Frequently Asked Questions: CMH Summer Adventure Vacations

What's Included in a CMH Summer Adventure Vacation?

• Transportation from Banff to the helipad and return to the Calgary International Airport
• Accommodation at the CMH lodge of your choice for 2,3 4 or 6 nights
• All meals starting with lunch on arrival at the lodge and a boxed lunch on departure
• Use of top-quality hiking equipment: boots, jackets, daypacks, rainpants, walking poles and water bottles
• 10 - 12 helicopter flights
• Daily hiking and/or walking with professionally certified mountain guides

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What is the CMH Summer Adventures guarantee?

We believe so strongly in our CMH Summer Adventures that we offer a 100% money-back guarantee.
Details »

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Is Heli-Hiking suitable for families?

Absolutely. Every generation can create its own perfect day. We've hosted four-generation families, from very young children to great-grandparents, with a wide range of activities for each to choose from. And each time the verdict has been “We all had the time of our lives!” Also see Family Adventures . For a collection of great stories from our Family Adventure vacations, see The Adventure blog.

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What's the weather like up there? And what if it rains?

Our summer weather is generally sunny and pleasant. Temperatures vary quite a bit, from highs of 10-29° C (50-85° F) during the day to lows of –1 to15°C (30-60°F) at night. Mountain weather is extremely variable, which is why we provide the gear you need for cooler temperatures, rain, wind, and, every once in a while, snow. As long as it's safe to fly, we do hike in the rain and have a great time doing it. The clothing and equipment we supply keep you comfortable, warm, and dry.

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Why use a helicopter?

Without helicopters, our remote mountains would be inaccessible to all but a very few hardy backpackers. Short flights take us to and from our secluded lodges. Helicopters also give us the ability to hop from one area to another during the day, allowing our guides to select varied terrain for you to explore with relative ease.

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I'm not a hiker! Can I do this?

Whether it's a hike, walk, or amble, each Heli-Hiking day is tailored to all levels of fitness, experience, and age. We split the group as necessary so everyone can stay within their comfort level. All you really need is a thirst for adventure. We also tackle this question on our blog in this post Heli-Hiking: Too Easy? Too Hard?

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I'm an experienced hiker. Will I be challenged?

Yes. Our guides are mountain people and if you're seeking a challenge, they're ready to give you a good hiking workout!

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What are the levels of the different hiking groups?

Our guests vary widely in ability and interests. But with careful selection on the part of our guides, the mountains can offer a thrilling experience to everyone. Your guides keep in close touch with you throughout your stay, to ensure that we are meeting your expectations.

Our hiking groups, organized according to interests and abilities, vary in size. The following will give you a general idea of how our guides determine hiking groups:

• RIGOROUS: You are very active and enjoy strenuous, fast paced activities.
• MODERATELY CHALLENGING: You exercise regularly (3 or 4 times a week) and want to challenge yourself by hiking full days on varied terrain (i.e. hiking over a pass, along ridges or reaching a peak).
• MODERATE: You exercise occasionally and enjoy hiking for a full day, but prefer to do so at a more relaxed pace.
• GENTLE: You want to explore the mountains in a relaxed manner with an experienced guide.

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What's a typical day like? How far do we hike each day?

Morning offers choices: join the morning stretch, or sleep a little longer. Breakfast is served at 8:00 am, and the first helicopter leaves at 9:00 am. Each group, with its own guide, spends the day roaming and hiking in the mountains. Over the course of the day, the helicopter may move each group to three or four different areas, giving you a chance to experience a variety of settings. Lunch is picnic-style that you pack from a scrumptious selection set out each morning. In the late afternoon we fly back to the lodge for tea goodies and relaxation prior to a spectacular dinner and an evening of story-swapping.

Just as our groups vary, our mileage varies from a kilometre or so (1/2 mile) to 15 kilometres (9 miles). Our guests hike as much or as little as they desire.

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Do you provide hiking boots and other hiking gear?

Yes. We provide some of the specialized gear you will need for backcountry heli-hiking:

• Technical, waterproof, leather hiking boots (Salomon, Tecnica, Garmont) ranging from children's size 13 – men's size 13 medium width (Learn more about the boots CMH provides here.
• Day pack
• Water bottle
• Walking stick/ski pole
• Insulated, hooded jacket (wind and rain resistant)
• Light weight jacket ( wind and rain resistant)
• Rain gear
• Ear protectors for use in the helicopter
• Mountaineering gear (if we organize a mountaineering group)

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Is hiking gear available in your lodge's shop?

Yes. Check out our on-line store: shop@cmh . For more information, email us at retailshop@cmhinc.com or call our Shop Division at 1-800-661-0252.

From technical to casual, kids to adults, we have everything for your Heli-Hiking needs. Each lodge's shop features a complete line of specially-designed CMH clothing, as well as many brand names from around the world. Our retail bywords are quality, function, uniqueness, and value. Every item is field tested before we will endorse it.

We also carry sunglasses, ear protection, custom luggage, and souvenirs. And while we can't fill prescriptions (you must bring these with you), we do stock a range of over-the-counter medicines.

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If I'm travelling alone will you match me with a roommate?

We're committed to solo travellers. We eat our meals family-style, so you'll always be in good company. Our hiking groups usually consist of small groups of 11 hikers (sometimes fewer) who share similar interests and abilities, so familiarity and camaraderie result quite naturally.

If you book on a twin/share basis, we will attempt to match you with a same-sex roommate; if we are unable to do so, you will NOT be charged the upgrade to single occupancy.

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If I'm travelling alone, can I have a private room?

Single supplements are available on a space available basis, depending on the lodge.

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Do you offer special rates for groups?

Yes. A group consists of 10 or more people. Please call for details.

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Do you offer special child rates?

Yes. Children under 2 years are free. Kids 2-4 years are 50% off. Children 5 to 14 years receive 25% off the adult rate; youth who are 15 to 17 years receive 10% off the adult rate.

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Can children have their own room?

Absolutely. They will be in a room next to or across from yours. A supplement applies for a guaranteed single room..

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