What is Heli Skiing?
Heli skiing is off-trail, downhill skiing that is reached by a helicopter, not a ski lift. Heli skiing can be a great opportunity for most skiers, but read on for more information about Heli skiing and how to choose a Heli Skiing experience that will be safe and enjoyable.
The birth of Heli-Skiing
In April 1965, Hans Gmoser was intrigued by an idea that, although fanciful, seemed practical - an idea that had never been tried by any resort in the world. Hans began using helicopters to transport enthusiastic skiers high into the thin air of the otherwise-inaccessible Bugaboo Mountains in the Rocky Mountains of Canada. Heli skiing, as it became known, was born and became an instant success.
Is Heli Skiing for You?
Heli skiing isn't for everyone, so before you plan your trip, it's best to see if a Heli skiing tour is something that will be safe and fun for you. So, is Heli skiing for you? Ask yourself the following questions to see if a Heli skiing tour would be a good experience for you.
A. Are you a good enough skier or snowboarder? Heli skiing isn't for first timers'. You should be both capable and experienced in handling a mixture of conditions, whether they are on one plank or two.
1. You should have considerable skiing experience in a conventional resort setting.
2. Your run choices are predominantly blue/ black and you ski them with confidence in almost any conditions.
3. Your skiing ability has improved year after year and you are capable of multi-day ski trips.
4. You may not have the style of a paid skier, but you have the confidence to keep up with friends and you know when you are making some 'good turns'.
5. You can make parallel turns with confidence and if the situation arises, you can; side-slip, step-up sideways, traverse and make kick turns.
6. In the process of becoming a better skier, you have made the transition from novice level equipment to high performance gear and can also spot the difference.
7. You may not have tons of powder skiing experience but you can maintain control in backcountry conditions.
B. Are you fit enough? Skiing and riding powder all day is super fun but is physically demanding. You need to be of a good level of fitness to get the most from your heli skiing experience.
C. Accept that there is risks involved? Safety is always the number one priority for Heli skiing oeprators. However, it's necessary to realize that when you take on mother nature and her mountains, anything can happen. All heli skiing operations will require you to sign a comprehensive waiver of liability before you can go skiing.
What to Expect While Heli-Skiing
Here's more information about the Heli skiing experience.
Heli Skiing Groups
On most Heli skiing tours, heli-skiers are led by an experienced guide who will lead a group of skiers. You may be skiing with as little as 6 or as many as 12 skiers. This varies depending on which operator your book with. Most operations offer private heli skiing charters too.
Heli Skiing Tour Length
While heli-skiing, 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 heli skiing operators offer daily, three, four and seven day packages. When avalanche conditions are high you may end up skiing easier more gentle slopes.
Conditions
Heli skiing conditions can really vary, according to the day you're skiing and where you're skiing. However, Heli skiing 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. Be prepared for variable conditions. It's best to check with your Heli skiing tour for specific information about the snow conditions and weather prior to booking your trip.
Heli Skiing Safety
The primary safety concern of heli skiing operators is the danger of avalanches. Reputable Heli skiing operations employ highly trained guides and pilots who are experienced in evaluating snow conditions, snow stability, and risk management. Don't worry - 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.
Where Can I Try Heli Skiing
Heli skiing is truly a global sport and can be enjoyed all over the world. Here is a list of where countries where you can go heli skiing:
Canada, Alaska, New Zealand, Himalayas, (India and Nepal) Russia, Turkey, Greenland, Argentina, Chile, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, France, Austria and Italy.
And Finally
Heli skiing is the ultimate skiing and boarding experience. Endless acres of deep powder snow, solitude in the big mountains to be shared with friends and family what more could a skier or border want?
This article was provided by Pantheon Heli Skiing. A Heli Skiing Operation Located near Whistler in BC Canada. Check out www.pantheonheli.com for more details
James Morris
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmie_Morris
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