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Sailing Southeast Asia

Sailing Southeast Asia
© Ronen/Shutterstock
Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi Island is a popular duty-free escape destination on the far northern tip of Malaysia and across the gulf from Thailand. The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club is a reliable Southeast Asian standard famous for hosting the prestigious Royal Langkawi International Regatta, held over five days in late January or early February. The Royal Langkawi has berthing for 205 boats and full marina amenities, including two restaurants, a swimming pool and even a PADI dive shop.

For more information: Royal Langkawi Yacht Club


Sailing Southeast Asia
© Royal Phuket Marina
Royal Phuket Marina, Phuket, Thailand

Part of $150 million "luxury lifestyle marina community" in Phuket, the Royal Phuket Marina opened in 2006 to great fanfare and instant patronage when the 22nd Phuket King's Cup—a well-heeled international regatta—christened the marina. With its initial condominium shares and marina berths already filled, entreprenuer Gulu Lalvani's luxury resort has plans to expand the marina, add more private villas with their own moorings and build a ritzy hotel. The marina recently won the Best International Design award from the International Property Awards in London.

For more information: Royal Phuket Marina

Sailing Southeast Asia
© ONE 15 Marina
ONE˚15 Marina Club, Sentosa Cove, Singapore

This is the newest installment in Singapore's $5 billion project to build a high-end resort at the southeastern tip of the island at Sentosa Cove. It also includes Singapore's first casino, numerous condominium complexes, single-family homes with boat docks, a golf course and luxury hotel. With berths large enough for megayachts and enough docks for 270 boats, the marina's purposefully limited 4,000-person membership was filled shortly after its September 2007 debut. In 2009, ONE?15 will be a stopover port and in-port race host in the prestigious around-the-world Volvo Ocean Race.

For more information: ONE?15 Marina Club

Sailing Southeast Asia
© Robert Harding Picture Library Ltd./Alamy
Clearwater Bay Marina & Golf Club, Hong Kong

Although not technically Southeast Asia, Hong Kong shares the South China Sea with Vietnam and others. Clearwater's name conjures the crystalline waters of the Clearwater Bay peninsula in the southeastern Kowloon peninsula. The 300-berth marina—with six reserved for superyachts—is well-protected from the sea in its own little cove. Members of the marina enjoy access to the extensive dining and recreational facilities, indoor and outdoor tennis and an executive nine-hole golf course at the Country Club. There's even a helicopter pad for trips to Hong Kong island.

For more information: Clearwater Bay Marina & Golf Club

Sailing Southeast Asia
© Xu Xiaolin/Corbis
Qingdao Yinhai International Yacht Club, Qingdao, China

Flush with investment money from billionaire venture capitalist Chaoyang Wang—one of China's richest businessmen—this newly minted yacht club in the northern city of Qingdao has already serenaded a stopover for the patrician Clipper Worldwide Race. Qingdao is also a jumping-off point for sailing trips around the Southeast Asian countries, making it an important part of the circuit. Qingdao will also play host to the sailing, rowing and water sports events of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. China has even gone so far as to christen Qingdao—best known in the West for the Tsingtao brewery—as "The City of Sailing." Wang expects the massive new marina to kick-start a sailing craze in China which will help fill the marina's 366 berths.

For more information: Qingdao Yinhai International Yacht Club

Sailing Southeast Asia
© Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club
Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Hong Kong

With a long and robust history, the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club is the pride of yacht clubs in Asia. Initially founded by British sportsmen in 1849 as the Victoria Yacht Club, by 1894 the club was granted "Royal" status by the Lords of the Admiralty. Nowadays this large, diverse club covers two islands and two bays and berths hundreds of boats from dinghies to large yachts to sampans. The club features a full-time boatyard, three marinas and hardstanding services. With more than 11,000 members, the RHKYC is one of the largest yacht clubs in the world. It also plays co-host to the annual China Sea Race.

