What is Heliskiing

Helicopter skiing, better known as heliskiing

, is skiing in far flung specially selected locations, minus the effort and gear required for skiing in these areas. Access to these areas is not via a ski lift but a helicopter.

How is Heliskiing Unique?

Helicopter skiing started way back in 1960s and became increasingly popular with skiing enthusiasts. Heli skiing is an exhilarating sport in isolated mountain terrain. Heliskiing attracts skiers seeking the thrill of long descents and endless powder snow. Thick untouched powder snow, steep slopes, incredible trails all add up to one adrenaline pumping adventure for skiers. These conditions are not found in the artificially manipulated terrain of ski resorts, which is exactly why heliskiing such an exceptional experience.

In What Type of Terrain is Heliskiing Conducted?

Heliskiing terrain is quite diverse. It varies from steep chutes to tree runs, from high glaciers to alpine bowls. Typically, the terrain is associated within pre-defined geographical heliskiing areas, known as heli-skiing tenures. Alaska, where the tree line is low, offers glaciated peaks whereas Canada, with its old forest growths, offers challenging tree runs. Average runs are approximately 2500 feet or 800 meters. In rare cases, heliskiing operations can also be conducted at 10,000 feet or 3300 meters. Heliskiing offers enthusiasts with the opportunity to ski hard to access terrains deep in the backcountry, at really high altitudes above the tree line.

How is Heliskiing Carried Out?

There are many operators offering helicopter services for skiing. You can opt for helicopters carrying lots of passengers, or for a privately chartered trips. Operators typically offer heliskiing packages of five to twelve day trips. A week long package is comfortable as it allows for days of rests between runs and also weather days when skiing is not possible.

Helicopter skiing areas are strictly regulated in most places. An IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations) or ACMG [Association of Canadian Mountain Guides] qualified mountain guide has to accompany helicopters hired for heliskiing.

In Canada, heliskiing operates in a ski lift fashion where helicopters pick and drop off skiers in an open area; the servicing helicopter will have exterior baskets to load the groups skiing equipment. The group is then lifted and taken to landing zone or starting point of the ski run.

Upon landing, the helicopter settles in the snow and slows down its rotors to enable passengers to get off. Next, the equipment, guide and skiers are offloaded. Skiers have to crouch low holding their gear and clothing until the helicopter has moved far enough away. As much as this precaution is taken to avoid accidents with helicopters, it is also to avoid stinging, win driven snow, from flying around and potentially causing injury, reducing visibility and increasing confusion.

Once the helicopter has cleared the landing site, the guide then assesses snow conditions such as any potential avalanche danger, before instructing the group to follow his guidance down the mountain. Depending on the snow conditions, the guide may let skiers go in a group or one by one. Companies that manage heliskiing operations also monitor weather conditions and provide basic training in avalanche safety.

Where to go for Heliskiing?

There are many countries in the world where you can heli ski, British Columbia, Canada is recognized for having the greatest number and most popular spots. However, there are a number of other quality destinations for heliskiing in the USA, Iceland, Greenland, New Zealand, Indian Himalayas, Nepal, Russia, Turkey and Europe - and each destination has something unique to offer skiing buffs.

Head out for Heliskiing