406 Search Results for "heliskiing"

• Sending It with Sage: Postcard Sending It with Sage: Postcards from Fantasy Camp

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    After returning home from his annual pilgrimage to AK, Sage Cattabriga-Alosa gave us a glimpse inside Fantasy Camp. Located deep within the Neacola Mountains, Fantasy Camp served as TGR’s staging ground this spring. Whether nailing first descents or documenting them, the TGR crew kept busy filming for Way of Life. As we gear up for the film’s release, we’ll be filling you in on what went down in Alaska.

    Words and Images by Sage Cattabriga-Alosa

    

    Todd Ligar and Ian Mac look down on a nice little spine wall we dubbed NHL. The wall earned this name because lurking just under a thin dust of snow was a solid sheet of ice that stretched from wall to wall. It made for some exciting attempts at hanging on—and some hockey stops. 

    

    Ariel views like this allow for quickly spotting multiple zones. I often go back through my photos, looking for areas where lines and zones might have been hiding on the first look. 

    

    The Land of Ice—seeing glacial caps and massive glacial fields is quite a sight. It’s cool to see mountains being formed right before your eyes.

    

    The ol' Look down.

    

    Ian Mac speeds out of a massive line in an icy world. The challenge on lines like this is dealing with an exit plan. Large bergshrunds littered the bottom of this wall and the snow was firm underneath the top layer. Needless to say, control—and a plan—was critical to getting out safely.

    

    House-size chunks of ice and snow make up this peeling glacier.

    

    This looks like a calm perch, but the area below is loaded with spince walls that branch out in almost all directions. Here, Ian enjoys a moment of calm before the storm.

    

    Tim Durtschi launches into a 360 off this natural spine flank. This was his first film line of the trip, and he came out of the gate hot!

    

    Mountain views for days.

    

    The glow of the sun reflects off the ocean in the distance. 

    

    Wind can be your enemy out in the alpine, turning glory pow into sastrugi moguls. Luckily, we found protected zones that held good snow through the end of our trip. 

    

    Tempting fruit. 

    

    A razorback. 

    

    Doug Brewer, a bush pilot, was the key to our success at Fantasy Camp. He flew us, our gear, our camp supplies, and fuel out in many different flights. In this photo, he is headed home after taking us on a recon flight in his Bush Hawk.

    

    GPS helps, but helicopters are fly-by-sight aircrafts.

    

    This is how we measure our time out in the helicopter. It keeps track of the amount of hours that we are pulling power, and how long we can fly. 

    

    Sammy Carlson flies out of the bottom of a fun line.

    

    The production team hard at work. Dutch Simpson shoots third angle, picking up the action, and reaction as we roll up to the group at the end of each run. And Tim D, who mostly shoots his Sony Action Cam helps out. 

    

    Dana Flahr lays some smooth tracks while killing time before our next set up.

    
     

    A zone that got away... always tons of options out there. And it feels good to have goals for the future. It looks like you could have a bit of fun with this one.

     

    Ice . . . 

    

    Ice . . .

     Baby.

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  • 2 weeks ago
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• Postcards from Fantasy Camp Postcards from Fantasy Camp

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:
    Words by Dana Flahr
    Photos by Dutch Simpson
    
    
    Camp life is a multi-dimensional reality—a temporary town established to facilitate exploration in unfamiliar territory. And all the while snowskate course maintenance and games of beer spear escalate.
    You see, when we got here, we were greeted with high fives and the pure excitement that you love to feel after your very best ski sessions with your best ski buds. Then we watched them fly off the frozen lake and we moved into their tents. I also remember hearing a “This is the coolest thing we've ever done. Later!”
    So now we are posted up in paradise, skiing lines we've never skied before—on mountains none of us have ever seen before. Without a cloud in the sky like we've never dreamed before. Here we are—Fantasy Camp. Time to put on the boots.
    
    The Northern Lights glow over Fantasy Camp.
    
    Our Fantasy Camp canvas wall tents were custom built by snowtrekertents.com
    
    These sleeper tents are the perfect place to crash after a long day.
    
    The bird waits patiently in the front yard.
    
    The Neacola Mountains are as good as they look.
    
    The crew loads up for another line.
    
    A quick glimpse of the Neacola's topography can quickly stir the imagination.
    
    Ian MacIntosh is ready to charge. 
    
    Sage, Marc, and Angel gear up for take off.
    
    Angel scopes out lines in every direction.
    
    The Neacola Mountains offer no shortage of zones to explore.
    
    Camp Cook Hailey frys up some tasty Tender Belly from Dash Longe and the folks at www.tenderbelly.com
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  • 4 weeks ago
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• Fantasy Camp Heli Fantasy Camp Heli

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
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  • 4 weeks ago
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• Go: North Cascade Heli Go: North Cascade Heli

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    North Cascade Heli from Joey mara on Vimeo.

