Legal

Terms & Conditions

Last updated: October 2026 · Applies to all bookings

These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") govern every booking, program and service provided by Andes Heliboarding ("Andes Heliboarding", "we", "us"), with offices at Luis Pasteur 5850, Of. 403, Vitacura, Santiago, Chile, and the use of this website. By requesting a booking, paying a deposit, or taking part in any activity, you ("the Client", "you") confirm that you have read, understood and accepted these Terms on your own behalf and on behalf of every person in your group.

1. Services

Andes Heliboarding organizes and guides heliskiing, heliboarding, heli ski touring and related programs in the Central Andes and Chilean Patagonia, together with accommodation, transport, concierge and travel services ("Services"). The content of each program (number of nights, heliski days, hours of flight, group format and inclusions) is described in the Rates & Programs document and in the written confirmation of your booking. In case of conflict, the written booking confirmation prevails.

Hours of flight are allocated per program and group, not per day. The number of runs and the vertical meters skied depend on weather, snow conditions, safety assessments, the ability and physical condition of the group, and the decisions of the guides. We do not guarantee a minimum number of runs, vertical meters, terrain types or heliski days.

2. Bookings and payment

• Deposit. A deposit of 50% of the total amount is due when the reservation is requested. The deposit is non-refundable.
• The deposit must be received within 15 days of the invoice date. Otherwise, the reservation is automatically cancelled.
• Balance. The remaining balance must be paid before June 1 of the season of travel.
• Reservations requested after June 1 must be paid in full at the time of booking to be confirmed.
• All bank fees and transaction charges are paid by the Client. Any missing amount will be added to the extras bill at the end of the trip.
• For international transfers, the SWIFT confirmation must be sent to martin@andesheliboarding.com.
• Prices are quoted in US dollars, per person, unless stated otherwise, and may change until a booking is confirmed in writing and the deposit is received. Items listed as "not included" are charged separately.

3. Weather, unused flight time and program changes

If bad weather or any other external reason prevents flying, the unused hours of flight included in your program will be refunded at a rate of USD 2,500 per hour, or kept as a credit for the following season, at our discretion and in agreement with you. This is the only compensation available for days or hours lost to weather, snow conditions, safety decisions or flight restrictions.

For safety reasons, heliski days end at approximately 15:00. We may change itineraries, heliski zones, accommodation, helicopters, guides or the order of activities when weather, safety, logistics or circumstances outside our control require it. Equivalent alternatives will be offered whenever reasonably possible.

4. Cancellations by the Client

• No refunds are given for cancellations made before the arrival date.
• Full group cancellation more than 30 days before arrival: the trip may be rescheduled to the following season with a 15% adjustment on the total amount.
• Full group cancellation less than 30 days before arrival: the trip may be rescheduled to the following season with a 30% adjustment on the total amount.
• Individual or partial group cancellation: rescheduling to the following season is possible only if the cancelled place(s) can be reassigned.
• Cancellation less than 15 days before arrival: no rescheduling is possible, due to the logistical commitments already made.
• Once the trip has started, no refunds are given for unused services, early departure, injury, illness or any personal reason. In case of injury or illness, we will provide the documentation needed for claims with your insurer.

Rescheduled trip dates may vary slightly depending on the following year's calendar. A printable summary of these booking conditions is available here (PDF).

5. Cancellation by Andes Heliboarding and force majeure

We are not responsible for any failure or delay caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, extreme weather, avalanche cycles, volcanic activity, earthquakes, epidemics or pandemics, government orders, border closures, strikes, civil unrest, war, aviation restrictions, fuel shortages or the unavailability of aircraft ("Force Majeure").

If local authorities close the borders because of a natural disaster, war, pandemic or similar restriction, your payment will be moved to the same trip in the following season. Under Force Majeure we have no obligation to refund amounts already paid or committed to suppliers, beyond what is stated in Section 3.

6. Assumption of risk

You acknowledge and accept that heliskiing, heliboarding, ski touring and mountain travel involve inherent risks that can cause serious injury, permanent disability or death, and that these risks remain even when every reasonable precaution is taken. These risks include, without limitation:

• Avalanches, snow sloughs and cornice collapse.
• Changing weather, whiteout, wind, extreme cold, frostbite and hypothermia.
• Natural hazards such as cliffs, rocks, crevasses, tree wells, streams and variable snow.
• Falls and collisions with other riders, guides, terrain or equipment.
• Operating in and around helicopters, including boarding, landing and flight.
• High altitude and its effects on the body.
• Remoteness and delayed access to medical care and evacuation.
• Errors of judgment by guides, pilots or other participants.

