WINTERSPORTS -- March will be a little busier in Idaho Selkirks backcountry slopes north of Sandpoint and near Priest Lake.

Helicopter skiing is tentatively approved to debut for a 17-day season on pristine snow only backcountry skiers have enjoyed for decades.  Idaho Department of Lands officials say testing and evaluation will be conducted this winter before final decisions will be made on a heli-skiing operation on state lands.

If approved, it will be a step up in speed, vertical, accessibility and pampering from the snowcat skiing offered at Schweitzer Mountain Resort by the same operation, Selkirk Powder Co.

• Up to 20 skiers or riders can pay $425 apiece or $3,800 to charter a snowcat for 4,350-acres of Schweitzer-area backcountry.
• Heli-skiers will pay $1,975 each or $7,900 for a private charter for up to four people served by two guides and quick, easy access to nearly 200,000 acres of terrain.