Heli-skiing’s all about getting off-piste…carving turns on natural, unadulterated, unconnected (no lifts here!) downhill runs…all without the hassle and effort of the mountaineering normally required to reach fresh powder.
With a high-octane, extreme image (thanks in no small part to films like this), the sport’s become subject to more than its fair share of myths.
That doesn’t sit well with Canadian Mountain Holidays, the self-proclaimed inventors of heli-skiing. They’re pretty keen on dispelling the myths that surround it. Here’s what they have to say.
Myth 1: Only expert skiers are skilled enough to powder ski.
Truth: Upgrades in equipment and guidance have opened up huge swathes of top-class ski terrain to intermediate-level skiers.
CMH has a ‘Powder 101’ intro ski week for intermediate skiers unfamiliar with deep powder technique. Four, five, and seven-day trips are available throughout the ski season and range in price from $4,265 to $11,525 CDN per person excluding flights.
Myth 2: Powder and heli-skiing are a man’s sport.
Truth: Put simply, such suggestions are nonsense.
CHM runs ‘Girl Pow(d)er’ (we’re loving their word play) and ‘Powder 101: Girls’ School’ – both women-only trips. The trips run four to five days and start at $4,265 CDN. The company also provides powder skis, poles and all safety equipment designed for women.
Myth 3: Heli-skiing is not for families.
Truth: Many of the terrains made accessible by helicopters are suitable for skiers aged 12 and up. It’s not unusual to see three generations of a family tackle the same runs.
CMH runs ‘Next Generation Seven Day’ trips with young skiers in mind. Skiers aged 12-25 are charged half price when booking with an accompanying adult. CMH offers these specially designed trips in March and April – they’re priced at $8,215 CDN (and $4,110 CDN) and $9,195 CDN (and $4,595 CDN)
Myth 4: Snowboarders and skiers don’t mix when heli-skiing.
Truth: Borders are fine as long as they receive guidance on issues relating to terrain such as anticipating flat sections, not getting too low on traverse, setting bindings towards the rear for deep powder, carrying extra binding parts and using ski tracks to their advantage.
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
(Image: Canadian Mountain Holidays)
