Helibiking: Biking Down Mountains After Helicopter Drops
Imagine standing atop a mountain peak with your bike beside you, freshly dropped off by a helicopter. This is helibiking, an exhilarating sport that lets you descend through some of the world's most stunning landscapes.
From navigating volcanic fields in New Zealand to winding through Iceland's lush forests, each ride offers a distinct mix of challenge and natural beauty. Guided by experts, you'll face rugged trails tailored for intermediate and advanced riders. Before embarking on this high-octane adventure, several crucial factors must be considered...
Key Takeaways
Helibiking involves descending mountains on bikes after a helicopter drops riders at the summit. It offers exhilarating experiences on rugged trails, combining adventure with breathtaking natural views. Tours typically cost around $475 per person, which includes a helicopter flight, guided ride, lunch, and transport. Comprehensive safety measures are in place, including thorough briefings, experienced guides, and emergency protocols. This activity is ideal for intermediate to advanced bikers due to the varied terrain and fitness demands.
What Is Helibiking?
Helibiking involves taking a helicopter to a mountaintop or remote location and then riding down on a mountain bike. It's a thrilling combination of helicopter flight and mountain biking, ideal for adventure enthusiasts. If you have mountain biking experience, it's an exceptional way to access rugged and remote terrains that are otherwise inaccessible.
New Zealand is a top destination for helibiking, offering a diverse array of landscapes perfect for this activity. Imagine flying over volcanic fields, lush forests, and geothermal rivers before landing on a secluded mountaintop. From there, you embark on a descent along natural trails that challenge your skills and offer stunning vistas.
In New Zealand, you can bike through unique lava fields, past moss-covered volcanoes, and alongside steaming geothermal rivers. The scenic helicopter flight provides a bird's-eye view of the breathtaking backcountry. As you descend, each turn of the trail offers new adventures, making it a memorable experience that blends adrenaline-pumping action with the serene beauty of nature.
The Experience
Embark on a helibiking adventure where you'll experience the thrill of descending rugged mountain trails while taking in breathtaking aerial views. The helicopter ride itself sets the stage with stunning panoramas, leading to an adrenaline-pumping bike journey. Every twist and turn promises an unforgettable blend of excitement and natural beauty.
Thrill of Descent
Imagine the surge of adrenaline as you navigate your bike down a mountain trail after a helicopter drops you off. The thrill of descent is unmatched as you weave through natural trails and doubletracks, surrounded by breathtaking views of pristine landscapes. This adventure offers a unique blend of excitement and awe, pedaling through remote, rugged locations that few have the privilege to experience.
You'll traverse diverse terrains, from stark lava fields to mossy volcanoes, and even alongside geothermal rivers. Each twist and turn on the 5-10 km trails presents new challenges and stunning scenery, making every moment memorable. Designed for active individuals with some mountain biking experience, these trails ensure an exhilarating yet manageable ride.
Helibiking isn't just about the descent; it's the entire experience of combining a scenic helicopter flight with mountain biking. As you descend, with the wind in your face and the ground rushing beneath you, the sense of freedom and exhilaration is unparalleled. It's an unforgettable day of outdoor exploration, where each pedal stroke brings you closer to the heart of nature's splendor.
Stunning Aerial Views
As the helicopter ascends, you'll be captivated by breathtaking aerial views, revealing stunning landscapes below. Riders enjoy a bird's-eye perspective of nature's marvels—endless stretches of lava fields, moss-covered volcanoes, and steaming geothermal rivers. This mesmerizing ascent sets the stage for the adventure ahead.
Soaring higher, the remote and rugged beauty of locations like Hengill, Reykjanes, or Reykjavik unfolds beneath you. The helicopter ride offers a unique vantage point, allowing riders to appreciate the scale and majesty of the terrain. The contrast of colors and textures, from dark volcanic rock to vibrant green moss, creates an unforgettable visual feast.
Upon reaching the drop-off point at the top of a volcanic mountain, the panorama is nothing short of spectacular. The sense of isolation and the vast expanse of untouched nature heighten the thrill of the upcoming descent. This moment encapsulates the essence of helibiking—combining awe-inspiring aerial views with the promise of an exhilarating adventure down the mountain.
Adrenaline-Pumping Ride
Prepare for an adrenaline-pumping ride as you descend rugged trails and navigate the wild terrain of Iceland's volcanic mountains. After a scenic helicopter flight from Reykjavik, you'll find yourself at the summit of a volcanic mountain, ready to embark on an exhilarating descent.
