The deaths of three skiers in an avalanche in Alaska in early March 2025 was the deadliest in the United States since 2023. The trio were swept away while skiing in the Chugach mountain range. Access to this remote region is undertaken by helicopter, and the unfortunate victims were taking part in what's known as "heli-skiing," where the skier reaches the top of a mountain by helicopter instead of via ski lift.
The tragedy highlights the hazards involved when indulging in this type of winter sport. But why exactly is heli-skiing so dangerous? Click through for an explanation.