Heli-skiing Is Unlike Any Other Winter Sport

There are sports and extreme sports, and then there is heli-skiing. This is one sport that combines athleticism with adventure. Heli-skiing is a form of off-trail, skiing in which a helicopter serves as the lift to the top of the course. This allows for easy access to some of the most exciting ski runs.

The first experiments in helicopter skiing were believed to have been made in the 1950s, but the sport did not begin in earnest until the mid-1960s in the area between Golden and Revelstoke, British Columbia. Although the sport is practiced elsewhere, 90 percent of the world's heli-skiing activity is done in the interior ranges of this Canadian province. It is the wide open wilderness and the light, dry powder found there that attracts skiers from Europe and elsewhere in North America. This region offers a wide variety of terrain, from glaciers and natural bowls to areas that are forested. Also attractive is the good weather found there, which allows for skiing almost every day of the year.

In the past, off-trail skiing would involve trekking or climbing to remote areas to find isolated spots. This required considerable effort in terms of hiking and perhaps even mountaineering skills. Heli-skiing eliminates the difficulties and hazards associated with skiing in such natural or relatively untouched areas, literally giving individuals or small groups the opportunity to have a mountain to themselves. Skiers can then have the excitement of a high-speed downhill run that is devoid of the ski traffic found at many resorts. Ski runs where there are trees are popular for some looking for a challenge, and offer better visibility and greater protection from the wind or other elements. The average downhill run is around 2,000 feet (700 meters), although some large runs may go on for nearly 10,000 feet (3,000 meters).

Heli-skiing has made great progress with the advent of larger and more powerful jet-powered helicopters. A heli-skiing adventure begins when the helicopter meets the skiers at the landing site, where their skies and other gear are loaded into an exterior basket. The skiers are then flown to and landed at the top of the run. The helicopter pilot will adjust rotor power so to reduce blowing snow, and the guide who normally accompanies the skiers will then check the terrain and snow conditions. Heli-skiing guides are adept in analyzing the snow and weather conditions, and are also be trained to handle unplanned situations. Based on the Canada model of heli-skiing, there will be from five to as many as a dozen runs every day. Customized plans are usually offered to private parties.

Heli-skiing does not require any special skills other than having the ability to ski on intermediate and advanced runs. Clothing must be appropriate to where the skiing will take place. At higher elevations, where the temperatures may be below freezing, heavy clothing, gloves and neck warmers are a must. Those who ski in remote areas often wear small radio "beacons" so others will always know where they are. Proper preparation will assure that participants get the most excitement out of the thrilling sport of heli-skiing.

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Searching for the ultimate heli skiing tour? Be sure to contact Canadian Heli-Skiing for more information and visit us to see our list of available packages to suit your schedule.

Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Heli-skiing-Is-Unlike-Any-Other-Winter-Sport/4365207

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