Day Heli-Skiing

Day Heli-Skiing

Close to Banff

A quick powder hit like no other

Get ready for a day of heli-skiing that goes beyond the typical day heli experience. Exclusively at CMH Purcell, our day trips feature unlimited vertical, 2 small groups with 2 guides per group, plus expansive terrain with 250+ runs to explore.

Overview

One day you'll never forget

Day trips pack all the goodness of heli-skiing into one epic day. You’ll be flown into the backcountry to ski and ride incredible terrain alongside others who are seeking a day of fresh turns, big views, and great people to share it with. Who goes Day Heli-Skiing? Anyone with previous powder experience looking for a short, logistically easy heli hit. With tons of terrain options and a group format that lends flexibility, our day trips are suitable for those seeking a mellower pace but can also accommodate a fast-paced crew.

Day Heli-Skiing is exclusively at CMH Purcell in Golden, BC. It's located smack in the middle of the famed Powder Highway near some of the most sought-after resort skiing in Canada, so you can seamlessly add a day (or more) of heli-skiing into the mix of a planned resort trip. Purcell is also en route to/from other CMH heli-skiing destinations, so it’s a natural addition if you want to warm up your legs before a multi-day trip or extend it if conditions are firing. Or, if you’ve been wanting to try heli-skiing but aren’t yet ready for a multi-day commitment, a day trip is the perfect option. Consider it the gateway to heli-skiing.

Extra runs are free

At CMH Purcell, the skiing and riding is unlimited. What does that mean? If you end up skiing or riding more than the vertical amount we guarantee, there’s no added charge for those bonus runs.

Learn more

Group Size

2 groups of up to

8 guests + 2 guides

A helicopter + 2 tight-knit groups with one shared goal: fresh, untracked snow. Come solo or book just a few seats in the heli and be matched with others or book a private experience and share it exclusively with up to seven others.

Helicopter

Daily flights in a

Bell 212

Our Signature Trips use the powerful Bell 212 — the classic machine that heli-skiing was built on.

Heli safety

Skiable Terrain

Up to

250 + runs

2,000 sq. km / 772 sq. mi

Using snow conditions, wildlife movement, weather forecasts and a variety of other factors, our guides carefully select each day’s run lineup from a roster of more than 250 options.

View tenure map

Average vertical

On an average Day Heli-Skiing trip, expect to ski & ride up to:

3,000m / 9,843 ft

On a CMH Day Heli-Skiing Trip, you'll ski or ride approximately 5 full runs totaling somewhere in the ballpark of 10,000 vertical feet (this amount will vary based on run length, group dynamics, weather, etc.). If you log more vertical than that, the extra runs are on us; on a day trip, there are no additional fees when you exceed the guaranteed amount of skiing and riding.

Vertical guarantee

Ability

Small groups, flexible pace

Purcell is the ultimate option for those with previous powder experience looking for a mellower-paced getaway or an introduction to heli-skiing in an intimate setting. Or, depending on the ability level and goals of those you book with, it can also be a fast-paced, hard-charging option — Purcell’s terrain supports both.

Your heli-ski ability is a combination of your fitness, your pace and your skiing or riding skills in backcountry conditions. We make every possible effort to group you with other guests who ski and ride at your level.

Here’s who will enjoy a trip to Purcell:

Good

I like moderately long pitches with occasional breaks to rest. I definitely slow down in challenging or treed terrain and challenging snow conditions, sometimes relying on slow, cautious turns or traverses, but I still maintain a continuous pace without prolonged stops.

Strong

I like long pitches with occasional breaks to rest. I might slow down slightly in challenging or treed terrain and challenging snow conditions, but I’m able to maintain a continuous rhythm and pace.

Expert/Pro

I like to ski/ride long pitches all day long with minimal breaks to rest. I thrive in challenging terrain and snow conditions and actively seek out tree skiing. I mostly ski/ride at a fast, aggressive pace.

Need help determining your ability level?

Take the ability quiz

Trip Info

What's included with your trip

Use of day lodge

There is no overnight accommodation at CMH Purcell, but there is a cozy day lodge to use before and after your day in the mountains.

Lunch + light morning & après snacks

Weather permitting, you’ll eat a hearty CMH lunch out in the field. We’ll also fuel you with a selection of light snacks and beverages the morning of your trip, plus light apres-ski nibbles after your day skiing and riding.

Certified guides

Safety comes first at CMH, which includes world-renowned guiding from professionals who know the mountains best. Our guides are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) and/or the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association (IFMGA).

Vertical

Every trip at CMH includes a certain amount of metres/feet of heli-skiing. The included amount is based on the length of your trip, the CMH area in which you’re skiing, and/or the program you’ve chosen.

Day heli-skiing at CMH includes a certain amount of metres/feet. If you ski or ride more than the amount guaranteed for your day, there’s no extra cost. That’s right. You better get your ski legs ready, because the future is unlimited.

