Heli-hiking, if you hadn’t heard, is hiking by helicopter.

No, adventure helicopters don't just run in the winter. Of course, there's nothing like the gorgeous untracked fields of fresh powder, but take away skiing and tack on any manner of outdoorsy activity when the snows melt: heli-hiking, heli-fishing, heli-paddling. It's the hottest way to flee the fanny-pack-wearing crowd and find wilderness all to yourself without the pesky effort of trekking in a week's worth of food and shelter. Rise early, eat, fly your way to seclusion, hike, eat, hike some more, fly back to your lodge in time for a massage, an outdoor hot tub soak or a sauna, a chapter or two with a good book, a well-earned, beautifully prepared dinner, and some story-swapping by the fireplace ... oh, and cocktails on the terrace!

My thought: Any sport proceeded by a helicopter ride seems to be yet another offshoot of the whole glamping world, where you pay large sums of money to have a manufactured and controlled outdoor experience. Basically ... it sounds perfect! I've done the whole camping in a soggy tent, sleeping on the floor, wearing black fly headnets, eating beans and hotdogs thing. I'm over it (well, not entirely.)

The downside: Unlike Heli-skiing, which requires athleticism, some serious skiing skills, a touch of fearlessness and deep pockets, Heli-hiking requires only the deep pockets. You or your five year old (yes, families do this) don't have to even break a sweat - which means - that this sport probably attracts a few people you don't want to be in a helicopter with, let alone out in the woods with.