CMH Heli-Skiing CMH HELI-SKIING. the guide. The World s Greatest Skiing

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1 CMH Heli-Skiing the guide CMH HELI-SKIING The World s Greatest Skiing

2 Dear Skiers and Snowboarders, I bet we have something in common a passion for our chosen sport! At CMH, we made a profession out of our passion, and we built a company around it. The business is called CMH Heli-Skiing. For skiers and snowboarders everywhere, it provides the ultimate mountain experience on snow. Really. Heli-Skiing has many shades of perfection. There are now many options out there. As the originator, it has been our incredibly good fortune to discover and to operate in those special places where it absolutely works best. The interior mountain ranges of south eastern British Columbia offer a magical combination of winter climate, terrain, and forests for the best, most consistent powder conditions on the planet. Period. Forty-one years of accumulated experience let us speak with confidence. Our staff and guides, some of them veterans from the very early days, will proudly show you the friendliness, hospitality and great times in the mountains that bring 70% of our guests back every year. Over those forty-one years, we have also learned some very tough lessons. We manage risk with a high degree of rigour and sophistication; safety is always our number one priority. But we are not perfect. We ask that you understand the inherent risks, and that you accept them along with us. For more than twenty-five years, the Heli- has come from Alpine Helicopters. Their passion for safety and performance is impressive by any measure. Together, Alpine and CMH offer the best value to be found anywhere in the world. This handbook lays it out. Please read it carefully. Then, indulge your passion. Join us! Walter Bruns, President

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5 Table of Contents: Walter s Letter... Inside Cover The World s Greatest Ski Experience...4 How Heli-Skiing Works...4 What s Included in a CMH Heli-Ski Trip...5 Guaranteed Vertical Metres of Skiing...5 Refunds...6 Common Questions About Heli-Skiing...6 Equipment...10 Common Questions About Equipment...10 Heli-Boarding...12 Common Questions About Heli-Boarding...12 Specialty Programs...14 Powder Introduction...14 Powder Masters...14 Private Weeks...14 Bobbie Burns (3 groups of 11 skiers)...14 Kootenay Powder Light...15 Family Trips...15 Pay as You Play...15 Women s Heli-Skiing...15 Guides...22 Common Questions About Guiding...22 Safety...23 Avalanche and Snow Safety...23 Helicopter Safety...23 Common Questions About Safety...24 Waiver...25 CMH and the Environment...26 Our Vision for Sustainability...26 Awards, Initiatives, and Support...26 Booking Information...27 Insurance...27 Common Questions About Arriving, Departing, Booking, and New Guest Credits...28 Heli-Hiking and Mountaineering The Mark Kingsbury Foundation CMH Areas Map...31 CMH Area Information...32 The Areas and the Lodges...16 Adamants...16 Bobbie Burns...16 Bugaboos...16 Cariboos...17 Galena...17 Gothics...17 Kootenay...17 McBride...18 Monashees...18 Revelstoke...18 Silvertip...19 Valemount Common Questions About the Areas and Lodges... 20

6 The World s Greatest Ski Experience Back in 1965 a young Austrian immigrant named Hans Gmoser, intrigued by the remote Columbia Range, hit upon the idea of using helicopters to access these little-known and gloriously unskied mountains, which thrust up across the Rocky Mountain Trench from the Canadian Rockies. Hans little company, CMH, began in the fabled Bugaboos with a simple, single-piston Bell 47, and before long branched out into the Columbias many sub-ranges, built a series of incomparably welcoming lodges, and became a big company with a little company s welcoming, impassioned attitude. Skiing is perhaps the most artistic of sports. And what Hans discovered in the wilderness of Western Canada was a new art form, to this day the most sublime expression of skiing s unequalled freedom and grace. How Heli-Skiing Works Skiers arrive in Calgary on the day before their trip and overnight at the Delta Calgary Airport Hotel, handily located within the airport complex (our reservations staff will be happy to make this booking and arrange our special rate for you). CMH representatives will meet you in the hotel lobby to assist you with the advance check-in service and provide you with a room key. Bus departure times are posted in the Delta Calgary s lobby and listed in the Travel Advice brochure, which is mailed to confirmed guests. Buses depart promptly. If you miss the bus, transportation to the Heli-Ski area will be at your own expense. Our comfortable charter buses depart from the hotel on the morning of your trip. It takes between four and seven (weather permitting, tremendously scenic) hours to reach the different areas. You ll arrive at the lodge by early afternoon and be greeted by our staff, who will show you around the lodge and to your room. Once everyone is settled in, we ll have a safety and lodge orientation. Your safety is our first priority (see page 23 for more on this). Before or after dinner, the lodge manager will introduce the staff and explain the daily routines. That first evening you ll be asked about your experience and at what pace you want to ski. The guides will then form groups based on compatible experience (see page 9: How are groups set up?). In the interest of making Heli-Skiing as enjoyable as possible for all our guests, the decision about which group you ll ski with is entirely at the discretion of the guides. Each morning before breakfast we conduct an optional, highly recommended stretching/warm-up program. Following breakfast on the first day (or on the first afternoon if time allows), the groups will be instructed on the use of avalanche transceivers, which everyone must wear while skiing. The pilot will give a safety talk around the helicopter before the groups lift off for their first runs. All groups ski in the same general area, with the guide choosing terrain which best suits the group. We ski an average of eight or more runs per day. If you don t want to ski the whole day, in most areas it s possible on most days to start skiing later in the morning or to return to the lodge in the afternoon. We usually have a picnic lunch in the mountains (and in very inclement weather, indoors at the lodge). You should be prepared to ski in the trees for part of your trip (see page 8: What is tree skiing like?). Some weeks will require more tree skiing than others. While skiing in the trees, we always use a buddy system in which you ll ski and stay in constant visual contact with a partner. The groups fly home to their lodge in the late afternoon for a sauna or whirlpool, hors d oeuvres, and much animated story-telling about the day s runs. At trip s end, you ll return to Calgary by CMH bus, arriving in the late evening. Most guests will overnight at the Delta 4

7 Calgary Airport Hotel before flying out the next day (CMH representatives will once again be on hand to help with advance check-in). Early departures from the lodges, with a mid-afternoon arrival in Calgary (for early evening flights), are available for an extra charge. Skiers destined for CMH Kootenay have the option of joining our transportation in Calgary, Alberta; Castlegar, British Columbia; or Spokane, Washington. Transportation is included in the trip price for all Kootenay trips. Accommodation at Spokane International Airport is at the Airport Ramada Inn. What s Included in a CMH Heli-Ski Trip From 13,110 to 43,570 guaranteed vertical metres (43,000 to 142,860 vertical feet) of Heli-Skiing or Heli-Boarding (depending upon trip length). All meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. All lodge accommodations and use of lodge facilities such as saunas, whirlpools, etc. Fully escorted transportation to and from Calgary International Airport on all trips. ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides), and/or IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Association) certified guides, and member Guaranteed Vertical Metres Your trip price also includes the guaranteed vertical metres listed below. Note: CMH calculates these metres based on actual skiing or boarding. We don t charge for vertical lift such as flights to and from the skiing. There is a charge for additional vertical skied above the guarantee, please see the enclosed Price List for the current rate. Heli-Skiers/Boarders are not charged for extra vertical unless they actually ski, which eliminates pressure on individuals to continue skiing with their group. 10-Day Trips 43,570 vertical metres 142,860 vertical feet 7-Day Trips 30,500 vertical metres 100,000 vertical feet 5-Day Trips 21,780 vertical metres 71,000 vertical feet 4-Day Trips 17,500 vertical metres 57,000 vertical feet 3-Day Trips 13,110 vertical metres 43,000 vertical feet of HeliCat Canada. Use of specially designed Heli-Skis, featuring the Atomic Heli-Daddy skis. Poles are also provided. Snowboarders must bring their own equipment. Training in and use of avalanche transceivers. As noted, transportation for early flight departures is not included in the trip price. 5