For more information: Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

Sailing Southeast Asia
© Paul Russell/Corbis
Raffles Marina, Singapore

The Raffles name recognized worldwide for its elegance and charm. Mega-yachts, in particular, are catered to year-round as Raffles actively promotes its "nautical lifestyle." The marina is also a long-time host and co-host to numerous area regattas, including the annual Singapore Straits Regatta. There's all the usual boating facilities, as well as tennis, billiards, bowling and a gymnasium available for guests, plus a small theater, a pool, two restaurants and a pub.

For more information: Raffles Marina

Sailing Southeast Asia
© Rebak Marina Langkawi
Rebak Marina Langkawi, Rebak Island, Malaysia

The Rebak Marina is part of the exclusive Rebak Island Resort operated by Taj Hotels. The marina has 189 water berths in a no-surge harbor and dry dockage for yachts up to 98 feet, as well as an impressive 65-ton marine travel lift. The Rebak Marina prides itself on seclusion, exclusivity, luxury and natural beauty on the privately owned Rebak Island—one of only three inhabited islands in the duty-free Langkawi archipelago. The marina is connected to the recently developed (and pricey) Rebak Island Resort.

For more information: Rebak Marina Langkawi

Sailing Southeast Asia
© Emma Lee/Life File/Getty
Republic of Singapore Yacht Club, Singapore

The Republic of Singapore Yacht Club has been around since 1826, back when the Stamford Raffles crew and the first president of Singapore were patrons. RSYC is the oldest club in Singapore, but recent upgrades and expansions mean 168 wet berths, including one that can accommodate a mega-yacht up to 140 feet long. The club has long been active in major regattas, including the Clipper Sea Race and the Singapore Straits Regatta. RSYC was moved to the West End in 1999 and redesigned; it won the SIA Architectural Design Award in 2001.

For more information: Republic of Singapore Yacht Club

Sailing Southeast Asia
© Manila Yacht Club
Manila Yacht Club, Manila Bay, Philippines

In the '60s, the Philippines became the first Asian country to enter sailing competitors in the Olympics. Today the members-only Manila Yacht Club keeps racing at the forefront. The club plays host to the annual President's Cup Regatta (begun in 1993), co-host to the China Sea Race (won by a MYC racer in 2008) and regularly sends teams to the major regattas in the region. Visiting yachts are welcome to dock at the club and repair facilities are accessible. Typhoon protection was added in 1998 with a raised seawall and floating berths. The Manila Yacht Club traces its roots back to 1927.

For more information: Manila Yacht Club











10 Last Minute Luxury Deals

10 Last Minute Luxury Deals
© Kevin Orpin
Four Seasons at Jimbaran Bay

Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

The resort's 147 villas are built into a tiered hillside with lush foliage and clear bay views. Stroll down to some of the prettiest beaches in southern Bali, or spend some time in the infinity pool (one of our favorite spots). This is truly a place to get into the spirit of the season.

For more information, visit www.fourseasons.com.


10 Last Minute Luxury Deals
© Orient Express
La Residencia

Deia, Mallorca, Spain

La Residencia offers luxurious seclusion in a tiny mountain village setting above the Mediterranean. It's a magnificent hotel in a stunning place. The property was created from a 16th century manor house. Guestrooms feature antique furnishings. Make sure to take time to explore the hotel's amazing art collecting featuring the works of island artists.

For more information, visit www.laresidencia.com.


10 Last Minute Luxury Deals
© Hotel de Crillon
Hotel de Crillon

Paris, France

In the 1800s, King Louis XV commissioned the palace that became a luxurious home-away-from-home to the rich and famous in 1909. The rooms and suites offer all the comfort and cushiness you'd expect. The elegant Les Ambassadeurs restaurant is one of the city's finest--Chef Jean-Francois Piege's cuisine simply sublime. Christmas in Paris can't get any better than this.

For more information, visit www.crillon.com.


