Item: Safe Helicopter Skiing
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Title: Safe Helicopter Skiing
Proceedings: Proceedings of the 1976 International Snow Science Workshop, Banff, Alberta
Authors:
- M. Wiegele
Date: 1976
Abstract: Procedures for safe travel in avalanche terrain have been discussed in several publications (Gallagher, 1967; Williams, 1975; Perla and Martinelli, 1976). It is not the purpose of this paper to repeat well-known safety rules, but rather to comment on certain problems unique to running a safe helicopter skiing programme. At the onset, we wish to point out that although helicopter skiing is conducted in the back-country, we believe it is possible to achieve safety standards comparable to those maintained within developed ski areas which also have serious avalanche problems (Alta, Snowbird, Jackson, Whistler, Lake Louise, etc.). A review of ski area accident records shows that avalanche fatalities in even the most hazardous ski areas are quite rare (approximately one fatality per 10 6 skier days) due to precautionary measures taken by ski area management. We believe that poorer safety standards in helicopter skiing are neither justified nor acceptable, and will now explain how high standards can be attained.
Language of Article: English
Presenters: Unknown
Keywords: fatalities, safety, helicopter skiing, skiing site, terrain
Page Number(s): 246-251
Subjects: helicopter skiing avalanche safety avalanche fatalities
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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