8 Refunds CMH offers the most generous refund policy in the Heli-Ski industry. In the event your vertical metres guarantee isn t reached, we will refund you for unskied vertical metres, please see the enclosed Price List for further details. Refunds are given only in the event of mechanical breakdown or poor weather that prevents flying. An additional credit that must be left on account applicable to future incidental lodge charges or future Heli-Ski or Heli-Hiking trips is provided if, for reasons of mechanical breakdown or poor weather, you have skied less than: Vertical Metres Vertical Feet Credit Refund 10-Day Trips 27,570 90,500 $1,000 7-Day Trips 19,500 64,000 $1,000 5-Day Trips 13,750 45,000 $715 4-Day Trips 11,000 36,000 $570 3-Day Trips 8,250 27,000 $430 This credit is in addition to the refund, providing the refund is left on account. It can be used towards any trip within the next two years. After two years the credit will expire and is non-refundable. This credit carries no cash value and is non-transferable and applies only to the person holding the booking. Common Questions About Heli-Skiing The interior ranges of south eastern British Columbia are famous for the quality and quantity of their snowfall. Our runs vary in length from 400 to 2,100 vertical metres (1,640 to 6,888 vertical feet) and are in the most exquisite, wild, and untouched mountain country imaginable. We ski on vast open snowfields, on glaciers, and in the trees. Note that our guides do their best to find the best conditions but, for stability reasons and in difficult flying conditions, options can become limited (on marginal weather days we may only ski in the trees). Most weeks see a mix of conditions, so skiers need to be experienced and capable of handling very challenging conditions. Am I ready? Heli-Skiing is not for beginner, novice, or weak intermediate skiers. You are very likely ready for Heli-Skiing if you are a strong intermediate or advanced skier who has been skiing actively for many consecutive years, and who is able to ski in control on all types of terrain, from spacious open glaciers with moderate pitches to steep tree skiing. You should be comfortable skiing in a variety of snow conditions, from light, fluffy, boot-top powder to windaffected crust, heavy crud, and anything in between. If you re a strong intermediate or advanced skier who lacks experience in powder, we suggest you sign up for one of our Powder Introduction Weeks (see page 14: Specialty Programs). Once the fundamentals are in place, powder skiing isn t radically different from What s the skiing like? Fantastic. More specifically: Our 12 CMH areas offer a greater exclusive skiing terrain, not to mention a wider variety of runs, than any skiing area on the planet (total area: 15,765 square kilometres, or 6,087 square miles, almost 40% as large as Switzerland, larger than 19% of the countries in the United Nations). Each area encompasses more than 1,000 square kilometres (386 square miles) for the sole enjoyment of our skiers. other types of skiing. First time Heli-Skiers are often apprehensive about their ability, but this anxiety usually disappears after the first few runs. This question about ability is important, so let s hone it further with a Heli-Skier s profile: You have extensive skiing experience for a number of recent seasons at conventional, big mountain downhill resorts. 6

9 You choose black runs in all snow and weather conditions without hesitation. (Though keep in mind that Heli-Skiing may be considerably more difficult than the black runs at a conventional ski area.) You re keen enough about the sport to have made multi-day ski trips, and you re fit enough to ski a number of consecutive days. You can keep up with most skiers, even if you don't have the style of someone with more experience. When the situation warrants you can, with your skis on: side-slip, step-up sideways, traverse, and make kick turns (changing your direction while standing in one spot). You may never have skied powder, but you have ventured off the groomed slopes and can stay well in control in backcountry conditions. You are now skiing on high performance gear and notice the difference. If you re still unsure whether you re ready for Heli-Skiing, please call us so we can discuss it further. We also have videos available that show the normal progression of a first time Heli-Skier. How fit should I be? Fitness is often more important than ability. The more fit you are, the more fun you ll have Heli-Skiing 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 on page 14. When s the best time to Heli-Ski? This is our most frequently asked question and, frankly, it s impossible to answer. Our ski season begins in December. By that time most ski areas in Western Canada have already been open for a few weeks. We wait this late to open so that we know we ll have more than enough snow and the quality of skiing will match the best the season offers. Keep in mind, too, that our winter begins earlier and lasts longer than it does south of the border (that is, in the US). Spring skiing offers a variety of snow conditions ranging from corn snow on south-facing slopes to powder on north-facing slopes. The days are longer and the temperatures warmer in spring, generally giving us more skiing than at other times during the season. At that time of the year, we ski primarily on high open slopes, looking out for corn snow, a precious commodity for experienced Heli-Skiers. Unlike spring slush, corn snow is beautifully effortless, the most effortless of the various conditions we encounter throughout the year. On the other hand, winter-like conditions often continue through the spring, with great powder skiing following each snowfall. 7

10 Do you only offer week-long trips? No. We are offering more and more variations on our classic 7-day trips, along with more 3-, 4-, 5- and 10- day trips. We also offer Powder Introduction, Powder Masters, Private Groups, and other specialty trips. See our Web site for the latest information. So: many variations on the grand theme. Which area should I choose? Another basically impossible question. If you skied each area under similar weather and snow conditions you d have difficulty distinguishing between them, as each area offers a similarly wide selection of terrain, runs, and snow conditions. Exceptions to the rule: Bobbie Burns, Galena, Kootenay, and Monashees shouldn t be considered by first time Heli-Skiers. If accessibility and ease of communication with the outside world are important, you should consider the Gothics, Kootenay, Monashees, Revelstoke, Valemount, or McBride. If accessibility and communications aren t crucial, consider the Adamants, Bobbie Burns, Bugaboos, Cariboos, Galena, or Silvertip. (You ll notice different prices between the areas. This reflects varying costs of supplying and operating the lodges, some of which are extremely remote.) Whichever CMH area you choose, you ll find the same terrific skiing and the same friendliness and dedication to giving you an unforgettable mountain experience. What is your average snowfall? It varies greatly from year to year, but, in the actual ski areas, seasonal snowfall averages range from 1,200 centimetres (470 inches) to 2,000 centimetres (790 inches, or a hefty 65 feet). This generally makes for a settled snowpack of anywhere from 2.5 metres (8 feet) to 5 metres (16 feet). (So, to get 1 metre, or 3 feet, of settled snow on the ground, approximately 4 metres, or 13 feet of snow has to fall!) Since our 12 areas cover that nearly half-of-switzerland-sized 15,765 square kilometres, snow amounts and conditions can vary from one area to the next. At what altitude do you ski? Most of our ski terrain is between 1,800 metres (5,900 feet) and 2,800 metres (9,200 feet). In some cases, we can land as high as 3,500 metres (11,500 feet) and ski down to 600 metres (1,960 feet). The altitude at which we actually ski will be determined each day by the guides and pilots, depending on weather and flying conditions, snow stability, and snow quality. What is tree skiing like? Canadian tree skiing is a unique experience. We ski in natural, mature forests where the wide spacing between very large trees makes for very pleasant skiing. Over the past four decades we ve developed many runs with good tree-spacing even in dense forests. Our experience and knowledge of the forests allow us to ski enjoyably during periods of poor visibility and when the avalanche risk is high on the open slopes. Since a portion of your Heli-Skiing trip will be spent tree skiing, you should keep in mind that, exhilarating as it is, tree skiing is also difficult and strenuous. Are there many non-skiing days? Because we ski in such a variety of terrain and at such varying altitudes, we can usually find a good skiable area. On average, we can t ski at all only about half a day each week. But should you encounter a difficult week, you have the assurance of the best refund policy in the Heli-Skiing business (see Refunds: page 6). 8

11 How are groups set up? After your arrival at the lodge, we ll ask you at what pace you want to ski, and our guides will form groups of compatible ability. In the interest of making the skiing as enjoyable as possible for everybody, it s entirely at the discretion of the guides to decide which group you will ski with and to make changes throughout the week if necessary. Skiers frequently arrive as part of a group which intends to ski together. If the group is evenly matched in ability, this may be possible. However, in forming the groups, we have to balance the abilities of all the skiers at the area and we also need, for helicopter safety reasons, to balance the weights of the flight groups. Pre-formed groups arriving at the area may say they don t mind if their group isn t evenly matched. But when one group is mismatched it often causes the other groups to be mismatched as well, seriously affecting everyone s safety and quality of experience. So even if you come as part of a group expecting to ski together, for the safety and enjoyment of all our guests, we must reserve the right to form the groups as we see fit, optimizing the compatibility of skiing abilities and balancing the weights of all the groups. Do I have to sign a waiver? Yes. Our first and foremost priority is to provide you with a safe, enjoyable skiing experience and our guides and pilots are rigorously trained to optimize the program s safety and quality. The safety briefings and training you ll receive on arrival are designed to explain Heli- Skiing s risks and to bring you into partnership with us in managing them to the fullest extent possible. But while some elements of risk are manageable, others are not, and Heli-Skiing s inherent risks which exceed the normal risks of everyday living and recreational skiing can t be completely eliminated. We ask you to understand and accept this fact in writing prior to your trip by signing the CMH Heli-Skiing waiver, which you ll find on page 25. Unless we have received your properly completed and witnessed waiver including full contact information, we can t accept your booking. Are gratuities included in the trip price? They re not included, and they re not expected. If you feel the service you ve received during your stay deserves a gratuity, please feel free to include one at the end of your trip when you settle incidental expenses. All gratuities are divided equally among the lodge staff. 9

