By Max Schmidt
Which passionate skier or snowboarder hasn't asked themselves this question? Am I good enough? Am I fit enough? Can I do it? And do I really enjoy helisking at all?
My first heliskiing trip
I'll be honest: I asked myself many of these questions before my heliskiing premiere. But not one: That heliskiing is fun! I had simply met too many heliskiers who told me about it with shining eyes. Some of their heliskiing trips were decades ago. And yet they still remembered every little detail. They gave the impression that they had just returned from their heliskiing trip yesterday.
Heliskiing is undoubtedly the ultimate deep snow experience for passionate skiers and snowboarders. But back to the initial question: Am I good enough for heliskiing? Fortunately, Kenny had already reassured me before I left. With his vast heliskiing experience, he is of course very good at assessing whether someone is good and fit enough.
On my first heliskiing trip, I was also lucky enough to be able to ski with former World Cup star Dani Mahrer at White Wilderness. His tips on the mountain were extremely valuable and showed me how relaxed a heliskiing trip can be if everything is right.
What level of fitness and ability do I need to have?
In terms of skiing technique, the old basic rule applies: if you can master challenging slopes in a ski resort, you can heliski. If you also have some experience in unprepared terrain, all the better! It's also worth checking your fitness a few months before the trip and building it up if necessary - the basics should be there.
You don't have to be a top athlete to go heliskiing, but with a certain level of fitness it's simply more fun. After all, ten to 15 runs a day are on the program. Don't worry, there is always the chance to fly back to the lodge in between or, with some providers, to sit out a run in the heli. Nevertheless, you should plan sufficient training before every heliski trip.
And then it can be a good idea not to collect your first meters of deep snow - perhaps even with jet lag - directly while heliskiing. The pleasure is simply greater when you are at full height while powder skiing. It is therefore often worth making a stopover at a ski resort to break in the powder. Some resorts even offer extra warm-up camps for heliskiing. We have addresses and dates. As well as heliski lodges that offer programs especially for beginners. We at TRAVELZONE know the ideal providers for heliskiing novices - and certainly for you too.
Once you've been heliskiing, you'll want to go again and again. And if you stay fit, you can enjoy heliskiing well into old age. The average age of participants is around 50 anyway. Basically, heliskiing is suitable for all age groups. Even for families, for whom some providers even offer special packages. Here too, we at TRAVELZONE can give you some tips. The minimum age is usually 14, but there is no upper limit. I have personally met heliskiers who were 82 years old and still had a lot of fun heliskiing. Isn't that great?
My conclusion
The most important prerequisites for an ideal heliskiing experience are your fitness level, initial deep snow experience and simply the anticipation of the experience. Our Snowzone team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. And we will be happy to make your heliski adventure possible.
Strong enough?
Not sure if you're strong enough for heliskiing? Get in touch with us. We're also happy to do a video check-up. We've been heliskiing with thousands of skiers and know all the areas. So we can assess with you where you will have the most fun in the powder!