10 Last Minute Luxury Deals
© Dukes Hotel
Dukes Hotel

London, England

Located in a quiet corner of St. James Place in Mayfair, Dukes has only 90 rooms and is purposely low key. Guestrooms have traditional furnishings and marble bathrooms, and there's a small spa. But our favorite place is the cozy first-floor bar--sit here and you feel like you're in someone's living room, with the bonus of enjoying an expertly prepared martini.

For more information, visit www.dukeshotel.com.

10 Last Minute Luxury Deals
© Fairmont Hotels
Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

One of the best ski resorts in North America. The 550-room Fairmont Chateau Whistler is located right at the base of Blackcomb, and has a classic alpine ambience. You'll find plenty of cozy fireplaces scattered throughout the premises. For a splurge, book a suite with a slope-view tub.

For more information, visit www.fairmont.com.

10 Last Minute Luxury Deals
© Sea Dream Yacht
SeaDream Yacht Club

Uruguay Cruise from Buenos Aires

Small is a good thing on SeaDream. Passengers enjoy an ultraluxury yacht experience, far from the mega-ship crowds. Make sure to spend time in the comfy Balinese Sun Beds on Deck 6. Look out to sea and you won't miss your Christmas tree one bit.

For more information, visit www.seadream.com.

10 Last Minute Luxury Deals
© Norwegian Coastal Voyage
Norwegian Coastal Voyage

Coastal Norway

This is the original Santa country. It's highly likely you'll see reindeer, and you'll certainly see amazing scenery, from one of the 11 comfortable passenger/deliver ships in this fleet. The route is Bergen to Kirkenes and back, with the opportunity to take advantage of organized excursions.

For more information, visit www.norwegiancoastalvoyage.us.

10 Last Minute Luxury Deals
© Hyatt Regency
Hyatt Regency Lake Las Vegas

Henderson, Nevada

The 493-room hotel is on the north shore, and guestrooms have sweeping views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Two Jack Nicklaus Signature courses will inspire golfers, there's a full-service spa, Camp Hyatt program for kids and a 10,000 square foot, European-style casino (hey, it's near Vegas). Are you gonna be naught or nice?

For more information, visit www.hyatt.com.

10 Last Minute Luxury Deals
© Ocean Club Resorts
Ocean Club Resorts

Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

Accommodations at both resorts are in condo-like suites set in tropical gardens, but the beach is the real attraction. Guests can enjoy the services and amenities of both properties with a complimentary shuttle.

For more information, visit www.oceanclubresorts.com.

10 Last Minute Luxury Deals
© Beau Rivage Palace
Beau Rivage Palace

Lausanne, Switzerland

Winter wonderland here is a historic palace on Lake Geneva, with views of the snow-covered French Alps. This 1800s property offers the height of European elegance. New additions include a wonderful full-service spa. The gourmet restaurant La Rotonde boasts a Michelin star, and is a perfect venue for Christmas Eve.

For more information, visit www.brp.ch.




Europe's Best Outdoor Dining

Europe's Best Outdoor Dining
© Il Splendido
La Terrazza at Il Splendido, Portofino

For the view alone over the harbor of glamorous Portofino, dining at La Terrazza is a requisite stop along the Italian Riviera of the Ligurian coast. But the pastas, perfumed by the local basil pesto sauces, and the exquisitely fresh seafood makes this as much a gourmet's pilgrimage spot as a place very wealthy Europeans go to relax.

For more information: Hotel Splendido


Europe's Best Outdoor Dining
© Starwood Hotels and Resorts
The Gritti Palace's Club del Doge, Venice

It seems like the Gritti has hosted every celebrated king and queen, author and movie star of the last 50 years, and to dine out on the deck of the Club del Doge restaurant here is to be in view of all that makes Venice unique. The Adriatic fish is splendid, the risottos sublime, and the prosecco sparkling wine requisite at any time of the day, but especially at twilight.

For more information: Doge Gritti

Europe's Best Outdoor Dining
© Ken Welsh / Alamy
Bom Jardim, Lisbon

No frills at all, but sitting outside under an umbrella in this beloved Lisbon restaurant known as "The Chicken King" allows you to eat the best roast chicken and fried potatoes in Portugal while hobnobbing with the Lisboans who have packed this place for generations.



