THE MAGIC OF HELI-HIKING
The helicopter has just landed; you and your group huddle on the ground, holding on to
your hats. The helicopter lifts off and the wind is suddenly gone. You slowly straighten up and your heart begins
to beat a little faster. Standing on a ridge at 2,438 metres (8,000 feet), the twisting mountain stream in the green
valley below you is a mile down. Across the valley, a glacier made of ice 1,000 years old clings near the top of a
jagged mountain. Behind it, rows of mountain peaks touching the heavens fade to the horizon.
CMH takes you on the most spectacular adventure you've ever imagined. Fly by helicopter into the breath-taking
Columbia Mountains, where luxurious mountain lodges await. Daily helicopter flights take you to the most incredible
mountain hikes: along 9,000 foot high ridges, in stunning flowered meadows or to an ascent of a towering rocky peak.
The sights will astonish you, the wonder of nature will overpower you, and the memories will last you a lifetime.
Life at the lodge is luxurious as the mountains are high. Dinners consist of sumptuous entrees, and homemade bread, created by
the world-class cooking staff. Guests and staff dine together. Conversations are lively, filled with tall tales and
anticipation of the next day's adventure. Relax after dinner on a balcony or by the fire. You will feel the exhilaration
that comes from experiencing nature's wonders and living lif to the fullest.
Get off the beaten path, take a walk on the wild side and live an adventure.
Every member of the staff contributes to the warm atmosphere with their personable and friendly styles. Meal times are the
perfect example of the family-like atmosphere, when guests and staff eat together, with staff members playing host
at the head of each table.
It feels like home without all the work. CMH Lodges are designed to fit harmoniously within the
mountain environment. They exude a comfortable charm while providing the highest quality of living spaces. All bedrooms have private
baths and cozy duvets in their rooms. Amenities such as outdoor sundecks, whirlpools and saunas are also avialable to enjoy.
The common rooms, with large stone fireplaces, a bar and glassed topographic maps, become focal points of the lodges
where conversation and friendships blossom.
Environmental sensitivity is a priority at CMH and we view our role in these mountains
as a stewardship. We take pride in our diligent practices of reducing waste. For instance, in the winter months
our lodges raise young pigs to recycle kitchen waste. This may seem extreme but it makes good ecological sense.
Another innovative CMH practice is to plant a tree for each guest, which amounts to over 8,000 trees a year!
We host only 44 guests in over 1,000 square miles (1,600 square kilometres) of terrain. This allows us to hike
differrent areas each day, to minimize impact on any one area. Guides are trained in the latest low-impact travel
techniques for alpine areas and they share these same approaches with the guests. Guests learn to participate and
assist in preservation and lessening the impact on fragile areas. CMH also keeps close track of wildlife in the hiking
areas and plan the flying and hiking routes so that you might see them but not intrude on them. In conjunction with the
University of BC and the province of BC, CMH is involved in ongoing research that will help to continually improve
the way activities are integrated with the needs of wild animals such as mountain goats.
Being a steward in the mountains means taking care of this natural heritage for those who follow. At CMH, they take
this responsibility very seriously.
We think these people are special. Complementing the staff's professional skills are their qualities as people. All of the staff, from the manager to the chef and housekeeping staff, are an incredible group who foster a warm and comfortable environment that is a reflection of their personality. It shows up in the little things: like making sure your boots are the perfect fit, or providing special meals for people with restricted diets, or offering the extra encouragement you need to take you beyond what you thought were your limits.
Though climatic conditions in the region are very changeable, take comfort in knowing this diversity allows you to experience the mountains in many ways. The average temperature is a very pleasant 70%F (21C) but you should be prepared for anything. If the weather is inclement we will explore the more fertile and lush environment at lower, less exposed elevations. In addition, we provide all weather gear, right down to parkas and hiking boots at no extra charge. In any case, discovery is the long term forecast!
Over 30 years of experience has taught us about respect and safety while walking, hiking or climbing in these mountains. The most important lesson is that we cannot control the environment we are enjoying. CMH cannot gaurantee a 100% risk-free adventure but we do everything we can to conduct our activities as safely as possible. The terrain you will be walking on is uneven and enprepared. The weather is often unpredictable. These conditions are an important part of your mountain adventure and we ask you to understand that safety is a shared responsibility.
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