Do BCA Float Packs or any other air pack really work? The simple answer is yes. You are a large object with the pack inflated, and will come to the surface if you are caught in a slide. Think of a jar of mixed nuts.

Wearing an avalanche airbag would have saved from 35 to 81 people out of 100 who would have otherwise died. (The average of the 5 studies is 64.) So, it seems that in real-world experience, wearing an avalanche airbag will possibly save a little more than half of those who would have otherwise died.”

You should take into consideration the bag’s weight, size and system when choosing your avalanche airbag. Generally, sizes range from 18 to 45 liters. However, it is necessary to pay close attention to the indicated volume of the bag, as this can include the system, which means that the bag itself will be smaller.

Day touring typically requires a pack with a capacity of between 25 and 35 liters. For longer trips, or multi-day hut touring, look for something in the neighborhood of 40 to 50 liters.

The idea behind the packs—essentially backpacks with a massive balloon inside that inflates when you pull a handle—is simple. The pack is designed to keep you floating on the top of the slide, rather than getting buried by the concrete-like snow. It sounds like a pretty great idea, but airbags do have critics.

Avalanche airbags are designed to prevent the wearer from being buried, which is key to survival in the event of an avalanche – suffocation is the main cause of death. And they have been shown to work effectively. This means that wearing an inflated airbag improved the chance of survival by 50 per cent.

They are reusable bags that have a fan instead of compressed air. The concept of avalanche air bags ensures the safety of skiers or snowboarders by wearing this equipment to avoid being buried in the event of an avalanche.

We use Eurocopter A-Star B3 helicopters from Europe. The A-Star B3 is a light weight and powerful helicopter that excels at high altitude and is ideally suited for small-group heli-skiing, with a seating capacity of 5 passengers (four guests and one guide) plus the pilot.

The shape and size of the BigAirBag® LANDING are fully customizable meaning it can be manufactured to cover virtually any landing surface, ramp, hill or contour. An inflatable safety barrier can also be added on the sides of the landing area to prevent riders from sliding off the BigAirBag®.

For keeping your ears warm, you can wear a thin balaclava underneath the helmet. If you choose to wear a helmet while heli-skiing with us, please bring your own; Heliksir does not supply helmets.

At 2 pounds 12 ounces for the airbag unit, it’s on the heavy end of the spectrum, and unlike the interchangeable systems here it can’t be removed and used in another backpack.