Your Safety

As members of HELICAT, CWSSA, CSGA, and the CAA, we stricly adhere to the highest safety standards in the industry. We hire only certified, competent professionals with years of specific helicopter experience. All of our heli guides and pilots undergo rigorous annual training procedures to be on top of their game at all times.

Our guides are AMCG, CAA, and CSGA certified, trained and current in methods of snow safety, weather analysis, emergency medical techniques and mechanized ski guiding. Early each morning our guides meet to evaluate weather conditions, snow stability and terrain based on field observations and external industry data. Daily decisions are made before going out in the field and often reassessed in the field to ensure optimal safety and fun.

At the beginning of each trip, all guests are briefed by our pilot on helicopter safety procedures. Snowwater uses only the B3e A Star helicopter, a high-performance, comfortable machine that maneuvers with great agility in big mountains.  All Snowwater guests undergo companion rescue training where you are trained and practice with your provided rescue and safety equipment.  We supply each skier or rider with new Tracker digital beacons and individual safety backpacks including a shovel, probe, and water bottle, as well as personal radio, each with an external mike for added communication.  With only four guests per guide, our small group setup allows for a maximum margin of safety and added individual attention while in the terrain.

To learn more about how to be safe in the backcountry and review all current industry standards we recommend reading through this safety page from our heli and snowcat association.