A New Zealand heli-ski operator has developed world-leading technology designed to minimise risk and maximise enjoyment for heli-skiers and riders. Queenstown-based Alpine Heli Ski has designed an innovative web-based tool that is believed to be a Southern Hemisphere ‘first’.It uses the latest images, Google Earth maps, avalanche data and up to date information to help their guides select the safest and most suitable terrain for heliskiing on a day to day basis.

Alpine Heli Ski co-owner Tim O’Leary said the most important part of a heli-ski guide’s job was to select the best terrain to suit the weather and snow conditions and the abilities of their clients on any given day.

“Obviously safety is our number one priority, but we also want to select terrain that’s going to suit the energy levels and skills of clients so they get the very best heli-ski experience possible.”

Alpine Heli Ski has exclusive access to more than 5,000 sq kms of terrain in backcountry areas surrounding Queenstown, Wanaka and Mt Cook.

Mr O’Leary said the web tool mapped all the many and varied heliski runs within that terrain, and provided a comprehensive avalanche and snowfall history including images and difficulty ratings for each of the runs.

“We use this tool as part of our comprehensive safety management system which captures all of the latest information we need to educate and train staff year round, and during the heli-ski season it’s an integral part of our morning brief when we assess conditions and decide on the most suitable terrain that day.”

Mr O’Leary said in the past the company had referred to paper documents which weren’t user friendly and were extremely difficult to keep up to date.

“We knew we needed a smarter system so we worked with Lee Blazek of Backcountry-Skier.Org in Queenstown to develop the online tool,” he said. “Safety is absolutely paramount to us so we were very happy to invest in technology that further minimises any risk to our staff or clients.

”I believe we’re the only heli-operator in the Southern Hemisphere to be using this kind of advanced technology. This combined with our reputation as a professional, responsible, and environmentally aware operation confirms our position as leaders in our industry,” he added.

For more information about Alpine Heli Ski visit www.alpineheliski.com <http://www.alpineheliski.com/>