subject: The Excitement Builds On Your Journey To The Mountain [print this page] If you talk to any adrenaline junkie about the things they do to get their "high", you'll start to see certain themes starting to recur. The speed of certain things, like jet-skiing, windsurfing, snowboarding, etc., is one of the contributing factors towards the appeal these sports or activities have to this sort of people. Other factors include factors like risk and danger, which has always been appealing towards a certain type of people. This danger can take a variety of forms, such as speed - mentioned before - or dangerous wild creatures being around - scuba diving, fish spearing, and things like that. The danger can also take the form of being out in the wild, in the middle of nowhere, all alone, with no backup.
If that aspect of danger is any guide, then heli-skiing may be one of the most adrenaline-inducing sport on Earth. For those who don't know, heli-skiing is basically skiing with a twist. Of course, the twist is a rather important one. Where regular skiing usually happens along a pre-set route, with trails and boundaries, heli-skiing involves being airlifted into an otherwise inaccessible area - with no trails, boundaries or ski lifts to aid the adventurer - and left there to ski as one likes.
Now, obviously, this is not a sport for the light of heart or the unskilled. Most people who only have a cursory acquaintance with the sport should probably not try and engage in heli-skiing, as that may result may be a difficult experience. Skiing is hard work, and traversing these huge mountains of powder with no chalets to rest in is an arduous workout. However, if you've been skiing for a while and have some skill at it, then it is certainly worth trying. Be warned, though - you may never be able to shake the feeling of floating on fresh powder.
Of course, with all this talk of heli-skiing comes the question of other things, like equipment and locations. Apart from the regular equipment one needs while skiing - temperature appropriate clothing, goggles, etc. - you'll need other things like shovels, avalanche transponders and a special type of ski that is specifically designed for off-trail skiing.
As to the location, there are a variety of ways to ascertain the good places for heli-skiing. For instance, there are ways to find out good routes - like message boards, chat rooms, etc. For instance, the town of Golden, British Columbia boasts some of the best heli-skiing areas around. A combination of sufficient latitude and the necessary services for the heli-skiers make this little town a good location for anyone looking to try out a good slope or two. Private tours are available complete with expert guides who know what to look for and where to go. For the ultimate ski experience, give heli-skiing a try.
