skilled skierslearn alongside your peers
expert coachingfrom pros and guides
rugged terrain big, steep and deep
As deep as you dare
Push your powder skills to the limit as you float through the very best of our three million acre alpine playground. We pair the biggest bowls, steepest drops and leg-burning lines with our team of expert backcountry coaches, so honing your technique isn’t just fun — it’s unforgettable.
Go big, but go safe
Skiing just beyond your comfort zone doesn’t mean skiing in the danger zone. With the most advanced safety equipment, expert guides and all-mountain monitoring, we ensure our commitment to safe skiing goes well-beyond industry standards.
Remote retreats and mountain-town getaways
Journey to the heart of the backcountry at our historic Cariboos Lodge, or spend a week like a Nakusp local, or a K2 pro, at the CMH Kootenay* Lodge. Whether you’re looking for snow and solitude or a mix of big mountain terrain and vibrant townie hospitality like you'll find in Nakusp, we have a perfect home for your freeride reveries.
* Formerly CMH K2
Griffin Dunne
December 28, 2019 to January 2, 2020
Steep Shots & Pillow Drops – Kootenay
A man known to test his mettle against some of the most imposing terrain in North America, Griffin Dunne joins CMH this winter for a trip that won’t be quickly forgotten.
Known on the Freeride World Tour scene as the guy from Vermont who hucks big, Griffin’s impressive style through notorious routes like Corbet’s Couloir has given him a name to be proud of in the ski industry.
Sam Schwartz
Feb 2 - 7, 2020 Steep Shots & Pillow Drops – Kootenay
As a professional skier based out of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Sam has without doubt proven himself on the mountain. From winning the Junior World Championships in men’s freeskiing in 2013 to being crowned with the #1 backflip in 2016, he’s no stranger to throwing bold moves on snow - which is excellent news for anyone looking for a couple of tips in the field this winter.
Lucy Sackbauer
January 24-28, 2020 Steep Shots & Pillow Drops – Kootenay
Winner of the Grand Targhee competition 5 years in a row, Lucy Sackbauer was born and raised in Vail, Colorado. Having cut her teeth in ski racing and telemarking, Lucy now lives in Alta, Utah and splits her time between being an accomplished skier, and saving lives on the mountain as a fully qualified nurse.
Heli-skiing this season at CMH Kootenay, guests can expect to rip alongside Lucy while talking all things ski and big movie productions.
Corey Seemann
February 16 - 21, 2020 Steep Shots & Pillow Drops – Kootenay
Back for another season, Corey Seemann is the young gun with a good rep returning for another trip in January. Raised in Vail, Colorado, Corey is known for his ambitious freeskiing ability, big mountain lines, and monumental jumps. While also a part-time pilot, he is the epitome of positivity. We dare you not to find his ski stoke contagious.
Carter McMillan
March 1 - 6, 2020 Steep Shots & Pillow Drops – Kootenay
Canadian local and Candide Thovex ‘One of Your Days’ winner, Carter McMillan is a regular on the circuit. Having grown up skiing the big mountain terrain of Lake Louise, Carter has notched an impressive number of podium wins, series champions and sponsors on his belt in recent years. He's definitely a name to watch.
Book Your Dream Trip
Steep Shots & Pillow Drops
Every skier and snowboarder has a style that is all their own. Our expert guides will give you the coaching you need to spot features and find the most dynamic line on any slope. Discover your own personal style as you take on rad drops or dad drops - or neither if you prefer.
frequently asked questions
- How strong of a skier do I need to be?
The Steeps, and Steep Shots & Pillow Drops trips are designed to help skiers learn how to approach, navigate and understand moving through different and more challenging terrain.
You should be a strong advanced and fairly aggressive skier, with regular experience on black/double black runs at your local ski hill.- Is there instruction included?
Our teams of guides will help you hone your technique and maximize the terrain, from steeps to big open lines.
- What type of terrain do you ski/ride - do I need to do drops? Can I opt out of certain terrain?
We’ve got drops for all kinds - Rad drops and Dad drops. The program is tailored to the level of the group and no drops are mandatory. However, you should be a strong advanced and fairly aggressive skier, with regular experience on black/double black runs at your local ski hill.
- What helicopters do you use? How many people are in a helicopter?
Steep Shots & Pillow Drops is a Bell 212 - 9 guest and 2 guides. The Steeps is a Bell 407 with a total of 9 skiers - one group of 5 with 1 guide, and one group of 4 with 2 guides, fly out and drop off at the same meeting site. Small Group trips are 5 skiers + 1 guide in a Bell 407.
- What makes the Freeride trips so special?
The guides that lead these trips have built them from the ground up, and it is reflected in not only their experience and skill, but their passion.
Visit our blog to learn more about the history of The Steeps and Steep Shots & Pillow Drops.
- What's included in my trip? What should I pack?
All of CMH’s Heli-Skiing trips include accommodation at one of our spectacular lodges, food and non-alcoholic beverages, certified guides and helicopter pilots, safety training and the use of specially designed Heli-Skis. Our What’s Included page will give you full details on everything that is included.
For our Freeride Heli-Skiing trips, we would recommend you pack the following:- Ski or snowboard boots
- Snowboard, if required (NOTE: We do have some snowboards available to rent. Visit our What’s Included page to learn more
- Snow pants and warm coat
- Hard shell or one-piece suit
- Goggles/mitts or gloves
- Wool hat or toque
- Multi-layer clothing for skiing
- 3-4 pairs of comfortable, warm socks
- Light workout clothes for morning stretch class
- Bathing suit for hot tub or sauna
- Indoor shoes or slippers
- Casual clothing for in the lodge
- Optional items: alarm clock, camera, binoculars, collapsible poles (for snowboarders), spare snowboard parts (as listed in the Snowboard Gear form you will receive when you book)
NOTE: Helmets are mandatory for Steep Shots & Pillow Drops, The Steeps, and Big Mountain trips.
- Do you supply Avalanche Flotation Devices (AFD airbags)?
We have a limited number of packs available to rent at each lodge each week. Read about our AFD rental program to find out more.
- What are the qualifications of CMH guides/tail guides?
CMH is the largest single employer of mountain guides worldwide with over 120 professionals averaging more than 14 years of experience. Each guide has completed an 8-year certification process with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) or the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association (IFMGA).
- What training and equipment will I get? Can I use my own transceiver?
Before our guests ski, they take part in a mandatory helicopter safety briefing and transceiver training. We will provide you with a trasceiver, radio, probe and shovel.
We recommend that all guests use our transceivers so we can ensure everyone is on the same system.- Do I have to sign a waiver?
Yes - every guest, including non-skiers, must complete a waiver form prior to their arrival. Visit our Booking Information page to complete your Heli-Skiing waiver.