Debunking Heliskiing Myths: Skills, Experience, and Safety

The absolute pinnacle of skiing or snowboarding for many is the helicopter skiing or snowboarding experience, and the reputation of the private heliskiing world is one of awe among many. For some reason, though, this also seems to lead to some who have never been heliskiing or heliboarding thinking of this activity as something highly exclusive, only for the very best skiers in the world – and this simply isn’t the case.

At Alaska Backcountry Guides, we’re proud to offer a wide range of heliskiing and heliboarding packages meant for a variety of individuals, from advanced experts to those with less experience and everyone in between. We’ve found that a number of concerns or worries people have about helicopter skiing are due to unfortunate myths that have arisen over the years about this activity – in this two-part blog, we’ll take these misconceptions and set the record straight so you have the proper information if you’re considering any heliskiing or heliboarding trip. 

I’m Not Good Enough

The single most common concern we hear from potential clients, particularly those who are considering their first helicopter trip, is that they will not be skilled enough to take part. Again, this goes back to the assumption, likely built up by skiing promotion videos and other products, that only elite skiers or boarders can take part – and this is not true.

Rather, strong intermediate and even moderate intermediate skiers and boarders can absolutely participate. As long as you have basic control in a variety of terrain and snow conditions and are fit enough to ski or ride for consecutive days, we have packages that are perfect for you even if this is your very first trip. We’ll never put you in a position where you aren’t skilled enough to complete any terrain.

I Don’t Have Any Experience

Down similar lines, it’s okay if you’ve never been backcountry or heliskiing before. The only way to get experience is to go, after all, and our guides will be happy to teach you any particulars of heliskiing or heliboarding that you weren’t familiar with previously. Before we even hit the slopes, we’ll familiarize you with any terms and safety protocols to be aware of so you’re prepared.

It’s Too Dangerous

While the technical possibility does exist of danger while on the slopes, our years of experience in the Alaska backcountry have led to our programs being completely safe. Not only do we take all our guests through detailed training sessions for techniques and helicopter safety, but our guides are also experts on the terrain we ski or ride regularly, assessing it for avalanche dangers ahead of time while also taking numerous safety precautions while on the mountain.

For more on debunking the myths of helicopter skiing or snowboarding, or to learn about any of our private heliskiing services, speak to the staff at Alaska Backcountry Guides today.