Facts: Convict on Board

Photo: Coastal helicopter

Photo by James Fraioli / NGT

  • 90% of avalanche victims are killed in slides triggered by themselves or someone whom they are with.

  • 89% of avalanche victims are men, and most are between the ages of 20 and 29.

  • By far, the majority of deadly avalanches in the U.S. occur in Western states. Colorado, Alaska, Utah, and Montana, in that order, claimed the most fatalities between 1985-2009 .

  • Heli-skiing can take skiers (and snowboarders) to terrain up to 10,500 feet above sea level.

  • Most avalanches occur on terrain that is sloped between 30 and 45 degrees, since it is difficult for snow to accumulate in slabs on steeper slopes.

  • The Daisybell avalanche control system hangs below a helicopter, and uses strategic blasts of a hydrogen and oxygen mixture to set off small snow slides before they build into large, natural avalanches. This device could help replace more dangerous explosive-based techniques.

  • There are 34 “dry” communities in Alaska that completely prohibit the sale, importation, and possession of alcohol.

  • In the Northwest Arctic Borough, there are no roads connecting villages and only seasonal water access for boats; which makes planes critical for the transport of daily necessities as well as tourism.

  • Heli-skiing was pioneered by an Austrian man named Hans Gmoser in 1965 – he implemented his idea by transporting skiers to previously inaccessible mountains in Canada.

  • In Alaska, the primary cause of violent crimes is drug and alcohol abuse. Even though many smaller towns and villages have made laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol, bootlegging and smuggling have made it available.

More Facts

Featured Videos

Browse All Videos »

Explore More

Fridays at 8P et/pt

Featured Episode

  • Sitka, AK: A plane under the lights of the aurora borealis. (Photo Credit: NGT)

    Sky Fishing

    Captains hire pilots to spot fish from the sky and point the boats in the right direction with potential to make big bucks.

View Episode Guide »

Nat Geo TV Blogs

Latest Tweets

Watch Online

  • NGC-Full-Eps-T-rex-Walks-Again.jpg

    Watch Full Episodes

    Find full episodes of your favorite National Geographic Channel shows and watch online.

  • NGC-Videos-Solar-Storms.jpg

    Amazing Videos

    Next stop, everywhere! Explore a universe of amazing video from National Geographic shows!

     

Buy the DVD

National Geographic TV Shows