Heli-skiing is a form of off-trail and downhill skiing and adrenaline. The slopes for skiing are accessed with a helicopter and not with a ski lift, and that means you can go pick a whole mountain all to yourself. These ski slopes are not used by the average skier asthe slopes tend to be in a natural state and are far away from pretty much anything, which is so many people love this experience. Heli-skiers are looking for specific conditions that include long slope descents, natural terrains, smooth snow landscapes, and steeper skiing slopes. A guide and aircraft are a part of this type of skiing team.

A natural environment is often the requirement for a heli-skier. Revelstoke and Golden
British Columbia have natural landscapes that are amenable to this type of skiing. This area is the heli-skiing capital of the world, and visitors may come from various countries to enjoy this type of dry and light snow that is natural to this area. Having a mountain that is in perfect condition is an experience to take in, and there is no feeling like floating down a mountain on fresh, untouched powder.

There may be certain types of equipment and gear necessary for this type of skiing. Clothing that is mirrored and layered will allow the skier to move comfortably in this terrain. Neck warmers and ski gloves are essential, and a warm hat will assist in making this type of skiing enjoyable. A backpack may be taken and ski touring equipment may assist in certain travel conditions. Fatter or all-mountain skis may be appropriate, and these types of skis are often used by heli-skiers. These types of skis are less tiring to use and handle in this terrain. Snowboards are frequently an equipment choice, and these snowboards are wider. A splitboard is used for some terrains.

Certain skills and techniques are used for heli-skiing, and a lot of strength and endurance! This type of skiing is similar in execution to downhill skiing. A skier who is interested in heli-skiing should be able to consistently ski at an intermediate level or at an advanced level on the ski resort downhill runs. European-style heli-skiers need to be competent in ski mountaineering. This type of skiing requires that the skier climb hills and occasionally use ropes and ice axes. Groups of skiers need to include those who are reasonably fit and have a certain skill level.

There are certain conditions that a heli-skier may encounter. These conditions may include effortless powder or corn snow. Other snow conditions may involve difficult snow and a breakable wind crust. Conditions may vary from location to location. The helicopter service may match the various terrains with the snow conditions. The time of year may affect the snow conditions. Early winter months may be colder and have deeper and fluffier powder or granular sugar snow. This type of snow provides a more relaxing skiing descent. Spring skiing has longer days and warmer temperatures. The ski conditions are said to be creamier, and a type of corn snow may be present. A corn snow will provide a melt water condition. Longer days may provide a greater vertical skiing experience. During the spring months, heli-skiers have a week long skiing opportunity that may include numerous feet of cumulative skiing.