Heli Skiing
Skiing in Yellowstone can be so much more than just cross country, downhill or basic telemark. For those who seek adventure that goes beyond the norm and have experience in backcountry skiing, a tour of the park via a helicopter can be very fulfilling. Many tours are available, but usually only to those with considerable experience as heli-ski tours are not for the faint of heart or beginner.
Some skiers want something more than just the regular downhill runs or ups and downs of cross country, and they seek the wilds of the backcountry. Yellowstone is renowned for its backcountry skiing, including telemarking, which requires a lot of guts and a lot of know how. However, tours are available for those wishing to try heli skiing, either being dropped from a height from a helicopter onto fresh snow covered peaks or set down in a normally inaccessible valley where the snow has been virtually untouched.
Yellowstone has amazing wilderness backdrops, becoming even more picturesque during the winter months. Skiing helicopter tours do not just cover one state as the park extends through Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. In fact, there are over three thousand miles of open wilderness, just waiting to be explored by skiers.
Along with each tour comes a guide who is an expert in survival, backcountry skiing and most importantly helicopter skiing. Guides are familiar with the terrain, giving vital and interesting information about the many geothermal areas, geysers, hot springs and even the super volcano that can be visited whilst traversing the landscape. Whether still riding in a helicopter or dropping down from one into the snow, it is quite common to see elk, bison, wolves and even the occasional dozy grizzly bear wandering in search of food and shelter.
Helicopter ski tours are strictly regulated. The majority of helis used are Bells, which are available for group or private charters. Each one is equipment with all the latest safety and survival gadgets, including search and rescue gear, seismic instruments and, if required, hot food and drinks.
The majority of heli skiing tours are operated out of two major local airports. These include Bozeman, Montana's Gallatin Field Airport and Gardiner, Montana's Gardiner Airport. Other tour companies are dotted around Jackson Hole and even in Yellowstone. Prices vary greatly according to the tour company, tour type and length of the tour.
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