12 Equipment CMH supplies all our skiers with skis and poles, so there is no need to bring your skis from home, and no charge for CMH-supplied skis and poles. We do not provide boots, snowboards, or telemark skis. One of the biggest breakthroughs in the Heli-Skiing industry has been the evolution of fat skis. Wider and shorter than conventional skis, they turn with ease in all conditions, and make skiing in the trees more enjoyable. (Though we should note that while fat skis have made Heli-Skiing more accessible to some intermediate skiers, they have given a false sense of ability to others.) The Atomic Heli-Daddy has now become our main ski for powder skiing. They offer increased floatation and lighter swing weight (due to their foam-core construction) and initiate turns significantly easier. This excellent ski offers versatile performance in all the different deep snow and terrain conditions for a wide cross section of skier. The Heli-Daddy is very forgiving in all snow conditions and is the number one choice among guides and guests. It comes in 150, 160, 170, 180 and 190 centimetre lengths. We also supply all our skiers with light and durable poles from Scott and Goode. And as for bindings we use Salomons exclusively; we ve found them to be the most durable and well-designed bindings on the market. Common Questions About Equipment What should I bring? Helicopter use accounts for the largest portion of your Heli-Ski trip s cost. Because we have to fly your luggage to most of the lodges, you should pack only essential items. There s no need to bring an extensive wardrobe, as the lodges are very casual. You should limit yourself to one carry-on bag and one suitcase weighing no more than 18 kg (40 lbs). Laundry facilities are available for your use at each lodge. Please be sure to bring exercise clothing to wear during the morning stretching sessions. Since we provide skis and poles, there s no need to bring your own, but we strongly recommend that you always carry your ski boots as hand luggage! If you re planning a Heli-Ski trip in conjunction with other travel that requires you to pack more than one suitcase, Delta Calgary Airport Hotel provides our guests with long-term storage facilities. What about boots? If you have a good pair of boots, you don t need any advice. But here are some guidelines based on our Heli-Skiing experience: 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. And don t forget that we provide skis and poles, but we don t supply boots. And helmets? Helmets that offer a low profile or ¾ coverage shell and a removable neoprene ear cover are the way to go, 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. 10

13 Outerwear? CMH proudly introduces our new outerwear supplier, Arc Teryx, a Vancouver company whose core mission happily dovetails with ours: state-of-the-art, cuttingedge excellence in all things. After working with our design team and intensive fieldtesting with our guides, Arc Teryx has created 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 stormsealing hoods. To measure up to the challenges of Heli-Skiing, the Neos AR jacket features a high collar with internal hood, four easily accessible outer pockets (one designed for a radio), an internal pocket, and an adjustable powder skirt. The Neos AR pant is anatomically, ergonomically, and brilliantly designed, with a low-cut bib with fly front; adjustable suspenders; reinforced lower leg, seat, and knee; a stretch rear bib panel; hand and thigh cargo pockets; knee pads; and laminated powder cuffs. 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? CMH designed the original gauntlet glove more than 30 years ago. Our Gordini powder gloves feature a cordura gauntlet to keep snow out, with a removable fleece liner which enables the gloves to be used in varying temperatures. We use Clarino, a synthetic leather, in the palm for durability, and stretch fabric for flexibility in the fingers. The gloves lining is made of fleece and lava wool for their wicking and thermal properties, and a breathable membrane for waterproofing. We also offer a mitt version from Powder Pipeline, featuring the same incomparable value and function. Is this CMH-recommended gear available in your lodge shops? Yes. We go into detail about our well-supplied shops on page 21. For more information and digital images for our CMH Design products, us at retailshop@ cmhinc.com or call our Shop Division at The Neos line will be featured in our Lodge Collection, our Million Foot Awards Program, and will be our guides standard uniform. 11

14 Heli-Boarding CMH heartily welcomes snowboarders! Nowhere in the riding world can the exhilaration of snowboarding s long, arcing turns and its grace and freedom of motion find a better expression than in our wild, undisturbed mountains. CMH Heli-Boarding is the ultimate riding experience. Here are some guidelines and advice if you want to ride enjoyably in our mountains. You must be a confident and experienced rider with at least 80 days of extensive experience on all types of slopes and in changing snow conditions. CMH s guides many of whom ride as well as ski are expert at finding the best lines. Our terrain is wild, true backcountry, with many variations, and reading it well is crucial. This means keeping enough speed for undulations and low angle areas and anticipating what is ahead of you. You ll always need to do some traversing when you re in the backcountry. Expect to traverse as you approach the pick-up at the end of most runs. Snowboard equipment and proper clothing can make or break your day. Further on we give some recommendations. Our deep snow is great for backcountry powder riding and bad for walking, so keep your board on Common Questions About Heli-Boarding Is there a board that s best for the backcountry? We provide our skiers with skis, but we don t supply our snowboarders with boards. It s important to arrive at CMH with the right gear. The ideal snowboard for powder riding is somewhat longer and a bit wider than a freestyle or traditional resort-riding board. It has an upturned nose and tail and is specially 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. Best bet: a freeride (6-10 centimeters longer than your everyday freeriding board) or powder-specific board (tapered board or swallowtail). Should bindings be adjusted for powder? Yes. To avoid severe leg ache, adjust your stance by moving the bindings slightly towards the back of the board. This puts more weight on the board s tail side, so the nose will be raised and your board will keep floating above the snow. if at all possible. To avoid stalling, remember to sit back on the board, put your weight on your back leg, and keep the board s nose out of the snow. The rules of courtesy for skiers and riders are the same. In order to share the powder with others, try to make your own fresh turns, at a practical width from the other tracks. Take turns going first and always follow the guide s instructions. 12

15 What clothing do you recommend for backcountry powder riding? When riding powder in the backcountry, layers are a must. Capilene, fleece, and other wicking fabrics are good choices. Your clothing should be warm, nonrestrictive, 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. How about helmets? Helmets that offer a low profile or ¾ coverage shell and a removable neoprene ear cover are the way to go, 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. About gloves: we recommend our specially designed powder gloves as regular ski resort gloves are not very warm and are difficult to keep dry. For more information on our specially designed powder gloves (see page 11). 13

16 Specialty Programs Powder Introduction With the right attitude and a few technical tips, any strong intermediate skier can learn to enjoy wilderness skiing. Our very popular Powder Introduction is a ski improvement program designed to get those strong intermediate skiers up to Heli-Skiing speed. Powder Introduction isn t for beginner level skiers, or skiers who are taking up the sport after being inactive for several years. It is a great boost, though, for skiers who have put in 20 to 30 days on the slopes per season for several recent seasons, who have a strong, aggressive parallel turning technique, who are adept at up-stem and kick turns, who are at ease traversing steep slopes, and who can side-slip and side-step up, down, and sideways on narrow, steep terrain. We recommend Powder Introduction for that kind of skier looking to make the transition into confident, capable, off-piste skiing as quickly as possible. Powder Introduction groups are made up of 10 skiers who work with two specially-trained guides, allowing for lots of practical instruction while skiing, and, if necessary, splitting the group according to ability. Powder Introduction weeks are offered throughout the season. Check the Dates and Prices insert or our Web site for exact dates. Powder Masters, under the expert direction of Roko Koell, to keep up our friendship and keep you on the slopes as long as your spirit is willing. Powder Masters emphasizes quality of skiing over quantity of vertical feet (but, as always, stresses safety above all). Its two guides and a maximum of 10 guests per group insure a high level of personal attention. When the conditions are right we ll giv er. When the snow is tricky or the weather is poor, we ll cherry-pick the best skiing we can find. Our main goal is to maximize your enjoyment of skiing in the mountains we all love. Powder Masters weeks are offered throughout the season. We eagerly knock ourselves out to make your Masters week a grand event, a tremendous Heli- Skiing experience. Private Weeks If Heli-Skiing is the ultimate ski experience, Private Weeks are very likely the ultimate way to experience that experience. Private groups have exclusive use of a helicopter and two guides and with unlimited vertical metres of skiing at their disposal tremendous flexibility in setting their own pace and choosing the amount of skiing they want to do. When CMH first offered Private Weeks, we had no idea how popular they would become. But the chance to Powder Masters One of our greatest joys at CMH is seeing so many skiers return year after year. Some of you started with Hans and Leo back in the early years in the Bugaboos. Many more of you joined us in the seasons that followed. enjoy the world s greatest skiing (and snowboarding) in privacy and with maximum versatility has proven a huge winner. We accommodate private groups with a maximum of 10 skiers throughout the season at McBride, Silvertip, and Valemount lodges, and at Monashees and Revelstoke with a maximum of four skiers. We re honoured and privileged that you continue to ski with us. After sharing so many wonderful experiences in the mountains and at the lodges, you re no longer just clients or guests, but family. We know that Heli-Skiers are forever young in heart and mind, but we also know that the rest of the mechanism doesn t always get the message. We designed our Bobbie Burns (3 groups of 11 skiers) If you re a hard-charging, fit, and experienced Heli- Skier, interested in a faster pace and fewer groups, take a look at our special Bobbie Burns set-up on page

