience. HMH’s level of flexibility minimizes down days and maximizes fun.
“The history we have operating in our expansive permit areas is a huge advantage,” says Jake Laskin, the owner of HMH. “Because our staff is intimately familiar with the storm patterns and microclimates, we find the best snow, even on challenging weather days. For example, if the clouds are keeping us from flying in the Wyoming Range, we might pivot to the Palisades where it’s more likely to be clear. It’s nice to have four mountain ranges to choose from.”
Jake, who took over the reins four years ago, is proud to carry on HMH’s legacy. “It’s pretty cool to think we are part of something that’s been around for over 50 years,” he says. Under his leadership, the operation has been modernized from top to bottom, moving from pencil-and-paper reservations to a fully digitized system. Despite these upgrades, Jake is committed to preserving the spirit of HMH’s early days. “It’s a special achievement to be part of one of the oldest heli-ski operations in the world,” he commented. “We’re lucky to be based in Jackson Hole, where the tradition of powder skiing runs steep and deep.”
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned powder hound, heli-skiing with HMH offers a rare blend of history, innovation and adventure. From its humble beginnings in a frozen parking lot to its current status as a global leader, High Mountain Heli remains a testament to the enduring allure of untouched snow and the pioneering spirit of Jackson Hole. As Jake puts it, “We’ve come a long way, but at the heart of it, it’s still about sharing the magic of these mountains with our guests. That’s something that will never change.”
High Mountain Heli Info and Travel Tips
Skiing:
HMH has over 3,500 acres of permitted terrain across two states and four mountain ranges. This gives them the ability to choose appropriate terrain for each group. You should be in top physical shape and have experience skiing powder. It’s best to book a trip with three friends (four total per group) who ski at the same skill level. If that’s not an option HMH will match you with a group of similar ability.
Runs per Day: 6 (approx. 15,000 vert. ft.)
Average Annual Snowfall: 500+ inches/year
Dates: HMH’s season runs from December 18, 2024 – April 9, 2025
Rates: Single Day – $1,900/person; 3-Day – $5,400/person; Private Group of 3-8 people – $8,300/hr (3 hour minimum)Contact: www.heliskijackson.com; [email protected]; (307) 690-8310
Getting There:
Regular flights arrive at Jackson Hole Airport (12 miles north of Jackson, WY) from major cities, including: Denver, Salt Lake City, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Newark, Phoenix, San Francisco and Seattle. You can also drive there—4WD is highly recommended. The closest major city is Salt Lake, which is 4.5 hours to the south.
Additionally, because HMH owns its own helicopter, private aerial transfers (or whatever else you can dream up) can be arranged. Worth noting, HMH has access to a private plane which allows them to offer custom out-of-state travel itineraries for those who prefer to avoid the hassles of TSA security lines.
HMH’s two local bases are located at the Snake River Sporting Club, 19 miles south of Jackson, WY and Teton Springs Lodge, 24 miles to the east in Victor, ID.
Accommodations & Dining:
In addition to HMH’s partner lodges (Snake River Sporting Club in Hoback, WY and Teton Springs Lodge in Victor, ID) Jackson Hole has a variety of lodging options that range from the no frills Super 8 to the luxurious Four Seasons. Mountain Modern, just a few blocks off the town square, is a great option that offers comfortable accommodations at an affordable price.
Along the same vein, restaurant options run the gamut, from fast food to fine dining. Some of our favorites include: Bin22—a wine bar serving Italian and Spanish small plates—and The Bird—a laid-back locals joint that serves comfort food with a wide selection of brews.
