For the best, adrenaline-fueled helicopter skiing Canada has to offer, book your ski trip with Pure Powder and reap all the benefits of working with our experienced team of experts. Founded in 1978, Pure Powder is one of the largest, well-renowned heli ski specialists in the UK, organising hundreds of heli skiing trips every year, more than anyone else in the UK put together.
With decades of expertise and a deep passion for helicopter skiing, the team at Pure Powder is dedicated to crafting seamless, adrenaline-fuelled adventures in some of the world’s most breathtaking mountain ranges. We offer a personalised service to everyone who books their trip through us, taking the time to understand your skiing abilities, preferences, and powder goals before matching you up with the perfect destination, lodging, and heli skiing adventure to suit you. With insider knowledge of terrain, snow conditions, safety protocols, and logistics, we make sure that every helicopter skiing trip is a fun, safe, and satisfying experience from start to finish.
Our close relationships with trusted global operators also mean you will never pay more than what you would by booking directly (in fact, our clients often benefit from added value or exclusive opportunities when booking their trips through us). Whether you’re a first-time heli-skier or a seasoned powder enthusiast, our expert guidance, passion for powder slopes, and unrivalled industry connections allow us to offer you unforgettable helicopter skiing experiences.
Helicopter Skiing Canada With Pure Powder
If helicopter skiing in Canada is what you’re particularly interested in, Pure Powder has you covered. We have partnered with CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures, the world’s first and largest heli-skiing operator, to bring you the very best helicopter skiing Canada has to offer. CMH (founded by heli-ski pioneer Hans Gmoser) has spent decades perfecting the art of backcountry adventuring, offering access to over 3 million acres of pristine terrain across British Columbia’s stunning mountain ranges. This partnership allows us to offer our clients unparalleled variety and ultimate adventure when it comes to planning their Canadian heli-skiing getaway.
Through CMH, we provide access to 12 unique lodges, each offering something special. If you’re looking for remote wilderness hideaways for small-group exploration, or want to dabble in a little more luxury with full-service retreats, there is sure to be a CMH lodge to suit you and your party. As for the helicopter skiing adventures, whether you’re after tree runs, high alpine bowls, or wide-open glacier descents, there’s a CMH destination to satisfy every skier’s expectations.
In this quick read, we’ll be delving deeper into CMH’s history and what they have to offer, as well as the diverse range of lodges and experiences available to those booking their Canada heli skiing trip through Pure Powder. With our team organising your trip, you can expect the highest level of care and attention before, during, and after your helicopter skiing adventure.
Helicopter Skiing Canada: CMH’s History In British Columbia
Before CMH became the industry-leading heli skiing operator that it is today, it comprised a small group of adventurous skiers who set out to chase the thrill of backcountry skiing on untouched mountain glaciers. CMH’s eventual founder, Hans Gmoser, a renowned Austrian mountain guide, along with his team, came across a particular piece of land in the outlands of British Columbia, at the base of the Bugaboo Spires, and it was there that the seeds of modern heli-skiing were planted.
Captivated by the vast, untouched expanse of powder and the dramatic alpine scenery, Gmoser envisioned a new way to experience the mountains; his goal was to combine the freedom of backcountry skiing with the accessibility of helicopter transport. In 1965, this vision became reality when he launched the first commercial heli-skiing operation, using a single helicopter to ferry small groups of skiers into the remote wilderness of the Bugaboos. What began as an experimental adventure for a handful of daring skiers quickly evolved into a groundbreaking new sport, attracting thrill-seekers from around the world.
Today, CMH operates across 12 distinct areas in British Columbia, each with its own terrain characteristics, snow conditions, and atmosphere – and all of CMH’s helicopter skiing trips are powered by the same pioneering spirit that began in the Bugaboos. Their lodges combine rugged mountain charm with warm Canadian hospitality, offering guests everything from gourmet dining and spa facilities to comfortable lodging and fireside relaxation after a long day on the slopes.
Through Pure Powder’s long-standing partnership with the powerhouse of helicopter skiing in Canada, skiers can access the full breadth of CMH’s incredible destinations. Depending on the kind of powder adventure you’re looking for, you can experience a helicopter skiing trip tailored to you and take up lodging in the historic Bugaboo Lodge where it all began, experience the deep, tree-lined runs of Galena, or explore the wide-open alpine bowls of Cariboos. Together, Pure Powder and CMH offer helicopter skiing trips and off-piste adventures that you’re sure to be raving about for years to come.
CMH Lodges: Helicopter Skiing In Canada
When you book your helicopter skiing Canada trip through Pure Powder, we begin by getting to know you. We’ll make sure to inquire about your skiing skill level, your appetite for challenge, your tolerance for remote travel, your preferred pace, and the kind of backcountry terrain you dream of taking on. From that foundation, our team matches you with the most suitable CMH lodge and programme so that your heli-skiing trip maximises enjoyment, safety, and ultimate value.
Because your lodge is chosen based on your personal profile, what might be an ideal lodge for one skier could feel like overkill or underwhelming for another. We consider whether you thrive off hard, technical descents or prefer more forgiving alpine runs, whether you want a rugged, wilderness fly-in experience or a lodge closer to town, and whether you want small-group exclusivity or don’t mind a classic group setting. With those preferences guiding us, we’ll steer you toward the CMH lodge that best fits your expectations, ensuring you’re satisfyingly challenged but not overwhelmed, and comfortable without feeling constrained.
