Frequently Asked Questions: Equipment

Does CMH provide avalanche transceivers?

Yes. Every skier and rider must wear our transceiver while skiing, and there will be a mandatory group instruction and practice in their use for all guests before your first run. CMH uses Barryvox Avalanche Transceivers.

Notice about Potential Interference:
Electronic equipment, transmitters, metals and magnets such as radios, cell phones, cameras, music players, GPS, battery packs of any type, etc., may interfere with the functionality of your avalanche transceiver. Therefore, CMH strongly recommends that you only carry electronics that are essential to your day of Heliskiing. We also require that any electronics that you bring skiing, be carried well separated from your avalanche transceiver. Your guide will be able to give you specific instructions on how to carry and use your transceiver in order to best avoid any interference from electronics, transmitters, metals and magnets; if sufficient separation can not be achieved and guaranteed you are advised not to carry specific pieces of equipment while out skiing.

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Does CMH provide Avalanche Floatation Devices (AFDs)?

CMH has a limited number of AFDs available for rent, with prior notice. Learn more about AFD rental here».

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Can I use my personal Avalanche Floatation Device (AFD)?

We permit the use of AFDs, but for safety reasons they are not allowed in the main compartment of the helicopter under any circumstance. All AFDs must be removed and transported, at the discretion of the guide, in the ski basket, tail boom, or in a netted-off jump seat. Guests who use their own balloon pack are still required to carry a probe and shovel.

All CMH guests ski with a backpack provided by CMH, which includes a probe and shovel, and will also be asked to take a turn carrying the special radio pack (with shovel probe, first aid kit and radio). Guests using an AFD are still required to carry a probe and shovel and to take turns carrying a radio.

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Can I use my own pack?

Yes. However, to ensure that safety and weight restrictions for the helicopter are maintained all packs must be cleared with the area manager/guide upon arrival. Please note you will still have to carry the CMH provided probe and shovel in your back pack.

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Can I use my personal VHF handheld radio?

New for the 2011/12 Season: Every CMH Heli-Skier will have a radio which will allow them to contact their guide in the event of an emergency or problem.

You are welcome to bring a personal radio. However, our operational frequency is restricted to emergency use only. You'll have to make sure an alternate frequency is programmed into your radio if you want to chat with other guests. Please note that CMH is now using narrowband operation AND NEW as of November 2011, we have added two new repeaters to our Monashees operation, and have added tones to ALL CMH frequencies. If you do plan to bring your own radio, please ensure you program your radio before arriving at the Lodge. Contact our Banff Operations department opscoordinator@cmhinc.com to obtain the frequency information you will need to pre-program your personal radio.

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Does CMH provide skis, bindings and poles?

CMH supplies all our skiers with skis and poles at no charge. We ask guests to bring their own boots, snowboards, or telemark skis.

We provide Rossi S7, Atomic Heli-Daddys and K2 Coomback/Gotback.

Rossignol S7 (166,176,188 cm) & Women’s S110 (159, 168cm) The S7, and the Women’s version the S110, bring together Rossignol’s combination of traditional and reverse camber. The traditional camber (underfoot) delivers power and edge grip where’s it’s most needed, while the reverse camber (aka rocker) at the tip and tail delivers more floatation, ease of turning and makes the ski more forgiving.

Atomic Heli-Daddys offer increased flotation and lighter swing weight (due to their foam-core construction) and initiate turns more easily. This excellent ski offers versatile performance in all the different deep snow and terrain conditions for a wide cross-section of skier. It comes in 150, 160, 170, and 180 centimetre lengths.

K2 Coomback delivers solid edge control and stability at speed, but with light swing weight. To accomplish that, K2 retained the powder tip, progressive side cut and buoyant 102mm waist that gave the original Coomba superior predictability in erratic conditions and then added a slight shovel rocker to give it quicker initiation and better versatility. Available in 167, 174 and 181 cms. The ladies version, the K2 Gotback, is available in 153, 160 and 167cm, has the same dimensions / construction but a more forgiving flex.

