How to Decide if You're Ready for Heli-Skiing

Believe it or not, you don't have to be an expert skier or snowboarder to heli-ski. You do, however, have to be in good physical shape and have a positive mental attitude.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Powder Skis
• Ski Boots
• Ski Clothing
• Ski Goggles
• Ski Poles
• Snowboard Bag
• Snowboard Boots
• Snowboards

1. Have some money in the bank, a willingness to pay off credit-card debt or a generous benefactor.

2. Decide if you can take the required time off of work or school.

3. Ask yourself if you enjoy powder and a good challenge on regular ski days at regular resorts. Heli-skiing is almost all powder. You are NOT ready to go if you only like to hit the bumps.

4. Test your ability on upper intermediate trails in varied conditions. You should be able to ski or snowboard down the run quickly, without falling (at least not every 20 yards), and have little difficulty doing it.

5. Push yourself physically until you can answer these questions positively: Do I have good aerobic conditioning with a quick recovery period? Do I have good physical strength with no major injuries?

6. Understand the risks of heli-skiing and be willing to help out in an emergency.

Tips & Warnings

• Set your ego aside. If you realize on the first day of your trip that you are holding your group up and putting yourself at risk, just ask your guide to switch you to group better matching your ability.
• Be sensible. Every mountain usually has an easy way down and a difficult way down.
• Helicopter skiing and snowboarding is extremely addictive and can be disruptive to family life.

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