Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, California – Amazing news out of the Golden State where Sweetwater Heli just announced the launch of California’s only heli-skiing operation. Operations kick off January 30th, 2026 and will cater to small-group tours with access to over 180,000 acres of new terrain in the Sweetwater Mountains located in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest (one of the least explored mountain ranges in California). The massive tenure spans 288 square miles and includes 6 peaks exceeding 10,000 feet with the highest being Mount Patterson, a majestic volcano reaching 11,673 feet. Sweetwater Heli will conveniently provide helicopter transfers within the Mammoth and Tahoe/Reno area.
“I’m incredibly excited to introduce a premium heli-ski experience to California. Having the opportunity for world-class heli-skiing right in our backyard is truly priceless and long overdue. Our team’s love for California and everything it offers makes this especially significant” –Brian Kirschenmann, Co-Founder of Sweetwater Heli
“Waking up in Mammoth, skiing untouched powder with your friends in the Sweetwater Mountains, and being back in time for après…Sweetwater Heli just created the ultimate California ski day.” -Hilary Roache, Ski Instructor, Mammoth Mountain
“Heli-skiing in our own backyard has been the ultimate dream. Sweetwater just made that dream a reality. I’m hyped to explore this terrain.” -Tim Humphreys, Tahoe-based Professional Snowboarder
Cheers to Sweetwater Heli, we wish them a highly successful inagural season. If you are interested in booking a seat, find more information here.
Sweetwater Heli Fact Sheet:
- Company Name: Sweetwater Heli
- Website: sweetwater-heli.com
- Launch Date: Booking open today; tours beginning January 30th, 2026
- Location: Bridgeport, CA, serving the Lake Tahoe and Mammoth areas
- Tenure: 180,000+ acres of exclusive terrain in the Sweetwater Mountains
- Range spans 184,320 acres, approximately 288 sq. miles
- The highest peak in the range is Mount Patterson with an elevation of 11,673 ft.
- Mount Patterson is also a volcano.
- 6 peaks in the Sweetwater Mountains are above 10,000 ft.
- The range is located mostly within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
- Aircraft: AS350B-3 ASTAR
- Guest Experience:
- Guide-to-Guest Ratio (e.g., “1:4”)
- Group Size (e.g., “Intimate groups of 4”)
- Lunch Provided from locally owned family restaurant
- 6-8 Ski Runs
- Key Offerings:
- Private Packages
- Single Seat Packages
- Private Heli Transport from Reno, Mammoth, & Lake Tahoe regions as an optional add on
- The Why:
- Most of team, ownership to guides, have close ties to California
- All are avid members of local CA ski communities
- Wanted to bring heli-skiing to our backyard
- Founder:
- Brian Kirschenmann, Co-Founder
- Safety:
- Experienced Certified Guides
- Comprehensive Trainings in Companion Rescue & Helicopter Safety
- Use of Avalanche safety gear
Details & Booking
- Launch Date: January 30, 2026
- Location: Bridgeport, CA — servicing the Sweetwater Mountains
- Price: From $1,800 per day (group rates and packages available)
- Booking: www.sweetwater-heli.com
Sweetwater Heli is now accepting reservations for the 2026 season. Guests can book single or multi-day experiences, with all operations led by experienced certified guides and pilots trained to Sweetwater Heli’s safety standards.