17 Kootenay Powder Light Small, fast, maneuverable, and flexible. Those four words just about sum up the essence of our Kootenay Powder Light program. You ll ski in one of three groups of five skiers, each group with a guide, supported by a Bell 407 six-passenger helicopter. This light helicopter and the small group size make for quick lifts, lots of flexibility for skiing throughout the area, and the chance to ski interesting and challenging lines that may not work as well for larger groups. Family Trips Our Spring Break and Christmas Holiday Family Trips are designed for 12- to 17-year old kids and their parents (or grandparents, aunts and uncles). Families begin the day skiing together, but when the kids get tired they can return to the lodge and the older folks can stay up in the mountains (as always, they ll have the chance to return to the lodge themselves at mid-day or on refueling flights). Adults are guaranteed the usual 30,500 vertical metres (100,000 vertical feet) of Heli-Skiing. For children the guarantee is 15,250 vertical metres (50,000 vertical feet), taking pressure off the kids to stay out all day (but if they re go-getters, they can continue skiing beyond their guaranteed vertical feet at the normal rate). Youngsters who come in early from skiing enjoy a variety of fun, supervised activities, including, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, building igloos or snowmen, doing crafts, or always a big favourite tackling the lodge s climbing wall (where available). In the evening, our chefs cook up a grand family dinner, with special menu choices for the kids. On Christmas morning, families will share time around a beautiful tree with presents for everyone in the lodge. If you have a child who is under 12, but who you think is ready for Heli-Skiing, please call us. Younger children who won t be skiing are welcome at no charge, but you ll have to provide childcare (we offer a non-skier, nanny rate). Because of the special prices for Family Trips, we re not able to offer New Guest Credits or Group Organizer s Commissions. Pay As You Play We may have the most generous refund policy in the industry, but we can t control the conditions. So we re pleased to introduce a great way to reduce the financial risks of a CMH Heli-Ski trip. To Pay As You Play, your initial cost covers accommodation, meals and services. Beyond that, you only pay for what YOU choose to ski as much or as little as you want, and as conditions allow for. Three, four and seven-day trips are offered and come with no guaranteed footage, and you will be charged to ski. Please see the enclosed Price List for details. Please note: Generally, there will be ample opportunities to return to the lodge throughout the day, but we just cannot offer skiers the option to fly out after EVERY run; otherwise we could not accommodate those skiers who wish to continue skiing throughout the day. Women s Heli-Skiing Soar and ski! to new heights with Canadian Mountain Holidays Women s Heli-Skiing trips. Experience the exhilaration of skiing wild and untouched places. Each day the chopper whisks you off into the hills where, together with your guides you revel in the joy of skiing fresh pristine powder run, after run, after run! At the end of the day, you fly home for a well-deserved soothing massage; a relaxing hot-tub soak; a cozy, crackling fire; a sumptuous dinner, and an unforgettable evening spent with new and soon to be forever friends. Note that the Women s group will share the Lodge with other CMH guests. 15

18 The Areas and the Lodges Our nine wilderness lodges and three in-town facilities are designed imaginatively and specifically to meet the needs of Heli-Skiers and Heli-Boarders, both practically and aesthetically. Comfortable, homey, with a carefully considered mix of the modern and the traditional, they would be fine vacation spots even without the skiing. Our chefs and pastry specialists present sumptuous meals and spectacular desserts in our family-style, informal dining rooms. Our living rooms are spacious and airy, each with a welcoming fireplace and wellstocked bar. Each lodge has a sauna, whirlpool, and a massage expert on hand to soothe tired muscles. And each bed is topped by a cozy down duvet. Each lodge has a games room, a large drying room, and a well-stocked shop for essentials, ski equipment, and clothing. And we provide snowshoes, cross-country skis, boots, and poles for quiet walks and skiing based from the lodges. Bobbie Burns Bobbie Burns is one of the only lodges that accesses skiing in both the Purcell and Selkirk Mountains. Suitable only for physically fit, well-experienced skiers and snowboarders who enjoy a faster pace, it offers a rich selection of runs in the trees and in high, glaciated terrain. Its 33 guests are divided into a maximum of 3 groups of 11 skiers each (normally we have 4 groups of 11), allowing us to fly further afield for more time on the slopes. The area s many valleys enfold various micro-climates, allowing for good skiing in virtually all conditions. Bobbie Burns offers some of the finest Heli- Skiing anywhere in our mountains, which is another way of saying anywhere on earth. Notable runs: Snow Ocean, Little Sister, Killer Whale Bugaboos In 1965, CMH inaugurated Heli-Skiing in the spectacular Adamants Adamant Lodge is spectacularly situated at the confluence of four major alpine valleys. It s named for a majestic collection of diamond-hard peaks, a sub-range of the Selkirks, where we do all our Adamants-based Heli-Skiing. The Selkirks are famed for long glaciers, deep valleys, and rugged vistas. Their excellent tree skiing and huge, open glacier terrain make the Adamants one of our most popular areas. Notable runs: Concentrator, Silkroad, Sweet 16 granite spires of the Bugaboo Mountains. The Bugaboos is our most established area, offering an immense variety of runs, both above and below tree line. As one Heli-Skier wrote, Having this terrain all to ourselves is like having a private Zermatt or Chamonix. Skiing on glaciers surrounded by massive monoliths is an indelibly intense and heart-spinning experience. And our magnificently sited, recently renovated Bugaboo Lodge is still the only base for skiing in these worldfamous peaks. Notable runs: Cannonbarrell, Kingsbury Pearl, Macarthy Glacier 16

19 Cariboos Cariboo Lodge is the finest mountain lodge of its kind in the entire Cariboo Range, a legendary old gold rush area of high, north-facing glaciers; wide, endless alpine runs, and good tree skiing in breathtaking surroundings. With access to the consistently high snowfall of the North Thompson Valley, the Cariboos offer terrific, high-quality Heli-Skiing until very late in the season. Notable runs: Encore, Blackstone, Goldmine Galena Galena Lodge is located in a wild and remote setting surrounded by some of the most varied and challenging tree skiing CMH offers. All our Galena skiing is done in the Badshot Range of the Selkirks, known for its abundant snow, rugged beauty, and quality skiing. Three major valleys converge close to the lodge, providing access to skiable areas in most types of weather. Galena is for stronger, aggressive skiers and snowboarders only, and shouldn t be considered by first time Heli-Skiers/Boarders. Notable runs: Mega Bubba, Hanging Gardens, Freefall Kootenay CMH Kootenay is based in the delightful British Columbia village of Nakusp, on the shores of Upper Arrow Lake, a convenient drive for people coming from Western Canada and the northwestern United States. Our Heli- Skiing out of Kootenay is in two ranges, the Selkirks and the Monashees. Most of its runs weave in and out of old growth forests blessed with abundant snow. We access our ski areas from several staging points; vans are used to transport groups to the helicopters. The terrain is demanding at Kootenay and is for stronger, aggressive skiers and snowboarders only. Skiers should be physically fit and prepared to spend the whole day in the mountains, as the chance to fly back to the lodge during the day is rare. Our accommodations are at the Kuskanax and Tenderfoot Lodges in the centre of Nakusp. Both lodges are owned and operated by CMH, and provide great service in an extraordinarily friendly and charming atmosphere. (See page 5: How Heli-Skiing Works for Kootenay arrival information.) Notable runs: Pleasure Centre, Powder One, Empress Gothics Located in the Goldstream River Valley in the Northern Selkirks, Gothics Lodge is named after a group of granite mountains whose steeple-like spires are reminiscent of Gothic cathedrals. Gothics accesses both the Northern Selkirks and the Monashees, and boasts an excellent variety of terrain, from a rich palette of tree skiing to open glacier skiing. Notable runs: Endless Journey, Run of the Century, Breathless Bowl 17

