If you’ve already conquered numerous resort slopes and are searching for the next exciting challenge, we at Pure Powder and CMH Heli Skiing coordinate the best heli skiing Canada has to offer. In the helicopter skiing community, CMH Heli Skiing is synonymous with unparalleled quality and operational excellence, further enhanced by our concierge-style service and continuous support.
Our partnership truly is a match made in heaven, and if you are keen to throw yourself into some of the dryest, deepest powder one could find anywhere, it doesn’t get better than our Canadian adventures. To give you a sense of what to expect from one of these sought-after experiences, we will explore the ins and outs of CMH Heli Skiing, including their operational practices, the helicopters you will have access to and an in-depth look at their maiden adventure.
Since we at Pure Powder and CMH Heli Skiing have been at the forefront of the industry for decades, there is certainly no shortage of experience and know-how to draw from. We have mastered the art of matching skiers with their ideal trip, and at this stage, our record speaks for itself. So, if you are interested in learning more about the behind-the-scenes planning, coordination, and preparation that goes into one of these incredible excursions, why not read along with us?
Heli Skiing Canada: The Trip That Kickstarted The Sport
We’ve covered the history of helicopter skiing at length in previous guides, but to fully understand the origins of CMH Heli Skiing, it makes sense to delve into their maiden voyage – the trip that started it all. The first successful excursion took place in April of 1965 when 18 skiing enthusiasts, led by the renowned founder of CMH, Hans Gmoser, set off to experience the majesty of the British Columbian backcountry in ways that simply weren’t possible before.
While there were previous attempts at using helicopters to transport clients into the wilderness, none had succeeded until this group ventured between the granite Bugaboo Spires in their search for deep powder and untouched terrain, cementing their place in the sport’s history in the process. Gmoser had already explored the region a year prior and, upon witnessing the extraordinary terrain and snow conditions firsthand, concluded that he “had no concerns about the quality of the skiing.”
Nowadays, the guests at CMH Bugaboos need only take a quick 10-minute helicopter flight from the Columbia Valley to the remote lodge. However, back then, resources were much more limited, and it was necessary to take steps to keep trip costs low. To do so, this first leg of the journey was carried out using a combination of vehicles, including trucks, cars, and snowmobiles. This arduous, muddy journey covered 45 km of rugged dirt-logging roads until they eventually decided that it was necessary to switch over to a Nodwell, a tracked all-terrain vehicle that is better equipped for such a journey.
This trek through the backcountry took a total of 9 hours, during which guests were rained on, dug vehicles out of deep mud numerous times, and pushed heavy all-terrain vehicles along challenging dirt roads. This is in stark contrast to the pleasant voyage that clients take today. Finally, the weary group arrived at their luxurious basecamp: an old logging sawmill that was owned by a local company. This site consisted of a few bunkhouses and a large cookhouse, where everyone gathered to relax and share stories.
Heli Skiing Canada: A Hard-Earned Reward
Finally, the moment all 18 adventurers had been waiting for had arrived, and the excitement was palpable. The conditions were bright and clear, ideal for flying, and the pilot, Jim Davies, began to warm up the Bell 47G-1 ‘Bubble Copter’. Unlike the powerful helicopters CMH Heli Skiing uses today, this machine was small and slow-climbing, featuring only a single seat up front for the pilot and a two-person passenger bench directly behind the cockpit. The size of the ‘bubble copter’ meant it often took a full hour to assemble a group of skiers at the peak.
However, once everyone reached the top of the Bugaboo Glacier, the trials and tribulations of the last few days faded away entirely. Presented with the magical vistas of British Columbia and the exhilarating prospect of descent, the group was enthralled. Now, all that was left was to push off and follow Hans’ lead down the glacier, carving their way through the pristine snow and leaving their mark in the incredible snowy wilderness. The group spent the next few days basking in the remarkable skiing opportunities that surrounded them, exploring different runs with each descent and reliving their experiences around a warm fire in the evenings.
On some of these runs, the skiers covered a whopping 4,000 vertical feet, sweeping through pristine, untouched bowls and navigating beautiful spires. While there were certainly a few hiccups along the way, the trip was a resounding success, and it ignited a burning desire in the hearts of skiers all around the globe. CMH Heli Skiing went from 18 guests to 70 the next year, and 150 in 1967, growing not only in size but also developing infrastructure, introducing practices to ensure guest safety, and improving the overall experience with each excursion.
