FAQ
- Do I have to jump out of the helicopter?
- What's the difference between regular and discounted seats?
- Do I have a guide or do I ski by myself?
- What kind of helicopters do you fly?
- Who do I ski with?
- What happens in the event of bad weather?
- Where is Wasatch Powderbird Guides located?
- Are there price discounts for groups?
- How are the groups chosen?
- Can I bring my snowboard?
- When are the best conditions?
- How much vertical do you ski/ride?
- How good do you have to be?
- I've never used an avalanche transceiver—is it difficult?
- Are there professional photography services available?
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1. Do I have to jump out of the helicopter?
No. We set down in a designated landing zone and unload all passengers and riding equipment. We also do a heli-orientation prior to flights so our skiers and riders know how to safely enter and exit the helicopter once in the backcountry.
2. What’s the difference between regular and discounted seats?
To encourage booking early we offer a few discounted seats each day. With discounted seats, you enjoy exactly the same service, while taking financial advantage of booking early. We also offer a $35 per seat discount for guests booking three or more days in a seven-day period.
3. Do I have a guide or do I ski by myself?
A lead guide accompanies every ski group with a tailgunner often on board. The lead guide drops first to test conditions. You and your fellow guests follow once the lead guide gives the “all clear.” The tailgunner then drops last in the event a guest falls.
4. What kind of helicopters do you fly?
We fly in Astar AS350 B3’s. Each aircraft can accommodate up to four guests in the back seats, plus one pilot and one guide in the front.
5. Who do I ski with?
To ensure each group skis with a lead and tail guide we fly in groups of four and ski in groups of eight. If your group has less than eight members, you will ski and ride with other backcountry enthusiasts.
6. What happens in the event of bad weather?
We will first try to reschedule your fly day. Every day, we have eight rollover seats reserved for clients who have experienced bad weather days. You are able to reschedule for any day and may leave your deposit on account with us to reserve a seat later in the season or a seat in a future season. If this does not work for you, we will refund by method of deposit.
7. Where is Wasatch Powderbird Guides located?
We are located in Little Cottonwood Canyon between the Snowbird and Alta ski resorts. The heliport is located approximately 30 miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport.
8. Are there price discounts for groups?
We do not offer group discounts. However, we encourage large groups to look into our private charters or private ski groups.
9. How are the groups chosen?
We try to keep groups of friends and family together, as well as similar ability levels. However, we do have to consider helicopter weight restrictions, which may split groups into different fly groups or possibly different ski groups. Occasionally, weight restrictions may prohibit friends flying together. However, we are almost always able to have groups ski together.
10. Can I bring my snowboard?
Absolutely! We cater to both skiers and snowboarders.
11. When are the best conditions?
Utah is home to the “Greatest Snow on Earth” from December to April. However, weather and avalanche conditions are ever-changing and may affect our day to day operations.
12. How much vertical do you ski / ride?
A full day of heli-skiing trip includes 6-7 runs. Our guides will of course try maximize your vertical each day.
13. How good do you have to be?
To fully enjoy helicopter skiing, our guests should have some previous powder snow experience and enough endurance to ski several runs at a moderate pace without the need for breaks throughout the day.
14. I've never used an avalanche transceiver—is it difficult?
Our guides will be happy to show you how to operate your transceiver.
15. Are there professional photography services available?
We do not offer this service. We encourage you to bring your own camera. If you require additional photography or would like to have a professional photographer come along, please consider a private charter.