Heliskiing and the Environment
We are the first to admit that use of helicopters in itself is not 'top-of-the-list' for environmental methods of transport. However, when put into perspective, there is another compelling side to the story; and overall we believe that the benefits outlined below, far outweigh any negative impact.
Massive Research Conducted
(mainly applicable in Canada)
Government and environmental agencies are consistently seeking data on wildlife movement and behaviour. In most heliski regions, the helicopters, guides and guests are the only human impact on the area during winter and probably the summer months. Every wildlife sighting is recorded with exact co-ordinates and submitted at the end of each season. For government agencies to collect this amount of data themselves would be cost prohibitive. As it stands they receive this information free of charge. There is no conclusive research that an accessional over flight by helicopter negatively affects wildlife. Nevertheless, areas in which concentrations of wildlife are known to exist are avoided.
The Effect of a Wilderness Experience
In order to protect wild places people need to see them. If it's only an elite group of scientists, academic researchers, and small groups of wilderness explorers that visit remote mountainous zones, we stand little hope of protecting these types of areas in the future. Amongst our clients are many successful business people, politicians, and pioneers of industry. When they are taken to these areas they are invariably and profoundly affected by the experience. It is so far removed from their everyday existence and they leave with the memory etched in their mind and the experience stays with them. They develop an inward urge to do what they can in their lives to respect such places in the future both for their own benefit and for the benefit of others. They begin to mould their actions in a way to continue to preserve not only the places they have seen and enjoyed but other similar places around the world.
We believe it is our responsibility to continue to bring people to such locations in a safe, environmentally conscious manner. We must further increase the importance of protecting wilderness lands and this concept should remain at the forefront of the population's concern.