Heliskiing

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Heliskiing is off-trail, downhill skiing that is reached by a helicopter, not a ski lift.

One can do heliskiing from high alpine glaciers onto the pit of snow valleys, descending from a helicopter sometimes 10,000 feet or 3,000 meters above the ground. Heliskiing has became an increasingly popular activity, with operators established in Canada, the USA, Alaska, Greenland, New Zealand, Indian Himalyas, Russia, Turkey, Sweden, Finland, Argentina and Chile. Heliskiing is banned in France and is highly regulated in other European alpine countries.

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[edit] Required skill level

Anyone who has had previous experience in skiing can try heliskiing. Nevertheless, being able to ski on intermediate and advanced runs consistently is one of the requirements for anyone who aspires to go heliskiing.

One should also be able to manage skiing along all types of terrain and in all possible snow conditions, and should be knowledgeable about avalanche safety. Experts recommend that skiers who would try heliskiing should start a fitness program two months in advance and should be acclimatized a few days before the heliskiing trip. Being fit is given prime importance in this skiing discipline since it imposes challenging runs that may lead to serious risks.

Heliskiing, however, does not necessarily involve steep and extreme terrain but is all about skiing through deep, untracked powder. Tree skiing or going through trees and other challenges in a mountain environment is said to be the essence of heliskiing, according to many skiers. Heliskiers look forward to old-growth forests with huge trees they can criss-cross, albeit challenging and strenuous.

[edit] Equipment and gear

Some experienced heliskiers opt for spring skiing because it has longer days, warmer temperatures, and different ski conditions such as spring snow (granular "sugar" snow, which when skiied in good conditions makes for one of the most relaxed skiing descents. Many others will specifically go earlier in the year to seek and take advantage of deep, fresh powder snow. The altitude in which skiers will descend depends on the weather, snow stability and quality, and by the evaluation of the guides and pilots.

Avalanche transceivers are required and a buddy system is mandatory because of the dangers of avalanches. Layered clothing fit for sub-zero temperatures are necessary, as well as goggles, hat, ski gloves, and neck warmers. Having a backpack is not allowed by some operators but one can bring a small pack to store basic pieces of skiing gear.

Fatter off piste,powder, freeride or "all-mountain" skis are used by the majority of heliskiers. they are less tiring in use and handle difficult terrain more easily. The introduction of these skis, originally known as "fat boys" has led to an increase in the amount of vertical feet skied, as the skiers become less tired, (and spend less time looking for lost skis). They have also been linked with decreased injury rates.

[edit] Heliskiing groups

On most Heliskiing tours, heliskiers are led by an experienced guide who will lead a group of skiers. You may be skiing with as little as 4 or as many as 12 skiers. This varies depending on which operator your book with. Most operations offer private heliskiing charters too.

[edit] Heliskiing tour length

While heliskiing, you can expect around 5-12 runs or heli lifts in a day. Your guides will constantly be assessing and searching for the best (and the safest) snow. In some locations, you might take one long run down the mountain, stopping in various places for break. Most heliskiing operators offer daily, three, four and seven day packages. When avalanche conditions are high you may end up skiing easier, more gentle slopes.

[edit] Conditions

Heliskiing conditions can vary, according to the day you’re skiing and where you’re skiing. However, heliskiing is known for its opportunity to allow skiers to access amazing powder and this is your best chance to ski the champagne powder snow. However conditions often vary from run to run due to wind and solar aspects.

[edit] Heliskiing safety

The primary safety concern of heliskiing operators is the danger of avalanches. Reputable heliskiing operations employ highly trained guides and pilots who are experienced in evaluating snow conditions, snow stability, and risk management. Most tours will include in the price the use of avalanche transceivers and will provide training on the use of them and other avalanche rescue equipment.

[edit] Heliskiing resorts

Heliskiing is offered at the following ski resorts:

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[edit] Related sports

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