According to the Wasatch Powderbird Guides 2007/08 Operating Plan (which was approved by the Forest Service), “WPG will practice good backcountry ethics, including: (a) allowing ski mountaineers who arrive at a particular location before WPG an opportunity to ski first, and (b) avoiding, when practical, flying through passes and along ridges occupied by other backcountry users.” As this photo illustrates, they don’t try very hard to avoid other backcountry users. On this day, Feb 12, 2008, WPG outlined six drainages they might be operating in, yet still chose to land within 100′ of other backcountry users. To add insult to injury, this was a 30 second flight from the WPG base helipad – they could have easily gone elsewhere.
Forest Service response from Steve Scheid on 3 March, 2008: “I have checked with WPG and they stated they did not land at this location at the time you allege.” (This is despite five eyewitnesses and photographic proof.)