     

    Words And Video By Joseph Mara

    In a cut-off corner of north-central Washington State, a little known heli-skiing operation has been flying under the radar for nearly thirty years. North Cascade Heli (NCH), located in the town of Mazama, operates in a 300,000 acre permit area just south of North Cascades National Park. Pioneered by Harris Sanford in the early 80’s and then named Liberty Bell Alpine Tours, the outfit is now run by owners and guides Paul Butler and Ken Brooks. Their multifaceted operation now offers several different experiences ranging from a single heli-day (seven guaranteed runs or money back) and private flight time charters, all the way to extended guided touring trips at their two-story backcountry yurt. Planning a longer trip is recommended because weather conditions in the North Cascades vary drastically from day to day. The operating season is short, only seventy days from mid-January through March. Space fills up quickly so plan months in advance if you can.

    NCH offers a wide variety of terrain for all ability levels. Their longest run is 3,800 vertical feet, touring through high alpine peaks, glades, and trees. Bowls, couloirs, and slide paths are also on the menu. Snow? Yeah, they have plenty of that. The Cascades receive huge deposits of white gold every year and boast some impressive totals, including the single season world record snowfall of 1,140 inches held by Mt. Baker, situated just west of the helicopter permit area. The Cascades are the most glaciated mountains in the lower forty eight and are one of the few mountain ranges in North America with active volcanoes, including Mt. Rainier rising to over 14,000 feet. This makes the Cascades one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in the world, and there is no better way to experience them than by helicopter. 

    You will be in good hands at NCH with some of the most experienced guides in the business. Pilot Seamus O’Daimhin, a Vietnam Veteran who flies for logging and fire-fighting operations in the summer, has eyes in the back of his head. You will buzz low over mountain peaks and watch the bottom drop out as you cross ridges between runs. With such a large permit area and a max elevation of 9,000 feet, NCH can always find the good snow, even after a big warm up. conditions. If you get lucky, your guide just might take you to Stair Step, and Seamus will drop you off on a tiny mountain peak landing that may test your faith in him. 

    The typical one day trip begins in the heli-barn at 7:30 AM with a review of the day’s schedule and backcountry safety protocol, followed by weigh-ins and outfitting of all guests with the necessary safety equipment. Afterwards, a short review of proper beacon, shovel, and probe use takes place outside. Once everyone has completed the safety training, the pilot will go over the dos and don’ts of riding on board the A-Star B2 helicopter. Around 9:00 AM, up to three groups of four guests each will take turns loading the bird and flying out to their first run. Seven runs with lunch provided is a typical day, and additional runs can be purchased on the spot with time and weather permitting. Expect to arrive back at the heli-barn by mid-afternoon with a huge grin and a hankering for cold beer (BYOB). If you will be enjoying an extended stay with NCH, you will be shuttled to the Barron Yurt to begin your multi-day backcountry tour. The touring packages can often include an extra “heli-bump” or two. 

    NCH’s location in Mazama is why it’s one of Washington’s best-kept secrets.  Mazama is relatively isolated during winter months due to the closure of the west side of the North Cascades Highway. The Washington State Department of Transportation cannot maintain the road because of the massive amounts of snowfall. Most guests come from the Seattle area and make the four and a half hour drive around. Lodging can be found in Mazama at the Freestone Inn, or The Rolling Huts if you are looking for a more rustic experience (outhouses and no sink). Nearby Winthrop is a charming old western town which is well worth a stop for lodging, hot air balloons, the oldest legal saloon in Washington State, city girls on vacation, or the rusty old cowhands and their classic cars. Make sure to check out Kelly’s restaurant at The Rolling Huts outside of town for the best Irish food around, not to mention Steve’s signature cocktails which may or may not include real absinthe (ask for the “Aviation”). For anglers, this is prime steelhead country as well. The nearby Methow River offers excellent fishing and the latter half of NCH’s operating season coincides with the start of the fishing season. The cross-country skiing is also world class possibly more popular here than alpine skiing (if you happen to know someone who is into that). This seldom seen corner of the country is more than worth a visit. Combine the skiing, the natural beauty of the North Cascades, the uniqueness of Mazama and Winthrop, and NCH’s nearly three decades of heli-operation experience and you might just leave with a new annual tradition. 

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  • 1 month ago
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• Announcing The Further and Dre Announcing The Further and Dream Factory Tour Winners

  • From: TetonGravityResearch
  • Description:

    

    The dust has finally settled from the 2012 film tour, and the grand prize winners have been drawn. Both films this year provided a whole slew of amazing giveaways, and hopefully you walked away with something fresh from our sponsors. 

    And the winners are…

    Jeremy Jones’ Further, presented by O’Neill 

    Grand Prize: John from Bellingham, WA won the trip for two to ride at Squaw Valley. We connected with John just after his trip, and it sounds like it was a pretty epic adventure.  “The bluebird conditions, variety of terrain and size of Squaw Valley were incredible!  The mountain is so large that we were having trouble keeping track of which chair went where for the first two days!  We're already planning a return trip for next year and will be bringing our friends from our home mountain, Mt. Baker.  A big thanks from Belinda and I to Squaw Valley and TGR for making this amazing trip possible!”

