Heliskiing
3427178
225886777
2008-07-15T21:31:10Z
Xeliff
7321218
/* Heliskiing safety */
[[Image:Heli ski helicopter at Les Arcs.jpg|thumb|300px|Heliskiing service at [[Les Arcs]], French [[Alps]]]]
'''Heli skiing''' is off-trail, downhill skiing that is accessed by a [[helicopter]], not a [[ski lift]]. Heli-skiing is essentially about skiing in a natural -- albeit highly selected -- [[environment]] without the effort or gear compromise required for hiking into these areas as in [[ski touring]] or [[ski mountaineering]].
Most heli-skiers are seeking specific, pleasurable skiing conditions that are hard to replicate in the highly manipulated terrain of [[ski resort]]s: particularly [[powder snow]], but also long descents, natural terrain contours and features, smooth [[corn snow]], old-growth tree [[glade]]s, steep and extreme slopes, or for the more adventuresome, wild snow and a natural, variable environment.
The presence of the guide and machine offer some protection against the risks and discomforts unavoidably associated with entering this mountainous environment, allowing skiers with little or no [[mountain sense]] to enjoy a wild [[environment]].
==Locations==
Heliskiing has become an increasingly popular activity since its inception in the 1960's, with operators established in [[Canada]], the continental [[USA]], [[Alaska]], [[Greenland]], [[New Zealand]], Indian [[Himalayas]], [[Russia]], [[Turkey]], [[Sweden]], [[Finland]], [[Argentina]], [[Chile]] and [[Europe]].
The [[mountain]] terrain that heli-sking takes place in is diverse. Runs vary from high alpine [[glacier]]s, to alpine bowls, to steep [[chute]]s, to [[glade]]d trees. Rarely, operations have runs nearing 10,000 feet or 3,000 meters in vertical relief. Average runs are more likely 2,000 feet or 700 meters.
The type of terrain skied correlates to the [[mountain]] [[topography]] and [[snowpack]] characteristics where an operator is based. For example, [[Alaska]] heli-ski operations generally lack tree skiing due to the low tree line yet ski glaciated peaks where the strong [[maritime]] [[snowpack]] clings uniquely to very precipitous slopes. Meanwhile, Canadian operations with their [[old growth]] [[forest]]s often ski tree runs for challenge, better visibility and wind-sheltered snow -- especially during periods of inclement [[weather]]. Inland [[mountain range]]s have thinner, weaker [[snowpacks]] which generally offer the lightest powder and best weather, but somewhat less extreme slope angles due to increased slab avalanche hazard and dry, fluffy snow that simply falls off extremely steep terrain.
Heli-skiing can take place in remote [[mountain]] regions where seldom visited terrain exists. However, [[helicopter]]s are expensive to operate over long distances, economically favoring operation near paved, plowed road heads. Controversy often erupts when heli-skiing conflicts with [[wilderness]] values or overlaps with self-powered [[backcountry]] riding near established ski areas and population centers at these same road heads. This conflict has led to bans on heli-skiing in [[France]] and other [[European Union]] countries, strict regulation of landing zones elsewhere in the [[Alps]], and active citizen resistance to unfettered helicopter access in places like Utah's [[Wasatch Mountains]]<ref>[http://www.saveourcanyons.com/currentissues/ Save Our Canyons]</ref>. Non-motorized winter users specifically object to the noise, air pollution, [[carbon footprint]], mechanical disruption of undeveloped natural areas, and unfair competition for untracked snow in areas easily and more frequently reached by foot.
==Operations==
U.S., Canadian and some other operations typically treat the helicopter like a ski lift, picking up and dropping skiers repeatedly on the best snow sections for 5-12 runs a day (let's call it the "Canada-model"). European and some other operations typically treat the helicopter like a taxi, dropping skiers near a high peak, then leaving them to work their way back to a road (the "European-model"). This generally involves some [[ski mountaineering]], even though the [[trend]] is downward.
There are as few as 4 or as many as 12 skiers, depending on the [[aircraft]] type and numbers. Most operations offer private heli-skiing charters and daily, three, four and seven day packages are common in the Canada-model.
