Winter Over the High Peaks
Snow on Marcy, ice on the lake, and the clearest air of the year. November through April we fly by appointment, weather permitting — the same three private tours, a heated hangar to wait in, and every seat a window.
Why winter is the pilot's favorite season
Cold air is dense air, and dense air is what a helicopter loves: more lift, smoother cruise, and visibility that runs to Vermont. The lake traffic is gone, the summits are white, and the light is low and long all day. We fly on appointment through the winter and we tell you straight when a day won't work.
By appointment, weather permitting
Winter flights are scheduled around the forecast. We confirm the day before and rebook at no charge if the weather turns.
Heated hangar
You wait, brief and board out of the wind. The aircraft is preheated and ready on the ramp.
Every seat a window
Robinson R44 Raven II, 1–3 passengers, one flat price for the whole aircraft.
Choose your view
| Tour | What you'll see in winter | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake George Sampler | The southern basin and the islands under ice and snow, the village quiet below. | 20 min | $275 + $12.50 fuel surcharge |
| Adirondack Classic | The full length of Lake George and into the white foothills. The most-booked tour, in its best light. | 30 min | $375 + $12.50 fuel surcharge |
| High Peaks Grand | Whiteface, the Marcy ridgeline and the Lake Placid corridor with snow on every summit. | 60 min | $750 inaugural-year rate, normally $1,195 · + $25 fuel surcharge |
All tours are private flights for 1–3 passengers at one flat price. The temporary fuel surcharge is collected at booking. Full tour details, route maps and online booking are on the tours page.
What to wear
- Dress as you would for a winter walk: layers, a warm coat, gloves you can work a phone camera in
- Closed-toe boots with grip for the ramp
- Sunglasses — snow and low sun are bright from above
- Noise-canceling headsets are provided; a thin hat fits under them, a thick one doesn't
How winter booking works
Call or book online with a preferred date and a backup. We watch the forecast, confirm the day before, and if the weather doesn't cooperate you choose a new date or a full refund. The pilot makes the final call on every flight.
Winter is also when the training calendar opens up: see flight training and the winter currency camp for pilots.
Give winter wings
Gift certificates for $275, $375 or $750 — or any amount from $50 — never expire, so a certificate given in December flies whenever the recipient is ready.
Gift certificates