How to Choose a Heli-Skiing Destination

Heli-skiing, or helicopter skiing, is an off-trail adventure for extreme skiers and snowboarders. It is more expensive than regular ski resorts for a few reasons. You are taking a helicopter up long distance rather than taking a ski lift up a short distance over and over. You don't have to wait in lines and aren't bothered by a crowd of inexperienced families skiing in your way. And heli-skiing is found in much more remote locations. Heli-skiing is a luxurious step up from a regular ski resort. Below are some tips to find a good location for your next trip.

First, thing's first; you need lots of snow! Find a location with lots of dry, powdery snow. The northwest is a great place to look. Canada is especially popular for heli-skiing. Make sure the location you choose has a reliable and plentiful supply. Larger locations are a good choice because it is likely that some areas have still been unexplored. Then, you have the option of skiing down an established run or being the first to descend your personal run.

Put safety high on your list when you're choosing a resort to heli-ski with. You want to be prepared in case there is an avalanche, someone falls and hurts themselves, or someone gets lost. Some companies provide their customers with safety kits like Snowpulse backpacks and Barryox Pulse transceivers. A great safety option is having a guide or two look over your group as you explore the mountain. Ask your potential company questions to find out what they do to keep you safe. Know what resources they have available for common problems as well as worst case scenarios.

A 7-day package can mean some full days, some rushed half-days, and hidden travel days. Read the fine print to make sure a 7-day package, means 7 full days of skiing. Also, see that they have one or two Snowcat back-ups so no matter how the weather is, the company will make sure there is tons of powdery snow on the mountains. Some companies will even guarantee bottomless powder everyday. Ask a few questions, and you'll be sure to get the most out of your money and your experience.