Calvin gives HeliTahoe two thumbs up!
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience during your winter family vacation in the South Lake Tahoe area, book a helicopter tour with Tahoe’s only helicopter sightseeing operation, HeliTahoe! With tour prices starting at just $70 per person, this breathtaking tour of the lake is no more extravagant than a day of skiing or afternoon of snowmobiling, and it’s a treat no one will forget!
Calvin and I enjoyed a morning flight under clear blue skies in HeliTahoe’s safe, quiet Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter, piloted by HeliTahoe owner Claudio Bellotto. With 29 years of flying under his belt, Bellotto quickly put us at ease with his friendliness and professionalism. After going over a few safety procedures, we proceeded to the helicopter and boarded. Calvin was excited to sit up front!
We were given noise-reducing headsets so that we could listen to Bellotto’s narration of the landscape unfolding beneath us without the noise of the blades and engine. Calvin and I were able to ask questions, point out landmarks, and simply sit back and marvel at the views. It was not only a thrill, but a great way to become oriented to the Tahoe area.
The Robinson R44 Raven II seats three, so if you want to book for a family of four or more, it may require spitting the group into two flights. In the new year, however, Bellotto has plans to add a seven-passenger helicopter to the operation (with the inclusion of helicopter back-country skiing packages!). Current tours include flights over such areas as Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Lake, Vikingsholm Castle, the South Shore, Sand Harbor, Zephyr Cove, and more!
Age and weight restrictions do apply, and flights may need to be canceled in the case of bad weather (in which case, they will be rescheduled as guest’s schedule allows).
Note: If you’re looking for a romantic night out instead of a family adventure, consider booking HeliTahoe’s Lake Tahoe Tour and Dinner, which includes a flight over Emerald Bay and dinner at one of Tahoe’s most talked-about restaurants, The Flight Deck. At only $165 per couple, it’s not only an unforgettable ‘date’, but an affordable one!
Get a sneak peak of a HeliTahoe tour with Pit Stops for Kids’ Kid Cam!
Date last visted: December 23, 2010
Distance from the Interstate: Touring Tahoe from the sky is easy for families, as HeliTahoe is based right at the South Lake Tahoe Airport, located right off Hwy 50. A very small airport, parking, meeting up, and boarding your flight is very convenient!
Cost: Tours start at $70 per person and increase to $315 per person, depending on the length of your tour.
Hours of operation: Touring hours are flexible, and depend on weather and flight conditions. Book online, or call 530-544-2211.
Directions: HeliTahoe is located at Suite 106 within the South Tahoe Airport at 1901 Airport Road. From South Tahoe, take Hwy 50 to Airport Road.As I disclose with all compensated reviews, HeliTahoe generously hosted us for this portion of our Tahoe Holiday review series. While we greatly appreciate their hospitality, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review. Read all our articles in our Home (Away) for the Holidays series!
