Heli-Hiking Q & A

Here are some common questions we get from new Heli-Hikers:

• I'm not a hiker! Can I do this?
• I'm an experienced hiker. Will I be challenged?
• Tell me about the levels of the different hiking groups.
• How far do we hike each day?
• What's the weather like up there? And what if it rains?
• What's a typical day like?
• Why use a helicopter?
• What are the lodges like?
• Which lodge should I choose?
• Can I connect with the outside world from your lodges?
• Is Heli-Hiking suitable for families?
• Do you offer special child rates?
• Can children have their own room?
• If I'm travelling alone will you match me with a roommate?
• If I'm travelling alone, can I have a private room?
• Can I change my mind and transfer to another trip?
• What happens if I must cancel my trip?
• Do you offer special rates for groups?

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I'm not a hiker! Can I do this?

Whether it's a hike, walk, or amble, each Heli-Hiking day is tailored to all levels of fitness, experience, and age. We split the group as necessary so everyone can stay within their comfort level. All you really need is a thirst for adventure.

I'm an experienced hiker. Will I be challenged?

Yes. Our guides are mountain people and if you're seeking a challenge, they're ready to give you a good hiking workout.

Tell me about the levels of the different hiking groups.

Our hiking groups, organized according to interests and abilities, vary in size. The following will give you a general idea of how our guides determine hiking groups:

• A. You are very active and enjoy strenuous, fast paced hiking. Your group consists of people who spend a lot of time in the mountains, are in great physical condition and enjoy challenging their physical and mental limits.
• B. You exercise regularly (3 or 4 times a week) and want to challenge yourself by hiking full days on varied terrain (i.e. hiking over a pass, along ridges or reaching a peak). Your group consists of people who are sure-footed in rough terrain, may have some mountain hiking experience, are in very good physical condition and want to push themselves both physically and mentally.
• C. You exercise less frequently and enjoy hiking for a full day, but at a more relaxed pace. Your group includes people who may not have any mountain experience, but are keen to explore varied terrain at a slower pace and with an experienced guide.
• D. You want to explore the mountains in a relaxed manner with an experienced guide. Your group may include those who have little or no experience in the mountains, are less sure-footed in rough terrain and are more interested in learning about the environment, fauna and flora than reaching a peak or pass.

How far do we hike each day?

Just as our groups vary, our mileage varies from a kilometre or so (1/2 mile) to 15 kilometres (9 miles). Our guests hike as much or as little as they desire.

What's the weather like up there? And what if it rains?

Our summer weather is generally sunny and pleasant. Temperatures vary quite a bit, from highs of 10-29° C (50-85° F) during the day to lows of –1 to15°C (30-60°F) at night. Mountain weather is extremely variable, which is why we provide the gear you need for cooler temperatures, rain, wind, and, every once in a while, snow. As long as it's safe to fly, we do hike in the rain and have a great time doing it. The clothing and equipment we supply keep you comfortable, warm, and dry.

What's a typical day like?

Morning offers choices: join the morning stretch, or sleep a little longer. Breakfast is served at 8:00 am, and the first helicopter leaves at 9:00 am. Each group, with its own guide, spends the day roaming and hiking in the mountains. Over the course of the day, the helicopter may move each group to three or four different areas, giving you a chance to experience a variety of settings. Lunch is picnic-style, or sometimes we set up a spectacular outdoor BBQ. In the late afternoon we fly back to the lodge for tea goodies and relaxation prior to a spectacular dinner and an evening of story-swapping.

Check out our trip descriptions for sample itineraries.

Why use a helicopter?

Without helicopters, our remote mountains would be inaccessible to all but a very few hardy backpackers. Short flights take us to and from our secluded lodges. Helicopters also give us the ability to hop from one area to another during the day, allowing our guides to select varied terrain for you to explore with relative ease.

What are the lodges like?

Our lodges skillfully blend remote and rustic with comfort and luxury. All lodges feature massage services, saunas, whirlpools, game rooms, shops, and bar-lounges for socializing. Bedrooms are equipped with private baths. The food is plentiful, imaginative, and delicious, freshly prepared each day by our on-staff chef and pastry chef. Our staff is friendly as well as passionate and knowledgeable about the mountains. Our goal is to create a restful, luxurious and inspiring atmosphere.

Which lodge should I choose?

We asked a valued client, who has Heli-Hiked from all four lodges, how he'd answer this question. “Well,” he responded, “I don't think there is a good answer, simply because the truth is that all the lodges are wonderful, all provide equally superb service, and the mountains are equally fantastic. Each of the lodges has given me many great memories…of a particular guide, or a memorable hike, or a great group of fellow hikers. It's a very personal thing." Also see Our 6 Heli-Hiking Areas .

Can I connect with the outside world from your lodges?

Computer and Internet Service

Each lodge has at least minimal computer, Internet and wireless services available for guests. However, 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. Note that use of CMH facilities with personal equipment is done at your own risk, and no support services are available. Bandwidth is limited.

The table below outlines specific connectivity information, including wireless Internet access for laptops and other devices, for each lodge:

Lodge	Mobile Service Provider	Wireless	Ethernet	Guest PC	Type
Adamants	-	-	yes	1	Satellite
Bobbie Burns	-	-	yes	1	Satellite
Bugaboos	-	limited	yes	2	Satellite
Cariboos	-	limited	yes	2	ADSL via Mountain Top Wireless Repeater
Monashees	-	-	yes	3	Satellite

Please see specific lodge pages for more details regarding wireless connectivity.

Telephone Service

Pay phones for outgoing calls are available in the Monashees. The Adamants, Bugaboos, Bobbie Burns, and Cariboos all have radio telephones available for guests' outgoing calls.

The CMH Banff office phone number is 403-762-7100. 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.

Is Heli-Hiking suitable for families?

Absolutely. Every generation can create its own perfect day. We've hosted four-generation families, from very young children to great-grandparents, with a wide range of activities for each to choose from. And each time the verdict has been “We all had the time of our lives!” Also see Family Adventures .

Do you offer special child rates?

Yes. Children 5 to 14 years receive 25% off the adult rate; youth who are 15 to 17 years receive 10% off the adult rate; and children under the age of 5 travel for free.

Can children have their own room?

Absolutely. They will be in a room next to or across from yours. A supplement applies for a guaranteed single room.

If I'm travelling alone will you match me with a roommate?

We're committed to solo travellers. We eat our meals family-style, so you'll always be in good company. Our hiking groups usually consist of small groups of 11 hikers (sometimes fewer) who share similar interests and abilities, so familiarity and camaraderie result quite naturally.

If you book on a twin/share basis, we will attempt to match you with a same-sex roommate; if we are unable to do so, you will NOT be charged the upgrade to single occupancy.

If I'm travelling alone, can I have a private room?

Single supplements are available on a space available basis, depending on the lodge.

Can I change my mind and transfer to another trip?

You can transfer to a later trip date within the same season based on availability, even if you have paid for all or a portion of you trip. If the trip you move to is of a lesser value, we will refund the difference. If the trip you move to is of a greater value, you will be charged the difference.

What happens if I must cancel my trip?

We must receive cancellations by telephone as well as confirmed in writing. The $300.00 deposit is always non-refundable. If cancellation is received eight weeks prior to the trip the remainder of the money received will be refunded. After this date, all monies received by CMH are non-refundable. If you can find a replacement for the trip booked, any and all deposits received will be transferred to your replacement. The money can also be transferred to a later trip date within the same season.

Do you offer special rates for groups?

Yes. A group consists of 10 or more people. Please call for details.