In September we released CMH: The Journal of the World's Greatest Skiing. The Journal is an annual publication made up of stories that highlight who we are. It is a celebration of skiing, mountains and the characters who make up this crazy adventure called Heli-Skiing.
The Journal is now on-line and available for use on the iPad as well as your computer. In addition to all the stories in the printed version, there is access to additional content to take the reader a little deeper into the story. Check it out, share it with your friends, let us know what you think.
If computers aren't your thing, feel free to contact us at info@cmhinc.com to get a printed copy in the mail.
CMH Heli-Skiing opens the books on the 2013 Heli-Ski season at 8:30am MST on November 17, 2011.
Doesn't that seem a little early? Well, yes and no. Here are four reasons to set your speed dial to 1.800.661.0252 first thing on Thursday morning:
1) Lock down enough heli seats for your entire family on CMH Family Heli-Ski Christmas Weeks
These trips fill up quickly and we're disheartened when you call us in July for six spaces and we only have two left. Avoid disappointment; book early!
2) Get your first pick for prime weeks.
While it's now common knowledge that you can book some Heli-Ski trips within two or three months of departure, you certainly can't book them all in those sorts of timelines. Gone are the days when we turned on the phones at 8:30 on booking day and were 60% full for the next season by noon, but there are still those sought-after dates that disappear fast. Get them while you can!
3) Score Single Rooms.
Need I say more?
And one bonus tip:
4) Heli-Assisted Ski Touring Weeks and Next Generation.
These trips have proven to be very popular for many reasons and they sell out quickly. Call us Thursday and chances are good that you'll set yourself up for 2013.
And don't forget: Book your 2013 trip by April 30, 2012 and pay 2010 rates. (No, that's not a typo.)
Talk to you Thursday!
There is a saying in the ski world: "A skier without skis, is simply walking". Alright... I just made that up, but seriously! The most important piece of equipment for all skiers has to be the one thing that makes the sport what it is: skis. Here at CMH, we like to make sure that you have the best possible equipment for the job while navigating your first gladed run, getting your first face shot, hitting your first million foot milestone, or shralping the gnar with Dave Gauley out at the steep camps in the Cariboos.
Ski technology is coming pretty close to providing us with the perfect ski; the one that can do it all. But in reality, at CMH we don't care about ice, hard pack, or how perfect the ridges are in the corduroy (what happens between you and your après attire is none of our business!)... We only care about what will ultimately keep you somewhat afloat in the great sea of white. We are currently working with some engineers and ski designers from Atomic to create what is going to be deemed as "the ultimate heli-ski". Though details are limited as of right now, word from our laboratory in a top secret location (The Monashees, 142Km North of Revelstoke in B.C., Canada) is that we can expect something by next year! For this year, we have a ROCKIN' lineup from K2 skis that gets us more excited than we've ever been before!
So you are excited about heli-skiing, you've booked your trip (or you better get on it!), and the snow is starting to fly. Here are some of the options you have to look forward to this winter:
K2 COOMBAck All-Terrain Rocker 135/102/121 Radius: 22m @ 174
Heli’s, cats, skinning or lifts, the Coomback is equally versatile, balancing the lightweight attributes of a Back model with the confidence and performance characterized by many side models. This is the ski you’ll see a myriad of bindings on: alpine, tele, super light touring and more descent focused touring.
Performance: 50% Powder / 50% Variable
Sizes: 167, 174, 181cm
Construction: Triaxial Braided, Cap, Fir/Aspen
K2 SideStash All-Terrain Rocker 139/108/127 Radius: 25m @ 181
Whether tracking out your secret stash in bounds or heading out the backcountry gate to harvest week-old pow, the SideStash is the perfect ski. With a longer rise for 2011/12, the All-Terrain shovel rocker provides even more floatation and predictability to flash wide-open slopes and the nimbleness required to charge tight chutes. When the snow is all tracked out, the powerful metal-laminate construction delivers a smooth, damp, and stable ride as you confidently blast through leftover crud.
Performance: 70% Powder / 30% Variable
Sizes: 167, 174, 181, 188
Construction: Metal TNC, Hybritech Sidewall, Aspen/Paulownia
K2 Pon2oon Powder Rocker 157/132/122 @ 179cm Radius: 30m @ 179
Designed with the same philosophy of slaying powder easier, faster and with less effort, the all-new 2011 / 2012 Pon2oon is rockered in the tip and tail and features a redesigned Powder tip and a non twin tip Progressive Powder tail. While the ski has similar pivot performance to it’s predecessor, it now comes with more predictable turn initiation and added breaking power in the tail. The dimensions on the Pon2oon increase as the ski gets longer in length, maxing out at a whopping 134mm underfoot in the 189cm size. Get out your snorkel!
