Are You Ready for Heliskiing?

Pack Your Bag

Ability Level & Group Matching

Getting There / Transportation

From your arrival airport or from various pick-up points along the route, you can sit back and enjoy the scenery aboard one of CMH’s coaches. Coach transportation is included with your CMH trip (except for CMH Purcell and CMH Kootenay).

We can arrange a private vehicle with driver—from a single passenger to a full group.

If you prefer the freedom of driving yourself, you may travel by car directly to the heliport or lodge. Drivers should feel comfortable and be prepared to drive in varying mountain road conditions. Parking is at your own risk.

We work with a partner charter airline and can easily arrange a private flight for your group to the airport closest to your CMH lodge. Some lodges have nearby private airstrips if you wish to fly your own aircraft, although we recommend consulting our transportation team beforehand due to winter weather conditions.

Want to arrive faster? You can avoid the coach transfer by booking a private helicopter flight directly from the airport to the lodge. Contact our team for pricing and information.

Early departure? If you have an early return flight and the scheduled transportation does not arrive in time, CMH offers an early departure service on the last day of your trip for an additional fee. Contact us to check availability, as not all destinations offer this option.

Lodge Arrivals & Departures

Download CMH transportation information (PDF)

Download self-drive directions (PDF)

Download private travel information (PDF)

Where Should I Ski with CMH?

If you ski or snowboard primarily on black to double-black terrain, both on and off-piste, actively seeking and enjoying moguls and any challenge the mountain offers, and you can do so at a fast, fluid, and confident pace, then you are ready for heliskiing at most of our 11 destinations. If you respect this type of terrain but often avoid it or struggle in variable conditions, we recommend one of the more relaxed-paced destinations or an Intro to Powder program.

If you fall somewhere in between, we can find an experience among our 11 destinations that best matches your skills and your powder skiing dreams. If you have any doubts, please get in touch with us.

Who Will Be in Your Group?

The group you ski or snowboard with depends on a complex combination of factors: part mathematics, part safety, and part ability level and fitness.

Keep in mind that your best interests are always considered when groups are created. Whenever possible, they will try to place you with other skiers or snowboarders who have similar abilities and pace on the mountain.

They also do their best to keep friends and family together, but this cannot be guaranteed. Why? Even when ability levels are similar, other factors influence group formation, such as total group weight, which is important for helicopter performance and safety.

If you end up in a different group from your family or friends, it simply means twice as many stories to share later over après-ski drinks.

If you have any concerns about your group during the trip, please speak with your guide or the area manager as soon as possible. If adjustments can be made, we will do our best to make them; and if not, we will be happy to explain why.

We want you to have the best experience possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to CMH?

The 11 lodges are located in British Columbia, Canada. International flights arrive in Calgary (YYC) or Kelowna (YLW), depending on the destination. From the airport, CMH provides private coach transportation included in the trip price (except for Purcell and Kootenay). Your Arias Travel agent will handle all logistical details.

Is there WiFi and mobile phone coverage at the lodges?

Free WiFi is available in all lodges, along with computer stations for internet access. Mobile phone coverage may not be available at some remote lodges. Telephones are available in the computer area for making calls.

What type of terrain can I expect?

Terrain varies by destination, ranging from large alpine bowls and open slopes to tight tree skiing and pillow lines. Choosing the right destination for your ability level is essential — that’s what we’re here for at Arias Travel.

Can friends with different ability levels ski together?

CMH tries to keep friends and families together, but this cannot be guaranteed. Total group weight and actual ability level determine group composition. It is common for guests staying at the same lodge to be assigned to different groups.

Do I have to pay a single supplement if I travel alone?

There is no mandatory single supplement for solo travelers willing to share a room. If you prefer a private room, a supplement applies and varies by lodge, subject to availability.

What happens if we do not reach the guaranteed vertical due to bad weather?

CMH issues a refund based on the difference between the guaranteed vertical and the actual vertical skied. There are two options: a standard refund (credit card, cheque, or future travel credit) or RBI, which includes an additional 15–25% incentive for rebooking.

Can I ship my equipment in advance?

