How To Be Popular on a Heli-skiing Trip.

You know the scenario. Your “friends” said they were going to come heli-skiing with you this winter… but one by one, an excuse was given until eventually you find yourself on the trip of your dreams with a bunch of strangers who seem really into laughing and hanging out with each other. What you need is a crash course in how to make yourself popular at a heli-skiing lodge. Below are 15 points on what to do and what not to do.

(1)  Do allow someone in the group to drop in before you, especially to the first run of the trip.

(2)  Don’t say “no friends on a powder day” and take it upon your self to have first dibs on the first run of the first day. There are people in your group that will see this as the ultimate insult and never forgive you (resulting in lonely times ahead).

(3)  Do make small talk and offer some suggestion as to why you are here on your own. “I have always wanted to do this and I thought if I waited for my friends I would never go.”  Otherwise if you don’t listen to points #1 and #2 people will assume why you are hitting this trip solo.

(4)  Do buy someone a drink. Nothing bonds you at altitude like a little alcohol.

(5)  Don’t accept drinks and never return the favor.

(6)  Do listen to your guide. Safety is serious. Your group will be resentful if they feel you are putting anyone at risk.

(7)  Don’t try to find that line you heard about and end up having to hike out, while your group waits patiently at the helicopter missing out on precious skiing time.

(8)  Do bring something interesting from your home country that you can share.

(9)  Don’t bring something and consume it in front of everyone, with periodical moans about how delicious it is.

(10)  Do get involved with the nighttime merry making. Remember, friends seldom come knocking on your door while you sit in your room playing computer games.

(11) Do be helpful, maybe load someone’s skis or pass a backpack or lunch to someone in your group.

(12) Don’t be “that guy” that only looks out for himself.

(13)  Do be confident, lets be honest you wouldn’t be here if you weren’t somewhat adventure seeking.

(14) Do be yourself. If all else fails you are here ski, not to make friends.

(15) Do rub it in to your friends when you get home about the awesome trip you had and the cool people you met and how they blew it by not getting organized.