I used to think you had to go to somewhere like Canada or Alaska to heli-board – which meant that, unless I suddenly came into money, the closest I'd ever get to doing it was a rather pukey chopper ride around the Matterhorn in Switzerland after a champagne bender about ten years ago.
So when an old mate and organiser of many exciting trips asked me if I'd like to tag along on a heli-boarding mission, I was seriously excited.
We did it in the beautiful but decidedly unexotic mountains around the ski resort of Sainte-Foy, France. You're not actually allowed to heli-ski or heli-board in France but you are allowed to take a heli transfer to the nearby Italian resort of La Thuile to do it. Which is exactly what we did.
As you'll see from the above video, the trip was epic. Helicopter rides offer you stunning views, lots to talk about and access to some seriously superb backcountry.
During the trip I stayed at the Pook Heli-Lodge, and it was the Pook helicopter that we flew around in. A big part of what made the trip so special was the lodge. As well as sumptuous rooms, a well-stocked wine cellar and superb grub, it had a lovely hot tub to help weary muscles recover after a long day on the hill.
Check the website to find out more about Pook Heli-Lodge's package deals.
