Heli Skiing Groups: Why the back is better

When our guides aren’t guiding, and they are skiing just for the fun of it, (not that they aren’t having the time of their lives whilst guiding either) they often jostle for the position at the back of the group. Newcomers or younger heli skiers may look upon this as pretty crazy, surely the ultimate best heli skiing is at the front, keeping as close to the guide as possible, without riding in his tracks? This is undeniably awesome, the guide will set a good pace, you’ll get first pick of the deepest snow in the tight sections, and the limitless fresh snow surrounding you is marveling.

So why do our guides and experienced clients with Last Frontier prefer the back of the group? Surely here there are less fresh tracks to be had, and you have to work harder to avoid other peoples? Maybe. But over an average run, with our small groups, you’re only ever likely to cross the tracks of another member of your group when coming to meet them at the bottom, or after initially setting off. And there are plenty more reasons why the back is best.

Skiing at the back of the group gives you more room to play with. Whilst those at the front compete to stay near the guide, they are also competing for elbow room, jockeying with each other for the best position. At the back you can ski farther apart from the swath of tracks left by other members whilst still maintaining a safe position.

When you have other skiers in front of you, they will often slow down when approaching unknown features. As long as you trust their judgment, which 9 times out of 10 you will, then they can spot these features so that you get the opportunities to hit them safely with more speed and aggression. This way you often get to hit more jumps and technical lines than those in front.

Similarly, more features become apparent when you choose to ski towards the back of the group. After several people have made tracks in front of you, often missing great terrain, you’ll be there to have all the fun. Also if you see someone hit a great jump up ahead, you will have more time to prepare for it and an idea of how far / high / off balance it may send you. Also, in flatter light conditions, where visibility is limited, actually having tracks in the snow help define your field of vision – allowing faster more aggressive, yet still safe, skiing.

For those of you who like to let rip, and ski super fast, skiing at the back is by no doubt much better. Let others get ahead of you, wait until your guide has shown you the right direction in which to head, then you can let loose. Heli skiing in this manner you’ll never have to worry about getting to far away from the guides line, or missing an all important traverse. All you’ll have to worry about is skiing your best, and as fast and smooth as you can.

Lastly, and perhaps one of the best reasons, is that staying at the back of the group always seems to have the best vibe. It’s more relaxing when waiting and watching your friends descend, and more thrilling when you finally get the chance to go. Skiing at the back will always be the first of choices for many of our guides and experienced heli skiers.

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