20 McBride Monashees McBride, CMH s largest area, is located in the vast and wild northern Cariboos. Its rugged, steep terrain, huge glaciated plateaus, and mature, well-spaced forests offer a magnificent range of skiing opportunities. Impressive views of the Cariboos spiky Premier Range and the Rockies monarch, Mount Robson, dominate the area. The McBride area is notable for its unlimited vertical skiing (that is, there is no charge for exceeding the guaranteed number of vertical metres). With only one private group of up to 10 skiers, McBride offers much mobility and the flexibility to find the snow and terrain best suited to the group s abilities and desires and the pace at which they want to ski. Accommodations in McBride are at the North Country Lodge, where CMH leases a private facility complete with a private dining room, a comfortable lounge with wood-burning fireplace, a massage room, and whirlpool. All our rooms and amenities are in an enclosed structure exclusive to CMH guests. The North Country Lodge is located just off Highway #16 adjacent to the village of McBride. Transportation to McBride is by chartered bus from Prince George to McBride. Guests are asked to fly direct to Prince George, BC via Vancouver, BC. We ask that you arrive in Prince George on the Friday evening prior to the Saturday start of your CMH trip. Upon arrival at the Prince George Airport, a shuttle driver will meet you and shuttle you to the Coast Inn in Prince George where you will overnight before being driven to McBride Lodge in the morning. Driving time from Prince George to McBride averages 2 hours and 30 minutes. Notable runs: Gas Me Up, Tattoo You, Courchevel The Monashees present perhaps the most challenging skiing of any of our areas and are suitable only for experienced CMH Heli-Skiers and Heli-Boarders who normally ski in the fastest group in other CMH areas. Between 60 and 90 percent of Monashees skiing is in a mature, naturally well-spaced forest. Along with some of the best tree skiing on earth, the Monashees is also admired for its long, consistently steep-pitched runs. Monashees also accommodates private groups with a maximum of four skiers throughout the season. Operating independently from our regular program, these private groups enjoy unlimited skiing thanks to their private helicopter and two guides. Notable runs: Steep and Deep, Elevator, Bavaria Revelstoke With access to both the Monashees and the Selkirks, Revelstoke is defined by deep snow, big, open alpine and glacier terrain, and tree skiing equal to the best of any other CMH area. Its great size and quick accessibility by vans and helicopters allow us to find good skiing even in inclement weather. Revelstoke is one of British Columbia s oldest towns, and its history and charm are well preserved. We stay at the Regent Inn, in Revelstoke s historic centre. The Regent is a family-owned and operated hotel highly regarded for its excellent cuisine, fine accommodations, and friendly staff (and, just across the street, you ll find a handy health club). You have the opportunity to dine at your leisure, with a few friends, or as part of a larger group. With a full complement of facilities, plus the attractions of a quaint town, Revelstoke offers a wellrounded Heli-Ski vacation. 18

21 Private groups with a maximum of four skiers are also accommodated throughout the season at Revelstoke. These groups operate independently from our regular program, with their own private helicopter, two guides, and unlimited skiing. Notable runs: High Roller, Copeland, Crawford Silvertip We opened Silvertip Lodge a few years ago to accommodate private groups of up to 10 Heli-Skiers/ Boarders. Silvertip is located on the shores of Quesnel Lake and was originally built as a fly-in fishing camp. The lodge is rustic, simple, and satisfyingly comfortable, with eight cozy guestrooms (six with two beds and two with one queen bed), private bathrooms, living room, dining room, a bar/lounge with a wood stove, a massage room, and an outdoor lakeside whirlpool, steamroom, and sauna. Next to the lodge is a private cabin with two beds and a private bathroom. CMH Silvertip s ski area in the Cariboos is spectacular, offering its private groups unlimited skiing, about 80 percent of it in trees, in an area more than half the size of Luxembourg (1,462 square kilometres, to be exact). Few people have ever seen, much less skied, the rugged, gloriously undeveloped mountains of this very remote part of British Columbia. Transport to Silvertip is via private charter plane (weather permitting) from Calgary to the town of Williams Lake, followed by a 45-minute helicopter flight to the lodge. If the weather is poor we will fly to an alternate location or use ground transportation. Notable runs: Promise Me, Gauley Wall, Old MacDonald 19

22 Valemount Valemount is nestled in the sublime valley from which it takes its name, just outside the little town of Valemount. We designed Valemount specifically for private groups of up to 10. Its beautiful design, fine amenities, and secluded location away from town but easily accessible by road make it one of CMH s most coveted places. We ski in the vast Cariboos, enjoying the range s wide variety of terrain, from long, steep, exhilarating tree runs to wide-open glaciers. The lodge s private groups enjoy the use of their own helicopter and two guides, allowing for a high degree of flexibility and unlimited skiing. Since our Valemount guides are highly experienced instructors, Valemount is ideal for Heli-Skiing oldtimers and first time deep snow skiers or snowboarders alike. Weather permitting, transportation from Calgary is by private chartered plane. If the weather is poor we fly to an alternate location or use ground transportation. Valemount is located 520 kilometres northwest of Calgary and flight time averages 75 minutes. Notable runs: Monstre Bon, Crazy Horse, Morning Glory Common Questions About the Areas and Lodges Which area and which lodge should I choose? We answer this question over on page 8: Which area should I choose?. To summarize: Each of our areas offers a similar selection of terrain, runs, and snow conditions, and if you skied each area under similar weather and snow conditions you d have difficulty distinguishing between them. (Exception to the general rule: Bobbie Burns, Galena, Kootenay and Monashees shouldn t be considered by first time Heli-Skiers or Heli-Boarders.) It s true that veteran Heli-Skiers often have a favourite lodge or area, based on friendship with particular guides, the extravagant creations of a certain lodge s pastry chef, or just because of an especially peak experience. In the end, this is a little like asking a parent to choose a favourite child. They re all wonderful. Can I connect with the outside world? We try to create an environment where guests can ski, relax, enjoy great food, meet new friends, and serenely step away from the world s hectic pace. But there s no getting around the fact that new technologies have altered the communications landscape. Our challenge is to preserve our lodges away-from-it-all atmosphere and at the same time provide basic connectivity for guests who require it. So: tucked away in a central but quiet location, each lodge has available for guest use a computer equipped with Word, Excel, and basic Internet access. A Cat-5 LAN connection to the Internet is also available for personal laptops (please check the FAQ page on our Web site for the most up-to-date information). Fax machines are available at Revelstoke, Gothics, Kootenay, Monashees, McBride, and Valemount. Note that use of CMH facilities with personal equipment is done at your own risk, and no support services are available (also keep in mind that we re on a 110-volt 20

23 system). And, due to the remoteness of our lodges and the lack of on-site technical resources, we can t guarantee these services. Connectivity problems can occur, and when they do, systems can be down for over a week at a time. (Our telephone network is separate from the Internet, so you can connect by modem in a pinch.) Bandwidth is limited, so we ask guests to be considerate of others when using them. If you need more reliable service, we suggest you consider Revelstoke, Kootenay, or McBride lodges. All rooms at Valemount, McBride, Kootenay, and Revelstoke are furnished with a telephone. The numbers for these areas are: Valemount (250) ; Revelstoke (250) ; Kootenay (250) ; and McBride (250) Pay phones for outgoing calls are available in the Gothics and Monashees. The Adamants, Bugaboos, Bobbie Burns, Cariboos and Galena all have radio telephones available for guests outgoing calls. Silvertip has a single satellite phone that is for emergency calls only. Incoming messages should be forwarded through the CMH office in Banff ( ) and are also for emergency purposes only. Mobile telephone coverage is available at Kootenay, McBride, and Valemount lodges; their service provider is Telus Mobility. Revelstoke s providers are Telus Mobility and Rogers Wireless. Once again, the CMH Banff office phone number is Our office is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Mountain Standard Time, Monday through Saturday. All messages are passed on to the Areas each day. What can I find in your shops? From technical to casual, kids to adults, we have everything to fit 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. (See page 10: Equipment.) Our retail bywords are quality, function, uniqueness, and value. Every item is field-tested before we will endorse it. We also carry film, sunglasses, 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. For more information and digital images of our CMH Designs products, please us at retailshop@ cmhinc.com or call our Shop Division at Can you cook for special diets? If you have special dietary requirements, please send us a short letter or (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. What do I do if I snore? If you don t want your roommate to resent you and you really feel that you must have a single room, even for medical reasons, then you must book one and pay the single supplement. What voltage do you use at the lodges? All lodge outlets are 110-volt (not 220-volt). 21

24 Guides A fundamental element of great Heli-Skiing is great guiding. Our 110-member guiding corps averages 12 ½ years of guiding experience. The great majority of CMH guides are fully certified by the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association, a process that takes an average of eight years. All guides take ongoing refresher courses in avalanche hazard evaluation and stability analysis, weather analysis, and wilderness first aid. These Heli-Ski professionals come from Canada, the US, Switzerland, Germany, France, Austria, Italy, and New Zealand. They share a fiery love of skiing and a commitment to camaraderie, graceful guiding, and technical expertise. And they are one more reason that an astounding 70 percent of CMH Heli-Skiers are returning guests. Common Question About Guiding What is HeliCat Canada? HeliCat Canada, of which CMH is a member in very good standing, sets strict safety standards for operating a Helicopter and/or Snowcat ski operation. Only by skiing with a member of HeliCat Canada can you be assured of skiing with certified ski guides who follow a strict set of operating procedures. For more information go to 22