Europe's Best Outdoor Dining
© Ajia Hotel
The Restaurant at the Ajia Hotel, Istanbul

Located on the Asian side of the Bosporus and accessed by a hotel ferry, Ajia is a marvelous renovation of an old palace, and it has drawn a slew of fashion clients and corporations who hold meetings in this little oasis of calm. The terrace offers a grand view of the city, and the Italian cuisine is both unusual in Istanbul and very refined too. Great risottos and pasta with spicy seafood.

For more information: Ajia Hotel

Europe's Best Outdoor Dining
© Harvey Nichols
OXO Tower Restaurant & Brasserie, London

Located on the eighth floor of OXO Tower on Southbank and run by Harvey Nichols, the outdoor terrace here affords a vast view of the Thames from St. Paul's to the Tate Museum. There's an excellent 3-course lunch, a wine cache of 800 labels, and dishes that range from old-fashioned shepherd's pie to roast halibut in red wine with Jerusalem artichokes. In the evening there is live jazz.

For more information: Harvey Nichols


Europe's Best Outdoor Dining
© Can Majó
Can Majó, Barcelona

Barceloneta (little Barcelona) is the fishing area at the city's harbor and it's packed with seafood restaurants. Can Majó is considered one of the best, not least for its lovely prospect on the water and its very reasonable prices as well as for wonderful local specials like bacalao, rice with squid, and impeccably grilled fish. Try the local wines too.

For more information: Can Majó

Europe's Best Outdoor Dining
© Eye Ubiquitous / Alamy
Pražské Selàtko, Prague

"Prague Piglet" is well named for its extraordinary pit-roasted suckling pig, its skin crisp, accompanied by fresh, hot potato chips, lettuce and tomato, along with items like grilled duck liver, breast of duck with thyme sauce, and filet of pike with spinach sauce. The Czech, Bohemian, and Moravian wines offered here are getting better every year too. The hilltop outdoor setting, near the Castle, provides an enchanting view of the city.



Europe's Best Outdoor Dining
© INTERFOTO Pressebildagentur / Alamy
Chinesischen Turm, Germany

Europe's largest beergarden and Munich's most famous, this is the place for huge steins of Bavarian beer, Wiener Schnitzel, plump German dumplings, and the fat, salty pretzels that make you thirstier and thirstier. The oompah bands are both loud and lots of fun.

For more information: Chinesischen Turm


Europe's Best Outdoor Dining
© Rhys Stacker / Alamy
La Rotonde, Paris

This Paris classic is set on a nexus of the Boulevard St. Germain and Boulevard Raspail, across from the equally delightful Le Dôme. Since 1903, La Rotonde has been as famous for its literary and artistic patrons, from Hemingway to Picasso, as for the bonhomie of its good brasserie fare of onion soup gratinée, beef tartare, and steak au poivre

For more information: La Rotonde


Europe's Best Outdoor Dining
© Le Bristol Hotel
The Summer Restaurant at Le Bristol Hotel, Paris

With two Michelin stars, this shimmering outdoor restaurant (in winter dining moves inside) has one of Paris' brightest toques, Chef Eric Fréchon, who serves both classic and modern haute cuisine like King crab with mashed tomato and avocado scented with curry and a mousse of green apple juice, as well as tiny delicate eels from the Sargasso Sea, pan-fried meunière-style.

For more information: Le Bristol Hotel











World's Best Culinary Trips

World's Best Culinary Trips
© Rhode School of Cuisine
Rhode School of Cuisine, Morocco

Rhode School of Cuisine invites you to steep in the culture of Morocco as a guest in their villa at Dar Liqama, "the house of green mint." Toast spices and roll couscous as the sun sets over La Palmeriae, the desert palm grove, just outside of Marrakech. In addition to delicious mint tea and nine cooking lessons with the local chef, the villa also offers pool, spa, hot tub, tennis courts and excursions to the souk and through the desert by camel.