Performance: 90% Powder / 10% Variable
Sizes: 159, 169, 179, 189
Construction: Triaxial Braided, Cap, Fir/Aspen
Women’s specific skis:
K2 GotBack All-Terrain Rocker 135/102/121 Radius: 20m @ 167
If you thought big waists weren’t sexy, think again. The GotBack packs 102 mm under her belt and is proud of every millimeter. Though no longer the biggest gal in the neighborhood, the GotBack is clearly the most versatile. Lighter and more playful, she’s just as happy going for long walks in the backcountry as she is painting smooth arcs in an open bowl or dancing through tight trees . She says it’s due to her All-Terrain shovel rocker and Bioflex wood core, but I think she’s just being modest.
Performance: 50% Powder / 50% Variable
Sizes: 153, 160, 167
Construction: Triaxial Braided, Cap, Aspen/Paulownia/Bamboo - Bioflex 2
ATOMIC Century: Powder Rocker 128.5/100/120.5 Radius: 18m @ 166cm
The Century is ATOMIC's premium powder ski for women and its extra Power Rocker 10 delivers an especially uplifting experience in powder snow. Its 100 mm waist width and Powder Rocker ensure optimum lift, while the Step Down 2L sidewall construction and tip-to-tail wood core cushion shocks and hard landings. But freeskiers can enjoy much more than just effortless powder forays: thanks to a pronounced camber in the binding area, the Century also delivers optimum edge grip and precision control on hard snow. The Century is ideal for female skiers looking for a ski which is both effortless and easy to manoeuver in powder snow.
Sizes: 156, 166
What's All This Rocker Talk About?
All-Terrain Rocker : All-Terrain Rocker features an elevated tip for variable and soft snow performance, as well as camber underfoot for power, energy, and edge-hold in firmer conditions.
Simply put, All-Terrain Rocker offers versatility and ease in all snow conditions.
Powder Rocker: This tip has the most elevation and longest measurement of Rocker and offers skiers a “surfy” feel with enhanced soft-snow performance. The camber region still exists to ensure edge-hold on firmer conditions. Simply put, Powder Rocker provides unmatched flotation in deep snow.
by Kevin Brooker
So much fun goes down in a CMH Heli-Skiing season. Recently we got to thinking, "Why don't we write some of this stuff down?" So we did. Behold, Volume I of a new publication devoted to our myriad adventures—one that's coming out, free of charge, in six different language versions. Consider it a yearbook of sorts, a colourful way to celebrate the season past and get revved up for the one to come. This year's edition, edited by Calgary-based ski journalist Kevin Brooker, is packed with words and images. Colorado's Topher Donahue, who wrote the history of CMH in the book Bugaboo Dreams: A Story of Skiers, Mountains and Helicopters, explains how European and Canadian guiding traditions—plus a decidedly international workforce—have contributed to CMH's unique culture. Vancouver journalist Steven Threndyle drops into a busy Monashees Week 13 to hang out with both the Warren Miller film crew and the K2 Skis product development squad, while Pemberton's Lisa Richardson explores the joys and challenges of Heli-Skiing from a female perspective. There are tales of history, gastronomy and technology, the story behind our beloved million-foot awards, plus a whole lot of smiling faces on both guests and employees as they pursue their passion throughout our 11 magnificent tenures.
To order your own free copy—in your choice of English, German, French, Italian, Japanese or Spanish—simply shoot us your mailing address at info@cmhski.com with CMH Journal written in the subject line. Meanwhile, you too can play journalist. Got a question about why something is the way it is? Know someone worthy of a profile? We're all ears. Just drop your CMH Journal tip into an email at info@cmhski.com.
Grab your girlfriends, your sister, your mom or your daughter. Join us for a FREE, fun afternoon and be inspired to stay active and play outside this winter!
CMH Heli-Skiing has partnered with Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) and Ski Cellar Snowboard, to prove that winter is not a time to hibernate! Enjoy ski movies, fashion shows, personalized ski boot fitting, yoga and fitness demos, and more to get you in the mood for the upcoming snow season. And maybe, just maybe, you'll win yourself a spot with CMH Heli-Skiing on our All Girls Powder 101 ski week or one of the other fabulous prizes donated by our generous sponsors.
Details:
Sunday, October 16, 2011
1:00pm to 4:00pm
Ross Glen Hall - Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning
Mount Royal University
4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6
> View Google Map
To RSVP and to learn more, visit www.cmhski.com/womeninwinter.
Hope to see you there, Calgary! Space is limited! You must REGISTER ONLINE by Oct. 11th or call 1.800.661.0252
Hit the Slopes, as well as the Books!
