Heliskiing in Valdez, Alaska

Heli Ski

In the end, to ski is to travel fast and free - free over untouched snow country. To be bound to one slope, even one mountain, by a lift may be convenient but it robs us of the greatest pleasure that skiing can give, that is to travel through the wide wintry country; to follow the lure of peaks which tempt on the horizon and to be alone for a few days or even hours in clear, mysterious surroundings. Hans Gmoser, Heli Skiing Pioneer

Throughout the post World War II decade, mountaineering was at the height of its glory days. Peaks such as Mount Everest were climbed and conquered. Members of the 10th Mountain Division started new ski areas around North America.

The first helicopter ski flights took place in Europe in the 1950s. Within that same time period, an ambitious Austrian named Hans Gmoser immigrated to Canada. While working as a ski guide, he began using helicopters to transport skiers to terrain that was otherwise deemed inaccessible. As helicopter transport gained popularity, the sport of heli skiing was born. It become popular with skiers who had finely developed their skills and were looking for a way to push the envelope.

Nowadays, a heli skiing trip is a trip to nirvana for the snow-sport enthusiast. Can you imagine seven days without lift lines? Would you really miss lugging your gear across an icy parking lot while a mob of tourists push past you? Would you not be thrilled by thousands of vertical feet of unblemished dry powder? Wouldn't you like to fly?

The thrill of flying and the thrill of untracked vertical await you at Valdez Heli-Camps. Your excitement and anticipation builds as you listen to the roar of the helicopter's rotor. Then, as you suddenly take off, the butterflies in your stomach begin to dance in formation. Below you, the snowfields beckon and entice. This is why we ski. This is why we live. Are you ready? Of course you are. Contact VHC at 907-783-3243, or email info@valdezhelicamps.com. Your life is about to change.