Skiers and snowboarders use General Aviation (GA) for avalanche control programs, in which scouts in airplanes look for dangerously heavy snow loads. When needed, they drop explosive charges to trigger controlled slides that minimize the risks for people who’ll be using the mountain for work or recreation.

Skiers and snow boarders use helicopters to haul themselves to the top of mountains. This practice, known as heliskiing, lets skiers enjoy runs through virgin powder, without the environmental impact of cutting trails, or building lifts and lodges.

On mountains that are dedicated to the pleasures of downhill skiing and snowboarding, helicopters are used to help build mountaintop lodges, and to install and string the rigging for high-speed chairlifts.

When an accident requires emergency medical care, helicopters and aircraft are used to transport the injured party to the nearest trauma center for care.