ACADEMY HELI SKIING COURSES IN VERBIER EXPAND IN 2009
With the fantastic regular snow this season in Verbier, the heli-skiing conditions have been incredible. The Warren Smith Ski Academy members have already been visiting the areas of Pinge d'Arolla, Trient, Petit Combin and Rosablanche. Here is the diary of one of the heli ski days last week, giving an insight into a typical days heli skiing.
There are two areas the helicopter takes off at for the heli drops in all of the areas surrounding Verbier. One is in Le Chable, a short drive down the valley from Verbier and the other one is on Savolyeres which simply means getting the ski lift up to the landing strip. On this particular day we had an easy take off time of 10am, so we headed up the Savolyeres lift to the helicopter. The pilot was in good spirits and added to our excitement. The helicopter flight was as stunning as could be expected. To see Verbier, the whole valley and the beautiful mountains for as far as the eye could see was awe inspiring.
The skiers today, Chris Whitfield and Gary Hudson from UK Land Estates, had been looking forward to this moment for the whole season, and in fact for Gary who had never heli skied he had looked forward to heli-skiing for the last 20 years of his life. They were in for a treat.
We got dropped off at Pinge d'Arolla which is one of the most beautiful summits in the region, dominating the Val d'Arolla. It is the highest point on the Chamonix to Zermatt Haute-Route. Pigne d'Arolla has a constant gradient which is perfect for the skier looking for a challenge. Sitting at an altitude of 3800m with a descent of 2000m you can ski all the way down to the conveniently located Arolla heliport. To the left you can see Gary, who is also a qualified ski instructor, ripping turns in front of a huge glacier background. Below, Chris Whitfield gets fresh track on Rosablanche.
There is nobody around which makes it even more special whilst the pistes are busy with families with their children during the busy February school break period. We start the descent and traversed an ice blue glacial area. There are some crevaces but the guide is very aware of where each is positioned. Warren helps Chris and Gary at every stage with their technique adaptions on the differing snow conditions. We ski some slightly wind effected snow at the top of the descent on the more exposed areas. Lower down we are skiing powder and they are informed by Warren that they will need to adapt to a slightly more heavy heat affected snow near the bottom. His guidance makes the experience not only enjoyable but a learning experience also and gives us confidence and better technical turns on the day.
Warren is filming them on our descents and I am photographing. We inform them when they will get a nice line and some good snow to be filmed and photographed. There is a vast amount of space and no tracks, so it is easy for them to put new techniques to the test. Above Chris and Gary point out their fresh tracks. Below Gary puts in perfectly shaped fresh powder turns.
The helicopter is waiting for us at the bottom. It is a nice sight! Time for a seat and some more impressive flying. The piolt takes us up and over the mountains to our next drop - Rosablanche. This drops down behind the 'Back Side' of Mt Fort. The air temeperature is getting very warm and the snow softening. We traverse past many tracks to find some fresh powder. The snow is beautiful and we laugh a lot. More photos and video are taken.
The afternoon is more leisurable and is taken at a slower pace. The silence is amazing and the scenery awesome. We don't pass anyone else on the descent. We also have some fun jumping some rocks and landing, not always well in the (thankfully) deep powder snow. Chris shoulder deep in powder after attempting a double back flip! At the end there is a walk past the lake to the dam and then we drop down to Siviez for the lift back to the bottom of Tortin. Once back in the Verbier Ski area, we drop into 1936 on the piste for a celebratory beer. Then we head into town for another in the Farinet lounge bar. A day well spent and a drink well deserved. (Words + Photos: Melody Sky)
For more information on the Warren Smith Ski Academy Heli Skiing, click here.
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