What are the lodges like?
First, we designed our lodges to blend harmoniously with their environment. Second, we made them comfortable and luxurious. Third, we staffed them with people who enjoy mountain living and who have a knack for sharing their enthusiasm. All our bedrooms have private baths. We feature massage services, saunas, whirlpools, game rooms, shops, and comfy bar-lounges. And the food is plentiful, imaginative, varied, and great. Our goal is to create a familial, unpretentious, restful, zestful atmosphere.

Which lodge should I choose? Which area has the best hiking and scenery?
This is a little like asking parents to pick their favourite child. So we asked a valued client, who has Heli-Hiked from all four lodges, how he’d answer this often-asked question. “Well,” he responded, “I don’t think there is a good answer, simply because the truth is that all the lodges are wonderful, all provide equally superb service, and the mountains are equally fantastic. If one lodge was really better than another, then you’d have a problem! Each of the lodges has given me many great memories…of a particular guide, or a memorable hike, or a great group of fellow hikers. It’s a very personal thing." Also see Which Lodge Should I Choose?

What about your lodges’ shops?
Each of our lodges has a top-notch retail shop that offers a good selection of outdoor clothing such as hiking shorts, zip-off pants, t-shirts, waterproof jackets, fleece vests, and a variety of hats. Like most mountain people, we’re sticklers for the right gear, so all our clothing, etc., is guide-tested and -approved. Our shops also feature a variety of interesting gift items and necessaries.

How do I connect with the outside world?
We try to create an environment where guests can hike, relax, enjoy great food, meet new friends, and step away from the world’s hectic pace. But there’s no getting around the fact that new technologies have altered the communications landscape. Our challenge is to preserve our lodges’ away-from-it-all atmosphere and at the same time provide basic connectivity for guests who require it. So: tucked away in a central but quiet location, each lodge has available for guest use a computer equipped with Word, Excel, and basic Internet access. The table below outlines specific connectivity information, including wireless Internet access for laptops and other devices, for each lodge:

Also see specific lodge pages for more information on wireless connectivity.

ABOUT THE HELI-HIKING EXPERIENCE

I’m not a hiker! Can I do this?
Whether it’s a hike, walk, or amble, each Heli-Hiking day is tailored to all levels of fitness, experience, and age. We split the group as necessary so everyone can stay within their comfort level. All you really need is a workable pair of feet and the thirst for adventure. In fact, we enjoy taking inexperienced hikers up to our mountains; it’s a revelation, for them and for us. For more information, see our Ability Guide.

I’m an experienced hiker. Will I be challenged?
Yes. Our guides are mountain people and they’re ready to give you a good hiking workout.

Is Heli-Hiking suitable for families?
Absolutely. Every generation can create its own perfect day. We’ve hosted four-generation families, from very young children to great-grandparents, with a wide range of activities for each to choose from. And each time the verdict has been “We all had the time of our lives!” Also see Family Adventures.

How far do we hike each day?
Since we form our hiking groups based on ability and desires, our mileage varies quite a bit, from a kilometre or so (1/2 mile) to 15 kilometres (9 miles). We’re not taskmasters; our guests hike as much or as little as they want.

Why use a helicopter?
Because without helicopters our remote mountains would be essentially inaccessible except to a very few, hardy backpackers. Our short, concise flights take us to and from our secluded lodges, up to magic places utterly without roads, trails, or evidence of humanity. Helicopters also give us the ability to gently hop from one area to another during the day, visiting that meadow in sudden full bloom, and getting closer to that inviting little lake we saw to the east.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

What do I need to pack?
Please see our Equipment List. At the lodge we’ll provide you with insulated hooded jackets, rain ponchos, wind pants, day packs, water bottles, and walking sticks. And hiking boots from our meticulously maintained, extensive, top-of-the-line collections in each lodge. (The majority of our guests take advantage of those collections and hike happily in our boots.)

What about altitude?
Compared to other great ranges, our mountains are relatively low. But because of our high latitude they’re rich with glaciers and high mountain terrain usually found in loftier areas. Our hikes generally range from 1800 metres to 2700 metres (6,000- 9,000 feet), comfortable altitudes for just about everybody.

What’s the weather like up there? And what if it rains?
Our summer weather is generally sunny and pleasant. Temperatures range from highs of 10-29° C (50-85° F) during the day to lows of –1 to15°C (30-60°F) at night. But mountain weather doesn’t follow strict rules. So we’re prepared, and we will help you prepare, for cooler temperatures, rain, wind, and, every once in a while, snow. As long as it’s safe to fly our helicopters (and we don’t push any envelopes when it comes to flying safety), we do hike in the rain, and have a great time doing it. The clothing and equipment we supply keep you comfortable, warm, and dry. Bottom line: our guides and staff always come up with something fun and interesting to do.

What’s a typical day like?
See A Typical Day.

HOW DO I SIGN UP?

You can book online or call us toll-free at 1-800-661-0252 and we’ll get the ball rolling. We also recommend that you look at Let Us Plan Your Vacation to learn of a number of tempting places to see and things to do before or after your trip. After all, you’re going to be in the most beautiful part (the Canadian Rockies) of one of the most beautiful countries on earth; long experience has taught us that you will definitely want to get to know it better once you’re here.