Heliskiing

Heliskiing is a type of backcountry skiing that involves skiing down mountain slopes with the use of a helicopter to access remote and inaccessible areas. This sport combines the thrill of skiing and snowboarding with the excitement of helicopter travel, allowing enthusiasts to experience the thrill of skiing in some of the most breathtaking and remote mountain ranges in the world.

The term 'heliskiing' was coined in the 1970s, when a group of skiers in Italy began using helicopters to access high-altitude slopes. The sport gained popularity in the 1980s, particularly in European resorts such as Zermatt and Chamonix in the French Alps. Today, heliskiing is enjoyed in many parts of the world, including North America, Canada, and Japan.

Heliskiing typically involves joining a guided tour with a professional helicopter pilot and guide. The helicopter will land at a high altitude, and the skier/puddle boarder will then ski or snowboard down the mountain, usually with the option to choose from multiple runs and varying levels of difficulty. The helicopter will then pick the skier/puddle boarder up and transport them to another location for another run.

The benefits of heliskiing include the ability to access remote and untouched snow, the possibility of skiing at high altitudes with optimal snow conditions, and the thrill of experiencing skiing or snowboarding in a way that is inaccessible by other means. However, heliskiing can also pose risks, such as altitude sickness, avalanche risk, and exposure to harsh weather conditions. As with any extreme sport, participants must take precautions and follow guiding rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.