Helicopter Skiing Top Tips!
First time heli skiers have so much to look forward to when it comes to heli skiing with Last Frontier. Seemingly endless powder runs, epic trees to navigate through, friendly and encouraging guides. We’ve found, however, people can become less enthusiastic about the heli ride itself. Getting picked up throughout the day by the chopper needn’t be a stressful occasion, and learning to enjoy the ride is part of the fun itself. Here are some pointers to remember for those of you about to come heli ski with us for the first time, that will make pickups as easy and safe as getting into a gondola.
The most important thing to remember is to listen to your guide at all times. Whatever the situation, pay attention to what the guide is telling you. Maybe the heli will be picking you up in a different location than previously discussed, or some other scenario is taking place – just slow down and give your guide your full attention.
When skiing in towards the grounded helicopter slow your skiing down. This is not the time to try to put in those last powder turns, perhaps showing off to your mates. Instead try to really control your speed so you can come to a standstill exactly where you need to be. There’s nothing worse than overshooting the helicopter and ending up stuck in waist deep snow, struggling to get back, despite the short distance.
The first thing to bear in mind when arriving at the pickup point is to safely secure your skis and poles or snowboard. Sometimes you will have plenty of time before your pickup, sometimes hardly any at all. If you’re skiing, remove your skis and place them together with your poles as your guide instructs. If you’re snowboarding, then fold down your highbacks. In both cases, when you set your gear on the ground be extra sure they are face up, and have no chance of sliding away. When skis or boards are secure you can take time to adjust goggles, gloves, boots, or take any photos you may want to.
Keep together when you come to a stop. Always follow the lead of your guide, if he stops in a certain spot, whether that’s where you think you need to be or not, follow him. If multiple groups are converging in the same area be sure not to get mixed up with them.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whilst it seems easy at first to remove your skis and bundle these with your poles, if you’re having any difficulties at all ask your guide for a hand. Often you’ll be so out of breath after a long run it’s all you can do to gather your thoughts, let alone gear, especially on the first run or two. After a couple of times you’ll easily get the hang of it.
Lastly, when the helicopter does come in to land, make sure you are watching it, and keeping an eye out for any instructions from your guide. You will have to crouch when the guide signals to, the snow will be getting blown everywhere, and the noise will be deafening. Despite this, with goggles on, and your hand over your mouth, you’re protected from the snow. It will only take a few pickups before you get used to the experience, and even start to enjoy it.
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