Heli Skiing

What is Heli Skiing?

Heli skiing is considered and extreme sport. You get to your skiing destination via a helicopter. This gives you a chance to access remote untouched trails. Heli skiing gives the skier the chance to begin at higher altitudes and ski deep undisturbed snow. One reason that skiers in enjoy heli skiing is because nature becomes your obstacle course as you have to maneuver around the natural landscaping such as trees in your path.

Who should try heli skiing? Heli skiing is not a sport for new skiers but more for intermediate and advanced skiers that can confidently ski on any type of snow conditions and different terrains. They should also understand and know about avalanche safety measures. Heli skiing requires great endurance. Many experts in the field recommend that you begin a fitness regimen several months before you begin heli skiing. Another recommendation before you begin is to go through acclimatization beforehand so your body is prepared properly.

With avalanche concerns heli skiing operators take safety very seriously. When you chose your heli skiing operator make sure they have experience and are highly trained guides. Your helicopter pilot should have the necessary experience to be able to access the conditions and stability of the snow and determine any high risks. A good heli skiing tour will equip you with avalanche rescue transceivers and other recommended rescue equipment and teach you how to use it properly. When dressing for your run make sure you wear your clothing in layers under your ski suit. Then add goggles, ski gloves, and a neck warmer and you are ready to go. Remember, you are preparing to go into sub-zero temperatures so prepare properly.

Most heli skiing tours are lead by a professional guide that usually takes anywhere from six to twelve skiers at a time. Most guides try to keep your group together so that you can enjoy the run with people you are comfortable with but with a public tour that is not a guarantee. You can however hire a private charter that will only include your group.

Heli skiing is quite popular and there are many countries and regions that you can find resorts geared toward this sport. You can find them in Canada, the Himalayas, Finland, Alaska, Russia, Sweden Switzerland, and New Zealand. You can also enjoy heli skiing in resorts in Turkey, Argentina, Austria, Chile, Italy, Georgia and Greenland.

Weather and snow conditions can vary depending on where and what time of year you will be heli skiing. Make sure that you check with your operator beforehand. It is not possible to guarantee the weather conditions but the majority of heli skiing locations are in places with stable weather patterns. Even so, make sure that you come prepared for any changes in the weather patterns.