At CMH Heli-Skiing, the beginning of the school year marks the end of summer, but the impending arrival of winter also marks a time to celebrate the joy of learning and the achievement of kids. In this spirit, the company that invented Heli-Skiing almost 50 years ago is offering a variety of interesting and exciting trips:
FAMILY HELI-SKIING VACATIONS
What better way to reward skiing kids over the winter vacation than with an amazing Family Ski Vacation in BC? For those with 12- to 17-year-olds, this is the ultimate White Christmas. Families begin the day skiing together, but kids can return to the lodge when they tire to participate in various fun, supervised indoor and outdoor activities -- including a climbing wall, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hockey and broomball, building igloos and snowmen. Each evening, a family dinner is served with kid-friendly options. Adding to the festive atmosphere, there will be Christmas celebrations, including a beautiful tree with presents for everyone in the lodge (and Santa may even show up in a helicopter!).
*Younger children are welcome but guests must provide childcare (a non-skier, “nanny” rate is offered)
NEXT GENERATION TRIP
While anyone is welcome, this trip is designed to inspire the next generation of heli-skiers and boarders. Skiers and riders 12 – 25 years old will receive a 50% discount for half of the guaranteed vertical when travelling with a full-paying adult. CMH is offer four trips in March and April 2012. Maybe the ultimate spring break ski trip. At CMH we joke that we offer a new (and better) way for the next generation to get high! WARNING: Heli-Skiing can be addictive. Check out the video here:
And don’t forget…POWDER U!
Powder 101? Powder 505? Or maybe Powder 707? Through our new Powder University, CMH offers courses for all levels – from those who are just discovering powder snow to those looking to hone their skills in the steep couloirs of the Cariboo Mountains and everything in between. For those who have already been granted their M.D. or D.D.S.., CMH’s Med School offers health-care providers and other professionals with an interest in health-related issues a variety of CME Heli-Skiing weeks run by 4 different medical practitioners and covering a range of topics. Powder U @ CMH was developed and is overseen by the “Dean of Deep Powder,” Roko Koell.
Our cirriculum for Powder U will be expanding in the next few weeks. To be informed of new courses, sign up to receive our e-newsletter.
Guest post by Katie Coccimiglio, Reservations Agent, CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures
In talking with our guests I often get questions about potential discounts, special deals, offers and incentives on heli-ski trips. One question I am asked is “If I can get a group of Heli-Skiers together is there a discount”?
The short answer is YES!
We offer our guests a Group Organizers Commission which is a 6% commission of the published Heli-Ski trip price-before taxes. In order to receive the commission your group must consist of 10 or more skiing guests visiting the same area at the same time. There is a bit of a catch, we only offer this program at certain areas on certain weeks, BUT we do offer it on all Heli-Skiing trips at CMH Revelstoke and CMH Kootenay areas all season long.
What do you need to do to earn your 6% commission?
Well it is your responsibility as the Group Organizer to make the initial request for the groups Heli-Ski spaces with one of our CMH Reservations agents. At the time of booking we will need the names and addresses of your group members so we can send out all relevant documents, as well as individual credit card numbers or one credit card number for deposit on all spaces.
Keep in mind that if your group drops to 9 people or less, the group commission will not apply unless full fees have been taken from the cancelled space or you have found someone to replace the space (recommended!). Lucky for you CMH Reservations will handle all paperwork and final payments.
The commission will be paid to the group organizer during the actual ski week. It your discretion what to do with the commission. Some group leaders with share the with the group members and others use the commission toward their next Heli-Skiing trip with CMH.
We cannot guarantee that your group will ski together. The CMH Heli-Skiing guides form the groups so they primarily consist of skiers of equal ability for the safety of our guests and their mutual satisfaction. Another great point is that you all do not have to be skiing in the same program! For example 5 of your guest could be in Powder 101 and the remainder on the Signature Heli-Ski trip.
So, how does this work out to 50% off your next Heli-Ski trip?
Here's the math:
Say you get 9 skiers, plus yourself to go to CMH Revelstoke February 18-25, 2012. The per person price before tax is $8,050.
$8,050 x 10 skiers = $80,500
$80,050 x 6% commission = $4,830.
Your choice: Use the $4,830 credit at the lodge towards extra metres, bar charges, shop purchases or massage services. Or, as the Group Organizer, you can keep the credit on file and apply it to your next CMH Heli-Skiing trip.
Now, here's the math you wanted to see:
$8,050 - $4,830 = $3,220 is all you pay if you want to stay and ski February 25-March 3, 2012!
So, what are you waiting for?! Gather up a group that would like to come heliskiing together, check out our Heli-Skiing Dates & Prices and then give one of us a call at 1.800.661.0252.
PS: We also have a Group Organizer Policy on our CMH Summer Adventures. Ask me for details!
