The trip of lifetime is not such a distance dream as skiers realise the benefits of ‘heli accessed’ terrain.
Way back in the early 1990’s when ski movies were still being made on shoe-string budgets and skis were still long and narrow (really they were), I sat watching films of skiers jumping in helicopters in Canada and Alaska for the very first time. Back then, heli-skiing was in the infancy of its commercial life and the chance to actually do this was simply a pipe-dream for anyone except the worlds very top ‘extreme’ skiers.
But a few years later I found myself flying up through the air in my very first helicopter ride, being dropped at the top of a mountain and skiing down. I knew then that this was the ultimate adventure in ski exploration and I loved every second of it.
Today, heli-skiing has become part of the whole ski package for all aspiring riders. One of the most revered and sacred places to participate in this adventure is the Canadian Rockies and in particular, British Columbia. Heli-Skiing in British Columbia is considered by many as the ultimate ski adventure. The vast amount of terrain combined with snowfall that piles in from the Pacific Ocean, ensures skiers looking for great conditions and epic vertical get exactly what they want.
And let’s face it, this is the reason why you go heli-skiing in the first place. But the fact that you know exactly what you are going to get is one of the reasons why more and more skiers are deciding to go down the heli-skiing route. No-one can guarantee sunny skies and perfect powder snow, but if you want to give yourself the best chance then the Selkirk Mountains in BC are a pretty good bet.
When you go heli-skiing you will always have a guide that knows the territory like the back of their hand. This local knowledge means that you don’t have to worry about where the best skiing is on that particular day….just hop in and enjoy the ride!
Skier ability
Let’s be clear about this, most people that can ski can heli-ski. You should be a confident skier in all-terrain conditions, but you don’t have to be a professional, far from it. Today’s ski equipment allows recreational skiers that can ski the whole mountain, on groomed runs, the ability to enjoy heli-skiing.
Myth: people think you jump out of the helicopter at the top!
Truth: you don’t, only James Bond has to do that. Helicopters land and allow the passengers to exit safely and easily.
Myth: Heli-skiing terrain is steep and dangerous!
Truth: It can be steep if that’s what you want, but there is a lot of mountain out there and most of it is not steep at all!
Myth: Heli-skiing is only for the super-rich!
Truth: OK, you might have to save your money up, but actually it does not have to cost much more than a ‘normal’ ski trip.
Myth: Heli-skiing is for ‘hard-core’ skiers who don’t care where they sleep or what they eat at night! Truth: eeer, no! Heli-skiing is for normal people that also like a bit of comfort in the evenings!
Myth: Heli-skiing is a very dangerous sport!
Truth: any off-piste or backcountry skiing involves an element of danger, but heli-skiing does not extend that danger in anyway. In fact, when you are heli-skiing, because you are with a highly qualified and experienced mountain guide that knows the terrain very well, you are in safer hands than if you simply skied the backcountry yourself.
Here are my top ten tips about Heli-Skiing:
- Always go with a well-established, reputable operation.
- Work on your general fitness levels before heading out on your trip.
- Ensure they have the top qualified guides that prioritize safety over anything else.
- Follow the instructions of the mountain guide at all times.
- Target a location that provides the best snow conditions and terrain for your ability level.
- Wear the best ski clothing you can get.
- Always wear a helmet.
- Brush up on your technique with tools that can improve your balance and strength.
- Rest well in the evenings, you can party anytime you like!
- Smile, you’re heli-skiing!