25 Safety It s a given, but it s worth noting: Every other consideration pales before the issue of safety. It has always been our first priority. Our guides and pilots are well trained in risk management, but Heli-Skiing is not risk-free and there are some risks you must share with us, as we note on page 9: Do I have to sign a waiver? Here are some of the things we do to maintain our excellent safety record: Avalanche and Snow Safety CMH has developed a comprehensive snow and avalanche management system which includes procedures for collecting weather and snow information; evaluating snowpack stability; assessing hazards in the terrain; and determining an appropriate skiing program tailored to on-the-ground conditions. Each area has a snow safety guide, operating separately from the skiing program, who makes additional observations as required to facilitate informed decisions by the guiding team. Observations are shared between all CMH areas on a daily conference call, and are relayed to the Canadian Avalanche Centre, where they are compiled in a daily, industrywide information exchange. We actively participate in avalanche research projects with the University of Calgary and the University of British Columbia. Helicopter Safety Alpine Helicopters has provided CMH with consistently excellent service for more than 25 years. Alpine s pilots are highly capable, experienced, and specially trained in our mountain environment. As active participants in our safety network, they monitor our guests compliance and give a comprehensive safety talk around the helicopter just before the groups lift off for their first run. Our primary helicopters are twin-engine, 11-passenger, jet-powered Bell 212s. We also use Bell 407s, Bell 206L3s, and Bell 206Bs for smaller groups and special flights. For private groups of four or less and the Kootenay Powder Light program, the primary helicopter is a Bell 407. Should a 407 not be available or breakdown, it may be replaced by a Bell 212. Ongoing maintenance is provided by a full-time engineer based in each area. All helicopters are equipped with modified skid gear to land on snow, a side basket with a lid to carry skis and snowboards, and radios to ensure continuous communication between pilot, guides, the base lodge, other CMH areas, and outside resources. 23

26 Common Questions About Safety Have you ever had a fatality? Given the complexity of snow, and the vast wilderness areas rapidly accessible by our helicopters, Heli-Skiing remains an art as well as a science. In spite of all of our efforts over more than 41 years, 145,040 skier-weeks, and 8.1 million runs, we have suffered 32 fatalities, 23 of them in 9 avalanche accidents. Can I bring my own ABS balloon? The use of ABS avalanche balloons is permitted, but for safety reasons they can t be allowed in the main compartment of the helicopter under any circumstance. All ABS packs must be removed and transported, at the discretion of the guide, in the ski basket, tail boom, or in a netted off jump seat. Regardless of the personal equipment you bring, you will be required to take your turn carrying one of the four guest packs, which contain a shovel, an avalanche probe, a first aid kit and, in one of Do you supply avalanche transceivers? Yes. Every Heli-Skier and Heli-Boarder must wear our transceiver while skiing, and there will be a mandatory group instruction and practice for all guests in their use before your first run. Can I use my own personal VHF handheld radio? Guests are welcome to bring their personal radios. However, CMH s operational frequency is restricted to emergency use only. You ll have to have an alternate frequency programmed into your radio if you want to chat with other guests. Can I use my personal music player? While personal music players are very portable (and built into jackets and helmets) we must insist that for safety reasons the use of 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! the packs, a radio. What if I have an accident? Our guides carry their own equipment pack, which enables them to handle most accidents on the spot. Helicopters can usually land close to an injured skier for immediate evacuation and the helicopter is equipped with additional resuscitation and rescue equipment. More equipment is available at remote rescue caches and at the lodge. All staff members are briefed on rescue plans for emergency situations. If evacuation beyond the base lodge is required, the cost is your responsibility; we recommend that you carry insurance for such ambulance service. 24

27 Waiver To ensure that you fully understand the risks inherent in Heli-Skiing, we ask that you sign a waiver before we can accept your Heli-Ski application: SAMPLE CMH HELI-SKI WAIVER WARNING: THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS. READ IT CAREFULLY! In consideration of CMH (as defined below) accepting my application for and permitting me to participate in a helicopter skiing trip ( CMH Heli-Ski Trip ) on lands owned by or under the control of CMH or the Province (as defined below) or elsewhere, the following waiver of all claims, release from all liability, assumption of all risks, agreement not to sue and other terms of this agreement ( CMH Heli-Ski Waiver ) are entered into by me with and for the benefit of: Canadian Mountain Holidays Inc., and Her Majesty the Queen in Right of the Alpine Helicopters Ltd. Province of British Columbia and their affiliates and subsidiaries (collectively, CMH ) ( Province ) and the Personnel (as defined below). I waive any and all claims that I have or may in the future have against, and release from all liability and agree not to sue, CMH, the Province and any of their shareholders, directors, officers, employees, servants, helicopter skiing guides, helicopter pilots, helicopter maintenance personnel, agents, contractors, suppliers and representatives (collectively, the Personnel ) for any personal injury, death, property damage or other loss that I sustain during or as a result of any CMH Heli-Ski Trip due to any cause whatsoever on the part of any one or more of CMH, the Province, the Personnel or others, including: (a) negligence (the meaning of which includes failure to use such care as a reasonably prudent and careful person would use under similar circumstances and failure to meet standards of care in the helicopter skiing industry in the Province of British Columbia for the safety of heli-skiers); (b) breach of any other duty imposed by law, including any duty imposed by occupiers liability or other legislation; (c) breach of any contract; and (d) mistakes or errors in judgment of any kind. I am aware of the risks inherent in skiing and I am aware that helicopter skiing has certain additional dangers and risks, including: AVALANCHES: I am aware that avalanches frequently occur in the mountainous terrain used for helicopter skiing and that avalanches have caused a number of fatalities involving heli-skiing. If I use a snowboard or telemark skis, I am aware that there is an increased risk that I will not survive an avalanche if the snowboard or telemark skis do not have a binding release mechanism. I am aware that the risk of an avalanche is always present in helicopter skiing, that this risk cannot be completely eliminated by CMH and the Personnel, and that avalanche accidents may result from the failure for any reason (including negligence) of CMH or the Personnel to correctly determine the stability and safety of a slope for skiing or to predict where or when an avalanche might occur. MOUNTAIN TERRAIN: In addition SAMPLE to avalanches, I am aware that the rugged mountain terrain used for helicopter skiing has many other dangerous obstacles and hazards including glacier crevasses, rock outcroppings, cornices, cliffs, heavily forested areas with fallen trees and tree stumps, creeks and boulders and also man-made hazards such as logging clear cuts, logging roads, road banks and fences that cross heli-skiing slopes; that these hazards may be hidden by snow; and that if I become injured or lost in severe winter weather conditions or difficult terrain there is a risk of delay in being rescued. TREE WELLS: I am aware that deep depressions ( tree wells ) in the snow beneath the trees on slopes used for helicopter skiing can be a serious hazard to heli-skiers and that a number of heli-skiing fatalities have occurred when heli-skiers have fallen into tree wells. OTHER HELI-SKIERS: Heli-skiers ski in groups or with partners and I am aware of the risk of colliding with other heli-skiers and the risk of being separated from other heliskiers or becoming lost. HELICOPTER TRAVEL: I am aware of the risk of mechanical failure or operational error including pilot error in the operation of helicopters and that there are increased risks of helicopter travel in mountainous areas, especially in winter weather conditions. WEATHER: I am aware that weather conditions may be extreme and can change rapidly without warning. TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM AREAS: I am aware of the risks associated with transport through mountainous areas including rapidly changing road and highway conditions and the risks of using aircraft, motor coaches, vans and taxis which may or may not be owned and/or operated by CMH. I assume and accept all the risks and dangers of helicopter skiing and the possibility of personal injury, death, property damage or other loss as a result. I agree that, although CMH and the Personnel may take precautions to reduce the risks and increase the safety of helicopter skiing and to determine whether a particular slope is safe from the risk of avalanche or other hazards before it is skied, it is not possible for CMH or the Personnel to make helicopter skiing completely safe or to predict with complete assurance whether the terrain to be skied is safe from the risk of avalanche. I willingly accept these risks and agree to the terms of this CMH Heli-Ski Waiver even if CMH or any of the Personnel are found in law to be negligent or in breach of a duty of care or any other obligation to me in their conduct of any CMH Heli-Ski Trip. I am aware that the enjoyment and excitement of helicopter skiing is derived in part from skiing in powder snow on steep ungroomed slopes and is contributed to by the inherent risks of helicopter skiing. In signing this CMH Heli-Ski Waiver, I am not relying on any oral, written or visual statements of any kind, including promotional statements made by CMH in the CMH Heli- Skiing Handbook or other brochures or by any of the Personnel or by the Province to induce me to go on a CMH-Heli Ski Trip. I confirm that I am of the full age of nineteen years, that I have had sufficient time to read and understand what I am agreeing to in this CMH Heli-Ski Waiver before signing it and that it will be binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators and successors. I agree that the CMH Heli-Ski Waiver and the agreements it contains will be governed exclusively in all respects by and interpreted solely in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia. I hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of British Columbia and I agree that no other courts can exercise jurisdiction over the agreements and claims referred to herein. Any litigation to enforce this agreement shall be instituted in British Columbia and nowhere else. SAMPLE I agree that the terms helicopter skiing, heli-skiing and skiing herein include snowboarding, mono-skiing, telemark skiing and other similar activities and the term heliskier includes snowboarder, mono-skier and telemark skier. Signed and witnessed this day of, year. Signature of Witness Print Name of Witness Print Address of Witness Signature of Applicant Print Name of Applicant City State / Prov. Postal / Zip PLEASE RETAIN YELLOW COPY FOR YOUR RECORDS 25