With that in mind, here’s a look at a few of the different CMH lodges available through Pure Powder, and what makes each unique option unique:
Adamants Lodge sits deep in the Northern Selkirk Range as a remote fly-in destination. It caters to small groups (with just four guests per guide), providing fast access to varied terrain (roughly 40% tree skiing combined with 60% alpine, including glaciated bowls). After long days spent skiing fresh powder, the lodge offers comfort in style. You can make use of the sauna, steam room, outdoor hot tub, fitness spaces, games rooms, WiFi, and more. It’s ideal for strong, adventurous skiers who relish deep terrain, fewer crowds, and full immersion in the surrounding wilderness.
Cariboos Lodge also operates as a fly-in destination and sits in CMH’s northern tenure. Its scale is impressive, with nearly 1,500 km² of skiable terrain and over 300 possible runs. The terrain blends alpine expanses with tree-skiing (roughly 60% trees, 40% alpine), and heavy annual snowfall means deep, dry powder and a longer ski season. Cariboos is well-suited for mixed-ability groups and those doing CMH’s Powder Introduction programme, offering a wide variety with reliable snow and a relaxed lodge environment.
Bugaboos Lodge holds a special place in heli-skiing history for obvious reasons; it’s where Hans Gmoser’s pioneering vision first took off. Remote and fly-in, it delivers a mix of glacier runs, alpine bowls, and forested terrain. The versatility of this area makes it a strong choice for both experienced skiers and newcomers via CMH’s Powder Introduction or Powder Masters programmes. The lodge combines classic mountain charm with comfort, pairing rugged scenery with warm hospitality and iconic views of the granite spires.
Galena Lodge sits off the beaten path in the Selkirk Mountains. Much revered and with a reputation for steep, technical terrain full of ridges, pillows, and challenging tree skiing, this location is geared toward expert-level guests. Needless to say, this location demands precision and confidence when helicopter skiing the challenging terrain. Despite its remoteness, Galena accommodates up to 44 guests and fosters an alpine spirit of camaraderie.
Kootenay Lodge, located in the Nakusp area, is a more accessible, town-based hotel lodge. Its terrain emphasises playful, feature-rich skiing with pillows, drops, and long forest runs. The approximately 75% tree / 25% alpine ratio makes it appealing to plenty of skiers looking for variety in their skiable terrain. Because it’s easier to reach while still offering quality runs, Kootenay suits those who crave adventure but prefer more manageable logistics.
Gothics Lodge is reachable by road, yet still feels remote. Its terrain spans a large territory with a mix of glade skiing, alpine descents, and storm-chasing potential (roughly 60% tree, 40% alpine). The lodge’s accessibility lends itself to a more social, vibrant après-ski vibe, while still delivering big days out in the powder.
Revelstoke Lodge, another town-based option, capitalises on proximity to a vibrant ski town and direct access to extensive terrain. Touted as the “mecca of helicopter skiing,” Revelstoke supports both classic and private programmes. Its guiding teams and established reputation make it a strong choice for those seeking legendary terrain with the convenience of a nearby base.
In addition, CMH offers Powder Introduction trips for those who haven’t heli-skied before, where lower-stress terrain and expert guides help you build confidence. The Powder Masters programme, available at select lodges, appeals to those who prefer a slightly gentler pace but still deep immersion in the backcountry. All of our helicopter skiing programmes intersect with lodge selection: for example, lodges such as Bugaboos, Cariboos, and Revelstoke host the above-mentioned experiences, so your package can combine ideal terrain with appropriate coaching and support.
Preparing For Your Powder Adventure
When preparing to take on a helicopter skiing adventure in Canada, it’s important to make sure you’re fully prepared beforehand. Luckily for you, when you book your trip through Pure Powder, we handle the important preparations on your behalf; you can think of us as your personal concierge service, here to help organise all of the elements of your trip so that everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
With that being said, here’s a quick list of some things to consider beforehand:
Flights: While we don’t book flights in-house, don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance when booking. Our team can help advise you on the best flights for your trip, or we can help arrange a flight quote to be sent to you from a trusted partner.
Insurance: Travel insurance and Ski insurance are incredibly important to the safety and security of your ski trip. Take a look at our insurance page, where we cover this factor in detail.
Ski Fitness: Your ski fitness level will directly impact your enjoyment during your ski trip as well as your risk of injury. In short, the fitter you are, the better your experience, which is why we offer a ski fitness program to prepare you for your adventure.
Acclimatising: Adding to the above, if you are heading out for a heli skiing trip in Canada, it’s a good idea to take a few days to acclimate to the conditions and find your ski legs. To this end, we can help you organise a few days of resort skiing in Western Canada’s best ski resorts before your helicopter skiing trip.
For more information on preparing for your helicopter skiing trip, take a look at our trip preparation page, where we go over everything you need to know to get started. Our goal is to offer helicopter skiing to everybody, accommodating all manner of skill levels so that this incredible sport can be enjoyed by anyone with a taste for adventure.