    Runner up: Karta from Boulder, CO is headed to Japan to shred powder courtesy of Cloudline Tours.  After seeing the Japan segments from Further, she couldn’t have been happier, and we can’t wait to see the pictures.

    Second Place: Last but far from least, the head-to-toe O’Neill outerwear and a new board from Jones Snowboards goes to Jennifer in Boston, MA. 

    The Dream Factory

    Grand Prize: A heli-skiing trip for two courtesy of Alaska Heliskiing goes to Garrett from Colorado.  Pretty sure we heard his screams of excitement all the way up in Jackson Hole.  Garrett has yet to take the trip but we look forward to his report and some pictures.

    Runner Up: Caroline from Kentucky scored the trip for two to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.  Unfortunately she is fresh off an ACL tear but Jackson Hole has been awesome in working with her to shift the prize to a summer filled with mountain biking and hiking rehab…Her dream of skiing Jackson’s legendary terrain is going to have to wait another year.

    Second Place: Ben in Colorado is getting hooked up with head-to-toe outerwear from The North Face and a pair of skis from Atomic.

    From all of us at Teton Gravity Research, THANK YOU for making the 2012 tour a memorable one.  The tours reached close to 300 cities combined across the globe, and without your amazing support every year, it simply would not be possible. Enjoy the rest of your season, and see you next fall!

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• Skiff Ride Skiff Ride

  • From: tedshred
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• Sea Lion Rookery Sea Lion Rookery

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• Sentinel Island Lighthouse Sentinel Island Lighthouse

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• Ocean View Ocean View

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• Big Ribs Big Ribs

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• Mini Golf Mini Golf

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• Sexy Sexy

  • From: tedshred
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• DSC00841.JPG DSC00841.JPG

  • From: tedshred
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• Nice Beaver Nice Beaver

  • From: tedshred
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• Lines in the distance Lines in the distance

  • From: tedshred
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• DSC00844.JPG DSC00844.JPG

  • From: tedshred
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• Spine zone in the Taku Spine zone in the Taku

  • From: tedshred
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• Stoked! Stoked!

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• What to Bring for a Heli-Ski V What to Bring for a Heli-Ski Vacation

  • From: johnforrest
  • Description:

    What to Bring for a Heli-Ski Vacation

    Written by:  Aaron Whitfield

    Packing for any trip is a process that few look forward to and decisions need to be made about what to bring and what to leave behind. A heli-ski trip to Northern Escape Heli-Skiing in Terrace, BC, Canada, is no exception. With specific needs for skiing, snowboarding, and lodge life, here are a few recommendations from Northern Escape’s staff and past guests.

    The list of must haves is pretty simple: Ski/Snowboard Boots. They are the one essential item that you must have and are personal and difficult to replace. In fact we would highly recommend that you bring them in your carry-on luggage, and not to let them out of your sight! Everything else can be borrowed or replaced if the worst-case scenario of an airline mis-placing luggage were to occur.

    There are a few other items that is recommended to tuck into your carry-on, space allowing; a pair of goggles, ski gloves, a base layer, and any other personal items that you will need for your stay.

    For ski wear, we recommend dressing in layers. The average skiing temperature in Northern Escape Heliskiing’s terrain is around -6 degrees Celsius. Start with base layer and mid layers such as icebreaker long underwear. Icebreaker is made from Marino wool and on top of being warm, it is non-itchy, wicks moisture, and resists odors. An outer layer such as an Arc’teryx shell made of gortex that is wind and waterproof will keep you warm and dry. Another piece of attire that is nice to have under your shell is an insulated vest or soft shell for colder days to keep your core warm. A neck/face warmer or bandito is usually a good idea to ward off cooler temps or the deep powder spray that we are known for. It is essential to keep your head warm so modern helmets usually do double duty of protection and warmth, but a ski hat or toque will work as well. Sunglasses, an extra pair of gloves, and base layer never hurt either.

    If your luggage gets misplaced, or you forget anything, the gift shop at Northern Escape is fully stocked with brands such as Icebreaker, Arc’teryx, and Marmot.

    The lodge atmosphere at Northern Escape is outdoor casual, so jeans, and comfortable clothes are the norm. If space is tight, one pair of shoes should suffice.

    Northern Escape Heli-Skiing has a fleet of high-end powder skis and snowboards that are included in the price of your package. So unless you have a custom set-up that you want to stick with, leave your boards at home and save the extra baggage expenses the airlines love to charge. 

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  • 4 months ago
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• Endless Possibilities Endless Possibilities

  • From: whistlerblackcomb
  • Description:

    Whistler Heli-Skiing has access to 432,000 acres, 173 glaciers, and 475 runs. With experienced guides leading the way and this much terrain, there is a run for everyone leaving you with an epic day! Check out this video highlighting a few zones.
    
    Watch More Videos By Whistler Blackcomb

     

  • 4 months ago
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