Things To Know When Preparing For Heli-Skiing

Taking a helicopter up to virgin peaks to explore the wondrous snow and splendours of basically untouched mountains is a thrilling way to ski. It’s becoming increasingly popular, but there are a couple things that need to be done before you embark, ranging from things to buy and how to get into shape. While anyone can handle a typical day on the slopes, on the mountains you better come prepared! When you’re skiing through deep powder, you’ll want to get the most out of the experience. If you don’t have powder skis or a good board, there’s little sense in travelling that far and going to such expense only to get half of what you can out of the snow. Some places supply you with the skis, but you’ll want to have your own boots. They need to have the right flex for you, and of course they need to fit properly. The same is true for goggles or sunglasses. It’s sunny up there and there’s a lot of glare! You’ll want thin, quick-dry clothes, and the ability to take off a layer if it’s too warm. Don’t forget to bring some casual gear for après ski and a bathing suit for the hot tub! In terms of fitness, you don’t need to be a superman, but you need to be reasonably fit. The conditions can be adverse at times or unpredictable, and you do not want to be on a mountain if you’re exhausted. Along the same lines, you don’t want to go if you’re just beginning to ski, but if you’re an intermediate skier, it should be fine. Still, some companies recommend going on a type of fitness plan a couple months before. This is a good idea, as working out is always beneficial, and you’ll feel better and derive more pleasure on the mountain. Skiing can take a lot out of your legs, and it gets the heart rate up. You will be with a group, and there are people there with medical training in case of an emergency scenario, but when it comes to being safe up there, you can’t be in too good shape. In terms of planning where to go and how to get there, most companies take that initiative in helping you by having their own bus service pick you up from the airport. Obviously, they have their own pilots for the helicopters! Everyone along the way, from the experts on the mountain to those flying the helicopters, will be certified professionals who meet the local standards and qualifications. Heli-skiing offers an unbelievable chance to explore great mountains, lonely and sublime, in a way that is impossible to do at a conventional ski resort. It’s really a notch above already great skiing, just before you head out for your trip, do your due diligence and plan for all aspects. It’s not hard, it just takes a little foresight, and your trip will be much better for it. When you’re up on the mountain, after all, it’s too late for a last minute purchase!