Heliskiing: everything you should know about it

Helicopter skiing, often referred to as heliskiing, is a winter sport recommended to accomplished skiers only. Not only does it require a lot of experience, but also it is often concerned with danger. Here is a heliskiing guide you might want to use in case you are interested in this sport.

Getting to the trials

Heliskiing is both a dangerous and an expensive sport since it is hard to get to the starting point. The main peculiarity of it is that to do it is necessary to get to the trial by helicopter, as it is unreachable by any other types of transport. This type of free-ride is quite popular due to the possibility to choose almost any starting point.

Requirements for sportsmen

Helicopter skiing involves a lot of experience. Those who have been practicing free-ride for a long time are likely to succeed in it, too. How to understand whether you should give in a try without any fear of getting injured? Ask yourself these questions:

• Have you ever tried free-ride?
• How aggressive is your style of skiing at the scale from 0 to 5 where 5 is the most aggressive?
• Are you capable of turning while skiing down a hill?

To sum up, to be able to enjoy heliskiing it is crucial to have a lot of experience in free-riding.

How are groups of skiers formed?

Helicopter skiing is not an activity for a lonely wolves, which means that sportsmen join special groups to ski. Usually such groups are distinguished in accordance with experience of skiers. The aim of this division is to make sure that all participants are equally experienced and the situations when professionals compete along with amateurs will not happen.

A typical day

Usually heliskiing takes a lot of time. In the morning the participants have to choose the best equipment that will fit them perfectly. Usually the equipment includes a pair of boots, a suit, a helmet, a pair of gloves. Also, a pair of mountain skis and sticks will be given to you by the company that organizes the rout.

Since skiing in mountains might be dangerous from the point of view the possibility of snowslips, all participants will be taught how to use special mechanisms aimed for protection of the skiers in case they get into trouble. You should put it on and turn it on. Then it will send signals concerning your location and, in case of emergency, you will be found as soon as possible.

After learning to use this device, you will be told about the safety rules. The most important of them are:

• You should always follow the instructor’s orders;
• You should ski within the path;
• You should follow the order of skiing as there will be people before you and after you.

Having learnt all the rules mentioned above, you will have to get acquainted with the rules on how to behave in a helicopter. First of all, you should not get in the cabin or leave it without the order of your instructor. Secondly, you must not push other sportsmen or create too much noise.

After that you will be divided into several groups in accordance with the experience. All the equipment will be checked and the adventure will begin.

Best places to practice

There are several places that are perfect for heliskiing. These include:

• This is a state that is known for marvelous mountains covered with snow. The best month for heliskiing is April because this is when the weather is not too cold. A three-days’ route will cost you around $4200, while for a week of heliskiing you will pay approximately $11000.
• This country is known for amazing landscapes that are popular for helicopter skiing. In December a route will cost a little bit more than $5000, whereas in January the price is higher.
• Skiing down snow-covered volcanoes situated on the shore of an ocean appeales to many sportsmen.

History

This type of sport was first introduced to skiers in 1960s, in Canada, when the tourists decided to set off on adventures to unreachable mountains. They used helicopters to get there, and their idea appeared to be successful. Back in 1956, Hans Gmoser made this activity commercial and became a guide for those who wanted to try it. This is why he is considered to be the founder of heliskiing. Although this sport is popular among many skiers, it was banned in several countries including Germany and France in the 19^th century.

All in all, this downhill skiing involves a lot of physical demands and experience, which is why it is not possible for everyone to set off on such an adventure.