The iconic Bobbie Burns Lodge should be on the bucket list of every ski enthusiast, since the surrounding backcountry offers some of the finest heli skiing Canada has to offer. Known for its fast-paced runs and practically unlimited vertical, Bobbie Burns Lodge offers a stellar experience that simply must be witnessed first-hand to be understood.
This incredible remote lodge is one of the most well-known in the world, which makes sense when you consider that Bobbie Burns affords its guests an unrivalled skiing experience that is tough to replicate elsewhere. With miles of untouched powder surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, this location is as unique as it is luxurious. In this short read, we will take a closer look at the legendary lodge and all it has to offer.
Heli Skiing Canada: What Makes The Experience Stand Out?
For the uninitiated, heli skiing may sound like an extreme form of skiing meant for the bravest of thrill seekers. While it certainly does involve plenty of excitement, it usually doesn’t entail what many might expect – jumping from airborne helicopters onto vertical slopes, like in a Red Bull promotional video. Heli skiing in Canada is a far more moderate activity where the overarching objective is to reach untouched, remote areas using a helicopter rather than conventional methods like a lift.
The main appeal of heli skiing is the unique locations that you have at your disposal, typically situated in hard-to-reach regions of the backcountry, free from resort crowds. Since flying to these areas in a helicopter tends to be the only way to reach them, the snow conditions are pristine and untracked, often falling into the “champagne powder” category, which is widely considered to be the finest snow to ski. Skiing on this fresh, deep powder is a ski enthusiast’s dream, and many travel far and wide to experience it for themselves.
The terrain of each respective location is diverse, challenging, and distinct. Depending on the specific location, this may include runs made up of wide-open bowls, sharp, steep chutes, and extensive, mellow descents. Heli skiing is always accompanied by professional, knowledgeable guides who know the terrain and safety protocols like the back of their hands, so you can rest assured that you will be well looked after and advised.
Though heli skiing is generally considered more challenging than conventional resort skiing due to the variable and often steep terrain, which is why we recommend clients be at an intermediate ability level, some destinations’ surrounding terrain is suitable for newer heli skiers. Ultimately, heli skiing provides an unmatched experience that you will not soon forget. The thrill of being flown to beautiful, untouched mountains and skiing in breathtaking settings on light, fluffy powder is considered the pinnacle of modern skiing.
Heli Skiing Canada: The Terrain And Conditions
With the area’s vast terrain and lengthy runs, Bobbie Burns is a hotbed for skiing enthusiasts the world over. Known for its high-speed skiing and monstrous vertical, it affords skiers the opportunity to reach some of the highest elevations of all our destinations. Heli skiers will no doubt find the immaculate terrain as accommodating as the lodge itself.
The region boasts more than 1700 sq. km of skiable terrain, and with up to 300 runs to choose from, you are spoilt for choice. These runs consist of a mix of 50% alpine and 50% tree runs, ensuring plenty of diversity, which should make each day on the slopes unique. With the non-stop runs, continuous challenges, and seemingly never-ending powder, it’s easy to see why even the most experienced heli skiers continue to return each season.
Bobbie Burns Lodge is famous for its long, ultra-fast pitches, so it’s best suited for skiers at a strong to expert level. If you’re dying to rack-up some impressive vertical, test your skills, and experience unmatched snow conditions, this remote lodge ticks all the right boxes.
Bobbie Burns Lodge Amenities
In 2019, the 32-room Bobbie Burns Lodge underwent a lavish refurbishment with the goal of improving the overall visitor experience. The restoration introduced a brand-new guest wing, a games room, modern accessories in all rooms, as well as a well-stocked wine cellar. Combine all of this with exquisite cuisine and hospitality, and you are left with a luxurious, yet cosy lodge experience that retains the original magic that drew so many skiers to the location in the first place.
There is no shortage of amenities at Bobbie Burns Lodge, so allow us to delve into a few of them. No backcountry lodge is complete without some form of heat therapy, and at Bobbie Burns, you can enjoy a steam room, a dry sauna, or an outdoor hot tube to rejuvenate the body after an exhilarating day on the slopes. If you’re more inclined towards other forms of relaxation, the massage room and the professional masseuses will ensure that your sore muscles become an issue of the past; just be sure to make your booking in advance.
