This course focuses on the skills and challenges involved with guided aircraft applications to access glaciated big mountain environments. It is designed to train potential heli ski guides and search and rescue personnel. The course outline is derived from H2O Guides operating standards that exceed the Heli Ski US Association industry standardization requirements. This week long course will focus on the skills that apply to guiding protocols from the top down: remote mountain helicopter operations, snow stability evaluation, technical descent techniques, route selection, glacier travel, crevasse rescue, high angle rescue, radio communication, snow stability evaluation, documentation, general guide health, appearance, behavior and backcountry ethics. The course will provide you hands on experience working around helicopters, and learning the challenges and safety concerns that arise from mechanized access.
You will learn by participating while working alongside professional guides, seeing and experiencing the everyday routine and logistics that a guide faces on a daily basis. With space limited to eight, participants will receive in-depth, hands-on experience and personal instruction. You will participate in day field sessions, night classes, and search and rescue scenarios. Instructors include the H2O heli ski guides, renowned snow scientist Mark Kozak, search and rescue personnel, and other outdoor industry professionals.
Prerequisites
Advanced Ski or Snowboard Skills
Backcountry Ski Touring Experience
Excellent Physical Condition
Level I Avalanche Certification or Canadian/European Equivalent
Resume with Backcountry Related and Industry Experience
Evaluation At the end of the program, students will be evaluated on their proficiency, performance and ability to think on their feet.
Completion or Certification At the end of this course, participants will have obtained above Heli Ski US industry standards training, aircraft and glacier experience, and be certified with a Level Two Avalanche certification. A select few will be qualified for hire with H2O Guides as ground operations and associate guides.
Package Details
Duration
7 Days/7 Nights
Location
Chugach Range
Season
February 25 - March 4
Package Type
Multi-Day
Nearest City
Valdez, AK
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
Alaska, United States
Guest Capacity
16
Grouped by Level
No
Instruction Available
Yes
Rates
$4,674.00 - $4,950.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
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