Adrenaline calling your name? Heliboarding lessons can take your snowboard game to a whole new level. Instead of battling for space at crowded resorts, you’ll hop into a helicopter with a handful of fellow thrill-seekers, then touch down on pristine peaks far from the beaten path. Sounds epic, right? To make it happen safely, you need solid preparation and a clear understanding of what goes into learning and perfecting backcountry riding. Here’s your ultimate guide.
Discover all heliboarding basics
Before you head for the chopper, make sure you have a firm grasp on advanced snowboarding techniques. Heliboarding, much like heli-skiing, demands agility, control, and the confidence to tackle unpredictable terrains.
- Practice powder riding in standard resorts. Focus on carving, weight shifting, and quickly adjusting to uneven snow.
- Work on your endurance. Especially at higher elevations, your energy level can drop faster than you’d expect.
- If you’re brand-new to heliboarding overall, start with an introduction course at a resort that offers backcountry or off-piste classes.
Focus on crucial safety
Safety is the number one deal-breaker, and you’ll need to be comfortable in avalanche-prone environments. Many operators require you to complete a basic avalanche safety course, so don’t skimp on training or gear.
- Carry avalanche safety equipment, including a transceiver, shovel, and probe. Practice using them until it feels like second nature.
- Pack a lightweight backpack with first aid essentials, spare gloves, snacks, and water.
- Check weather reports and local advisories, and listen carefully to your guide’s instructions.
Choose your ideal operator
Not all heliboarding centers are created equal. Operators vary in their terrain size, group options, and approach to vertical guarantees (meaning how many feet you get to board before extra charges might kick in).
- Larger groups (10-12 riders) might cut costs, but smaller, semi-private groups can offer more flexibility.
- An unlimited vertical package is perfect if you plan to go all out. It’s pricier, but you won’t stress about racking up fees for extra runs.
- Look for companies that state clear safety policies and offer refunds or reschedule options for bad weather. Operators like Valle Nevado (founded in 1988) even promise a 100% refund if conditions won’t allow flying.
Understand guiding credentials
Ever wondered who’s taking you up that mountain? Guides with certifications from organizations like the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) or the International Federation of Mountain Guides (IFMGA) often boast top-notch training in avalanche awareness, crevasse rescue, and wilderness first aid.
- Last Frontier Heliskiing in Canada, for instance, only employs experienced guides with a genuine passion for powder.
- In the U.S., you’ll see references to the Heli-Skiing Safety and Operating Guidelines (HSOG) from Heli-Ski U.S. These guidelines set a gold standard for safety, ensuring your guides follow robust protocols in the backcountry.
- Don’t be shy about asking your operator about their guide credentials. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel when you’re dropped off on a remote peak.
Plan your dream trip
As you book your heliboarding adventure, you’ll notice an array of different packages. Pick the one that best suits your riding style, group size, and time frame.
- Single-day trips are the most straightforward and typically offer 4-6 runs with an option to buy more.
- Multi-day packages stretch over two to seven days of riding, and you’ll often see the cost per day drop the more days you book.
- Private groups come at a premium, but you’ll have the helicopter all to yourself and the freedom to chase the best snow at your own pace.
Maximize your riding potential
Heliboarding isn’t just about the downhill thrill; it’s an ongoing learning process. Each new run can sharpen your technique, deepen your powder knowledge, and bolster your confidence in variable terrain.
- During your lessons, ask plenty of questions. Seasoned guides offer tips on line choice, weight distribution, or even mental focus.
- Keep your eyes on the conditions. Avalanche reports and weather changes vary by the hour, and adaptability is key.
- If you’re serious about pushing your skills, consider taking advanced backcountry courses that teach rescue exercises.
When the rotor wash settles and you’re at the top of a pristine slope, you’ll know every ounce of planning was worth it. Enjoy the ride, soak up those views, and celebrate each moment of progress. After all, you’re not just collecting powder turns, you’re gathering unforgettable experiences in some of the most breathtaking places on Earth. Safe boarding, and happy landings!