WHAT IS THE TERRAIN LIKE?

The twelve different CMH areas offer a far greater variety of terrain and exposure than all other Heli-Skiing operations combined. Each area encompasses more than 1,000 square kilometres and offers over 125 runs for the exclusive use of 50 skiers (maximum). Runs vary in length from 500 to 2,100 vertical metres and are in the most beautiful mountain country imaginable. Skiing and riding is done on open snowfields, glaciers and in the trees. On marginal weather days we can only ski in the trees.


WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO COME?

Our season begins in December. By this time, most regular ski areas have already been open for a few weeks. The reasons we wait this late to open are: we know we will have more than a sufficient amount of snow, and the opportunity for good skiing is the same as at any other time of the year. Our winter begins earlier and lasts longer than that of our U.S. neighbours.

Spring skiing offers a variety of snow conditions ranging from corn snow on south facing slopes to powder on north facing slopes. At this time of the year, we stay primarily on high open slopes.

To experienced Heli-Snowboarders, corn snow is a precious commodity that offers its own set of attractions. Unlike “spring slush,” it is the most effortless of the various conditions we encounter at other times of the year.

Spring often provides a variety of conditions including powder snow. In springtime, the days are longer and the temperatures are warmer, generally allowing for more runs than at other times during the season.


WHICH AREA SHOULD I CHOOSE?

Each area offers a similar selection of terrain, runs and snow conditions. If you rode each area under similar weather and snow conditions, you would have difficulty distinguishing between them. Only Bobbie Burns, Galena, Kootenay and Monashees differ and should not be considered by first time Heli-Skiers.

The differences in prices between the areas on any given week reflect the costs of operating each of the areas.

If accessibility and ease of communication with the outside world are important, then you should consider the Gothics, Kootenay, Monashees, Revelstoke, Valemount or McBride.

If accessibility and communications are not important, you should consider the Adamants, Bobbie Burns, Bugaboos, Cariboos, Galena or Silvertip. Whichever CMH area you choose, you will find the same dedication by our staff to give you a unique mountain experience.


WEATHER AND SNOW CONDITIONS.

Unfortunately, there are no guarantees when it comes to the weather. The week you choose could be the best week of your life or it could turn out to be a frustrating experience that does not live up to your high expectations. Temperatures can drop to a bitter –40 degrees or you could encounter rain. These are risks you have to share with us.

It's not always powder riding. It is remote mountain skiing in untracked snow. The snow is good 70 percent of the time but it can also be very poor. The guides are mountaineers and instructors who will do their best to find good snow and will offer you help/instruction in all conditions.


WHAT IS YOUR AVERAGE SNOWFALL?

It varies greatly from year to year, but, in the actual ski areas, seasonal snowfall averages range from 1,200 centimetres (470 inches) to 2,000 centimetres (790 inches, or a hefty 65 feet). This generally makes for a settled snowpack of anywhere from 2.5 metres (8 feet) to 5 metres (16 feet). (So, to get 1 metre, or 3 feet, of settled snow on the ground, approximately 4 metres, or 13 feet of snow has to fall!) Since our 12 areas cover that nearly half-of-Switzerlandsized 15,765 square kilometres, snow amounts and conditions can vary from one area to the next.


AT WHAT ALTITUDE DO YOU RIDE?

Most of our ski terrain is between 1,800 metres (5,900 feet) and 2,800 metres (9,200 feet). In some cases, we can land as high as 3,500 metres (11,500 feet) and ski down to 600 metres (1,960 feet). The altitude at which we actually ride will be determined each day by the guides and pilots, depending on weather and flying conditions, snow stability, and snow quality.


WHAT IS RIDING IN THE TREES LIKE?

Canadian tree riding is a unique experience. We ride in natural, mature forests where the wide spacing between very large trees makes for very pleasant skiing. Over the past four decades we’ve developed many runs with good tree-spacing even in dense forests. Our experience and knowledge of the forests allow us to ride enjoyably during periods of poor visibility and when the avalanche risk is high on the open slopes. Since a portion of your Heli-Boarding trip will be spent riding in the trees, you should keep in mind that, exhilarating as it is, tree riding is also difficult and strenuous.


IS THERE A BOARD THAT'S BEST FOR THE BACKCOUNTRY POWDER RIDING?

