Before You Go

Fitness can make or break your trip: both major and minor injuries or even basic fatigue can really cut into your heli-skiing experience. Here are a few tips:

Conditioning: Check out our past issues of CMH News and our blog for exercises and other tips from columnist Dr. Delia Roberts, exercise physiologist. If you aren't already quite active, we recommend you start an exercise and stretching program at least eight weeks prior to your trip.

Skiing : Spend as much time on the slopes (groomed or off-piste) as you can prior to your trip. This will help build up the strength you need for sustained powder skiing.

Stretch class : All our lodges offer morning stretch classes before breakfast on your ski day: plan to take part.

Take note: 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 skiing. Your safety and the safety of the other skiers 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.

We provide specialized powder skis, bindings and poles, but you must bring your own ski boots. We also have a limited number of snowboards available, but encourage riders to bring their own, as well as boots (and, if possible, collapsible poles).

All basic ski gear (both under and outerwear) is available in our on-site ski shops, including ear protection for the helicopter lifts.

Remember, lodge atmosphere is mountain casual. In addition to your ski gear, make sure you pack appropriate clothes for the lodge. You also may wish to include:

•  Light workout attire for stretch classes;

•  Bathing suit for whirlpool and/or sauna;

•  Slippers or indoor shoes.

Passports: A valid passport is required for entry into Canada. To avoid delays at Canadian Customs, please be sure your passport and supporting information is up-to-date.

*Travelling on Air Canada ? Customers will be asked to register their sports equipment online or via the Air Canada call center prior to check-in to benefit from applicable waivers on the excess piece fee(s) for ski and snowboard boots, as well as the oversize fee for skis and snowboards. Customers who elect not to register their sporting equipment will be subject to all applicable excess piece and oversize fees when checking in at the airport on the day of departure.

Most CMH Heli-Ski trips include return ground transportation between Calgary International Airport and the lodge. Please note that transportation for early flight departures is not included in the trip price.

a) Trip Cancellation: Deposits for Heli-Skiing are non-refundable and non-transferable. We recommend you purchase trip cancellation insurance (10% of your trip cost) with your final payment. We'll send complete insurance information along with your final payment request. Payment is due 10 weeks before your trip.
Trip Cancellation Insurance Form (93 KB PDF)

Note: Check with your credit card provider if you're paying by credit card

b) Medical Insurance: We recommend you carry insurance to cover hospital and helicopter ambulance evacuation expenses, which are available through CMH. Make sure any insurance you purchase covers you while you are in Canada or out of your home province.

Please Note: We require a MEDICAL DECLARATION form for all trips with a value of $13,500.00 or more.

Medical Declaration Form for trips worth $13,500 or more (35 KB PDF)

Coverage for Canadians and Landed Immigrants ($5,000,000.00):
Travel Emergency Hospital/Medical Policy (93 KB PDF)
Travel Emergency Hospital/Medical Application Form (38 KB PDF)
Travel Emergency Hospital/Medical Rates (214 KB PDF)

Coverage for Visitors to Canada:
Visitors to Canada Insurance Form (1,289 KB PDF)
Rates/Application Form for Visitors to Canada - trips of less than 7 days (47 KB PDF)
Rates/Application Form for Visitors to Canada - trips of 7 days or more (47 KB PDF)

c) Medjet Assist: For a very reasonable membership fee, Medjet Assist will return you from Canada, or one of 150 other countries around the world, to the hospital of your choice. No credit card or travel insurance plan offers this level of service.

Canadian/US Citizens : visit www.medjetassist.com/cmh or else phone or e-mail CMH directly: 1.800.661.0252 or info@cmhinc.com .

European CMH clients: call CMH at 1.800.661.0252 or e-mail info@cmhinc.com to find out more.

d) Personal Insurance: We recommend you carry insurance to cover loss of baggage, skis, and personal belongings, due to airlines or unforeseen accidents. Homeowners insurance may not offer enough coverage. Make sure this insurance covers you while you are in Canada .