Background
A helicopter pilot landed on a snow-covered ridge with the intention of picking up skiers. Shortly after landing, the pilot became uneasy about the suitability of the landing area.
Attempted Takeoff
The pilot decided to take off again to find a more appropriate location. As the helicopter began to lift off, the snow pack beneath the landing site detached from the ridge.
Impact and Roll
When the snow pack gave way, the main rotor system struck the terrain. The helicopter then rolled down the hillside for about 800 feet before coming to rest.
Conclusion
The incident involved a loss of snow stability during a takeoff attempt. No further details about injuries or damage were provided in the source.