Guiding & safety
Heliskiing is supposed to be fun, of course, but the first and last priority at CMH is safety. All CMH guides are certified members of the UIAGM, the internationally recognized guiding qualification, or of the ACMG, the Canadian mountain guide certification.
CMH guides are experienced professionals, trained not only in the science of snow safety and mountain travel but also in giving you the most enjoyable experience possible. If you’re tired, for instance, there are usually several opportunities a day to fly back to the lodge; your guide will offer the chance whenever a regrouping opportunity is coming up. The guides carry a radio and a pack which allows them to handle most accidents on the spot; when necessary, the helicopter can usually land close enough to any injured party to evacuate quickly. Several guest packs containing a shovel, probe and radio are rotated for wear among the group. In addition to the guides who lead you in the mountains, one guide also works as safety guide, working with a second helicopter to continually assess snowpack and hazards in the field. Before your ski week begins, a safety video outlines basic operating procedures and on arrival all guests undergo an avalanche transceiver orientation as well as a helicopter safety briefing. All guests are provided an avalanche transceiver to wear each day. Snow stability research and weather information is shared daily by all 12 CMH areas on a radio exchange. As is required by law for all BC heliski operators, you must sign a waiver to participate.
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