Safety training

All guests receive snow safety training upon arrival at CMH. No matter how many times you’ve heli-skied with us or the number of vertical feet you’ve notched, our guides will take you through the use of avalanche transceivers and general helicopter safety before heading out into the field.

CMH Safety Pack

Alongside your training, we provide you with all the necessary snow safety equipment. In your pack, you’ll find an avalanche transceiver, radio, shovel and probe.

Learn more about the CMH Safety Pack

Skis & poles

CMH Purcell is stocked with tried-and-tested powder skis and poles. We know this equipment performs well in our backcountry terrain, and we highly recommend leaving your skis at home and using ours instead. However, make sure to bring your own ski boots.

Take a look at our skis

Snowboards

We have a select number of high-quality boards available to use. These brands are ideal for the deep, light snow found at our lodges. Please note that you must reserve a snowboard before your trip. Alternatively, riders may bring their own board to use. All riders must bring their own snowboard boots.

Take a look at our boards

What’s not included

Airfare
Transportation
Accommodation

Ski & snowboard boots

All guests must bring their own boots. Tip: we highly recommend flying with your boots as your carry-on item!

Avalanche airbag/floatation device

If you wish to ski or ride with an airbag/floatation device, they are available to rent. Please indicate your interest when booking.

Itinerary

**A typical ski day at CMH Purcell*:**

7:15 - 7:30 am
Arrive at the day lodge. Meet your hosts and guides, enjoy a selection of light snacks and beverages.

7:45 am
Receive your equipment and participate in safety training.

9:30 am
Ski program starts

LUNCH
Weather permitting, lunch will be served in the field

Post-lunch
Continue skiing

3-4 pm
Return to the lodge to enjoy après-ski snacks and refreshments.

*Times may vary based on weather, time of year and helicopter resources

Getting to CMH Purcell

Arrival/Departure Airport

Purcell guests typically fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Recommended hotel: Marriott Calgary Airport In-Terminal Hotel

Flight planning

Arrival: The day before your trip starts
Departure: The day after your trip ends

Self-drive
CMH Purcell is a self-driving destination; guests are responsible for their own transportation to and from the day lodge and staging area, located at 438 Lafontaine Road, Golden, BC.
Self-Driving directions

Google Maps directions

If you are flying into Calgary International Airport, rental vehicles are available at the airport; pre-booking a vehicle well in advance is strongly recommended.

Approximate driving times to CMH Purcell:

Calgary International Airport 3.5 hours
Banff, AB 2 hours
Kelowna, BC 4.5 hours (+1 hr due to time zone change)
Revelstoke, BC 2 hours (+1 hr due to time zone change)
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort* 30 minutes

* If you are staying at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, we highly recommend you depart no later than 6:45 am. A train crossing along the driving route frequently causes delays.

Meeting time

Please arrive at the day lodge (438 Lafontaine Road, Golden, BC) between 7:15 and 7:30 am Mountain Time on the morning of your trip.

Questions?

If you have questions, our team is happy to assist.

Call us at 1-800-661-0252

Message us

Trip Preparation

If you're thinking of a trip or have already booked and are looking for additional information, check out our planning centre.

Trip Planning

Lodging

Your choice of accommodation

Unlike other CMH destinations, CMH Purcell trips do not include overnight accommodation, meals or transportation — we deliver an exceptional heli-skiing experience, and you have the ultimate freedom to self-drive, eat where you want, sleep where you want, and après where you want. Your vacation can be as deluxe or as no-frills as you desire. With Purcell's in-town base in the mountain adventure hub of Golden, BC, you’ll be spoiled by a choice of places to stay and have lots to do when the sun goes down. Celebrate the day’s turns with a freshly pulled pint at Whitetooth Brewing Co., sit down for a juicy burger from The Island Restaurant or enjoy dinner at the casually elegant Whitetooth Mountain Bistro or Eleven22.

Vacation planning

Let us help

Want some help planning your trip of a lifetime? Whether it’s your first time to western Canada or you’re a born and raised Canadian, our Personal Vacation Planning team will help you create an itinerary customized to you and your group.

To get started, send us an email or give our team a call at 1-800-661-0252

Accommodation partners

Ask us how to book at an exclusive rate with the accommodation partners we recommend:

Vagabond Lodge

This beautiful chalet is located steps away from the gondola at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. This is a boutique inn for adult guests only. Outdoor hot tub, sauna, billiard table, in-house massage therapist, complimentary Wi-Fi, healthy breakfast featuring Loris’ fresh baked fruit scones, fruit pancakes, baked bread, hot and cold cereals, farm fresh eggs, homemade yogurt and more. No TVs or phones in rooms and all rooms have private bathrooms with heated floors. The Vagabond is a 15-minute drive from CMH Purcell.

