Stunning Views Heli Biking in Spain
Benasque valley, is in the heart of the Pyrenees, with about 80% of the surrounding peaks reaching above 3000m high. No better place to enjoy heli-biking and feel the adrenaline of the 'copter flying high and later rushing down on the best trails in the area. AltitudeRides offers this incredible experience in the area. They are the first ones to offer heli-biking in Europe, none the less. We spent a full day with these guys and still can't believe what an amazing day we had.
The day started with a breakfast on a local cafe, everyone looking at the weather forecast since the helicopter can't take off if the weather isn't good. On a usual day, the schedule is: breakfast, one pickup shuttle to warm up, helicopter ride to one of the two peaks allowed for the moment (2750m and 2650m), 2 more shuttles in the afternoon with the pickups or vans. In our case, the weather didn't clear up until past midday so we enjoyed 2 long descents in the morning, the well known Planadona and Integral del Gallinero trails.
A mix of rocks and flowy sections in between pine trees to start the day in Planadona
Benasque and in particular Castejon de Sos is a well-known destination for paragliding
After two long descents, it was midday and time for a break. There are plenty of places to choose from to enjoy a good meal, we ended up in Castejon de Sos, with a delicious local menu. All eyes on Pablo, the main guide, waiting for good news from the helicopter pilot. And right with the last zip of coffee we hear on the walkies "Taking off! Taking off!". Adrenaline rushing into our veins, heart pumping nonstop, we are about to go on a helicopter ride!!
First group landed, back to get the rest of the group
Once on the top at 2750m, there is a 7km long trail with a 2000m drop in elevation to get back to Benasque Valley
There are couple of small hike-a-bike sections for smaller peaks, just 5 minutes, nothing crazy.
Before taking off with the bikes and riders, there is a small briefing to explain all safety measures. Once the pilot is done, bikes are loaded and off we go. All shakes and trembles, you see the rotor moving faster and faster... and we have taken off! The Benasque Valley lies at 1000m and Sierra Negra is at 2750m, in about 10 minutes we are on the top, with the most incredible views you can imagine. No words to describe everyone feelings. From here, just enjoy the ride down to the valley.
Jorge, one of the AltitudeRides guides, having fun
Landscapes are astonishing, with high alpine lakes and trails
Landscapes I said?
Thanks AltitudeRides for an amazing experience! You can follow them on these channels: Instagram & Facebook
Benasque mountain biking trails
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We have the same problem with the skier comunity. If we support that kind of activities, in not much time we will have Helicopters flying around us all the day during our riding trip.
We will want to go to the mountains to have a good wild day on our bikes, skis or just wanna go hiking and having a great time enjoying the peace of the mountain, and we will can´t.
If that activity becomes fashionable, the bussines will bet on that and will be the end of the peace of the wild landscapes.
Take a break, think about that and have common sense. Our playground is in danger, our mountains are in stake.
Sincerely, a biker who likes to enjoy the trails.
It must be annoying if a heli is flying on top of you 20 times a day,I don´t know if you can fly over there as many times you as want or there is a limit.It is a good question.
But we are on the same, we always justify all in the name of the progress. We need to know that the mountains are not only for us. Benasque valley is surrounded of national parks and that kind of tourism activities destroys the peacefull and wilderenes of that enviroment. The fact that now there is no overcrowding doesnt says that we would not have in some years.
I´m actually a mountain bike guide in north spain, I know how works this sector. I have worked in the pyrenees couple years on the winter seasson and once on summer seasson, just in Benasque. They are great places for tourism incrementations and is not that bad, but we need to create a responsably tourism.
If you want to enjoy the high mountains landscapes and you dont know the place, just contract a guide and go pedaling. Or easilly take a look on the internet and download some marked trail tracks.
I´m not attacking anyone, I just want to make people think.
The Helibiking with Altitude is fantastic, its an amazing experience. I'm lucky enough to have enjoyed it quite a few times.