What was once only a military vehicle has now become the ultimate toy of the rich. The ultimate status symbol (next to a G-5, of course), a helicopter has become a staple of extreme adventures.
Here are 3 luxury hotels that have jumped on the trend, and created wild heli-experiences unique to their locales. Below is an example of some the more interesting ways hotels have utilized the helicopter in their offerings.
Four Seasons Resort & Residences Whistler
Cross the Canadian border and find a wide array of heli-experiences perfect for the extreme adventurer and more moderately adventurous alike. Choose from a heli-fishing and hot springs experience, where the day begins when guests board an A-star helicopter in Whistler and travel to a scenic high alpine lake where an abundance of rainbow trout await. While fishing out of a personal inflatable water craft, an experienced guide will put guests into hungry feeding schools of fish. Then get back onto the helicopter and descend to a remote glacier river to fish the pristine runs for searun cutthroat, char and salmon. The final destination involves a scenic flight over waterfalls and follows the path of Canada’s second largest ever landslide before landing to soak in the thermal pools of a natural hot spring. Guests will enjoy nibbling on appetizers and sipping glacier cool beverages, while a Four Seasons chef prepares their fish. Dine riverside on white linen tables surrounded by hot springs to finish off the day. The hotel also offers a catch-and-release helicopter tour to fish for the elusive Sturgeon, with lunch served in riverside yurts. For the more relaxation-inclined, book the wilderness wellness tour, which includes a helicopter ride over the Pemberton Ice Cap, BC’s largest Ice field, before arriving at a remote natural hot springs. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a master yoga instructor and a Four Seasons Spa therapist to enjoy private yoga sessions, followed by a private aqua massage treatment. The experience also includes thermal pool-side, spa-inspired cuisine and cocktails prepared by Four Seasons’ Chef-De-Cuisine.
It’s skiing in July in the Mendoza Valley of Argentina. Each summer, the resort offers a unique experience pairing a relaxing vineyard experience with world-class dining and wine tasting, with an exhilarating heli-skiing adventure. Guests will stay in an exclusive, luxury villa among 1,500 acres of vineyards by night, and explore the deep, untouched powder of the surrounding Andes by day. Only a short 5-10 minute helicopter flight away, the Andes reach almost 7,000 meters high and provide a dramatic landscape for outdoor thrill-seekers. Three-day and weeklong packages include lodging, ski and safety equipment, and world-class guides.
Four Seasons Resort & Residences Jackson Hole:
You can also have a safari without ever leaving the country. Led by Four Seasons Jackson Hole’s own wildlife biologist, this helicopter experience allows guests to see Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park in an entirely new way. The Four Seasons’ wildlife biologist guides guests to the best spots and wildlife viewing areas to discover herds of moose, elk, bison and mountain goats – Grizzly Bears are also often viewed in the area.