CMH Heli Skiing Kootenay
Light on the amenities but heavy on the powder, CMH Heli Skiing Kootenay offers a laid-back experience for serious skiers looking to progress their skills and experiences in the alpine backcountry. This easily accessible location is a fan-favorite of former ski-bums turned heli skiers for its no-frills culture and local energy. Here you’ll find diverse terrain offered by the interior of British Columbia with some of the more unique landscape features found amongst all CMH’s locations.
Kootenay is designed for the skier with one priority in mind – boundary-crushing progression. The location is frequently visited by professionals who offer guidance, advice, and leadership in the ever-changing backcountry. Perfect for soloists or small groups that like to have a good time, Kootenay has a legacy of high-performance skiing and casual socialization.
Facts & FAQ
Unlike other CMH locations that require a long combination of traveling methods to arrive at remote backcountry lodges, the CMH Heli Skiing Kootenay lodge sits right in the town of Nakusp. Guests first normally fly into Kelowna International Airport (YLW), 3.5 hours Southwest of Nakusp. After arriving, most skiers choose to make a self-drive to the town, taking in the scenery along the picturesque Powder Highway drive.
Alternatively, guests can schedule to be picked up by an airport shuttle provided by CMH. At the Kootenay, this option is an additional $150, but it removes the hassle of needing to rent a car and drive on potentially hazardous snowy roads.
- Soaking in local natural hot springs
- Nordic ski trails encompassing Arrow Lake
- Red Mountain and Whitewater Ski Area resorts
- Shuffleboard and other games
- Exercise equipment
CMH Heli Skiing Kootenay is highlighted by its playful and varied features found throughout the tenure. If you’re seeking more unpredictable and challenging runs that require you to be always on your toes, Kootenay is a great destination. Glacial steeps and pillow drops are common at this location, and these unique features result in heli skiing packages oriented just to that.
Nearly 75% of the terrain experienced at Kootenay is in moderately spaced trees, making for fun and exhilarating runs that never get old. To ski here, it’s recommended that you can perform at a high level, as many of the people who come to Kootenay are looking for hard-charging lines. Good physical fitness and strong edge control are paramount.
As one of the more unique destinations in CMH’s portfolio, you can find specialized packages here that are not available with other lodges. Many of these packages are the sole reason skiers come to Kootenay. Options include:
- Signature Trip: The classic CMH heli skiing Kootenay package provides you with large group heli skiing at a moderate pace. You’ll be skiing with 10 other people, accompanied by one guide in a Bell 212 helicopter. You’ll also have the option of either a 4 or 5-day excursion.
- Steep Shots & Pillow Drops: This package is for skiers after the most extreme experience they can find, accentuated by steep and challenging lines that push the limits of ability levels. Aboard a Bell 212, these 4 or 5-day packages entail 9 skiers guided by a featured professional athlete who strives to improve the group's skills. Strong and expert-level skiing abilities are advised.
- Small Group: The small group package only features 4 other skiers, providing you with a more personalized experience that’s best catered to couples and solo travelers. Flight is provided by a Bell 407 or A-Star B3 helicopter.
While down-day cat skiing is not available at this location, you’re protected by the CMH vertical guarantee. Should you not ski as much as advertised due to weather, refunds are provided. With the Kootenays signature package, skiers will receive $170 for every 1000m not skied.
Consult CMH directly for current packages and pricing.
Book a CMH Heli Skiing Kootenay Trip Today!
With twelve CMH locations to chose from, you have lots of variety! That said Kootenay is geared towards hard chargers who want the challenge, the steeps & pillows! With the lodge at Nakusp and the two resorts nearby, this is a must on one's heli skiing bucket list!
If you don't find what you're looking for at CMH, take a look at our Directory of British Columbia Heli Skiing Operators.
Reviews & Comments
Please share a comment or review, if you have skied here! This REALLY helps the heliskiing community! Thank You!
BRADY
06/20/23
Brady is an avid skiing & backcountry enthusiast, aging "big wave" surfer and is totally addicted to heli skiing!
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