California — Last season was a below-average one for California’s ski industry, but there were some highlights. This included the introduction of the state’s only heli-skiing operation.
Last ski season marked the launch of Sweetwater Heli, an operation with 180,000+ acres of terrain in the Sweetwater Mountains. With six peaks over 10,000 feet in elevation, the Sweetwater Mountains feature great snow and high-quality terrain. This includes Heli-skiing groups of four, allowing for an intimate experience over 6-8 runs. A to-go lunch from a local family restaurant is included.
Yesterday, Mark Johnson of Sweetwater Heli announced their latest terrain addition. They have signed a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense to have access to Mount Grant in Nevada. The 11,285-foot peak is situated inside the Hawthorne Army Depot. This marks a first for the Department of War Defense. They plan to begin offering tours here in the years ahead.
While Mount Grant is a majestic peak, it features limited public access. It has been off-limits in the winter because it is fenced in by the military installation. During the summer, you can hike up there, but you have to check in at the base. As a veteran and given that Sweewater shares a runway with the US Marine Mountain Warfare Training Center, Johnson had the connections to make this dream partnership happen.
“As a USAF [U.S. Air Force] veteran as well as competing in ski racing through the MWR [Morale, Welfare and Recreation] programs while serviving, I thought it would be cool to be able to ski on a military installation,” said Mark Johnson, owner of Sweetwater Heli.
With some permit limitations in the Sweetwater Mountains, this expansion gives the new heli-skiing company and its guests access to some unforgettable terrain.
Image/Video Credits: Sweetwater Heli, Brent Rose
