1. Flying to the top
Heli skiing is for experienced skiers who enjoy the fresh powder and virgin slopes at the very top of the world's highest mountains. Instead of riding a chair lift with a bunch of families, inexperienced skiers and the ilk, you employ a helicopter to take you to the beginning of your ski adventure. A number of recognized tour groups offer helicopter rides for skiing. Some groups have set up lodges for skiers who want to make a vacation of the experience. Other tour operators provide day trips and will make all the arrangements for your transportation to the top and pick you up when you make it down.
2. Leave Skinny Skis Behind
You will want to rent or invest in fat skis for the soft white powder that lies on the tops of the mountains you'll travel. Wider skis range from about six to 10 inches in width. They float easier on top of the snow and allow for more stable navigation around natural obstacles that you might encounter. Snowboards work great under these conditions. Heli skiing for snowboarders is fast becoming one of the most popular new sports for those skiers looking to up the challenge.
3. Get the Gear
Correctly fitting boots are paramount for a positive heli skiing experience. Make sure that you get your boots properly fitted if you plan on a heli skiing trip. Heli skiers prefer anti-fogging goggles. Again, you don't want stop to change your goggles or let the fog lift when you're running down the big slopes. Carry two pairs if you have room in your backpack. Some heli skiers prefer not to wear a backpack, instead relying on the tour company to provide necessary food and water and emergency gear. A small backpack is nice though, if you plan to taking frequent breaks or feel more comfortable with your own snacks and extra gear. Check with operator to find out if you need to carry any of your own avalanche emergency gear too.
4. Dress the Part
Dress pretty much the same as you do for lift skiing, piling on layers and making sure that you can withstand the cold. The best ski jackets will be waterproof. Gloves should come up over the edges of your sleeves to keep out the snow. If you know you will be in really deep snowdrifts, wear a jacket the covers your neck.
5. Go West
Heli skiing operations are growing as more people look for new ways to up the challenge of their sport and are drawn to the danger and the uniqueness of the sport. Heli skiing companies are particularly popular in the Rocky Mountains. British Columbia and Alaska are also rife with a number of groups to choose from.
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