We also have, in limited quantity:
- K2 Darkside
- K2 New Pontoon>
- K2 Sidestash

We also supply all our skiers with light and durable poles from Scott. We use Salomon bindings exclusively.

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Does CMH provide snowboards?

CMH has a limited number of snowboards available: the Burton Fish (in 150 cm, 156 cm and 160 cm) and the Burton Malolo (in 162cm and 166 cm), which must be reserved in advance of your trip. We have limited snowboards and encourage riders to bring their own, as well as boots (and if possible collapsible poles). Boots are not provided.

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Is there a board that's best for powder riding?

The ideal snowboard for powder riding is longer and wider than a freestyle or traditional resort-riding board. It has an upturned nose and tail and is especially designed for powder and the variable conditions of backcountry (off-piste) riding. Our Heli-Boarders sometimes use swallowtail boards, which tend to be long, and are perfect for cruising and open terrain.

To avoid fatigue, you'll want to adjust your stance by moving your bindings slightly toward the back of the board. This puts more weight on the board's tail side, so the nose will be raised and your board floats above the snow.

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Do I need collapsible poles?

We highly recommend that snowboarders bring along a set of collapsible poles.

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Ski Boots: Any advice?

Boots should avoid pressure points on the toes, ankles and lower part of the shin. You want enough hinging action so you can push your knees forward easily without having to release your top buckle.

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Gloves: Any advice?

We are proud to introduce the new CMH Guide glove, by Outdoor Research. The Guide Glove offers superior warmth and insulation for the coldest, deep powder days. The shell, featuring a waterproof and breathable Goretex insert keeps hands and insulation dry. The durable 70 D nylon with a stretch nylon panel on the back of hand withstands rugged use and offers better fit and dexterity. Using Enduraloft insulation and Moonlite pile fleece the glove provides excellent warmth and wicks moisture from the skin. With a Pittards Armortant leather palm, the Guide glove is highly abrasion resistant and the pre-curved construction and hand shape offers increased dexterity and easy grip of poles. The DuoCinch gauntlet closure keeps weather out and the warmth in, and the 100 weight fleece removable liner adds insulating warmth.

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Goggles: Any advice?

Our goggles of choice are Smith Sport Optics. Featuring an impact-resistant thermal double lens with UVR protection and effective anti-fog coating, they also provide wide peripheral vision and superior clarity. The Turbo model has a silent battery-powered fan to eliminate fogging and is compatible with an optical insert for prescription lens wearers.

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Helmets: Any advice?

Helmets that offer a low profile or ¾ coverage shell and a removable neoprene ear cover are the way to go for Heli-Skiing, as the ear covers can be removed easily depending on the temperature. Helmets that fully cover the ear (e.g. race helmets) may be a safety hazard if they prevent you from hearing the guide's instructions.

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Outerwear: Any advice?

When riding powder in the backcountry, layers are a must. Capilene, fleece and other wicking fabrics are good choices. Clothes should be warm, non-restrictive, breathable, and above all, water-resistant or waterproof. Jackets with built-in “powder skirts” will stop snow from accumulating around your waist, which keeps you comfortable.

Our outerwear supplier, Arc'teryx, has worked with our design team and performed intensive field-testing with our guides to create what we think is the ultimate Heli-Ski jacket and pant: the Neos AR, now a CMH exclusive. Crafted with unique technologies (including magnificent new fabrics) and paradigm-shifting design, the Neos AR has raised the bar for the entire industry.

Leapfrogging conventional construction, the Neos AR Gore-Tex and Tweave jacket and pant are built with finely tuned, waterproof/breathable membrane technology and careful anatomical shaping. They incorporate crucial, sometimes overlooked elements like minimized taping, waterproof zippers and storm-sealing hoods.

The Neos line will be featured in our Lodge Collection, our Million Foot Awards Program and will be our guides' standard snow wear.

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