You'll bike through lava fields, pass moss-covered volcanoes, and follow geothermal rivers. The trails, a mix of natural paths and doubletracks, span 5-10 km in remote locations such as Hengill, Reykjanes, and Reykjavik. This thrilling adventure requires mountain biking experience and is perfect for intermediate riders seeking a unique escapade in Iceland's backcountry.
What to Expect:
| Experience | Description |
|---|---|
| Scenic Flight | Helicopter ride from Reykjavik to volcanic mountains. |
| Trail Length | 5-10 km of mixed natural trails and doubletracks. |
| Terrain | Rugged areas with lava fields and geothermal rivers. |
| Skill Level | Ideal for intermediate mountain bikers. |
| Highlights | Helicopter drop at the top of a volcanic mountain. |
Feel the rush as you ride down these untamed trails, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Iceland. This experience combines the thrill of mountain biking with the serenity of untouched nature.
The Mt. Cartier Trail
The Mt. Cartier Trail offers a thrilling mix of challenging terrain and breathtaking views. The 17km descent varies in difficulty, catering to both seasoned bikers and adventurous newcomers. Along the route, you'll encounter stunning scenic highlights, including a lunch stop with panoramic vistas.
Trail Difficulty Levels
The Mt. Cartier Trail features a 17km descent with a 7000-foot elevation drop, making it an exhilarating route designed for advanced helibikers. This expert-level trail combines technical sections with fast-flowing terrain, including rock slabs and tight switchbacks that demand precise handling skills. Riders will need to navigate steep, rugged paths while maintaining control over their bikes.
This trail isn't for the faint-hearted; it's crafted for those who seek a serious challenge. The route weaves through diverse landscapes, keeping you engaged and alert. From adrenaline-pumping technical sections to more forgiving flowy segments, the trail offers a comprehensive riding experience.
Given its high difficulty level, the Mt. Cartier Trail is unsuitable for beginners or even intermediate riders. Advanced bike-handling skills and a solid grasp of mountain biking techniques are required to manage the steep gradients and sharp turns. The remote backcountry setting adds another layer of complexity, making thorough preparation essential. This trail is more than just a mountain path—it is an intense, rewarding adventure that rigorously tests your biking prowess.
Scenic View Highlights
As you tackle the technical challenges of the Mt. Cartier Trail, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of coastal mountains, glaciers, and valleys that make each twist and turn unforgettable. The trail's 17 km descent, featuring a staggering 7,000 feet of elevation loss, offers one scenic view after another, providing an exhilarating experience for any heli-biker.
Starting with alpine single-track, the crisp mountain air and expansive vistas set the tone for your adventure. As you descend, rock slabs and cedar groves introduce a variety of terrains, each offering unique picturesque views. The shift from alpine to forest scenery is marked by meadows bursting with purple flowers, creating a vibrant splash of color against the rugged backdrop.
Further down, the old-growth forest surrounds you with its majestic allure, featuring towering trees and shaded paths that offer a serene contrast to the adrenaline-pumping ride. Technical sections, berms, jumps, and flow keep you engaged, while talus traverses add a layer of excitement and challenge. Every section of the Mt. Cartier Trail immerses you in the natural beauty of Revelstoke, making it a must-ride for advanced bikers.
Costs and Inclusions
Helibiking tours typically cost around $475 per person and offer a 4-5 hour adventure, including lunch and expert guidance. When you opt for a Heli Biking experience, you're getting more than just a thrilling descent down a mountain. The price covers a 10-minute helicopter flight to the summit, offering breathtaking views before your bike hits the trail.
Upon reaching the top, you'll have a lunch stop at a scenic lookout point, allowing you to soak in the surroundings and refuel. After lunch, you'll embark on an exhilarating ride to the valley bottom, where a shuttle truck will be ready to take you back to the starting point.
The original helibike tour operator in Revelstoke ensures you're in good hands, providing experienced guides and certified helicopter pilots. Whether you're a beginner who can control a bike on flat terrain or an advanced rider comfortable with steep, technical sections, there's something for every skill level. Fitness levels are also considered, so whether you're a casual rider or a serious athlete, the tour can be tailored to suit your needs.