Visit website

Home Lodge

An award-winning luxury boutique bed and breakfast set in a spectacular country setting. A 5-minute drive from CMH Purcell, this beautiful lodge has 5 ensuite modern bedrooms, outdoor hot tub, library, games room, cozy lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows and roaring fireplace. A wonderful home-style cooked breakfast to start every day. Lynn your host, is the utmost professional while being warm, knowledge and fun.

Visit website

Mount 7 Lodges

A beautiful location on over 60 acres of private land with views of spectacular Mount 7, they offer 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom private luxurious lodges. Located 20 minutes from CMH Purcell, this is a great base for a group to spend time in Golden. Each lodge has full kitchens, private decks and hot tubs.

Visit website

Did you know?

Golden has a long history of being the home base of notable Swiss mountain guides who helped shape Canada’s guiding and mountaineering culture. The building of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) — which runs through Golden's outskirts — was the main catalyst for the town’s growth, including the guiding and tourism industry. In the late 1800s, the CPR recognized that many railway travellers through Golden were keen to stay, explore and discover the area for themselves. As a result, the company hired Swiss mountain guides who moved their families to Golden from Europe and began guiding guests throughout the area’s rugged peaks. Between 1899 and 1954 there were a total of 35 Swiss guides who provided the expertise for thousands of climbs, ascents and descents in the Golden area.

FAQ

What does 'unlimited' mean? How much will I heli-ski?

The amount you heli-ski each day depends on a variety of factors (see more, below). We guarantee that you will ski at least 3,000 m (9,843 ft) per day, which is approximately 5 full runs. If conditions and other factors mean you get to ski or ride more than that, the extra vertical is free. You will not be charged extra.

Who decides how much I'll heli-ski?

The decision to stop skiing/riding is always at the discretion of your guides and pilot. However, your guides will certainly include your goals for the day as part of their decision-making process. We want you to have a good time! Your desired amount of skiing will be considered alongside all other factors like safety, weather, conditions, daylight hours, group dynamics and abilities, etc.

With no ‘cap’ on vertical, is the pace always extra fast?

No. We welcome anyone from those seeking a mellower pace to hard chargers. Having two guides per group, plus a lot of different terrain options to choose from, gives us more flexibility to accommodate varying levels of skiers/riders at the same time.

Our goal with removing the cost for extra vertical at CMH Purcell is not to necessarily hammer as many runs as physically possible just for the sake of it, but instead to provide an exceptional experience with few constraints. The atmosphere that’s created by only having two groups of eight guests, a high guide-to-guest ratio, a plethora of available terrain, plus no extra charges, is one that allows you to fully enjoy an incredible day out.

However, if you do have a full group of strong skiers/riders and everyone in the group explicitly desires to move quickly, we will certainly do so if other safety considerations allow for it.

How do you manage skier ability on day trips?

If you don’t bring your own group, you will be matched with others who meet or exceed the minimum ability level. With two guides in each group of eight skiers, we have the flexibility to manage if pace and skiing abilities differ.

When will we leave and return?

The helicopter will aim todepart between 9:30-10 am MT and will return by 4-4:30 pm MT. The available amount of skiing/riding is within that window. If your group wishes to return sooner or if your guides and pilot determine it is unsafe to keep skiing, you may return sooner than 4-4:30 pm.

Will the helicopter or my guides deliberately move slowly to reduce the chance for extra runs?

No. Nope. Never. That’s not how we roll. The guides and the helicopter will move at a pace that is safe for the day’s weather, conditions, daylight hours, group dynamics and abilities, etc. If, all factors considered, the day allows for extra runs, we will make sure you get them.

What happens if I want to stop but the rest of my group doesn’t?

If you're ready to stop or need a break, tell your guides. They will help coordinate your next move. Depending on where you’re skiing and what’s happening that day, they may have a handful of available solutions.

What if we aren’t able to ski much, or at all?

If you ski or ride for a portion of the day but operational constraints such as weather or mechanical issues prevent you from reaching our guaranteed amount of vertical (3,000 m/9,843 ft per day), we will refund you $450 CAD per every 1,000 m (3,281 ft) not skied. If you choose to stop skiing before you’ve reached the guaranteed amount for reasons relating to endurance or fitness, the refund does not apply.
If the helicopter never leaves the ground due to weather, mechanical issues or other unforeseen circumstances (AKA you don’t get to ski or ride at all), you will receive a full refund for your trip.

Questions? Ask a trip expert

Does CMH Purcell have a lodge?

CMH Purcell does not have a lodge that accommodates overnight guests; instead, CMH Purcell guests are free to self-book accommodation in the beautiful mountain town of Golden, BC, which is where CMH Purcell is located. Our vacation planning team is happy to connect you with our accommodation partners. There is a day lodge at the heli-pad where guests will meet, gear up, and enjoy a snack before and after skiing.

Book your Day Heli-Skiing

Questions about this program? Curious about a certain trip?

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1-800-661-0252

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Safety & risk awareness

Learn more about the inherent risk of heli-skiing, what CMH does to reduce that risk, and what your responsibility is as a guest.

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