The Signature Trip is the classic CMH experience that heli-skiing is built on. You ski or ride in ability-matched groups (up to 11 guests with one guide), fly in a Bell 212, and build fast friendships on fresh tracks.
But here’s the thing—the same Signature Trip feels completely different depending on the destination you choose. Remote fly-in lodge with “hut magic” energy where you’re transported to another world entirely? Or a ski town where you can grab sushi, catch a local hockey game and still fly into the backcountry every morning?
This is your guide to how Signature Trips compare at CMH Bugaboos, CMH Cariboos, CMH Kootenay, and CMH Revelstoke—so you can pick your ideal adventure.
LEARN MORE: Signature Trips
What is a CMH Signature Trip?
A Signature Trip is a shared heli-skiing week designed to maximize time on snow, while keeping the vibe welcoming and social. You’ll spend your days skiing or riding with a group of up to 11 guests matched to your pace, then wind down swapping stories over great food, hot tubs and the easy camaraderie that tends to form when you’ve just ventured through the mountains together.
And yes, CMH trips include unlimited vertical, so there’s no extra cost if you ski or ride more than the Vertical Guarantee for your trip. Talk about an incentive to do a few extra pre-trip squats, eh?
But plenty of our lodges offer Signature Trips. So the question inevitably becomes about how to pick the right trip for you.
How to choose the right CMH destination
We’re comparing CMH Bugaboos, CMH Cariboos, CMH Kootenay, and CMH Revelstoke. The differences are many, but we’re focusing on three things:
- Where you want to be based: Deep in the backcountry at a remote fly-in lodge, or at a best-of-both-worlds home base in one of Canada’s finest mountain towns?
- What kind of terrain and pacing you love: Trees? Long, open glacier runs? Perhaps playful features and pillows? At a more relaxed pace, or are you looking to charge?
- How you want to travel: Coach transfer + heli in, or the flexibility of driving yourself?
Let’s get into what each one actually feels like.
CMH Bugaboos Signature Trip
If you want to ski a chapter of heli-skiing history, start here. CMH Bugaboos is the iconic fly-in lodge where heli-skiing was born. And it still delivers that mouth-gaping, jaw-dropping feeling when you see the looming granite spires out the window.
READ NOW: The ski trip that started it all
On snow, Bugaboos is famously well-rounded. Think manageable, widely-spaced trees and wide-open alpine, plus those classic glacier runs with moderate pitch and the Bugaboo Spires standing in the backdrop. It’s friendly enough for first-timers who want to ease in, and deep enough (literally and figuratively) to keep stronger skiers and riders grinning all week.
Getting there: most guests fly into Calgary International Airport, transfer to the heli-pad near Radium Hot Springs, then hop in for a short heli flight to the lodge.
Pick Bugaboos if you want…
- A piece of heli-skiing’s lore and legend (and the stories that come with it)
- Big scenery, open alpine terrain and glacier skiing—something for everyone
- A fly-in lodge where the only plan is: ski, eat, soak, repeat
CMH Cariboos Signature Trip
CMH Cariboos is described as “true north,” claiming the second northernmost heli tenure of any of our ranges. It’s got dramatic glaciated terrain, huge horizons and a welcoming lodge atmosphere that feels like family from the minute you arrive.
Terrain-wise, the Cariboos lean toward the kind of expansive alpine landscapes that makes people stop mid-run just to take a long, hard look at the surrounding scenery. It’s that special, truly. The area offers a big variety, from glacier skiing and alpine bowls to tree skiing that is friendly and a whole lot of fun. It’s designed to be friendly for a wide mix of abilities, including guests new to heli-skiing.
Getting there: Cariboos is a short heli flight from Valemount. Many guests fly into Kelowna International Airport and take a CMH coach transfer to the heli-pad.
Pick Cariboos if you want…
- A truly remote fly-in lodge week with a “welcome home” energy
- Big northern scale: glaciated landscapes and memorable alpine views
- A cruisier pace that still delivers serious powder days
CMH Kootenay Signature Trip
This is a place for people who like their heli-skiing served with a little alternative, ski-bum streak flavour. At CMH Kootenay, you’re based in-town near Upper Arrow Lake, in a region known for high volumes of low-density powder and a culturally distinct, creatively influenced mountain town culture that makes the whole week feel a bit more lived-in, a bit more local.
On snow, Kootenay is a playground. Think fun, featured lines that coax you down towards the valley below. For the adventurous, the playful pillows, steeps and drops are neverending and the plentiful Kootenay powder offers deep landings. It’s also a place where guests come to build confidence fast as the terrain ranges from casual to more complex, and the program encourages progression without pressure.
Where you stay: CMH Kootenay bases out of Lodge at Arrow Lakes.
Getting there: Arrivals typically route through Kelowna International Airport.
Pick Kootenay if you want…
- In-town flexibility, meaning you can drive yourself and go play pool at the unpretentious and often rowdy Leland Hotel next door (IYKYK)
- Tree skiing for days, with all of the steeps, drops and features you could ever want
- A youthful, more playful vibe that makes sure the good times are always rolling
CMH Revelstoke Signature Trip
Big backcountry terrain and a real ski town to come home to? If you want the best of both worlds, say hello to CMH Revelstoke. Famous all over the world, Revelstoke is a triple threat for snow, terrain and location. It has access to steep trees and glaciated alpine terrain and frequent (and we mean it!) storm volume that gifts blower powder on the regular. And CMH has deep roots here, as our founder Hans Gmoser set up as the first heli operator in the area in 1971.
The in-town base also gives Revelstoke a unique advantage. On the rare days where weather like valley fog keeps our helicopters grounded, you’ve got the world-renowned Revelstoke Mountain Resort just up the road. Terrain is highly varied and easy to ability-match—steep, spaced trees, open bowls, and glaciated alpine—making it a strong choice for a wide range of skiers and riders.
Where you stay: CMH Revelstoke bases out of The Regent Hotel in walkable downtown.
Getting there: Many guests fly into Kelowna International Airport and self-drive from the west to avoid the highway closures in Rogers Pass, just to the east of Revelstoke.
Pick Revelstoke if you want…
- A ski-town home base with a variety of dining and nightlife options for your choosing
- Huge terrain variety (240+ runs) across two different mountain ranges
- Having a town worth exploring either way and activities to add on before or after your trip
Choose your heli-skiing adventure
Signature Trips are the classic format, but the destinations bring its personality to life. Fly into history in the Bugaboos, disappear into the northern Cariboos, or base yourself in town at CMH Kootenay or CMH Revelstoke and build the rest of your itinerary around the heli days. Your terrain, your travel style and your après dialed to your needs. So compare the destinations, pick your week, and let’s get you into the air.
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