By taking part, you voluntarily assume all these risks. Every participant must sign our Release of Liability, Waiver and Assumption of Risk agreement before the first heliski day. Participants who do not sign it cannot take part, and no refund applies.

7. Safety, guide authority and conduct

• Our guides and pilots have final authority over every decision related to safety, terrain, flights, group composition and the continuation of the activity. Their instructions must be followed at all times.
• You must attend all safety briefings and correctly use the safety equipment provided (ABS airbag pack, avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe), and the briefing on safety around the helicopter.
• Guides may change groups, terrain or the plan, or stop any participant from continuing, if they consider the participant's ability, fitness, equipment or behavior to be a risk to themselves or others. No refund applies in that case.
• Riding while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that impairs judgment is strictly prohibited.
• We may end the participation of any Client whose behavior is dangerous, abusive or disruptive, without refund.

8. Fitness, ability and health

You confirm that you, and every member of your group, are in good health and physical condition, and that you have the skiing or snowboarding ability needed for off-piste, high-alpine terrain. You must tell us in writing, before arrival, about any medical condition, injury, pregnancy, medication or limitation that could affect your safety or that of others. Failing to disclose such information releases Andes Heliboarding from any responsibility arising from it.

9. Limitation of liability and indemnity

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, including Chilean consumer protection law where it applies:

• Andes Heliboarding, its owners, directors, employees, guides, pilots, agents and contractors are not liable for any injury, death, loss or damage arising from the inherent risks described in Section 6, from Force Majeure, or from the acts or omissions of the Client or third parties.
• We are not liable for indirect, consequential or special losses, including lost flights, lost income, lost enjoyment or additional travel expenses.
• Our total liability for any claim related to the Services is limited to the amount actually paid by the Client for the Services concerned.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability that cannot be excluded under Chilean law, such as liability for fraud or gross negligence.

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Andes Heliboarding from any claim, cost or expense caused by your breach of these Terms, by false or incomplete information you provide, or by your conduct during the Services.

10. Mandatory insurance

Every participant must hold valid insurance for the full duration of the trip covering:

• Medical expenses abroad.
• Search, rescue and helicopter evacuation.
• Repatriation.
• Personal liability.
• Off-piste skiing and heliskiing activities specifically.

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance is strongly recommended. We may ask for proof of insurance before the first heliski day. Any costs arising from a lack of adequate insurance, including rescue and medical costs, are paid by the Client.

11. Third-party suppliers

Some Services are provided by independent suppliers, such as hotels, lodges, yachts, helicopter operators, airlines and transport companies. These suppliers remain responsible for their own services and are subject to their own terms. We select them carefully but are not liable for their acts, omissions or insolvency, except as required by law.

12. Equipment and personal belongings

Safety equipment and loan skis or snowboards remain our property and must be returned in the condition received, allowing for normal wear. Loss of, or damage to, equipment caused by misuse or negligence will be charged to the Client. We are not responsible for the loss, theft or damage of personal belongings during the trip.

13. Photos and video

Our guides, staff and partner film crews may take photos and video during the activities. By taking part, you authorize Andes Heliboarding to use images in which you appear for marketing and communication purposes, without compensation. If you do not want to appear in published material, tell us in writing before your trip and we will respect your request for future publications. Private "Video Shooting and Private Edition" services are booked and charged separately.

14. This website

All content on this website, including texts, photographs, videos, animations, graphics, logos and the Andes Heliboarding brand, belongs to Andes Heliboarding or is used under license, and is protected by intellectual property law. It may not be copied, reproduced, modified or used for commercial purposes without our prior written consent.

The information on this website is provided for general information. Programs, prices and availability may change and are only binding once confirmed in writing. We are not responsible for the content of external websites linked from this site.

15. Complaints

If something is not right during your trip, please tell your guide or our team immediately so we can try to solve it on the spot. Any written complaint must be sent to martin@andesheliboarding.com within 30 days of the end of the trip.

16. Governing law and jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Chile. Any dispute arising from or related to these Terms or the Services is subject to the jurisdiction of the ordinary courts of Santiago, Chile, without prejudice to any rights that mandatory consumer law may grant you.

17. General

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions stay in full force. Our failure to enforce any provision is not a waiver of it. We may update these Terms at any time; the version in force when you confirmed your booking applies to that booking. These Terms, the booking confirmation and the signed Release of Liability form the entire agreement between you and Andes Heliboarding.

18. Contact

Andes Heliboarding · Luis Pasteur 5850, Of. 403, Vitacura, Santiago, Chile
martin@andesheliboarding.com · +56 9 4862 2358