About Us
We have been providing an exceptional heliskiing experience since 2018. That same year, during filming with TGR, the idea of offering commercial heliskiing in the Accursed Mountains started to take shape. Since then, we’ve completed five successful seasons in this incredible, unexplored, and untouched mountain range.
Operating as a small team based in the heart of the Accursed Mountains, we offer one of the world’s best heliskiing experiences. Together with our guiding team, and partners Viva Helicopters and Aeroheli International, we ensure the highest safety standards and an exceptional skiing adventure for our clients.
Each season, we continue to raise the bar, striving to deliver an even better service year after year.
MEET OUR CREW
Detlef Gensel
Pilot
With over 5,500 hours of flight time and more than 20 years of experience, Detlef Gensel brings unparalleled expertise to Heliski Albania. His career spans diverse, challenging missions, from firefighting across Europe and geophysical longline surveys in Europe and Asia, to ambulance flights and high-stakes mountain rescues. Since joining Heliski Albania in 2018, Detlef has logged the most extensive flight hours in the Albanian Alps. He has also been the pilot for numerous film productions, such as Alert for Cobra 11, bringing both precision and passion to every journey.
Paul Swail
Lead Guide
Paul is a highly skilled and experienced IFMGA guide based in Chamonix. Originally from Ireland, Paul’s passion for the mountains developed early and eventually led him to the Alps, where he completed his IFMGA qualification with the British Mountain Guides after several ski seasons. With extensive expertise in backcountry skiing, avalanche safety, and remote terrain, Paul has guided groups through some of the most challenging areas, ensuring both safety and adventure. A strong advocate for responsible skiing, he is dedicated to sharing knowledge on avalanche awareness and mountain safety.
John McCune
Guide
Originally from Ireland and based in Chamonix for over 15 years, John McCune is an experienced IFMGA mountain guide who brings a deep passion for skiing and climbing to his work. Since qualifying in 2016, John has guided in some of the world’s most remote and thrilling locations. During winter, he leads guests through steep couloirs, heliskiing adventures, storm skiing, and ski touring. In the summer, he guides on the major summits of the Alps, teaches climbing and mountaineering, and consults on film production safety.
William Sim
Guide
William Sim is an accomplished alpinist, skier, and IFMGA guide originally from the UK, now based in the French Alps for over 15 years. With extensive experience across some of the world’s greatest mountain ranges—including Alaska, the Canadian Rockies, Patagonia, the Karakoram, and the Himalayas—Will brings a wealth of knowledge and adventure to each guiding experience.