Original Message

Heli-ski in Jackson Hole was good fun. Drop offs routinely above 10k, so really not that tall. The pickups @ 7-8k were more challenging starting out. The flying was in a standard 407.

The Sierra's were fantastic during fire season... picking water in glacial lakes above 11k in a crane is/was a blast. 

My humble opinion is any national park is incredible flying... Glacier, Yosemite, North Rim of the ditch, Yellowstone is a massive favorite.

Although, Colorado and especially northern NM, Angel Fire area is incredible - cannot discount the Cascades either. The methow valley is killer flying. And anyone getting an opportunity to work in the Wasatch Range gets a real treat.

Surely there's a guys/gals that work in taller country and fly in it on a routine basis. Being able to learn/read the wind, take in the cues and ultimately fly in that environment like a bird is an art. A good pilot is always learning which is a challenge when most of us sit on our ass, day in and day playing the waiting game.

For anyone lucky enough to work in those challenging environments, good on ya! And certainly enjoy it while you can - Cheers