Some sound advice here.....but note the major safety point. "Do not try this alone, you need to be taught it" (by someone reputable!)
Having flown throughout Nth Norway, UK, Austria, Bosnia, New Zealand Alps and the Antarctic I would like to add:
1. Escape Route: The requirement is obvious; you must maintain a suitable escape for as long as possible. You'll either need it for power probs or T/R authority. In you recce you must decide if either (or both) will be your nemesis. If possible keep your escape opposite to your power pedal (right in Bell, left in AS helos). If you need to run away, cyclic firmly in the escape direction to enhance 'weathercocking' tendancies....therby relieving T/R input and increasing the power available.
2. 3000ft or 15000ft, makes no difference in your technique.....DA is everything. (Landing on Mt Erebus at 12K & -15 was fine but as we established the hover we flew into a steam vent from the volcano....temp rose to +26 in 2-3 seconds!) Planning is important but you can't plan for everything.
3. Having flown with Brits, Kiwis and Canadiens, I can safely say that we all have something to learn from each other. No one has the perfect technique...experience is the only leveller (and you can't teach that).
Night.....oh yes you can....(on NVG) in the snow and with under-slung loads.........and yes it has its moments!
Crawl - Walk.....never Run....it scares the passengers.