For more information: Rhode School of Cuisine


World's Best Culinary Trips
© LOOK Die Bildagentur der Fotografen GmbH / Alamy
KeaArtisanal, Greece

Kea Artisanal, on the Aegean island of Kea, combines sightseeing, hiking and plenty of fresh food, including some of Greece's finest cheese and wine. Aglaia Kremezi and her staff guide you from top to bottom on this tiny island, introducing you to traditional recipes that are also featured in her cookbooks. After a boat ride and a dip in the stunning sea, the barbecue will be heaped with seafood before your bathing suit has time to dry.

For more information: KeaArtisanal


World's Best Culinary Trips
© Acadian Farm
Nova Scotia Seafood Cooking School, Canada

At the Nova Scotia Seafood Cooking School, hosted by the eco-friendly Trout Point Lodge, guests learn about preparing seafood in the French New World and Creole style. It's a desk-to-sea-to-table learning experience. First, you'll be taught how to cook the seafood, then you'll visit the area's esteemed seafood destinations, where you choose from fresh oysters, mussels and fish. Finally, it's time to cook—and, of course, dig in.

For more information: Trout Point Cooking & Wine School




World's Best Culinary Trips
© Simon Reddy / Alamy
Cajun Country, Louisiana

West of New Orleans, the spirited town of Lafayette sits in the heart of Louisiana's Cajun Country. You're just as likely to hear Cajun French as English in these part. It's also the place for robust dishes like jambalaya, boudin and gumbo. After dancing all night to Zydeco and Cajun music, guests collapse in a historic bed and breakfast. Cooking lessons are taught by Patrick Mould, an award-winning chef and cookbook author, and a leading authority on Cajun and Creole cuisine.

For more information: Epiculinary's Cajun Country



World's Best Culinary Trips
© Carmen Roson
La Cocina de Oaxaca, Mexico

It's the ultimate Mexican cooking tour in the epicenter of ultimate Mexican cuisine. This is the land of moles, made with incredible local chocolate and mezcal, an alcoholic drink derived from the blue agave cactus. Guest chefs will learn that ritual is just as important as the ingredients while they're taught the region's traditional cooking techniques.

For more information: Epiculinary's La Cocina de Oaxaca


World's Best Culinary Trips
© Artisan of Leisure
Culinary Tour to Japan

Artisans of Leisure have many gastronomic bases covered with their Culinary Tour to Japan, including three diverse destinations. In Tokyo and Kyoto, you'll learn how to shop for ingredients such as miso, tofu, seaweed, noodles, tea, sake and sweets, and how to prepare and present these items in typical Japanese dishes and seasonal specialties. After Kyoto, enjoy a luxurious night at an exclusive hot springs ryokan (an exclusive Japanese bed and breakfast) in Hakone.

For more information: Artisans of Leisure


World's Best Culinary Trips
© Beijing New East School
China Cooking School Tour, Beijing and Shanghai

China Sports and Travel offers several cooking trips, including this 11-day tour that focuses on regional cuisine from Beijing, Suzhou and Shanghai. Expect in-depth instruction; one morning is dedicated to Peking duck, the national dish that dates back to either the Yuan and Ming dynasties, depending on whom you ask. On another tour, chefs have the rare opportunity to cook at one of the country's finest institutions, Beijing New East Cuisine School. Full-time students study for three years just to be admitted into the program, but you will be an honored guest.

For more information: China Sports and Travel

World's Best Culinary Trips
© inTrend
Chocolate Lover's Paradise Tour

On the Chocolate Lover's Paradise Tour, lucky guests are introduced to Belgium's sweet dark treasures. Organized by a native Belgian, Greta Inowlocki, the tour starts in Brussels, home of the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate. Bruges and Antwerp follow, with visits to some of the world's most famous chocolatiers where guests can get hands-on chocolate training. You'll also be treated to fine Belgian fare and, of course, the country's renowned beer.