On most tours, a group of heli-skiers are led by an experienced guide and possibly an assistant, or "tailgunner". In fact, it is difficult or impossible in many areas to hire a [[helicopter]] for heli-skiing without a professional [[mountain guide]] certified by [[UIAGM]] (IFMGA). Helicopter skiing access is also regulated in many [[mountain range]]s, eliminating the possibility of simply contracting a [[helicopter]] for random drops.
The [[helicopter]] typically meets the ski group in an open area in a valley. European pilots are very aggressive and accustomed to operation in narrow mountain valleys, so landing in a wide spot of a narrow mountain road is not uncommon in the [[Alps]].
The guide or a [[helicopter]] crew member load the skis and poles into an exterior basket. The skiers board the [[helicopter]] and are lifted off and carried to a landing zone on the [[mountain]]. These LZ's may be officially designated, but regardless, they are generally familiar to the pilot.
While it is possible to "hot load" [or unload], meaning to take on or drop off passengers while hovering with the skids near but not touching the ground, it is safer and more common for the [[helicopter]] to actually settle onto the snow and reduce power to the [[rotor]]s while the passengers disembark. This tends to reduce blowing [[snow]], increasing visibility and reducing confusion and flying [[ski equipment]]. The guide unloads the skis, setting them flat on the ground. The skiers move away from the [[helicopter]], hold onto their gear and clothing, face away and remain crouched until the [[helicopter]] has moved far enough away that the gusty [[propwash]] and stinging driven [[snow]] is no longer a problem.
After unloading, the clients do not ski off at random; the guides decide exactly where the clients will [[ski]]. Often a guide will go first to assess the [[snow]], [[avalanche]] or [[glacier]] conditions, then signal the clients to proceed. Depending on the conditions, the clients may [[ski]] en-masse, or in less stable conditions, one at a time. The guide may instruct the group to stay to one side or the other of the guide's ski tracks in order to avoid glacial [[serac fall]]s & [[crevasses]], [[avalanche starting zones]], cliffs, crusty snow or other potential difficulties that are not obvious to untrained eyes. In very treacherous glacier sections, the clients may be instructed to stay in the guide's track. On a broad, stable slope, the guide may allow the clients to spread out & pick their own line of descent.
==Conditions==
Conditions encountered when heliskiing range from effortless powder or corn [[snow]], to the most difficult [[snow]] possible such as [[breakable wind crust]]. Conditions often vary from run to run due to [[wind]] and [[solar aspect]]s. Guide experience and the mobility of the [[helicopter]] enable careful matching of [[terrain]] to the current conditions within the limits of the operator's permit. Customer expectations are generally for easier, more pleasant [[snow]] conditions, however. It is unlikely that anyone ever paid the heli-ski premium desiring to [[ski]] breakable crust.
Conditions vary depending upon the time of year. Most patrons specifically go earlier in the [[winter]] during colder temperatures in order to seek and often find deep, fluffy powder or granular, recrystallized "sugar" [[snow]], which when skied in good conditions makes for one of the most relaxed skiing descents.
Some heli skiers opt for [[spring]] skiing because of longer days, warmer [[temperatures]], and the creamy ski conditions offered by corn snow that forms when the sun's heat creates [[meltwater]] [[lubrication]] around the snow [[crystal]]s during the day. Spring days also mean more daylight and the opportunity to ski greater vertical. In fact, it is not uncommon for spring heli-skiers during week long ski packages to exceed 200,000 feet of cumulative skiing{{Fact|date=July 2008}}.
The length of skier descents depends on the [[weather]], [[snow stability]] and [[snow]] quality as evaluated by the guides and pilots. On long descents, the [[snow]] may change character dramatically from cold to warm over the [[elevation]] change.
==Skills and techniques==
Canada-style heli skiing is identical in execution to [[downhill skiing]]. There are no special techniques involved. Being able to consistently [[ski]] intermediate and advanced [[ski resort]] runs is a requirement, however.
Europe-model heli-skiers also need to be competent in [[ski mountaineering]], which adds climbing uphill on [[skis]], and using ropes, [[ice ax]] and [[crampons]].
