Heli-skiing is an exhilarating winter sport that takes skiing and snowboarding to new heights—literally. Participants are transported by helicopter to remote mountain peaks with pristine, untouched snow.
From there, they descend steep, powder-covered slopes, enjoying the thrill of carving through fresh snow in remote and breathtaking landscapes. Heli-skiing provides access to challenging terrain and incredible off-piste experiences not typically found within traditional ski resort boundaries.
It requires advanced skiing or snowboarding skills, avalanche awareness, and experienced guides to ensure safety. Heli-skiing offers a truly unforgettable adventure for snow sports enthusiasts seeking the ultimate backcountry experience.
History
Heli-skiing traces its roots back to the 1960s when mountaineer Hans Gmoser pioneered the concept in the Canadian Rockies. Gmoser recognized the potential for using helicopters to access remote and untouched snow-covered mountains, providing skiers and snowboarders with unparalleled experiences.
In 1965, he established the first heli-skiing operation, opening up a new world of possibilities for winter sports enthusiasts. Since then, heli-skiing has gained popularity globally, with heli-skiing operations in various mountainous regions around the world.
Today, heli-skiing continues to attract adventurers who seek the thrill of exploring untracked powder snow and immersing themselves in breathtaking alpine landscapes.
Technology
Heli-skiing takes skiers and snowboarders to exhilarating backcountry locations with untouched powder snow and challenging terrain. However, venturing into uncontrolled mountain environments poses inherent risks, including the potential for avalanches. To mitigate these risks and ensure safety, heli-skiers rely on essential avalanche safety gear.
Avalanche safety gear consists of three main components: beacons, shovels, and probes. Avalanche beacons, also known as transceivers, are small electronic devices worn by each member of the heli-skiing group. These devices emit signals that can be detected by other beacons in case of an avalanche burial. They play a crucial role in search and rescue operations by helping to locate and pinpoint buried individuals.
Shovels are lightweight but sturdy tools designed for digging and excavating snow during rescue operations. They are compact and easily portable, allowing heli-skiers to quickly access buried individuals and assist in their recovery. Probes are long, collapsible poles used to probe the snowpack for locating buried victims. They help rescuers determine the depth and location of buried individuals with precision.
Having proper avalanche safety gear is essential for heli-skiers, as it provides a layer of protection and increases the chances of survival in the event of an avalanche. These tools enable quick response and efficient rescue efforts, minimising the potential consequences of an avalanche incident.
Heli-skiing operators prioritise safety and often require participants to undergo avalanche safety training and familiarise themselves with the proper use of the gear. This training ensures that heli-skiers are prepared to handle emergency situations and make informed decisions while exploring the backcountry.
By equipping themselves with avalanche safety gear, heli-skiers can enjoy the thrill and adventure of exploring remote and untouched slopes while minimising the risks associated with avalanches. These essential tools are a vital part of heli-skiing, allowing participants to safely navigate and enjoy the breathtaking backcountry landscapes.