28 CMH and the Environment We re committed to maintaining the integrity of our mountain environments, and we re intent on supporting the long-term sustainability of both CMH and the Western Canadian communities in which we live, work, and play. We were practitioners of eco-tourism long before it had a name, and careful stewardship of the environment is at the forefront of CMH s vision. To that end, we ve established a Second Nature Program to highlight and focus our environmental commitments. Second Nature is a way to connect our operations with our vision on a practical, daily basis. We invite you to learn more about this innovative program by visiting the Stewardship section of our Web site, or by contacting Dave Butler, our Director of Land Resources, at info@cmhinc.com. Our Vision for Sustainability CMH will be North America s leading sustainability tourism operator. We will: Be responsible stewards of the environment. Strive to improve environmental performance in all our operations. Be a leader in sustainability in our professional organizations and in the broader tourism sector. Educate staff, guests, and suppliers about our sustainability goals and initiatives, and encourage personal action. Operate in compliance with all government laws and regulations. Support research and education programs to improve our sustainability practices. Contribute to the economic and social well-being of our local communities. Deliver strong financial results to ensure a sustainable future for our company. Awards, Initiatives, and Support 2004 Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award 2004 Travel Alberta Alto Award in Sustainable Tourism British Columbia Helicopter and Snowcat Skiing Association s Best Practices for Sustainability Tourism British Columbia s 2004 Environmentally Responsible Tourism Award Tourism British Columbia s 2004 Technology in Tourism Award University of Calgary Snow and Avalanche Research Program Canadian Avalanche Centre Snow and Avalanche Research Chair at the University of British Columbia The Mark Kingsbury Foundation (see page 30) Wildlife research and monitoring focusing on mountain goats and wolverines and recovery plans for mountain caribou Fuel and hazardous waste management Applying Backcountry Landscapes Evaluations (ABLE) project in vegetation management Integrated forest management Energy conservation and water management The President s Award for Environmental Initiative, part of the Second Nature Program and Community Initiatives Please see the Stewardship section of our Web site for more information: 26

29 Booking Information Here s how to book your Heli-Skiing or Heli-Boarding trip. If you have any questions or concerns give us a call at Choose a trip, plus two or three alternatives. Using our Dates & Prices Brochure, or our Web site, select an area and dates that you re interested in, as well as two or three alternatives. You may also wish to check our Space Availability pages on our Web site to see which trips in the coming season still have space. Note that certain areas (Bobbie Burns, Galena, Kootenay, and Monashees) are for advanced skiers and snowboarders only. 2. Contact us with your choices. If you re contacting us on behalf of a group of skiers, include the names and contact information for all skiers in your group. Phone: Fax: info@cmhinc.com 3. We will send you an Application for Helicopter Ski Weeks Form and a CMH Heli-Ski Waiver to complete, sign, and return to our office. Note that your waiver must be properly signed and witnessed before we can accept your booking. Please read the waiver and application form carefully to become familiar with all terms and conditions. 4. Submit your initial deposit within 30 days. Deposit amounts are: $1,000 CDN for trips of 7-days or longer $500 CDN for trips less than 7-days This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable and must be received by CMH within 30 days of booking. Waitlist: If you are placed on our waitlist, we ask for the appropriate deposit for the trip, but this is refunded if we are not able to confirm you on a ski week, or if you cancel your waitlist space. Once you are confirmed on a trip, this deposit becomes non-refundable and non-transferable. 5. Submit your final payment, 10 weeks prior to your trip s start date. We ll notify you of the final payment amount 14 weeks before your trip. Remember that all monies become non-refundable 10 weeks before the trip date. CMH can accept: cash travellers cheques credit cards: MasterCard or VISA bank drafts personal cheques - only personal cheques drawn on Canadian banks may be written in Canadian funds. All other cheques or Eurocheques drawn on banks located in other countries, including the US, must be written in local currencies. Be sure to include your client identification number (which we will provide) on the back of Eurocheques. transfer funds - you may also instruct your bank to transfer funds directly to our bank, to the credit of Canadian Mountain Holidays Inc., Bank of Montreal, Banff, Canada, account International clients should use Swift Code BOFMCAM2. Be absolutely sure that transfer instructions and/or cheques include your name and trip week number. Please clearly indicate whether your payment includes funds for trip cancellation insurance (see below). And please keep in mind that all prices, both in our handbook and on our Web site, are quoted in Canadian currency and are subject to change. Insurance Trip Cancellation Insurance Deposits for Heli-Skiing are totally non-refundable and non-transferable. We recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance (which is 10% of your trip 27

30 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. Medical Insurance We recommend you carry insurance to cover hospital and helicopter ambulance evacuation expenses. Medical insurance forms will be sent along with your final payment request. Make sure any insurance you purchase covers you while you are in Canada or away from your home province. 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 or else phone or CMH directly: or info@cmhinc.com. European CMH clients, call CMH at or info@cmhinc.com to find out more. Personal Insurance We recommend you carry insurance to cover loss of baggage, skis, and personal belongings due to airline foul-ups or unforeseen accidents. Your usual homeowners insurance may not be enough. Make sure this insurance covers you while you are in Canada. What kind of travel documentation will I need? A valid passport is necessary for entry into Canada. This also applies to US citizens. If you have any type of criminal conviction in the US or elsewhere, you may be denied entry into Canada. Does CMH offer any credit for organizing a group or introducing a new member? Yes, but they are not discounts on the cost of your trip. Credits will be applied at trip s end, and can be used for expenses incurred at the lodge or can be applied to future Heli-Skiing or Heli-Hiking trips. If you bring a new skier or a group to CMH, we feel your good efforts deserve recognition: New Guest Credits: If you have previously skied or hiked with CMH and introduce a first time Heli-Skier or Heli-Hiker to our programs, you qualify for a New Guest Credit. This program requires that you notify us of who this person is before the trip begins. You must complete and return the New Guest Credit Form to our Banff office to qualify (the form is sent with your final payment documents). Credits cannot be applied without this form and cannot be applied once you get to the lodge. Group Organizers: If you organize a group of 10 or more skiers, you qualify for a commission if the trip is booked on certain weeks where this program is available and under certain conditions. Please Common Questions About Arriving, Departing, Booking, and New Guest Credits What city should I fly in and out of? contact our reservations office to find out which weeks are applicable for the coming season and request that the Group Organizer s Policy be mailed to you. Group organizer discounts also apply to all Heli-Hiking trips throughout the summer. For most guests it is best to arrive in Calgary; those destined for Kootenay have the option of joining our transportation in Calgary, AB; Castlegar, BC, or Spokane, WA. McBride guests are asked to fly direct to Prince George, BC via Vancouver, BC. 28

31 Heli-Hiking and Mountaineering Taking a look around before setting off on a long run, a Heli-Skier might wonder what could possibly compare with these exquisite, wild, lonely, winter-white mountains. Answer: those same exquisite, wild, lonely, colourful mountains in summer. Since the summer of 1978 CMH has been helicoptering travellers from around the world into its mountains for challenging treks, climbs, long hikes, and scenic strolls. Many of those people are Heli-Skiers, and many of them are those skiers wives, kids, parents, and friends who want to share in the CMH experience. In addition to three-, four-, and six-night Heli-Hiking trips, we offer a range of specialty trips like Family Adventure, European style Lodge-to-Lodge, Culinary Adventure, and more. We have handy a roster of pre- and post- Heli-Hiking extensions to Western Canadian icons like Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. CMH will tailor a trip to your needs and specifications, whether it s top-notch climbing (including the possibility of first ascents), scrambling, long-distance hiking, or just wandering in our magnificent, supremely lonely mountains. One Heli-Skier, who came back in the summer with his family, wrote, It was wonderful to introduce my clan to these mountains I ve grown to love and to your hiking guides, many of whom were old buddies from the winter. I got the good workout I was looking for, even did some climbing with my oldest daughter, and the rest of the family was thrilled by the hiking, by your always great staff, and they really dug the lodge the kids especially loved the climbing wall. Our Heli-Hiking program based from Adamant, Bobbie Burns, Cariboo, Monashee, Valemount, and Bugaboo lodges begins in early July and ends in mid- September. Heli-Hiking offers the opportunity to share these magical places with loved ones, at your own pace. From family snowball fights and bum-sliding to summiting a peak you ve skied down, a CMH Heli-Hiking trip is one of the world s great summer adventures. 29

