But it is not just the snow that brings this feeling of utter exhilaration - it is also the vastness of the landscape, the absolute wilderness in which we are happily immersed and the knowledge that there is probably not another skier for several thousand miles in any direction. Alf Alderson, The Independent, December 2006

Iceland trip report

I’d never really been too turned on by the prospect of skiing in Iceland – rolling hills and howling north Atlantic gales was the image I had. However, a brief chat with the late, great Frederick Ericsson following his trip there, soon changed my mind and on the 14th of May, when most people had long ago hung up their boards, we headed off to the Troll Peninsula on Iceland’s north coast. I was joined by Umberto, Enrico, Andrea and Filippo from Italy and Patrice, Will, Tom and Alf. Tom and Alf will be writing articles for the FT, The Independent and a few other ski mags - due for publication this autumn.

We were a group with a lot of heli skiing experience between us and I think it is fair to say that this trip was something pretty special for us all – and on several different levels. For me personally, I like the style of operation. It’s low-key, personal and relaxed with a real emphasis on quality skiing. Unlike many of the more commercial operations, here you are treated as an individual both on and off the mountain - not just another cash-generator on the conveyor belt.

We skied a total of 36 runs for just under 30,000 vertical metres in three days. Around half of these were first descents and we soon struggled to come up with new names. From top to bottom of every run, there was barely a bad turn and with the odd shower passing through, we even skied some powder in addition to the perfect, creamy spring snow. Day in, day out we skied big, wide open faces and steep couloirs with spectacular views of the rugged north Atlantic coast.

One of the really big advantages of Iceland in the spring is that the stable, maritime, snow pack generally leads to minimal avalanche risk and as a result, there are few issues with skiing genuinely steep terrain – way steeper than you will find at 95% of heliski operations.

Over the years I have skied in some fairly remote places but nowhere have I ever experienced the sensation of isolation that I felt standing on the peaks on the Troll Peninsula...and having just checked the map, I think I know why. If you drew a north / south line the entire way round the globe from Iceland and back again, it would travel, almost entirely uninterrupted by land, directly through the north and south poles, only just scratching the north east coast of Greenland on the way. It’s strange but you could actually feel this huge open space when you looked north...

The food cooked by Sonja was outstanding -she even got the firm nod from the Italians! The emphasis is on locally produced organic produce: fresh eggs from the lodge’s chickens, lamb from the farmer down the road, wild goose and of course, fresh fish – simple, unpretentious, good stuff.

Fortunately most of us managed to sneak out before the volcano erupted. Alf and Will on the other did not are possibly still in Reykjavik eating hotdogs and drinking beer under the midnight sun.

...If you want chocolates on your pillow, waiters in bow ties and your ego massaged do NOT come here. On the other hand, if you want a ‘real’, raw experience with an emphasis on quality skiing....give us a call now because the word is out and there will definitely not be enough seats to go round next season.

Andreas Fransson ‘Skis’ the South Face of Denali

Swedish skier and Chamonix local, Andreas Fransson has been behaving like a possessed madman on North America’s highest peak – Denali (6,193m). As trey Cook writes on Chamonix Insider, “His ascents and descents on North America’s highest mountain, made in quick succession amidst difficult conditions, have defined a new level of competence as it relates to ski mountaineering.” For a full, report of Andreas’ trip visit Chamonix Insider.

Super-Dry Andes Powder

Join us in the Chilean Andes this summer for a week of super-dry Andes powder. Now fully operational, Puma Lodge situated just 90 minutes drive south of Santiago, has set a new standard in south American Heli skiing. If you are interested in joining James this summer, please click here for more information or email him at james@eaheli.com

2012 Filling up Fast

Bookings for 2012 are in full swing and many of the peak season weeks at more popular destinations are full. If you are thinking of heli skiing in 2012, please contact us as soon as possible.

Film of the Month

Old but not outdated (apart from a couple of fluorescent ski suits), this film from Himachal in India really sums up the Himalayan Heliski Experience.

Why EA Heliskiing

• We have more firsthand knowledge and expertise on worldwide heliskiing than any other company in existence.
• Totally impartial advice on the world's best heliski destinations.
• All of our clients receive big discounts on K2 Skis and gear from The North Face.
• Booking with us will never cost more than booking direct with a lodge. In fact, it will often save you money.
• Excellent benefits to regular heliskiers.
• A professional service that will organise your trip from start to finish with minimum hassle to you