Information on Heli snowboarding

What is Heli snowboarding?

Heli-snowboarding is much the same as normal snowboarding, but instead of using the lifts to get to the top of the mountains, you use a helicopter, but your not going to be snowboarding on an marked pisted runs. You will have a few thousand feet vertical drop runs, of unmarked, untracked fresh snow.

Heli snowboarding is probably the pinnacle of the snowboarding sport - pushing the limits of extreme. Heli snowboarding is becoming more and more accessible to the public, with many companies running operations in resorts through the winter period. but there are the obvious dangers with this sport, some that you can pay with your life, other with your wallet.

Heli snowboarding is by no means cheap, and the conditions might not suit the time that you want to go, due to lack of snow, or avalanche risk. Companies have to make sure that the conditions are perfect or you will not fly.

Tips for Heli snowboarding

Make sure you know your limits, you will have to be a competent snowboarder to be able to partake in this sport.

Basic avalanche awareness skills are a must, as the dangers of an avalanche are always high when heli snowboarding - so an avalanche receiver is a must as well as a shovel and a probe - these items may be supplied by the company you are snowboarding with, but make sure in advance.

Book with a reputable company to avoid disappointment, the best place to ask is at the tourist office in resort, or browse the internet before you go.

Must haves for you trip to the top - Map, Sunglasses , Compass , First Aid Kit , Pocket Knife, Extra Food, Waterproof Matches, Flashlight , Extra Clothes and a Shovel.