Mil Mi-8
The extremely powerful, Russian built Mi-8 helicopter is often referred to as the “beast”in the heli skiing world. The Mi-8 is the most widely produced helicopter in service today and is used in more than 50 countries worldwide. The MI8 primarily in Russia where it transports up to 12 skiers and four guides per load plus two pilots and engineer.
- Passengers: 2 pilots, 22 passengers –Â It’s a Party!
- Fast Cruising speed: 125 knts
- Max Speed: 135 knts
- Max Range: 259 nm *Range can be extended 510 nm with additional fuel tanks.
Where used: Russia (Kamchatka,  Krasnaya Polyana), Pakistan, Tibet
BELL 212 (not a 412, our bad)
The Bell 412 reliably performs in the most extreme climates on the planet every day. This powerful helicopter is the most common machine used for heli-skiing in Canada. Although it can carry 14 passengers in it’s spacious 7.7 ft. large 220 ft³ cabin, all heliski operations limit the load to 12 passengers – Usually ten or eleven skiers plus one or two guides.
- Passengers: 1 pilot, 14 passengers
- Fast Cruising speed: 107 knts
- Max Speed: 120 knts
- Max Range: 238 nm
Where used: Canada, Chile
BELL 407
The American made Bell 407 has a Rolls Royce 250-C47B turbine FADEC engine that delivers exceptional hot & high performance with the ability to cruise at 140 knots (259 km/hr). The 407’s spacious cabin seats up to five passengers in wide-open club-passenger seating and can be reconfigured to accommodate any number of tasks and payloads. For added passenger comfort, the Bell 407 also provides a very quiet and smooth ride in virtually all weather conditions. In addition to offering outstanding product features, the 407 is backed by Bell’s renowned in-service support, voted #1 by our customers for seventeen years running. The Bell 407 is proof that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for performance.
- Passengers: 1 pilot, 5 passengers
- Cruising speed: 135 knts FAST!
- Max Speed: 155 knts FAST!
- Max Range: 336 nm
Where used: Chile, Himalayas
Eurocopter AS350 B2Â
The AS350 B2or A-Star B2 is a single engine, lightweight 6 seat helicopter equipped with an Arriel 1B turbine engine. The B2’s speed and range and quiet cabin make it particularly suitable for heli skiing.
- Passengers: 1 pilot, 5 passengers
- Fast Cruising speed: 133 knts
- Max Speed: 155 knts
- Max Range: 350 nm
Where used: Iceland, Switzerland, Alaska
EurocopterAS350Â B3
The AS350 AStar is a single-engine workhorse with the best performance in its category. Built and certified in the United States, this cost-effective helicopter accommodates five to six passengers in all forward-facing seats. High performance, enhanced maneuverability and reduced pilot workload make American Eurocopter’s AS350 the preferred rotary-wing aircraft for heli-ski operations.
- Passengers: 1 pilot, 5 passengers
- Fast Cruising speed: 140 knts
- Max Speed: 155 knts
- Range: 350 nm
Where used: Switzerland, Greenland, Morocco, Alaska