Photo: Skiing Nirvana for you and 9 friends. Heli-Skiing in the Bobbie Burns by Topher Donahue
CMH Heli-Skiing is taking skiers “back to school” with the launch of Powder U @ CMH for the 2011-2012 ski season. Led by “Dean” Roko Koell, UIAGM and Professor of Powder, the curriculum at Powder U includes the courses skiers dream of:
Powder 101 - The Intro: These trips teach skiers everything they need to know to become a comfortable powder and wilderness skier. Each Powder 101 trip will include 10 skiers and 2 guides. This allows us to maximize instruction time and help move you into the type of deep snow skier that makes for a returning CMH guest! The only pre-requisite is that participants should be strong intermediate skiers on hard pack snow.
Powder 505 - The Steeps: Designed for skiers and snowboarders looking for a challenge on seriously steep terrain. Powder 505 trips will run in late April 2012 in the Cariboos, when snow conditions are most stable and days are longer, offering better access to challenging terrain. Seeking the most challenging terrain available on any given day, CMH's guides offer expert coaching, finding lines that allow you to develop your skills without compromising safety.
Prerequisite: Participants must be strong, confident skiers or riders – comfortable on double black diamond runs at resorts like Whistler and Jackson Hole and able to cope with tighter terrain (i.e. couloirs). Powder 505 – The Steeps weeks are limited to nine skiers/riders (which will be split into two groups), with three guides and a Bell 407 helicopter.
Powder 707 - The Masters: Powder 707 has been designed to keep guests on the slopes for as long as the spirit is willing. While the passion for Heli-Skiing never fades, veteran skiers’ knees, backs and other bio-mechanical hot-spots do show signs of wear! These trips emphasize quality over quantity of skiing. Two guides and a maximum of 10 guests per group ensure a high level of personal attention. Powder 707 weeks will be offered throughout the season.
Prerequisite: A willing mind, even if the body is less so.
Med School: For those who have already been granted their M.D. or D.D.S., CMH’s Med School is open to all health-care providers and other professionals looking to aquire their Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits in health-related issues. CMH will offer seven first-class medical symposia throughout the 2011-2012 season.
Are you ready to go back to school? CMH Reservations can help you select the best courses to set you on the path to becoming a Powder U grad!
Over the last few days we have been sharing some exciting information on The Heli-Ski Blog about the 2012 season at CMH Heli-Skiing. In this final installment we offer you an easy way to encourage your kids to join you next year to share your passion for the powder.
NEXT GENERATION WEEK Have your kids made the grade?
Mark April 7-14, 2012 on your calendar because your kids will have it on theirs! This week of heli-skiing in the Bugaboos is open to any skier but if you have someone between the ages of 12-25 who wants to join you on your trip, they get to come up for ½ price, for ½ of the guarantee.
Price: $6600 for 7 days and 30,500 metres of skiing
Price for 25 and under: $3300 for 7 days and 15,250 metres of skiing.
Extra skiing will be charged at the normal rate of $110 per 1000 metres.
NEW DATES ANNOUNCED: The Next Generation Trip in the Bugaboos sold out in days! We have expanded the program into the Adamants and will offer Next Generation - Adamants on April 7-14, 2012.
Parents of children between 12 and 19 (19 is the legal age of majority in BC) are expected to ski with their children. As with all CMH Family Heli-Skiing Weeks this will be at the discretion of the guiding team.
Curious to learn more about Heli-Skiing with CMH? Contact the Heli-Skiing Experts at CMH Reservations: 1.800.661.0252.
Over the last few days here on The Heli-Ski Blog, we've been sharing news of some exciting new trip options that we have for 2012 at CMH Heli-Skiing. In today's installment, CMH Kootenay.
CMH KOOTENAY Save time, save money, and still ski the goods.
Okay, so CMH Kootenay is the southernmost of the 11 CMH tenures. What does that mean to you? Simple; it's probably the quickest commute for U.S. heliskiers who can fly easily and cheaply into Spokane. Toss your buddies in a rental rig, then road trip and rally up the Arrow Lakes to Nakusp in just a few hours, with no gnarly mountain passes along the scenic route. Meanwhile, Kootenay heliskiing flat-out rocks. And the Kuskanax Lodge offers up great accommodations and great food in a funky small-town environment. We keep this program simple — no fancy frills, no turn down service, just rocking good skiing, great food and a young, party atmosphere with folks who love to ski.
And with plenty of Short Heli-Ski Trips (4 and 5 day) and Small Group Heli-Skiing trips to choose from all season long, it's hard to find an excuse not to ski Kootenay.
Kootenay 2012…holding the costs down so that you can get maximum shred for minimum bread!
Curious to learn more about Heli-Skiing in Kootenay? Contact the Heli-Skiing Experts at CMH Reservations: 1.800.661.0252.