Cutting Through the Noise: Marlee Hawkins, Australia’s Heli-Ski Specialist

Planning a heli-ski adventure can feel overwhelming. With dozens of operators, lodges, and destinations to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. That’s where Marlee Hawkins, founder of Heli Dreams, comes in.

Marlee began her career in travel at Flight Centre Australia, before moving to Banff, Canada, where she specialized in ski trips across the Canadian Rockies. Her passion for alpine adventure eventually led her to join the world’s largest heli-ski company. She gained insider knowledge few others have, working across almost every department: sales, reservations, guest services, housekeeping, laundry, and even managing the bar.

“I learned what makes these high-end trips unforgettable,” Marlee recalls.

Her experience gave her a deep understanding of the logistics, terrain, and what can make (or break) a heli-ski experience.

Building Heli Dreams

Heli Dreams

After returning to Australia, Marlee launched her own travel business under Flight Centre’s independent network, Envoyage. Even from afar, she was still receiving enquiries from heli-ski clients, and quickly realized the online information was confusing — even for someone with her experience.

This insight inspired her to create Heli Dreams, a one-stop platform to book everything needed for a seamless heli-ski adventure, with unbiased advice and the ability to pay in local currency. Her goal was simple: to make a complex product accessible by partnering with the top-tier heli-ski operators in each region. Marlee personally identified companies with the strongest safety protocols, the best equipment, and the most experienced guides, ensuring every adventure met the highest standards. “You speak to one person who knows the operators, the terrain, and the logistics, and can help you design the perfect adventure,” she says.

Heli Dreams makes planning a heli-ski experience effortless, even for first-timers.

Tailored Trips with Insider Knowledge

“When people ask me why they should book through us, I tell them it’s about taking the stress out of what should be the most fun part of the trip,” Marlee says. “There’s so much more to a heli-ski holiday than a helicopter seat. We look after everything including flights, transfers, hotels, resort hopping and complex multi-stop itineraries. Even coordinating groups so you don’t have to worry about a thing.”

She explains how Heli Dreams goes beyond just booking: “We optimize every detail so you can focus on skiing. That means planning the best flight routes with your snow gear, considering ideal arrival and departure windows to work around weather and jetlag, and coordinating everyone in your group so it doesn’t all land on one person.”

And if anything unexpected comes up? “We’re on your side before, during, and after your trip,” she adds. “Whether it’s a sudden weather change, an airline strike or delay, or even a medical issue, we advocate for you so the adventure stays seamless..”

Why Book with Heli Dreams

Effortless Planning: One point of contact for every aspect of your trip
Pay in local currency: The same price as direct, with no hidden booking fees
Insider Access: Exclusive partnerships with operators and lodges
Tailored Experiences: Trips designed to match your skiing ability, style, and adventure goals

Marlee Magazine photo