An unforgettable experience: Fly a helicopter to the top of a mountain, then land in search of pristine snow. From there, ski on, go down the off-piste slopes and enjoy the endless valley of fresh snow. This is how the most expert skiers who love to practice it define theheliskiing or heliskiing in the Italian version of the sport.
What is heliskiing?
Talk with Martino Peterlongo, president of the National Order of Alpine Guideswe discover that it is not an experience to be taken lightly, but a complex activity involving different levels of expertise.
First of all, it is a car, the helicopter, and we must therefore rely on safe and certified means. Secondly, you must know the terrain you are going to descend very well, which must be assessed daily based on the terrain and weather conditions. This is why in heliskiing we rely on certified mountain guides who are trained specifically on the activity and who already have consolidated experience in the specific activity.
The necessary equipment
Expedition participants will be equipped with equipment for rescuing participants: the avalanche transceiver (transmitting device for searching for people caught in an avalanche). In the event of an accident, it allows the person in difficulty to be quickly found. Then there is the shovel, probe and ABS backpack, with Airbag system. The guide will check the equipment and explain how it works. Wearing a helmet is a consolidated and widespread practice in this activity and in off-piste skiing in general.
Do you have to be a good skier to heli-ski?
You don't need to be an Olympic-level skier or pilot to ride the helicopter, but you definitely need to have excellent ski skills and be in good physical condition.
Where do you practice heliskiing in Italy?
Not all alpine regions allow heli-skiing. It is the regional administration which decides on this matter. In Trentino-Alto Adige the activity is prohibited, while the activity is permitted in Lombardy, Piedmont, Aosta Valley and Veneto.
The descent takes place with respect for the surrounding nature, which is why, if the territory is linked to a protected area, a feasibility study must be carried out by experts in the sector for the development of heliskiing.
