Prior to participating in any helicopter-accessed backcountry activities with Blackcomb Helicopters, AlpX Expeditions, or Tyax Adventures (any such activities, the “Heli Activities”), we ask that all participants carefully review the information on this page regarding safety and risk awareness.

Heli Activities take place in wilderness areas and involve the risk of injury.  The information contained on this page is intended to inform you of the risks, dangers and hazards you may encounter while participating in Heli Activities, and to help you stay safe while enjoying these activities.

WHETHER YOU ARE A PARTICIPANT IN HELI ACTIVITIES OR A PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF A MINOR PARTICIPANT, PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE SAFETY AND RISK AWARENESS INFORMATION ON THIS WEBPAGE.

HELI ACTIVITIES - RISKS

Heli Activities involve many risks, dangers, and hazards including but not limited to the following:

• Avalanches, landslides, and rock fall occur frequently in the terrain used for Heli Activities and may be caused by natural forces or by human activities or actions.

• Blackcomb Helicopters, AlpX Expeditions, and Tyax Adventures (the “Blackcomb Group”) may fail to predict whether the terrain is safe for Heli Activities or whether an avalanche, landslide, or rockfall may occur.

• The terrain used for Heli Activities may be uncontrolled, unmarked, or not inspected. 

• Travel over extreme mountainous or alpine terrain where fallen timber, branches, rocks, roots, or other obstacles or hazards, steep slopes, or unstable or slippery ground may cause slips, trips, or falls; travel on, through, or beside snowfields, glaciers, cornices, crevasses, cliffs, trees, streams, creeks, rivers, ponds, and lakes, and holes and depressions on or below the snow surface; encounters with domestic or wild animals; encounters with dangerous or poisonous flora and fauna; miscellaneous health problems related to over-exposure to the sun, insect bites, fatigue, stress, dehydration, hypothermia, exertion, high altitude, and lack of fitness; impact or collision with person or object; loss of balance; difficulty or inability to control one’s speed or direction; infectious disease, howsoever contracted, and which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact; lightening strike; equipment failure; becoming lost or separated from one’s guide or party; problems with radio or other communication; delayed or negligent first aid; negligence, inattention, or inexperience of other persons, including other guests.

• NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE BLACKCOMB GROUP, INCLUDING THE FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE BLACKCOMB GROUP AND THEIR EMPLOYEES AND CONTRACTORS TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS, AND HAZARDS OF HELI ACTIVITIES.

• Communication in the alpine and backcountry terrain is difficult and in the event of an accident, rescue and medical treatment may not be available.

• Alpine and backcountry weather conditions may be extreme and can change rapidly and without warning.

• Aircraft malfunction and pilot error.

• Mountain biking falls frequently result in injuries.

EQUIPMENT

Alpine Ski/Snowboard Boot Binding Systems – Most, if not all, modern alpine ski bindings are releasable in the event a fall, or a twisting force exceeds the DIN/release value on the binding. Lighter weight ski-touring bindings offer similar functionality however it is important to know your equipment and ensure that whatever binding you choose to use for your trip has some release capability to help reduce your vulnerability in the event of an emergency situation.

Snowboards and Telemark Skis - Unlike alpine ski boot/binding systems, snowboard and some telemark boot/binding systems are not designed or intended to release and thus users of these boot/binding systems are more vulnerable in the event of an avalanche.

Airbag Use –  If you own an airbag or fanbag, then we encourage you to use this equipment for your trip. Research has shown that, in certain environments and situations, air/fanbags can reduce your vulnerability in the event of an avalanche by keeping a person positioned closer to the surface of the debris.

Helmets – The use of approved ski helmets, although not required, has become a standard part of nearly every skier’s personal protection system. Helmets reduce a person’s vulnerability in the event of fall or impact with terrain. Most helmets are lightweight and provide insulation on cold days.

BACKCOUNTRY TRAVEL & WILDERNESS SKIING RESPONSIBILITY CODE

Basic backcountry etiquette suggests that skiers/riders acknowledge the following when being guided:

• Listen to your guide’s instructions at all times.

• Avoid wearing devices that impair your ability to hear instructions.

• Electronic devices or metallic objects such as heated gloves, magnetic storm flaps in jackets, cell phones, chest-mounted GoPros, GPS units, and handheld radios can interfere with the electronics in your avalanche transceiver thereby reducing the avalanche transceiver’s reliability or effectiveness.

• The use of drugs or alcohol is prohibited.