This week we interview some of our guides to find out their favourite type of terrain and what they get up to during the Kiwi summer (Northern winter). We say goodbye to winter and welcome in spring with the HMH Spring Specials.
With the 2017 season slowly coming to an end, we thought it’s a good time to introduce you to some of our guides. Most of them have been working for Harris Mountains Heli-Ski for a long time and their tales could probably fill whole books. In a few weeks, most of them will pack their bags and head off on adventures all over the world. Before they do we took the chance to ask them a few questions to find out what they get up to.
Hugh Barnard, Manager
1) How long have you been working for HMH?
Since 1993. I was Chief guide between 2007 and 2008 and I've been the Manager since 2014.
2) What‘s your favourite sort of terrain and/ or snow?
I love new terrain and skiing runs for the first time. Thanks to the size and variety of our heli-ski terrain we get to do this often.
3) What do you do when you are not heli-skiing in New Zealand?
I heli-ski in Alaska. I also run a production services business based here in New Zealand, providing locations and safety services to foreign film crews. I also go surfing, a lot!
Roger Kingston, Operations Manager and Senior Guide
1) How long have you been working for HMH?
For 33 years.
2) What‘s your favourite sort of terrain and/ or snow?
Steep powder runs and long corn runs at Mt Cook during the spring.
3) What do you do when you are not heli-skiing in New Zealand?
I go heli-skiing in the Himalayas for 2 months in the Northern winter. I also do extensive skiing in Europe and Japan. For the remaining time, I live in Tasmania.
Anna Cook, Senior Guide and Snow Safety
1) How long have you been working for HMH?
Since 1993.
2) What‘s your favourite sort of terrain and/ or snow?
I love more complex terrain that‘s playful to ski and, of course, light, dry powder.
3) What do you do when you are not heli-skiing in New Zealand?
If I am not heli-skiing in the Indian Himalaya I’m usually ski-touring different locations around the world. Last year I was touring in Greenland and Iceland. Next Northern Hemisphere spring I’ll be guiding an Italian Haute Route along with Whitney (Thurlow). I also like to travel to different kitesurfing locations. Bali, Lombok and Peru are my favourites.
4) Tell us something people don’t know about you!
I love walking the dog, enjoying time in the garden and driving nice cars.
Mark Sedon, Chief Guide
1) How long have you been working for HMH?
For 17 years.
2) What‘s your favourite sort of terrain and/ or snow?
30 cm of cold windless Westerly snow, that, combined with moderate steep powder runs is simply perfect!
3) What do you do when you are not heli-skiing in New Zealand?
I do all kinds of sports around the world, from ski touring in Kashmir (India) and Antarctica, ski expeditions in Greenland to climbing in Nepal and New Zealand. I also do ski mountaineering in New Zealand and Kitesurfing in Peru.
4) Tell us something people don’t know about you!
I am a Crusaders supporter!
Tony McCutcheon (Grom), Lead Guide
1) How long have you been working for HMH?
21 years,
2) What‘s your favourite sort of terrain and/ or snow?
Steep rollovers and deep dry snow. The Northern Hemisphere and storm days in the trees
3) What do you do when you are not heli-skiing in New Zealand?
In short: Surf, Kite and Travel!
4) Tell us something people don’t know about you!
I love gardening.
Heli-Ski Spring Special!
Spring has arrived and so have our special Heli-Ski offers!
Explore a variety of amazing terrain on a classic day of New Zealand heli-skiing.
Grab your mates, escape the chairlift and come explore our mountain playground!