Heli-skiing has been around for decades, and it is something that few skiers have ever had the opportunity to try. It is an amazing thrill to feel the adrenaline of flying in a helicopter and hearing the sound of the rotary blade chopping through the cold winter air as you are flown to the top of the mountain. However, what if there was an opportunity for snowmobilers to go heli-snowmobiling? Sounds crazy, but it is something that is a reality.
Dave Sparks is an American entrepreneur, custom vehicle builder, and social media personality from Salt Lake City, Utah. He goes by the name Heavy D. Since he was little, he has been fascinated by anything related to an engine or wheels. He is best recognized for appearing on Discovery Channel’s reality television show Diesel Brothers. Sparks posted videos on his social media accounts of his Blackhawk helicopter outfitted with a Helitak sled hauler attachment capable of carrying two snowmobiles. “My Blackhawk can now carry two snowmobiles thanks to my friends at Helitak!” Sparks said in an Instagram post.
Quick Facts About Dave Sparks:
- Dave Sparks is a certified helicopter pilot.
- He has worked with actor Chuck Norris.
- His first build was a 1976 Yamaha YZ80.
- Nikola hired him to design the Nikola Badger truck.
- In 2020, Nikola canceled the Badger project, and Heavy D purchased all of the rights to the Nikola Badger.
- He hosts the annual Heavy Academy conference.
- He describes Diesel Dave as a kind, loyal, generous, caring, empathetic, capable, and happy human.
- Dave Sparks’ Instagram has 4 million followers as of December 2024.
Although this system sets up endless dream scenarios for heli-snowmobiling expeditions, it is not just for fun and games. This lift system can also be used in real-world rescue operations, assisting first responders and rescue teams in finding injured or lost persons. “This unit is also a game changer for search and rescue response given that it allows us to have rescue teams on the ground in remote places within minutes instead of hours,” Sparks said in an Instagram post.
Sparks is no stranger to helping people in need. In March of 2023, he helped stranded snow victims in California in a massive snowstorm that left homes destroyed and towns cut off to rescuers by the heavy snowfall. Sparks formed and organized a team that plowed roads and transported food, medicine, and supplies using some of the specialty vehicles Sparks had.
This system provides speed and reduces the time people need to reach locations that might have taken hours. Will this system start a new era of heli-snowmobiling in winter sports activities? Sparks leaves the door open on that subject. “Anyone who wonders what this Helitak sled hauler attachment on my Blackhawk is good for has never had to ride a snowmobile countless miles on garbage trails to access the remote, prime riding spots in the backcountry,” Sparks said in an Instagram post.
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