For more information: inTrend International Travel


World's Best Culinary Trips
© Taste of Thailand
A Taste of Thailand

Place yourself in the hands of the professionals at Viking (yes, the appliance people) and hone your skills with hands-on cooking lessons at the world-class Four Seasons Chiang Mai Cooking School and the Suan Dusit Cooking School in Bangkok. Prik bai horapa (fried fish with chili and basil), Buddhist temples and boat rides make this culinary voyage unique. Pad Thai on your lunch break will never be the same.

For more information: Viking Travel


World's Best Culinary Trips
© EATour Specialist
Galician Cooking Food and Wine

In Spain, each region offers its own signature cuisine. This is especially true for Galicia, a tiny corner of the country on the Atlantic coast. Starting in historic Santiago de Compostela, this trip winds through the coastal Rias Baixas wine country, then inland, where the variety of landscapes produce a wide variety of specialties. Local superstar chefs Toñi Vicente and Robert Crespo prepare the finest local ingredients with a modern twist.

For more information: EATour Specialist







Heli-Skiing Trips

Heli-Skiing Trips
© Canadian Mountain Holidays
Canada:

Canadian Mountain Holidays

Since 1965, CMH has been choppering skiers to the far reaches of British Columbia’s peaks. You’ll hole up at one of their 12 luxury lodges in one of their 12 distinct ski areas and hit the slopes from right outside your door. Not only is the dry, fluffy snow some of the best in the Rockies, but skiers start at a lower altitude than the American Rockies (around 10,000 feet), meaning you’ll have more oxygen and can finish low enough to ski in the trees. A variety of packages lets you choose how long your multi-day stay is and how much chopper time you want so you can play as hard—or as easy — as you like.

Season: December – early MayPrices: 7-day trips starting around $4,900 per personFor more information: Canadian Mountain Holidays;


Heli-Skiing Trips
© Helitrax
Colorado:

Helitrax

Colorado’s only heli-skiing operation is based out of Telluride. For guests staying in town, Helitrax offers one- to three-day packages, as well as private charters and a one-week package including unlimited heli-skiing and accommodations at a turn-of-the-century ghost-town luxury lodge with natural indoor and outdoor hot springs. You’ll fly to a peak landing-zone elevation of 13,800 feet, the highest in North America, where everyone from amateur powder hounds to steep-couloir experts will be satisfied.

Season: Mid-January – mid-AprilPrices: Single days from $945 per personFor more information: Helitrax; 866-435-4754


Heli-Skiing Trips
© SwisSKIsafari
Switzerland:

SwisSKIsafari

A unique, two- or three-country journey that choppers you through Switzerland, Italy and France while your bags travel by road. Ski Verbier, Courmayeur and Chamonix on the Three Valleys tour, or take in the splendor of the Matterhorn and stay in the famed Hotel Zermatterhof before continuing on to Cervinia on the Alpine Tour. Along the way are unique experiences like visiting the monks of the Grand St. Bernard Hospice, a famous mountain-pass monastery on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Experience mountain vistas and open-valley skiing as you appreciate the cultural difference and amazing cuisines.

Season: March – AprilPrices: $6,500 – $8,260 per personFor more information: SwisSKIsafari; +41-27-398-2194


Heli-Skiing Trips
© www.casatours.com
Chile:

Casa Tours/Andes Heliski

Go with Chile’s first heli-ski company for a week schussing the Andes. You’ll be choppered out of Santiago to a base camp just 10 minutes away. But where you’ll be skiing feels a world away — it’s terrain that would take a week and tons of expert gear to get back into. The runs here go from 14,000-foot ridges to 8,000-foot high-valley floors, and the longest is a whopping 9,500 feet — it normally takes four hours to ski.

