Ski enthusiasts no longer like classic tracks already too crowded. Now there is an alternative: a helicopter takes you on a lonely mountain, at an altitude of 3,000 meters, where you can dive in virgin snow.



Heli skiing was born in Canada, specifically in the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia, where an area of 2000 km2, six areas are ideal for this type of extreme skiing. A mountain named Jumbo, risk and adrenaline Farnham, Cauldron, Coppercrown, Eyebrow Forster, Paradise and especially Jumbo together constitute the world's most famous location for skiing "from the helicopter."

Season opened on December 15 and will last probably until April, on certain routes one can get up towards the ski even in summer. Peak season is considered to be February 1 to March 20. And dry snow is abundant and the climate - mild, no storms which frequently haunt the Rocky Mountains, for example.

Depending on which category you fit (expert, intermediate or advanced) you are obliged to sign a special form to get permission before skiing, the trails provide up to 1,700 feet long, with a level difference between 700 and 1,200 meters, the start was given at an altitude of 2900-3000 meters. Minimum age for participation is 19 years and contains very strict form, which exonerates the organizers of accident liability (including Helicopter).

When skiing in the group, the pace is always dictated by the slowest of the participants. Because of high altitude and low oxygen levels, those who come from, let's say, sea level they need in advance two to three days of accommodation. Use flat skis, which provides an enhanced grip, and the bindings are more than usual, given the additional torsion force that may occur during descent.

Descent differs significantly from a common one, most instructors require you to a special training session, the easier routes (based resorts: Panorama, Invermere and Radium Hot Springs), before the adventure itself. Helicopters used are A-Star B3, flight duration up to 90 minutes, and participants are generally five in number. In a day of skiing, you can make 8-10 runs.