Trip Preparation

CMH Heli-Skiing Pre Trip FAQs

Below are some questions we're often asked as guests prepare for their trip.

Still have questions? Email us or call 1.800.661.0252.

WHAT DO I NEED TO PACK?

Pack only those items that are essential to your having a comfortable trip; the lodges are very casual. Some items you will want to remember include:

  • Light workout clothes for the morning stretch class;
  • A bathing suit for the whirlpool/sauna;
  • Indoor shoes or slippers.

There are laundry facilities available for your use at each area.

You will need the outer and inner clothes you ordinarily wear skiing; note that our lodge shops are stocked with anything you might need. We strongly recommend that you leave your skis and poles at home and use our specially designed equipment, which is provided to you at no extra cost. If possible, carry your ski boots as hand luggage.

Please note that the lodges use 110-volt (not 220 volt) electrical outlets.

HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I BRING?

Please limit yourself to one carry-on bag and one suitcase weighing no more than 18 kilos (40 lbs.). Air Canada has recently announced a decrease in their baggage weight allowance from 70 lbs to 50 lbs: please check directly with Air Canada or your Travel Consultant for more information.

If you are planning your Heli-Ski trip in conjunction with other travel that requires you to pack more than one suitcase, there is long-term storage at the Delta Calgary Airport Hotel available to our guests.

DO I NEED ANY TRAVEL DOCUMENTS?

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.

WHICH SKIS, BINDINGS, AND POLES DOES CMH PROVIDE?

CMH supplies all our skiers with skis and poles at no charge. We ask guests to bring their own boots, snowboards, or telemark skis.

The Atomic Heli-Daddy remains our main ski for powder skiing. It offers increased floatation and lighter swing weight (due to their foam-core construction) and initiate turns more easily. This excellent ski offers versatile performance in all the different deep snow and terrain conditions for a wide cross-section of skier. It comes in 150, 160, 170, 180 and 190 centimetre lengths.

For the 2009/2010 season we have added, in limited quantity, two new wide skis to our fleet:

  • • The new Atomic Heli-Pro (available in 169, 176 and 183 cm). The Heli-Pro is the next generation deep powder ski from Atomic, designed in conjunction with CMH. It has a slight shovel rocker, new tip profile, progressive side cut, a tighter radius and a slight increase in width (from the Heli-Daddy) resulting in more performance for a ski of this category
  • • The K2 Coomback (167, 174 and 181cm. Radius: 22m @ 174cm). The Coomback delivers the solid edge control and stability at speed as its predecessor, the Coomba, but with the addition of a slight shovel rocker to give it quicker initiation and better versatility.
  • • And for those more aggressive skiers who prefer a slightly narrower ski we have supplemented that category with the Atomic Savage (93 mm under foot/lengths - 177 and 186cm) a new ski in their proven Nomad series.

We also supply all our skiers with light and durable poles from Scott. We use Salomon bindings exclusively.

DOES CMH PROVIDE SNOWBOARDS?

CMH has a limited number of snowboards available: the Burton Fish (in 150 cm, 156 cm and 160 cm) and the Burton Malolo (in 162cm and 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.

CAN SNOWBOARDERS AND SKIERS BE TOGETHER IN ONE GROUP?

Groups of friends may be able to ski and board together if they are evenly matched in ability. However, in forming the groups we have to balance both the abilities of all skiers/boarders and the weights of the groups (for helicopter safety). So, even if you come as part of a group expecting to ski/board together, we must reserve the right to form the groups as we see fit to optimize group compatibility and safety.

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

The ideal snowboard for powder riding is longer and 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.

To avoid fatigue, 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?

We highly recommend that snowboarders bring along a set of collapsible poles.

ANY ADVICE ABOUT SKI BOOTS?

Boots should avoid pressure points on the toes, ankles, and lower part of the shin. You want enough hinging action so you can push your knees forward easily without having to release your top buckle.

HOW ABOUT HELMETS?

Helmets that offer a low profile or ¾ coverage shell and a removable neoprene ear cover are the way to go for Heli-Skiing, as the ear covers can be removed easily depending on the temperature. Helmets that fully cover the ear (e.g. race helmets) may be a safety hazard if they prevent you from hearing the guide's instructions.

OUTERWEAR?

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.

Our outerwear supplier, Arc'Teryx, has worked with our design team and performed intensive field-testing with our guides to create what we think is the ultimate Heli-Ski jacket and pant: the Neos AR, now a CMH exclusive. Crafted with unique technologies (including magnificent new fabrics) and paradigm-shifting design, the Neos AR has raised the bar for the entire industry.

Leapfrogging conventional construction, the Neos AR Gore-Tex and Tweave jacket and pant are built with finely tuned, waterproof/breathable membrane technology and careful anatomical shaping. They incorporate crucial, sometimes overlooked elements like minimized taping, waterproof zippers, and storm-sealing hoods.

The Neos line will be featured in our Lodge Collection, our Million Foot Awards Program, and will be our guides' standard snow wear.

GOGGLES?

