What to pack
The dress code is informal at CMH, so there's no need to pack an extensive wardrobe.
In fact, if you’re visiting one of our fly-in destinations, we request that you limit your luggage to one piece weighing no more than 40 lbs/18 kgs for a 7-day trip, plus one small carry-on bag per person.
Packing tips
Layers
We recommend that you dress in layers for skiing and riding. Layering provides better protection against the cold than wearing one large, heavier layer.
Boots as carry-on
Try to bring your boots as a carry-on item on the airplane. If your main luggage is lost or delayed, you’ll still be able to ski or ride!
Voltage
Our lodges use standard Canadian 110-volt electrical outlets (same as in the US). Please pack a voltage converter if you require one.
Last-minute shopping
If you forget something, our lodges have retail shops that are well-stocked with helmets, goggles and outdoor apparel from high-quality brands like Arc'teryx, Hestra, Smartwool, Smith and others. Our shops also carry necessities such as batteries, hand warmers, lip balm and ear protection for the helicopter.
Checklist
Travel days at the heli-pad:
- Sturdy, warm footwear such as hiking boots or Sorel-style winter boots
- Toque or wool hat (no ballcaps, please. They tend to fly away!)
- Warm jacket
- Long, casual pants or a base layer
- Optional but recommended for cold weather: snow pants
General equipment:
- Ski or snowboard boots
- Snow pants
- Shell jacket with a warm layer underneath, or a one-piece suit
- Goggles
- Mitts or gloves
- Wool hat/toque or helmet liner
- Helmet
Note: helmets are not mandatory for all CMH heli-skiing trips, but we highly recommend you wear one. Helmets are mandatory for all Steep Shot & Pillow Drops trips. A helmet that offers a low-profile or 3/4 coverage shell and a removable ear cover are the best for heli-skiing, as the ear covers can be removed easily depending on the temperature. Helmets that fully cover the ear (e.g. race helmets) may be a safety hazard if they prevent you from hearing your guide’s instructions. - Multi-layer clothing for skiing – try to choose technical fabrics that wick away moisture, dry quickly and keep you warm
- 3-4 pairs of comfortable, warm socks
- Neck warmer or buff
Snowboarders:
In addition to the items in the above general packing list, please ensure you bring:
- Snowboard boots
- Snowboard (or you can reserve a board with us)
- Collapsible poles for traversing (optional)
- Spare snowboard parts (optional, but recommended)
Ski tourers (Ski Touring or Fusion trips):
- Ski touring boots
- Skins
- Ski touring skis
- Ski poles (adjustable style poles if possible)
- Ski crampons to fit appropriate bindings
- Softshell and or light waterproof breathable pants
- Softshell jacket
- Waterproof breathable jacket
- Toque
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses with dark lenses and good coverage
- Goggles
- Waterproof breathable ski gloves
- Lightweight fleece gloves
- Thermos
- Water bottle. Note: Bladder-style water systems are not recommended, as they may freeze with colder temperatures and leakage happens often!
- Lightweight and medium weight base layers or long underwear
- Backpack (approximately 40 litre / 10.5 gallon capacity)
- Blister kit
At the lodge:
- Light workout clothes for morning warm-up class
- Bathing suit for hot tub/sauna
- Indoor shoes, sandals or slippers
- Casual clothing for around the lodge
- Optional items: alarm clock, camera, electronics, chargers, voltage converter
What not to bring
Your room is stocked with:
- Hand and body wash
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Bathrobe
- Towels
- Hair dryer
Frequently asked
Yes! Every guest must bring their own boots. Here’s the gear we provide.
No. We highly recommend leaving your skis at home and using ours instead. Our destinations are stocked with tried-and-tested powder skis and poles that we know perform well in our wilderness terrain.
However, if you’re joining us for a Ski Touring or Fusion trip, you must bring all your own touring equipment, including skis and skins.
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 prior to your trip.
Dress at CMH is casual. You won’t find any evening gowns here! Although no one rolls up to dinner in their PJs, most people dress ‘mountain-casual’ — this typically means clean jeans or pants with a flannel or collared shirt, a sweater, or T-shirt. The lodge is your home while you’re here, so dress comfortably and enjoy.
Yes. Guest laundry facilities, including soap, are available at all lodges at no extra cost.
Cell service varies by destination. If you’re staying at one of our in-town destinations like CMH Revelstoke or CMH Kootenay, you can expect cell service in town. If you’re escaping to one of our backcountry fly-in destinations, you will not have cell service, though you will have WiFi — enjoy being as unplugged as you want to be!
Yes. Our lodges are all equipped with WiFi.
Our lodges use standard Canadian 110-volt electrical outlets (same as in the US). Please pack a voltage converter if you require one.
Yes. If you’re visiting one of our fly-in destinations, we request that you limit your luggage to one piece weighing no more than 40 lbs/18 kgs for a 7-day trip, plus one small carry-on bag per person. This helps ensure that we can fit everyone’s luggage on the helicopter.