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"THE MOUNTAINS HELP TO REAWAKEN FORGOTTEN DREAMS." - GASTON REBUFFAT, BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH When asked about his first heli-skiing experience, Shults reminisced like it was yesterday: "The sky out there, it's a deeper, more pure blue; simply a crystal blue day, with probably two feet of virgin powder. You're in the helicopter heading towards the peaks with an unrepressed smile from ear to ear. I'd already experienced a variety of terrain, but couldn't contain the excitement of that day. After grabbing the gear, the helicopter takes off, blowing all the snow around like a fresh blizzard. That's when it hits you: 'I'm really doing this. At 12,000 feet. No lines. No lifts. No crowds. Nothing will get in my way...' Exhilarating would almost be an understatement." He explained that while skiing is the obvious focus of the trip, it's a truly overwhelming experience that goes far beyond simply strapping in and descending; somewhere in a valley, surrounded by three feet of snow and gargantuan peaks taller than any man- made structure, does the realization of our own insignificance truly set upon us. It's both an emotional and personal moment that is exceptionally difficult to recreate elsewhere. However, those still abiding by "pizza french fries" should refrain from accepting such a challenge just yet. Shults laid out that skiers should be performing at an intermediate to advanced level, with the capability of managing an ungroomed black diamond run and understanding the fall line (the line most directly downhill) of the mountain. As snowboarding in powder conditions tends to be both more difficult and complicated, it's recommended riders be of a higher-advanced level. Shults also regarded that while a hunger for adventure is hugely important, being in peak physical (especially cardio) form prior to riding is imperative, as conditions in high altitudes can be quite unrelenting. V U E N J . C O M 52 VUE ON LIFESTYLE

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