Our goggles of choice are Smith Sport Optics. Featuring an impact-resistant thermal double lens with UVR protection and effective anti-fog coating, they also provide wide peripheral vision and superior clarity. The Turbo model has a silent battery-powered fan to eliminate fogging and is compatible with an optical insert for prescription lens wearers.

GLOVES?

We are proud to introduce the new CMH Guide glove, by Outdoor Research. The Guide Glove offers superior warmth and insulation for the coldest, deep powder days. The shell, featuring a waterproof and breathable Goretex insert keeps hands and insulation dry. The durable 70 D nylon with a stretch nylon panel on the back of hand withstands rugged use and offers better fit and dexterity. Using Enduraloft insulation and Moonlite pile fleece the glove provides excellent warmth and wicks moisture from the skin. With a Pittards Armortant leather palm, the Guide glove is highly abrasion resistant and the pre-curved construction and hand shape offers increased dexterity and easy grip of poles. The DuoCinch gauntlet closure keeps weather out and the warmth in, and the 100 weight fleece removable liner adds insulating warmth.

IS THIS CMH-RECOMMENDED GEAR AVAILABLE IN YOUR LODGES' RETAIL SHOPS?

Yes. Check out our on-line store: shop@cmh. For more information, email us at retailshop@cmhinc.com or call our Shop Division at 1.800.661.0252.

WHAT ELSE CAN I FIND IN YOUR SHOPS?

From technical to casual, kids to adults, we have everything for your Heli-Skiing needs. Each lodge's shop features a complete line of specially-designed CMH clothing, as well as many brand names from around the world. Our retail bywords are quality, function, uniqueness, and value. Every item is field tested before we will endorse it.

We also carry film, sunglasses, ear protection, custom luggage, and souvenirs, as well as a full range of custom boot liners and boot fitting accessories. And while we can't fill prescriptions (you must bring these with you), we do stock a range of over-the-counter medicines.

DO YOU SUPPLY AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVERS?

Yes. Every Heli-Skier must wear our transceiver while skiing, and there will be a mandatory group instruction and practice in their use for all guests before your first run. CMH uses Barryvox Avalanche Transceivers.

The potential of interference with your safety equipment, the avalanche transceiver:
Electronic equipment, transmitters, metals and magnets such as radios, cell phones, cameras, music players, GPS, battery packs of any type, etc., may interfere with the functionality of your avalanche transceiver. Therefore, CMH strongly recommends that you only carry electronics that are essential to your day of Heli-Skiing. We also require that any electronics that you bring skiing, be carried well separated from your avalanche transceiver. Your guide will be able to give you specific instructions on how to carry and use your transceiver in order to best avoid any interference from electronics, transmitters, metals and magnets; if sufficient separation can not be achieved and guaranteed you are advised not to carry specific pieces of equipment while out skiing.

DOES CMH PROVIDE AVALANCHE BALLOON PACKS (ABP)?

CMH does not provide ABPs to our guests however if you are interested in using a balloon pack, we do have a limited number available for rent, with prior notice. Learn more about ABP rental here.

Guests using a balloon pack are still required to carry a probe and shovel and to take turns carrying a radio.

CAN I BRING MY OWN AVALANCHE BALLOON PACK (ABP)?

We permit the use of avalanche balloon packs, but for safety reasons they are not allowed in the main compartment of the helicopter under any circumstance. All ABPs must be removed and transported, at the discretion of the guide, in the ski basket, tail boom, or in a netted-off jump seat. Guests who use their own balloon pack are still required to carry a probe and shovel and to take turns carrying a radio.

CAN I USE MY OWN PERSONAL VHF HANDHELD RADIO?

You are welcome to bring a personal radio. However, our operational frequency is restricted to emergency use only. You'll have to make sure an alternate frequency is programmed into your radio if you want to chat with other guests. Please note that CMH is now using narrowband operation.

CAN I USE MY PERSONAL MUSIC PLAYER?

For safety reasons, using personal music players is not permitted while out skiing. For your safety and that of the others in your group, you must be able to hear your guide at all times.

HOW FIT SHOULD I BE?

Fitness is often more important than ability. The more fit you are, the more fun you'll have 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 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.

CAN YOU COOK FOR SPECIAL DIETS?

If you have special dietary requirements, please note this on your Final Payment Invoice Questionnaire, or send us a short letter or email info@cmhinc.com, preferably two weeks prior to your trip, outlining what you'll need during your stay. Our chefs will make every effort to accommodate your diet.

ARE MASSAGES AVAILABLE?

Yes, CMH hires massage practitioners that specialize in sports and therapeutic massages, and each lodge provides massage services.

Time Rate*
30 minutes $65
45 minutes $85
60 minutes $105
90 minutes $140

*GST is not included in massage rates.

WHAT VOLTAGE DO YOU USE AT THE LODGES?

All lodge outlets are 110-volt (not 220-volt).

DO YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS?

CMH accepts AMEX, MasterCard and Visa for all deposits, final payments and for all payments in the lodges.

TELL ME ABOUT GRATUITIES.

Gratuities are not included in our prices, nor are they expected. If you feel that the staff service throughout your stay deserves gratuity please feel free to include one at the end of your ski trip. Gratuities are divided among all the staff at the lodge.