Safety Measures
Given the inherent risks of mountain biking, prioritizing safety is paramount for helibiking tours. Before embarking on your ride, you'll receive a comprehensive safety briefing to ensure you're aware of the specific risks and guidelines associated with helibiking. This is crucial for riders of all levels, including advanced riders who must understand the unique challenges of mountain descents.
Experienced guides will lead the tour, offering essential recommendations for navigating technical sections. They'll assist you in managing difficult terrain and unexpected obstacles, ensuring you remain on the safest route. Following their advice and riding within your skill level is important, even for advanced riders. To enhance safety in these remote locations, it's advisable to ride at about 70% of your usual effort.
Emergency protocols are established to address any unforeseen incidents or injuries. The guides are trained to implement these plans efficiently should the need arise. Additionally, safety sweeps are conducted to ensure all participants reach the valley bottom safely, providing peace of mind throughout your helibiking adventure.
Skill and Fitness Levels
Understanding your skill and fitness levels is crucial for a successful and enjoyable helibiking experience. Mountain biking down a mountain after a helicopter drop is thrilling, but it requires a solid grasp of both your biking abilities and physical endurance.
Skill levels in mountain biking range from 1 to 5:
- Level 1: You can control a bike on flat terrain.
- Level 3: You are comfortable on trails.
- Level 4: You handle all trails with some technical sections.
- Level 5: You are confident on any trail, including steep and exposed sections.
Your fitness level is equally important:
- Level 1: You are a less active rider.
- Level 3: You have an active lifestyle, riding at a moderate pace for 3-6 hours.
- Level 4: You are a serious rider capable of tackling big epics for 6-7 hours.
- Level 5: You are a serious training athlete, able to ride all day at a fast pace.
Here's a breakdown to help you assess where you stand:
| Skill Level | Description | Fitness Level | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Control on flat terrain | 1 | Less active rider |
| 3 | Comfortable on trails | 3 | Active lifestyle, rides 3-6 hours |
| 5 | Confident on steep and exposed sections | 5 | Serious training athlete, rides all day |
Assessing both your skill and fitness levels will ensure you are prepared for the challenges and excitement of helibiking.
Booking Your Adventure
When planning your helibiking adventure, start by researching operators that offer trips tailored to your skill and fitness levels. Look for operators providing detailed information on trail difficulty, terrain features, and scenic views. This ensures you choose an adventure that matches your abilities and expectations.
Once you've identified a few potential operators, examine the booking details carefully. Most helibiking trips specify the departure and return locations, duration of the adventure, and inclusions such as meals or gear. Some packages may offer extras like picnics, swimming opportunities, or post-ride refreshments to enrich your experience.
Before finalizing your booking, consider the fitness and skill levels required for the ride. Ensure you're comfortable with the safety precautions and any specific gear or equipment needed. If you have any doubts, contact the operator for clarification. They can provide valuable insights to help you prepare adequately.
Booking your helibiking adventure well in advance is advisable, as spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. By planning ahead and paying attention to the details, you'll set yourself up for an unforgettable mountain biking experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Go Over a Drop on a Mountain Bike?
To go over a drop on a mountain bike, approach at a controlled speed, shift your weight slightly back, focus on the landing spot, and bend your knees and elbows to absorb the impact. Start by practicing on smaller drops to build confidence and skill.
How Common Is Paralysis From Mountain Biking?
Paralysis from mountain biking is relatively rare, but the risk is higher in downhill disciplines compared to cross-country. To reduce the likelihood of serious injury, it is crucial to wear appropriate safety gear, learn proper techniques, and stay within your skill level.
What Is a Common Injury From Mountain Biking?
A common injury from mountain biking is a fracture, particularly to the clavicle, wrist, or collarbone. Other frequent injuries include shoulder or finger dislocations, sprains, strains, and abrasions from falls or collisions.
Why Do Mountain Bikers Twist in the Air?
Mountain bikers twist in the air to control their orientation and direction, ensuring a smooth landing. This maneuver helps them align with the slope, absorb impact, and maintain balance, which are crucial for executing tricks and enhancing performance.
Conclusion
Ready to elevate your biking adventure? Helibiking offers an unparalleled thrill as you descend mountains after an exhilarating helicopter drop. Imagine navigating through stunning volcanic fields, lush forests, and geothermal rivers, all under the guidance of seasoned experts.
Suitable for both intermediate and advanced riders, this unique experience blends breathtaking landscapes with adrenaline-pumping trails. Don't miss out—book your helibiking adventure today and conquer the mountains like never before!
