Page 11 - SVHS Ops Plan 2017_18

be invaluable for many search and rescue and medical emergencies. SVHS and the SVSP have trained together, shared information, and cooperated on numerous occasions for the good of the community. The visibility of the helicopter on Baldy creates awareness for the local and visiting skier that helicopter skiing is an available recreational opportunity and thereby benefits SVHS, SVCO and the Wood River Valley.
In order to operate a helicopter program efficiently and safely on Bald Mountain, the following protocols are agreed to by SVHS, SVCO, and the USFS Ketchum Ranger District:
1. SVSP acting as the agent of SVCO will have authority over landings and take offs from Bald Mountain. SVHS will contact Mountain Dispatch via radio or telephone with the request to land the helicopter and an ETA. At least 15 minutes notice should be given.
2. The designated landing zone is at “Jakes”, next to the weather vane at the top of Easter Bowl. Other landing zones can be utilized in emergencies or special circumstances if they can be secured.
3. Security of the landing zone is the responsibility of SVHS. In most cases a SVHS guide who has direct radio communication with the helicopter pilot will direct the landing. Traffic control and additional security may be provided by SVSP.
4. Temporary signage may be provided by SVHS only when the helicopter is operating from Bald Mountain.
5. Skiers may only be picked up or dropped off on Baldy during regular hours of operation. Each skier must have a valid lift ticket.
6. SVCO may request the services of the helicopter for search and rescue or medical emergencies at any time. SVHS may need to remove guests from the field before responding. Weather and available daylight are other factors to be considered. The current SVHS Emergency Plan, posted at SVSP HQ, has contact information and details.
7. Backcountry emergencies may necessitate helicopter landings on Baldy to ferry personnel, avalanche dog teams and equipment to a remote site. A SVSH guide will always accompany such flights. Personnel embarking on such flights need to be self sufficient to the point of being able to spend the night.
8. Dispatch should relay wind and sky conditions whenever possible.
9. Training will take place between SVHS and SVSP regarding helicopter operations at the beginning of each season.
10. These protocols may be modified by agreement between SVHS and SVCO and USFS.
11. SVCO and USFS are named as additional insured by the helicopter operator and SVHS.
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P.O Box 978 Sun Valley, ID 83353
Phone: 208.622.3108 E: info@sunvalleyheliski.com W: sunvalleyheliski.com