All heli skiers must be able to manage skiing along all types of [[terrain]] and be able to get down the hill in all possible [[snow]] conditions. [[Avalanche]] awareness is helpful, but it is not mandatory, since it is the guide's duty to mitigate this danger through client training, careful route selection and group control.
The expense and short duration of both the heli-skiing contract and evanescent [[snow]] conditions can lead to a "feeding frenzy" mentality when the clients are making multiple runs. Canada-model heli-skiers seek to maximize vertical drop and number of runs, so skiers need to be reasonably fit and take advantage of efficient gear to avoid slowing the group.
==Equipment and gear==
[[Avalanche transceiver]]s are required and a buddy system is mandatory because of the danger of avalanches. Clothing needs mirror [[ski resort]] activity level: layered clothing fit for sub-zero temperatures, [[goggles]], [[hat]], [[ski gloves]], and [[neck warmers]]. Having a [[backpack]] is not allowed by some Canadian-model operators but one can bring a small pack to store basic pieces of skiing gear. European-model heli-skiers are really just [[ski mountaineers]] with a vertical assist, so they require [[ski touring]] equipment appropriate to the location and conditions, including glacier travel equipment if necessary.
Fatter [[off-piste]], powder, [[freeride]] or "all-mountain" [[skis]] are used by the majority of heli skiers. They are less tiring in use and handle difficult terrain more easily. The introduction of these skis, originally known as "fat boys", has led to an increase in the amount of vertical feet skied, as the skiers become less tired and spend less time looking for lost skis. They have also been linked with decreased injury rates{{Fact|date=July 2008}}.
==History==
[[Hans Gmoser]], a [[mountain guide]] and [[Austria]]n immigrant to [[Canada]], is generally credited with starting heli-skiing in 1965 in the [[Bugaboo Mountains]] of [[British Columbia]] (although he experimented with [[helicopter]] accessed skiing in the years proceeding in the front range of the [[Canadian Rockies]] west of Calgary). Evidence suggests that heli-skiing may have even taken place earlier in the late 50's or early 60's in [[Alaska]], [[Wyoming]] or [[Utah]] based on old photos in ski books<ref>The Avalanche Hunters, Montgomery Atwater</ref>.
Heli-skiing is very well promoted in all [[Warren Miller]] skiing movies and has its own star athletes: [[Seth Morrison]], [[Mark Abma]], [[Glen Plake]], [[Dean Cummings]], etc. which -- along with its significant expense -- has helped to create heli-skiing as a status symbol to some degree.
==Heliskiing safety==
The primary safety concern of heli-skiing operators is the danger of [[avalanches]]. Reputable heli-skiing operations employ guides and pilots who are trained and experienced in evaluating [[snow]] conditions, [[snow stability]], and [[risk management]]. They may even conduct occasional [[explosive avalanche control]] in association with the [[land management agency]]. When [[weather]] is inclement or [[avalanche conditions]] are elevated, one may end up skiing safer, gentler or heavily treed slopes, sometimes with the use of an alternate [[snowcat]] rather than the [[helicopter]].
Most tours will include in the price the use of [[avalanche transceiver]]s, shovels and probes and will provide training on the use of them and other [[avalanche rescue equipment]]. Some operators are beginning to offer additional [[avalanche protection]] that reduces [[avalanche]] burial potential or increases burial survival time, i.e. [[avalanche air-bags]] or [[avalungs]].
Other hazards of heli skiing include falling into very deep tree wells, "snow mushrooms" dropping from trees, [[suffocation]] after falls in very deep powder (rare), [[crevasse]]s on [[glacier]]s, common mountain terrain features such as cliffs and creek beds, and -- obviously -- typical ski-related injuries. [[Helicopter]] crashes are also far from unheard of.
==Notes==
{{reflist}}
==External Links==
Anti-heliskiing information:
*[http://www.saveourcanyons.com/currentissues/ Save Our Canyons] in Utah.
*[http://www.mountainwilderness.ch/projekte/stop-heliskiing/ Stop Heliskiing] in Switzerland.
*[http://www.markseaton.com/skiing.htm#heli The story behind the French heli ban and the designated landing zones in Switzerland].
[[Category:Types of skiing]]
[[de:Heliskiing]]