CMH Purcell
As the newest addition to the destination lineup, CMH Purcell was purchased from a family-owned heli skiing operator in 2021. While that company’s customers enjoyed Purcell’s terrain for nearly 50 years, it’s now uncharted territory for CMH’s loyal patrons. This makes Purcell an exciting journey into mystery, where previously unknown landscapes make themselves visible.
Being a new member of the family, Purcell has yet to be developed in the same way that other CMH lodges have. Accommodations are the responsibility of the skier, but this allows guests to completely customize their winter vacations. In addition, Purcell is the only location that offers single-day packages, making it the perfect stop on a larger British Columbia vacation, or as the primary focus.
CMH Purcell: Facts & FAQ
CMH Purcell is most easily accessed from Calgary International Airport (YYZ), and it takes approximately 3.5 hours to travel to the Purcell staging area. Since Purcell is in its infancy, skiers will need to facilitate their own transportation to Purcell by renting their own car. CMH does not provide a shuttle in any capacity.
Since Purcell is a drive-in location, it makes for a great addition to a larger British Columbia trip. Many skiers choose to visit or stay in the nearby cities of Banff or Revelstoke and make the shorter 2-hour trek to the helicopter staging area.
It should be noted that at this time (until winter 23/24), significant road work is being conducted on Highway 1, headed to Purcell. Occasionally the highway will close with traffic being rerouted, adding around 2 hours of additional driving.
As mentioned, visiting skiers are responsible for organizing their own overnight accommodations when visiting CMH Purcell. Most individuals stay in the small city of Golden, BC., where a variety of hotels, lodges, and Airbnbs are found. Golden is home to Kicking Horse Ski Resort, a great down-day activity should your heli skiing be postponed due to adverse weather conditions. While some locations have cat-skiing available in the surrounding community, it is not found near Purcell or Golden.
Despite having to book your own lodging, Purcell still has a variety of amenities that are included with your day trips. These include:
- Day lodge use – perfect for relaxation, recharging, and refueling.
- Snacks for before and after heli skiing
- On-mountain lunch (weather permitting)
Purcell’s terrain is incredibly balanced, featuring a wide selection of variable conditions and landscapes. With nearly 500,000 acres of tenure in the Purcell and Selkirk mountains, it would be impossible for a heli skier to get bored with the skiing that’s available. CMH provides over 250 named runs, allowing you fresh and unique trails to come back to year after year.
Comprised of a perfect 50/50 blend of tree skiing and alpine territory, Purcell holds something for nearly every type of skier. Widely spaced trees accommodate more intermediate ability levels, whereas experts will relish the long and steep descents of the open glacial bowls.
Purcell heli skiing focuses on two main things: small, friendly groups and short, manageable trips. Many of CMH’s signature packages include up to 11 skiers, but at Purcell, you’ll never share the Bell-212 classic chopper with more than 7. All ability levels are welcome in their signature packages, and the pace will be determined based on the group’s skiing prowess. CMH Purcell packages include:
- Signature 1-Day Trip: Perfect for those just dipping their toes into heli skiing, the 1-day package is ideal for tight-knit friend groups or solo travelers looking for a thrill. This is also a favorite package for people visiting from nearby Revelstoke.
- Signature 2-Day Trip: If you’re looking to stay and experience the town of Golden, BC., the two-day trip allows you to do so. You can also get more familar with heli skiing overall.
- Signature 3-Day Trip: Designed for those seeking the ultimate Purcell experience. Over the course of three days you’ll have the ability to become acquainted with the eccentricities of the surrounding mountains and the lives of your small skiing group.
For each of the 1, 2, and 3-day trips, Purcell has a vertical guarantee of 4,000m, 9,000m, and 15,000m respectively. Every 1000m of this guarantee not skied results in a $160 refund.
Consult operator directly for current packages and pricing.
Book a Heli Skiing Trip to CMH Purcell Today!
Purcell offers 1, 2, and 3 Signature day trips. However, choose from all the other CMH locations by visiting CMH Heli Skiing.
If you're interested in viewing everything that B.C. has to offer, visit our British Columbia Heli Skiing Operator Directory.
Reviews & Comments
Please share a comment or review, if you have skied here! This REALLY helps the heliskiing community! Thank You!
BRADY
7/3/23
Brady is an avid skiing & backcountry enthusiast, aging "big wave" surfer and is totally addicted to heli skiing!
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