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Safety Briefing : While we do acknowledge the inherent risks in all winter backcountry endeavors, SVHS uses the most progressive technology and highly trained experts to assure that such risks are managed. We offer the following list of significant risks that must be considered on every heli-ski outing as well the procedures, resources, and equipment we employ to handle such factors. Terrain Discussion: Terrain will be matched to the group's ability. Avalanches and uncontrolled falls are some of the unique hazards we are faced with here. While every effort is made to avoid avalanches and natural hazards, the possibility of accident cannot be completely eliminated. Listen to and follow your guide's instructions, especially when s/he explains where to ski. Always ski one at a time unless directed to do otherwise by your guide. Some things to avoid unless directed by your guide are skiing over convex slopes (roll overs), skiing above terrain traps, skiing into double exposures (ie: avalanches or falls above cliffs). Do look for islands of safety to stop or rest in: below large rocks at the far edge of a chute or gully (out of the slide path). Far into the flats and off to the side at the bottom of a steep slope. Don’t make yourself a target. Only approach the helicopter with your guide. Always approach in front where the pilot can see you. Always stay low around the aircraft. Never climb uphill from the helicopter into the rotor blades. Make sure all skis and gear are held low around the aircraft. Drag gear whenever possible. Avalanche Procedures: The best way to avoid being in an avalanche is follow your guides instructions and use the information provided in this briefing... If you do get in an avalanche: Right after it starts, before you’re trapped: Get some speed up and try to ski of to the side (at a 45° angle). If you can’t ski out, try to scamper off the top. If you are trapped in it: Try to get rid of as much gear (skis and poles) as possible. Try to swim upstream and to the surface. Fight for your life. Don’t give up. When you feel the slide begin to slow, make yourself an air pocket by making a clearing in front of your face. Try to be calm and wait for your rescuers. If there is an avalanche and you are not caught in it: Stop all action. If you can see the victim(s) during the slide, keep an eye on him and make note of the “last seen point”. Do a head count. How many are missing and who? The guide will take charge of the search. If the guide is the one in the avalanche, the most experienced person should take charge. Most victims end up partially buried or on top. Look down the path for a visual on the victim: body, arm, ski boot, or gloves. If you see him/her, go directly to the victim and dig him/her an airway. You may need to clear packed snow from his mouth. If you cannot see the victim, begin a Transceiver search. Go to the last seen point or to the top of the slide path. Start at the bottom of the path and work up if you are below the slide. Spread out 20’ to 30’ (up to 75’ if it is a big path and you have no idea where the victim was caught) across the hill. Switch your transceiver to receive. Check and make sure everyone is on receive! Proceed downhill until a signal is received. It is important when searching to talk to each other and determine where the first and/or strongest signal is, so your energies can be concentrated there. Use the directional capabilities you learn in your transceiver drill. If you get confused or very close, fall back to the grid search method. Keep volume as low as you can hear. When the search narrows down to a room size area, one searcher continues with a fine transceiver search and the others become probers and diggers. The probe is what finds the victim. Use probes, probe poles, poles, or skis. When searcher feels he is over the victim, begin digging immediately and continue to probe. Try to uncover the head first. Clear an airway to the mouth. Remove packed snow from the victim's mouth if necessary.     Before your departure you will be given a complete helicopter safety briefing. But before arriving make note of these standard protocols for moving in and around the heli: Seat Belts must be worn at all times. No Smoking. Aircraft doors serve as regular and emergency exits. ELT is located inside at the front of the helicopter by the left chin bubble. Survival gear is located in the side cargo doors. Know the location of the Fire Extinguisher and how to use it. Never go past basket towards the the tail rotor or climb under the tail boom. Only approach the helicopter with your guide. Always approach in front where the pilot can see you. Always stay low around the aircraft. Never climb uphill from the helicopter into the rotor blades. Make sure all skis and gear are held low around the aircraft. Drag gear whenever possible. Only the guide will open and close all doors. Only the guide will load and unload basket. Only the guide will access gear stored in the tail boom. Guests and guide will "Huddle" in the safe zone next to the left door during drop offs and pick-ups. Don't grab the back of the pilots seat. Be careful with your ski boots getting in and out. Don't wipe windows with gloves or otherwise touch windows. No food or drink in the helicopter. Only enter the heli pad with your guide. Don't touch the pilot. Don't try to signal the pilot unless there is an emergency.   Site Map