As part of the renovation, a dedicated games room was created that features a pool table, table-top football, or pinball, amongst others, to keep you entertained or occupied after the adventuring has concluded for the day. Fitness enthusiasts have access to the well-equipped in-house gym, or an indoor climbing or bouldering wall if you’re looking for an alternative way to stay active. For those among us who just cannot get enough snow, there are other outdoor activities in the form of cross-country hiking or snowshoeing. Skis and boots are provided, but there is a well-stocked gear shop should you require anything for the activities or skiing.
When it comes to the bedrooms, you can expect spacious, cosy rooms with contemporary and modern accessories for an ultra-comfortable stay. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms and come complete with hand and body wash, bathrobes, shampoo and conditioner, as well as hair dryers. Rooms and all communal areas have free Wi-Fi, and cabins share a communal balcony, so stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges are only ever a few steps away.
Guests will be delighted to know that the Bobbie Burns Lodge has the largest wine cellar of all the CMH lodges and is stocked with a comprehensive selection of some of the world’s finest wines. All the elegant cuisine, including pasta, steak, fish, and a variety of vegetarian selections, are included in the stay package. The award-winning culinary crew also prepares fresh snacks and appetisers every day. Though alcohol is purchased separately, the bar is always fully stocked, so you can enjoy a beer or a cocktail at your leisure.
Heli Skiing Canada: Accessibility And Trip Options
There are two Pure Powder trip options to choose from at Bobbie Burns Lodge. The first is our classic signature heli skiing, and the second is the sought-after, exclusive private heli skiing trips. The signature heli skiing trip is a great ‘all-rounder’ trip for groups of up to eleven skiers. This larger group includes three or four smaller groups that share a helicopter between them, ultimately facilitating between 8 and 12 runs per day.
The pinnacle of heli skiing exclusivity and luxury is provided by our private heli skiing excursions. You will have a personal helicopter at your disposal for the duration of the adventure, allowing for ample versatility when it comes to choosing the day’s run lineup – the itinerary is entirely customised for you and your party. A private heli-skiing tour is perfect for groups of four or less, as it offers customised skiing at a speed that suits your party.
Travelling to Bobbie Burns is effortless; even though the lodge can only be accessed by helicopter, it’s a stone’s throw away from Calgary airport. Meaning you won’t need to worry about excessive travel times and can focus your attention on the excitement to come.
Heli Skiing Canada: Bobbie Burns Lodge Itinerary
If you’re wondering what a typical day at Bobbie Burns Lodge entails, allow us to set the scene. Days usually start with a warm-up class in the fitness room or an instructional video. This will guarantee optimal performance and reduce the risk of injury by ensuring the muscles are sufficiently warmed up for the day.
Warm-up sessions are followed by a nourishing breakfast prepared by the in-house culinary team to make sure that everyone has the energy they need to tackle the challenges of the backcountry. The chefs also prepare lunch and snacks to be packed for the day. From 9 AM, the ski day and programme officially begin, with runs taking place up to around lunchtime.
After lunch, groups make their way back to the lodge, where a choice of après-ski activities awaits – whether that’s the hot tub, steam room, massage room, or games room. A decadent dinner is then served while tales of the group’s skiing exploits are shared over glasses of wine, beers, or delectable cocktails.
Heli Skiing Canada: In Summary
The Bobbie Burns Lodge is not only one of the most popular destinations in the Pure Powder and CMH catalogue, but one of the most iconic – and for good reason. The irresistible appeal lies in both the quality of powder as well as the immaculate, lengthy runs that are bound to satisfy even the most experienced heli skiers. This, in combination with the newly renovated, charming lodging, acts as the perfect formula to encourage some of the finest heli skiing Canada can provide.
Whether you want to experience Bobbie Burns for the first time or return for your umpteenth stay, we are here to ensure that your stay is an unforgettable one. At Pure Powder, we will assist you through the entire process. So, if you’re keen to get your next heli skiing fix, we’re the perfect operator for the job.
Heli Skiing Canada: Your Go-To Heli Skiing Specialists
For more than four decades, we at Pure Powder have been organising heli skiing trips to locations across Canada. With many successful adventures under our belt, we know how to put together a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Our adventures are created for skiers, by skiers, which is evident in all facets of our excursions. Our concierge-style approach to support and guidance is unmatched in the industry, and we take great pride in being the most prolific heli skiing specialist in the United Kingdom. Our love for heli skiing, combined with an unmatched sense of adventure, forms the basis of all our trips. If you are looking for your next great thrill and you consider yourself to be at an adequate skiing level, we’re confident that we can plan the perfect adventure for you!