Heli Skiing Canada: “Taming The Circus In The Sky”
In the 60 years since Jim Davies carted 18 skiers up Bugaboos Glacier, helicopter technology has advanced in leaps and bounds. Gone are the days of the two-seater ‘bubble copters’, which often warranted a jump from the hovering helicopter and resulted in more than a few hard landings. “Since helicopters were quite new then, our understanding of them was nil,” stated Gmoser. However, this is certainly not the case anymore, and today’s robust safety practices and advanced machinery mean the CMH pilots and guides are more than equipped to tackle any challenges that arise.
Now, when you book a trip with Pure Powder and CMH Heli Skiing, you can expect to jet off in a Bell 212, Bell 407, or an A-Star B3 Helicopter. Not only are these some of the most rugged, highest-performing machines available, but they are ideal for the specialised role they fulfil. If you weren’t already aware, CMH is one of only a few operators worldwide that own and manage their fleet of helicopters. This makes it easier to plan and prepare for trips, but more importantly, it means that CMH is intimately involved in every aspect of their helicopters’ lifecycles, including manufacturing, maintenance, and, of course, flying.
Much of this is made possible by Alpine Helicopters, who have been partnered with CMH Heli Skiing as their aircraft operator for more than 30 years. In this time, they have asserted themselves as the best in the industry, and the mountain pilots and engineers that they bring to the table are second to none. With a fleet of more than 30 aircraft and pilots who are often assigned to the same CMH region for multiple years, the CMH team is one of, if not the most competent and prepared operators in the world. This is part of the reason why thousands of skiers are ecstatic to embark on these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Heli Skiing Canada: Why Choose Pure Powder And CMH Heli Skiing?
Well, to start with, CMH has exclusive access to some of the most remarkable skiable regions in the nation, in which ski enthusiasts are bound to have an unforgettable experience that will stick with them for a lifetime. Beyond this, both Pure Powder and CMH are distinctly aware of our responsibility to protect and care for these pristine mountain locations, and we take all necessary steps to reduce our environmental impact and operate in a sustainable manner.
Given that we have been at the forefront of the helicopter skiing industry for many decades at this stage, we have had plenty of time to perfect our safety practices and coordination, meaning you can expect a seamless, stress-free experience on the slopes. Our extensive experience also opens the doors to tailored suggestions and advice from our knowledgeable team, who will assist you from the moment you get in touch with us until your return. At Pure Powder, exceptional concierge-style support is a prerequisite, and we will ensure that your adventure goes off without a hitch.
Our partners at CMH Heli Skiing are also renowned for their professionally certified mountain and ski guides, who are undoubtedly some of the finest in the world. In fact, CMH is the largest employer of guides worldwide, so you can rest assured that you are in the safest hands possible. Lastly, the CMH remote lodges at your disposal are luxurious and exquisite, serving as ideal bases of operations for the life-changing experiences that are these adventures. Speaking of, let’s have a look at some of these incredible accommodations.
Heli Skiing Canada: A Quick Look At A Few Of The Remote Lodges
Let’s explore a few of the magical options available through Pure Powder and CMH:
CMH Adamants Lodge: Adamants Lodge, situated in the Northern Selkirks range of British Columbia, boasts extraordinary champagne powder and diverse terrain. If you are looking for moderate to fast-paced skiing and a comfortable, luxurious stay, these trips are an excellent choice.
CMH Bobbie Burns Lodge: The Bobbie Burns is a heli-access-only lodge that is ideal for skiers who are looking to test their mettle with massive vertical and a fast-paced approach. The runs are 50% trees and 50% alpine, making for an excellent blend of skiing opportunities that will not soon be forgotten.
CMH Cariboos Lodge: If versatility and diverse terrain are high on your list of priorities, Cariboos Lodge is certainly worth your consideration. The expansive skiable region makes it perfect for both beginners and seasoned veterans. For an exceptional, all-round experience, few choices can hold a candle to Cariboos.
Heli Skiing Canada: Final Thoughts
With that, we come to the end of our comprehensive deep dive into our long-time partners at CMH Heli Skiing. Hopefully, you have learnt a thing or two about the largest helicopter skiing operator in the world, and perhaps it has even inspired you to book a trip with us at Pure Powder. If so, get in touch with us at info@purepowder.com and we can begin the booking process immediately!