32 The Mark Kingsbury Foundation In the 30 years Mark Kingsbury worked at CMH, beginning as a lodge staff member, ending as President and CEO, he spoke often and passionately about the environmental, social, and economic roles adventure tourism plays in Western Canada. This wasn t just talk. It was part of a well-considered philosophy. Mark knew that wilderness tourism was a crucial element in the well-being of our part of the world, and he knew it was entirely possible for businesses like ours to succeed while protecting the environment. He also believed in tourism as a leading source of jobs and enriching careers, and in the linchpin effect it has in many of our communities. Mark was increasingly concerned about the need to bring solid facts to environmental and economic discussions, and he took an unswerving, influential leadership role to make his and CMH s goals a reality. The Mark Kingsbury Foundation acts as a long-term legacy to support Mark s vision and passion. Its goals are: To encourage, support, and nurture projects and initiatives designed to protect and enhance the ecological and social components of sustainable tourism. To provide environmental education programs for guides. To support research projects designed to improve operational practices for tourism operations from an environmental perspective. To provide scholarships and bursaries for students in adventure tourism programs in universities and colleges. To build community sustainability projects. We re grateful to the support many friends of Mark s and of CMH have given the Foundation over the past years. Donations may be made to: Mark Kingsbury Foundation PO Box 8026 Canmore, Alberta, Canada T1W 2T8 30

33 CMH Areas Map McBride Silvertip Cariboos Valemount Monashees Adamants Gothics Head Office Revelstoke Galena Bobbie Burns Bugaboos Kootenay 31

34 CMH Area Information CMH Heli-Skiing Areas Mountain Ranges Base Elevation Skiing Elevation Skiing Terrain Average Snowfall at 1800 m Accommodations and Facilities Adamants 545 km (339 mi) west of Calgary via Banff, Golden and Revelstoke Selkirks 955 m (3,133 ft) 900 m m (2,953 ft - 10,170 ft) 1073 sq. km (414 sq. mi) 199 runs 1800 cm (709 in) 16 dbl/twin and 15 sgls all with private bath Capacity: 44 Living Room Dining Room Ski Shop Bar Games Room Whirlpool/Sauna Massage Laundry Room Drying Room Exercise Equipment Climbing Wall Meeting Room Hairdryers Bobbie Burns 314 km (195 mi) west of Calgary via Banff, Golden and Parson Purcells & Selkirks 1370 m (4,495 ft) 1370 m m (4,495 ft - 10,006 ft) 1053 sq. km (407 sq. mi) 224 runs 1500 cm (590 in) 13 dbl/twin and 12 sgls with private bath Capacity: 33 Living Room Dining Room Ski Shop Bar Games Room Whirlpool/Sauna Massage Laundry Room Drying Room Exercise Equipment Climbing Wall Business Office Meeting Room Hairdryers Bugaboos 300 km 186 mi) west of Calgary via Banff and Radium Purcells 1490 m (4,888 ft) 945 m m (3,100 ft - 10,006 ft) 1017 sq. km (393 sq. mi) 206 runs 1200 cm (472 in) 16 dbl/twin and 19 sgls all with private bath Capacity: 44 Living Room Dining Room Ski Shop Bar Games Room Whirlpool/Sauna Massage Laundry Room Drying Room Exercise Equipment Climbing Wall Business Office Meeting Room Steam Room Hairdryers Cariboos 520 km (323 mi) northwest of Calgary via Banff and Jasper Cariboos 1100 m (3,609 ft) 1100 m m (3,609 ft - 9,842 ft) 1489 sq. km (575 sq. mi) 382 runs (Cariboos & Valemount) 1400 cm (551 in) 16 dbl/twin and 12 sgls with private bath Capacity: 44 Living Room Dining Room Ski Shop Bar Games Room Whirlpool/Sauna Massage Laundry Room Drying Room Exercise Equipment Climbing Wall Meeting Room Hairdryers Galena 425 km (264 mi) west of Calgary via Banff, Golden and Revelstoke Selkirks 1050 m (3,445 ft) 1000 m m (3,281 ft - 10,170 ft) 1180 sq. km (456 sq. mi) 167 runs 1800 cm (709 in) 16 dbl/twin and 12 sgls all with private bath Capacity: 44 Living Room Dining Room Ski Shop Bar Games Room Whirlpool/Sauna Massage Laundry Room Drying Room Exercise Equipment Hairdryers Gothics 515 km (320 mi) west of Calgary via Banff, Golden and Revelstoke Selkirks & Monashees 700 m (2,297 ft) 1200 m m (3,937 ft - 10,170 ft) 1923 sq. km (742 sq. mi) 171 runs 1800 cm (709 in) 9 dbl with private bath, 26 sgls each 2 share private bath Capacity: 44 Living Room Dining Room Ski Shop Bar Games Room Whirlpool/Sauna Massage Laundry Room Drying Room Business Office Exercise Equipment Meeting Room Hairdryers Kootenay 513 km (319 mi) west of Calgary via Banff, Golden and Revelstoke, 400 km north of Spokane Monashees & Selkirks 460 m (1,509 ft) 1060 m m (3,478 ft - 9,449 ft) 1155 sq. km (446 sq. mi) 230 runs 1800 cm (709 in) Tenderfoot Lodge: dbl/twin rooms all with private bath Capacity: 45 Dining Room Ski Shop Bar Games Room Hot Springs Massage Laundry Room Drying Room Business Office Meeting Room Phone/TV Hairdryers McBride 620 km (385 mi) northwest of Calgary via Banff and Jasper Cariboos 735 m (2,411 ft) 1100 m m (3,609 ft - 9,842 ft) 2104 sq. km (812 sq. mi) 219 runs 1400 cm (551 in) North Country Lodge: dbl/twin and sgl rooms, all with private bath Capacity: 10 Living Room Dining Room Ski Shop Bar Games Room Whirlpool/Sauna Massage Laundry Room Drying Room Exercise Equipment Phone/TV Hairdryers Monashees 548 km (341 mi) west of Calgary via Banff, Golden and Revelstoke Monashees & Selkirks 580 m (1,903 ft) 580 m m (1,903 ft - 10,302 ft) 1712 sq. km (661 sq. mi) 275 runs 2000 cm (787 in) 26 rooms with 2 queen beds, 22 rooms with 1 queen bed, all with private bath Capacity: 48 Living Room Dining Room Ski Shop Bar Games Room Whirlpool/Sauna Massage Laundry Room Drying Room Exercise Equipment Climbing Wall Business Office Meeting Room Phone/TV Steam Room Hairdryers Revelstoke 413 km (257 mi) west of Calgary via Banff and Golden Monashees & Selkirks 460 m (1,509 ft) 500 m m (1,640 ft - 8,858 ft) 1597 sq. km (617 sq. mi) 310 runs 1800 cm (709 in) The Regent Inn: dbl/twin and sgl rooms with private bath Capacity: 48 Dining Room Ski Shop Bar Whirlpool/Sauna Massage Laundry SERVICE Drying Room Business Office Meeting Room Phone/TV Hairdryers Silvertip 1000 km (621 mi) northwest of Calgary via Golden, Revelstoke and Kamloops Cariboos 730 m (2,395 ft) 950 m m (3,117 ft - 8,530 ft) 1462 sq. km (564 sq. mi) 128 runs 1800 cm (709 in) 8 twins with private bath, 1 twin cabin with private bath Capacity: 10 Living Room Dining Room Ski Shop Bar Whirlpool/Sauna Massage Laundry Room Drying Room Hairdryers Valemount 520 km (323 mi) northwest of Calgary via Banff and Jasper Cariboos 795 m (2,608 ft) 1100 m m (3,609 ft - 9,842 ft) 1489 sq. km (575 sq. mi) 382 runs (Cariboos & Valemount) 1400 cm (551 in) 10 dbl/twin and sgl rooms, all with private bath Capacity: 10 Living Room Dining Room Ski Shop Bar Whirlpool/Sauna Massage Laundry Room Drying Room Exercise Equipment Business Office Meeting Room Phone/TV Hairdryers 32

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36 the last number you need to know Call us for details, our Heli-Skiing Handbook, our intoxicating DVD, and further inspirations. And take a look at our website: CMH Heli-Skiing PO Box 1660, Banff, Alberta, T1L 1J6 Canada Tel: (403) Fax: (403) Concept and Design by Tim Nokes Design. Printed in Canada 2006