Most lodges accept advance shipments of ski equipment. Arias Travel will provide the shipping address and labeling instructions upon confirmation of your booking.

Can I bring my GoPro?

Yes, you may bring a GoPro during your CMH experience, including while flying in the helicopter and skiing, provided it is securely mounted and does not interfere with safety procedures or guide instructions.

Can I bring heated clothing?

Heated clothing is not permitted at CMH for safety reasons and due to compatibility concerns with avalanche safety equipment.

Is tipping mandatory?

Gratuities are not included in the trip price. They are shared equally among guides, lodge staff, and flight crews. The industry recommendation is typically CAD $100–$150 per guest per day.

Can someone who does not ski join the trip?

Yes, CMH welcomes non-skiers at some lodges, where they can enjoy the surroundings, alternative activities, or relaxation options, depending on the specific program. Please inform us before booking so we can confirm availability with CMH.

What is the minimum age to travel with CMH?

The usual minimum age at CMH is 12 years old, although this may vary depending on the lodge and the specific trip conditions.

What if I decide not to ski after lunch? Can I ski only half a day?

Yes, it is possible to stop skiing for the afternoon. You may choose to remain at the lodge or relax, provided this is coordinated with your guide for safety and group logistics.

Food & Beverage

All meals are included in the trip price. CMH chefs are professionally trained in fine dining and are given complete creative freedom, making the culinary experience one of the biggest positive surprises for first-time guests.

Allergies & Dietary Requirements

CMH can accommodate most allergies, dietary restrictions, and special nutritional requirements, including gluten-free, nut-free, shellfish-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. While a completely allergen-free environment cannot be guaranteed, the kitchen team provides suitable alternatives whenever possible. Any dietary requirements must be communicated at the time of booking.

Sample Itinerary

Arrival day begins with a welcome at the lodge, room check-in, and a general orientation session, followed by mountain safety training. After lunch, some programs include an introductory afternoon of heliskiing. At the end of the day, guests return to the lodge to enjoy CMH’s famous tea goodie before relaxing in the lodge facilities, such as the hot tub, sauna, or massage services, and finishing the evening with dinner.

During full heliskiing days, the schedule usually starts with an optional stretching session, followed by breakfast and equipment preparation. Guests then head into the mountains for an exciting day of skiing or riding, with lunch served in the field. The afternoon continues with more runs before returning to the lodge for tea goodie, relaxation time, and dinner.

Departure day begins with breakfast and packing. Depending on the lodge and program booked, some trips include a final morning of heliskiing before departure and transfer back. Please note that guests ski either a half-day on arrival or a half-day on departure, but not both.

What's Included

All programs include accommodation in a fully equipped lodge, with access to all facilities such as saunas, hot tubs, fitness rooms, and morning stretching sessions. All meals, snacks, and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages are also included.

Coach transportation to and from Calgary or Kelowna airports, depending on the selected CMH destination, is included. Guests may also choose to arrive independently or arrange customized services such as private drivers, charter aircraft, or heli-bump transfers.

Guests are accompanied at all times by professional mountain guides certified by the Canadian Mountain Guides Association (CMGA) and IFMGA. CMH also provides all required safety equipment, including avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, and personal radio, along with training on their proper use.

The use of skis and poles or a snowboard is included, along with all applicable taxes, including the 5% GST, and unlimited vertical.

Vertical Guarantee

Every CMH program includes a Vertical Guarantee, representing the minimum amount of vertical terrain that CMH guarantees guests will have the opportunity to ski. If this guarantee is not met due to operational reasons such as adverse weather or mechanical issues, CMH will provide a refund.

If the guarantee is exceeded, all additional vertical is completely free of charge. This guarantee does not apply if the minimum vertical is not reached due to injury, illness, insufficient skiing ability, or a personal decision to stop skiing.

What's Not Included

International or domestic flights, accommodation before or after the trip, alcoholic beverages and premium drinks, massage treatments, retail merchandise, and ski or snowboard boots are not included.

All guests must bring their own boots, and it is strongly recommended that they travel with them in their carry-on luggage. Avalanche airbags or flotation devices are also not included, although they may be rented separately by guests who wish to use them during the trip.