Don't let the epic snow conditions pass you by! Heli Ski mythbusting
The blogosphere and ski reports are lighting up with the best early season snow conditions North America has seen in years, setting the stage for what promises to be an epic season for skiers and boarders. As the company that invented heli skiing more than 45 years ago and the largest heli ski operator in the world, CMH Heli-Skiing (Canadian Mountain Holidays) has created dozens of winter experiences that will help dispel some of the myths around deep powder skiing or boarding, making it more accessible than ever. And with 11 heli - skiing area's in British Columbia Mountains, CMH Heli - Skiing encompasses more terrain than all the major North American ski resorts combined.
Myth 1: Every ski resort is saying they have the best snow and one destination is no different than the other
Truth: The Columbia Mountains around Revelstoke have 162 cm (more than five feet) more snow than the best year in the last decade. This is huge. Also, the snow that is falling in the region has less moisture which means champagne powder conditions. Another little known secret of the COlumbia Mountains is its latitude means the sun is high enough in the sky to provide a full day of skiing, but low enough it does not affect the surface of the snow, keeping the powder soft , even during clear weather.
Myth2: You have to be an expert skier to truly enjoy powder skiing
Truth: The latest equipment has opened up the joys of powder do intermediate level skiers. It is more important to have the right equipment and guides on hand to lead you down some of the best ski terrain in the planet. CMH guides are among the best in the world and they work with every skier to determine the right powder skiing experience bases on fitness levels and ability. CMH has designed Powder 101 intro ski weeks for intermediate skiers unfamiliar with deep powder technique. Four, Five and Seven day trips are available throughout the ski season and range in prices from $4,265 to $11,525 CDN per person ex flights.
Myth 3: Powder and heli- skiing is a man's sport
Truth: Women should not be intimidated by powder and heli skiiing. With the right equipment, guides and attitude women enjoy deep powder just as much as the men, especially in the light , champagne powder currently falling. Girl Pow(d)er is available as a women only trip for those who are ready to rip, as well as Powder 101: Girls' School for strong intermediate skiers wanting to build their powder skillls. These trips are offered over 4 - 5 days and start at $4,265 CDN. CMH also provides specially designed women's powder skis, poles and all safety equipment.
Myth 4 : Heli - skiing is not for families
Truth: Skiing powder in Canada is an experience people want to share with their loved ones. CMH Guides select terrain appropriate for the entire family, and sometimes take three generations skiing together. Next Generation Seven Day trips introduce powder skiing to a younger generation - with the younger skiers (12 - 25) paying half price when booked with an accompanying adult. These specially designed trips are offered in March and April. For the 2013 season , these trips are offered at $8,215CDN ($4,110CDN for the younger generation skiers) and $9, 195 CDN ($4,595CDN for younger generation skiers)
Family trips are for families with 12 - 17 year old skiers designed around the Christmas holidays. Younger children who won't be skiing are welcome (CMH has nannies as these non skiers must be supervised at all times). Families begin the day heli skiing together, but kids can return to the lodge when they tire to participate in the fun, supervised, indoor and outdoor activities. In the evening , CMH's chef cooks up a grand family dinner with special meals for kids.
Myth 5: Fewer days heli skiiing is more cost effective
Truth: The value increases with the more days and therefore guaranteed vertical you book, with one day heli skiing often the lowest value option due to the safety orientation cutting into part of your one day. There is also the myth that when booking a trip, you must ski all day, every day. At CMH, the guaranteed vertical system only charges you for vertical when you're skiing, and opportunities are provided to stop skiing early, and enjoy the amenities of the lodges, including cross country skiing, common areas and fireplaces for socialising, full service bar, expansive outdoor decks, shop for gifts and gear, sauna, hot tub and massage services.
CMH trips including lodging, meals, snacks, non alcoholic beverages, transportation to and from Calgary Airport for most trips, use of K2, Atomic and Rossignol skis and poles, a limited number of Burton snowboards are available. Guests are also trained in the use of avalanche receivers and are provided with a CMH guest pack including shovel, probe and radio.
Myth 6: Snowboarders and skiers don't mix when heli skiing
Truth: CMH welcomes boarders on all trips - and guides boarders on how to manage different conditions and terrain including: anticipating flat sections, not getting too low on traverse, setting bindings towards the rear for deep powder, carrying extra binding parts and using ski tracks to your advantage. Many CMH guides will lead on a board when riding with a full group of snowboarders.
About CMH:
Canadian Mountain Holidays is one of the oldest adventure travel companies in North America and operatres in 15,000 square kilometres of Purcell, Selkirk, Monashee and Cariboo mountains of eastern British Columbia from eight back country lodges and three town based hotels including the Adamants, Bobbie Burns, Bugaboos, Cariboos, Galena, Valemount, McBride, Revelstoke, CMH K2, Gothics, and Monashees. CMH also prides itself on its world renowned service, a safety culture led by internationally certified guides as well as an award winning sustainability programme. For more information, visit cmhski.com.