Season: Mid-July – end of SeptemberPrices: $6,845 per personFor more information: Casa Tours; 888-311-2272


Heli-Skiing Trips
© Absinthe
Canada:

m/v Absinthe

Perhaps the ultimate in indulgence. Your helicopter ferries you and 11 friends to your waiting 201-foot megayacht off the coast of British Columbia where you land à la James Bond. As the ship sails into quiet coves, you’re in total control of your activities. Board the chopper and within minutes be in some of the world’s deepest powder and most gorgeous peaks. If the weather’s bad or you don’t feel like skiing, take the copter and go heli-fly-fishing or go waterskiing or kayaking. Return for a massage, a custom-cooked meal and a stocked wine cellar.

Season: March – April Prices: $36,000 per day (12-person maximum)For more information: Absinthe; 866-935-3228


Heli-Skiing Trips
© Wasatch Powderbird Guides
Utah:

Powderbird

Hit the backcountry of the Wasatch Mountains, in an area larger than all the Utah ski resorts combined. You’ll ski through untracked regions filled with Utah’s famous fluffy powder. Powderbird books per day, and you can expect an average of seven runs and 15,000 vertical feet while skiing with seven other guests and two guides. Or charter you own chopper and hit the vast backcountry with your friends.

Season: Mid-December – mid-April Prices: $700 – $910 per person, per dayFor more information: Powderbird; 800-974-4354


Heli-Skiing Trips
© Wucher Helicopter/Rene Verzetnitsch
Austria:

Wucher

The exclusive Arlberg region fittingly serves up Austria’s only opportunity for heli-skiing. Fortunately, you’ll find some amazing skiing out of the ritzy Lech and Zurs. Go with Wucher Helicopters and you’ll pay per run, with each lasting about an hour. You’ll be dropped off above treeline at around 8,500 feet, for wide-open, powder-filled skiing.

Season: January – April Prices: 350 euros ($450) per ride (for 3 skiers)For more information: Wucher; +43-5550-3880-0


Heli-Skiing Trips
© Heliski Aran
Spain:

Heliski Aran

Ski the Pyrenees in Spain’s Val d’Aran region, where the altitude is a breathable 9,000 feet and the runs can be in wide-open valleys or off of rocky cornices. Choose an aggressive ski day where you can take on three to six runs. Or just get one lift in the chopper and enjoy a long, leisurely scenic run with a stop for – what else – a long, leisurely, scenic lunch. You can also commit to the four-day heli-camp, where you’ll explore all kinds of hidden slopes.

Season: Mid-November – mid-May Prices: From 180 euros ($230) per person for 3 descentsFor more information: Heliski Aran; +34-646-13-36-21


Heli-Skiing Trips
© Points North Heli Adventures, Inc
Alaska:

Points North

Snowpack is what makes heli-skiing in Alaska so special — the snow sticks to almost inconceivable places, making even the most dramatic terrain accessible. You don’t pay for vertical feet here, but rather for helicopter hours, which works out to be more cost-effective. You’ll ski in an area of 2,000 square miles, over steep peaks and wide-open glaciers, watching for bears coming out of hibernation and staying in a cannery-turned-luxury lodge. Or book The Maritime Maid, an 85-foot vessel that can take you to even more remote locales.

Season: Mid-February – mid-MayPrices: $3,720 per person for a 6-day trip; The Maritime Maidis $6,250 for 8 people For more information: Points North Heli Adventures; 877-787-6784


Heli-Skiing Trips
© Backcountry NZ
New Zealand:

Backcountry Helicopters

The only privately owned, family-run heli-skiing business in New Zealand is based in Mt. Aspiring National Park, in the center of the South Island. Skiing here is for those with patience; if the weather is marginal or worse, the birds can’t fly, which means there’s usually heli-skiing just 3 or 4 days a week. But when it’s good, it’s very good. Skiing is above treeline, going from about 7,200 feet to 4,800 feet, and there’s something for everyone, with plenty of bluffs and jumps for the experts and wide-open cruising basins for amateurs.

Season: End of July – mid-OctoberPrices: 3 runs for $460 per person; 7 runs for $615 per person; extra runs $50 per person eachFor more information: Heliskiing; +64-3-443-1054