Industry News
A new era of skiing is about to take flight in California. Sweetwater Heli has announced the launch of the state’s only heli-skiing operation, offering exclusive small-group tours across more than 180,000 acres of untouched alpine terrain in the Sweetwater Mountains. The first tours begin January 30, 2026, marking a milestone for California skiers who’ve long dreamed of a world-class heli-ski experience close to home.
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Located in Bridgeport, within easy reach of Mammoth and Lake Tahoe, Sweetwater Heli brings a mix of adventure, precision, and California ski culture to the backcountry. The Sweetwater Mountains are a remote and rugged range in eastern California and western Nevada, forming part of the broader Sierra Nevada mountain system. They stretch across the Mono County, California, and Lyon County, Nevada, line between Lake Tahoe and Mammoth. Though not as well-known as nearby ranges like the Sierra crest or the White Mountains, the Sweetwaters are a favorite among backcountry skiers, snowmobilers, and hikers who seek solitude and sweeping alpine views.
Guests can expect a premium experience built around expert guides, certified pilots, and meticulous avalanche forecasting. Each day promises maximum vertical and minimal crowds, with small groups rotating efficiently through some of the state’s most remote and scenic peaks.
“I’m incredibly excited to introduce a premium heli-ski experience to California,” said Brian Kirschenmann, Co-Founder of Sweetwater Heli, in a press release. “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.”
The Sweetwater Mountains rise dramatically within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, featuring six peaks above 10,000 feet, including Mount Patterson, with a volcanic summit topping out at 11,673 feet. The range’s vast, snow-covered bowls and ridgelines create a playground for advanced skiers and riders seeking untracked powder far from resort boundaries.
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Sweetwater Heli’s operation will blend rugged adventure with refined service. Guests can have their heli-ski gear delivered directly to their lodging in Mammoth or Tahoe, and optional private helicopter transfers are available from Reno, Mammoth, and Lake Tahoe. Packages include gourmet lunches from local restaurants, small-group outings with a 1:4 guide-to-guest ratio, and the choice of single- or multi-day trips starting at $1,800 per day.
“Heli-skiing in our own backyard has been the ultimate dream,” said Tim Humphreys, a Tahoe-based Professional Snowboarder in the press release. “Sweetwater just made that dream a reality. I’m hyped to explore this terrain.” Mammoth Mountain instructor Hilary Roache added: “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.”
With bookings now open, Sweetwater Heli is poised to redefine what skiing in California can be. Between its sweeping terrain, elite safety standards, and commitment to local roots, the company offers something the state has never had before: true heli-skiing in the heart of the Sierra.
Operation Facts
- Launch Date: January 30, 2026
- Location: Bridgeport, CA (serving Mammoth and Lake Tahoe)
- Terrain: 180,000+ acres in the Sweetwater Mountains
- Aircraft: AS350B-3 ASTAR
- Price: From $1,800 per day (private and group options)
- Website: sweetwater-heli.com
Sweetwater Heli’s arrival marks more than a new option for powder seekers; it’s a turning point for California’s ski scene. By bringing world-class heli-skiing to the Sierra, it connects the state’s mountain heritage with a level of access and adventure that most only think is found in Alaska or British Columbia, but now is just a short flight from home. When the helicopters lift off this January, skiers won’t just be chasing fresh tracks—they’ll be part of a new chapter in the state’s mountain story.
Sweetwater is not the first heli ski in California, I heli skied with Sierra Powder Guides out of Bridgeport in the late 1970’s in the same mountains near by. The owners were Nick George and his wife.