By Gates L. Scott

Every November, across the western United States, a movement erupts in the mountains above 8,000 feet. More than 10 million skiers and snowboarders gear up for another season of powder days in the Cascades, the Colorado Rockies, and other ranges throughout the Rocky Mountain west. They’re inspired by the lure of mountain air and high altitude challenge. But, after the gear has been pulled from the basement and these snow-sport enthusiasts have watched the new season’s motivational ski film, there is one more thing they aspire to do, above and beyond the crowded chairlifts: Go helicopter skiing.

Legendary ski film producer Warren Miller was quoted as saying: “In a recent ESPN program, they indicated that with my funny falls and dry-witted narrated ski films, I discovered this athletic film genre.” Indeed, the use of helicopters in some of Miller’s films, and the films of pioneers such as Hans Gmoser, spurned an entire industry of excitement, adventure and beauty. Through these exciting films, the helicopter pilots, filmmakers and world-class skiers have promoted an adventure discipline unlike any other. You skiers out there know exactly what I am talking about...Being swept up a gentle slope of untracked powder by one of these incredible flying machines is a jaw-dropping experience. The funny thing is, contrary to popular belief, heli-skiing isn’t that tough. You don’t need to be a daredevil on boards to enjoy this one-of-a-kind trip. Whether you are an expert skier or just like to cruise the corduroy of the blue square, you too can jump on board.

Conditions on a heli-ski trip will range from effortless powder to amazing corn snow. Guide forecasting and the mobility of a helicopter enable careful matching of terrain to the current conditions and skier ability. Skiers get carted away from a mid-resort location or isolated backcountry lodge to slope after slope of fresh tracks—sometimes skiing more than 40,000 feet vertical in just under three days. Talented and knowledgeable guides, and high-hour and highly experienced pilots deliver an experience that every outdoor enthusiast should try.

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