It's important to arrive at CMH with the right gear. The ideal snowboard for powder riding is somewhat longer and a bit 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. Best bet: a freeride (6-10 centimeters longer than your everyday freeriding board) or powder-specific board (tapered board or swallowtail). NOTE: CMH has a limited number of snowboards available: the Burton Fish (in 156 cm and 160 cm) and the Burton Malolo (in 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.

SHOULD BINDINGS BE ADJUSTED FOR POWDER?

Yes. To avoid aching legs, 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.

DO I NEED COLLAPSIBLE POLES?

Yes, we highly recommend bringing a set of collapsible poles along with you.

WHAT CLOTHING DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR BACKCOUNTRY POWDER RIDING?

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. About gloves: we recommend our specially designed powder gloves (see the FAQs- Equipment section) and also advise buying wrist guards separately, which you can slip into our gloves.

HOW ABOUT HELMETS?

Helmets that offer a low profile or ¾ coverage shell and a removable neoprene ear cover are the way to go, as the ear covers can be removed easily on warmer days. Helmets that fully cover the ear (e.g. race helmets) may be a safety hazard if you can't hear the guide’s instructions.


HOW FIT SHOULD I BE?

Fitness is often more important than ability. The more fit you are, the more fun you’ll have Heli-Skiing and the less likely you’ll be to injure yourself. If you aren’t already quite active, we strongly recommend that you start an exercise and stretching program at least eight weeks prior to your trip. And while you’re in the mountains with us we suggest you take part in the lodge’s daily stretching/warm-up sessions.


WHAT IF I'M NOT GOOD ENOUGH?

If you have dramatically overrated your fitness, overall ability, or skill in difficult terrain and snow conditions, we reserve the right to have you return to the lodge after a couple of runs. Our decision depends on the snow conditions and the terrain hazards in the areas we’re riding. Your safety and the safety of the other guests is our overriding priority. If you can’t keep up with your group, you may be asked to stay at the lodge or leave the area before your trip ends. If you have reservations about your ability, take a look at our Specialty Programs.


DO YOU ONLY OFFER WEEK-LONG TRIPS?

No. We are offering more and more variations on our classic 7-day trips, along with more 3-, 4-, 5- and 10-day trips. We also offer Powder Introduction, Powder Masters, Private Groups, and other specialty trips. See our website for the latest information. So: many variations on the grand theme.


ARE THERE MANY NON-RIDING DAYS?

Because we ride in such a variety of terrain and at such varying altitudes, we can usually find a good skiable area. On average, we can’t ride at all only about half a day each week. But should you encounter a difficult week, you have the assurance of the best refund policy in the Heli-Skiing business.


HOW ARE THE GROUPS SET UP?

After your arrival at the lodge, we’ll ask you at what pace you want to ride, and our guides will form groups of compatible ability. In the interest of making the skiing as enjoyable as possible for everybody, it’s entirely at the discretion of the guides to decide which group you will ride with and to make changes throughout the week if necessary.

Guests frequently arrive as part of a group which intends to ski or snowboard together. If the group is evenly matched in ability, this may be possible. However, in forming the groups, we have to balance the abilities of all the guests at the area and we also need, for helicopter safety reasons, to balance the weights of the flight groups. Pre-formed groups arriving at the area may say they don’t mind if their group isn’t evenly matched. But when one group is mismatched it often causes the other groups to be mismatched as well, seriously affecting everyone’s safety and quality of experience. So even if you come as part of a group expecting to ski and snowboard together, for the safety and enjoyment of all our guests, we must reserve the right to form the groups as we see fit, optimizing the compatibility of skiing abilities and balancing the weights of all the groups.


DO I HAVE TO SIGN A WAIVER?

Yes. Our first and foremost priority is to provide you with a safe, enjoyable riding experience and our guides and pilots are rigorously trained to optimize the program’s safety and quality. The safety briefings and training you’ll receive on arrival are designed to explain Heli-Boarding’s risks and to bring you into partnership with us in managing them to the fullest extent possible. But while some elements of risk are manageable, others are not, and Heli Snowoarding’s inherent risks—which exceed the normal risks of everyday living and recreational skiing — can’t be completely eliminated. We ask you to understand and accept this fact in writing prior to your trip by signing the CMH Heli-Skiing waiver. Unless we have received your properly completed and witnessed waiver including full contact information, we can’t accept your booking.