Canadian Mountain Holidays

Ski Touring the CMH Way

Back To Our Roots – Ski Touring CMH Style

When a young Hans Gmoser first started taking guests into the mountains almost 50 years ago the thought of using a helicopter to get to the top never occurred to him. That’s something you accomplished under your own steam by rhythmically sliding climbing skin-clad touring skis up pristine slopes in winter.

Ski touring allows us to experience the mountains in a way that’s very different from heli-skiing. The quiet is deafening. There’s plenty of time to fully absorb the magic of the setting. Your body gets into an almost Zen-like rhythm as you patiently climb towards a new vista at every corner, and the top of the peak that lies beyond. And after you’ve enjoyed the compulsory summit snack, stripped off the skins and clicked your bindings into downhill mode, the turns seem that much more satisfying because you know you earned every one of them.

- Rob Rohn, CMH Director of Mountain Operations

This coming April we’re offering our guests a chance to experience ski touring CMH style. And where better to do that but in the Bugaboos, where it all started.

On April 11-18 and April 18-25 a maximum of ten touring guests will share the lodge with the heli-skiers. The cost of the week is $3500 and includes the transfer to and from Calgary, twin accommodation and meals for the week at the Bugaboo Lodge, guides, helicopter flights, mountain safety training and the use of avalanche transceivers.

With two guides, fly off in a helicopter for an exhilarating downhill to start. Then apply skins, release heels, strip off a layer and head off for some great ski touring. Then, fly back to all the amenities awaiting at the Bugaboo Lodge.

You don’t need previous touring experience to join in, but you do need to be in good physical condition and have the same downhill skiing ability we require of our heli-skiers. Skiers will need clothing appropriate for ski touring. If you don’t have touring skis and boots we can arrange rentals in Banff.

If the idea of experiencing a different kind of mountain adventure appeals to you, come join us on a great week of ski touring, CMH style.