CMH Heli-Skiing is gearing up for another big winter season across its 11 destinations in the Purcell, Monashee, Selkirk, and Cariboo Mountains. With a staggering 3 million acres of terrain, about one-third the size of Switzerland and more than all North American ski areas combined, the company has no shortage of fresh powder to share with its guests.
Over the past few weeks, CMH’s operations teams have been busy preparing for the season, running training courses and reviewing safety and operating protocols. The first CMH lodges were scheduled to open in early December, with the Golden-based CMH Purcell lodge set to welcome guests beginning December 30.
CMH Purcell Offers Day Trips
Located on Lafontaine Road here in Golden, CMH Purcell focuses on day heli-skiing trips rather than the traditional all-inclusive lodge stay. It’s a model designed for people whose schedules don’t fit the classic multi-day heli-ski format. Guests can choose the specific dates and number of days that work for them, whether they’re road-tripping the Powder Highway or are locals looking to squeeze in a bucket-list ski day and still be home for dinner.
One of the biggest draws of the Purcell program is that a day on the helicopter includes unlimited runs. If guests exceed the number of guaranteed vertical runs, there’s no extra charge—so long as the legs hold up, the skiing keeps going. And if one day isn’t enough, it’s easy to tack on additional days, subject to availability.
Small Groups, Big Experience
The Purcell operation is built around small groups and a high guide-to-guest ratio. Instead of the three or four groups that typically share helicopter time at a classic CMH lodge, Purcell runs only two groups of up to eight guests each, each accompanied by two guides.
That structure offers several advantages: more attention from guides, more flexibility in choosing terrain, and more untracked snow per person. It also makes CMH Purcell an attractive option for families, friend groups, or work teams who want to share the experience together. Guests can book single seats and be matched with others, or they can reserve a private group and have the helicopter to themselves with up to seven family members or friends.
The terrain itself is varied enough to suit a wide range of skiers and riders. From big, boast-worthy alpine lines to mellow glades, CMH Purcell’s tenure can accommodate everyone from those seeking a relaxed pace to hard-chargers hunting vertical.
Deep Roots in the Community
CMH Purcell’s presence in Golden is about more than skiing. The team is actively involved in the community and has been expanding those efforts each year.
They partner with the College of the Rockies to offer practicum positions, giving students a chance to gain hands-on work experience in a high-level mountain operations environment while earning income.
CMH Purcell also collaborates closely with the Golden and District Search and Rescue Team (GADSAR). The company covers the costs of valuable helicopter time while GADSAR provides training to both CMH guides and its own members. The training focuses on backcountry rescue scenarios that fall outside of Parks Canada’s search and rescue mandate, strengthening local capacity to respond when things go wrong in remote terrain.
Through access to its backcountry tenure, including areas such as North Canyon Creek, CMH also supports the Canadian Avalanche Association. The association is able to base parts of its professional avalanche training program in Purcell terrain, running certification courses from beginner levels up through higher professional tiers. CMH tenure is used in particular for Level 1 and 2 courses, helping educate the next generation of avalanche professionals and serious backcountry users.
In addition to safety and education, mental health is also a key focus. CMH Purcell supports Mountain Muskox, a mental health organization that assists individuals who have experienced trauma in the mountains, through in-kind donations.
This season, CMH Purcell’s sponsorships and in-kind donations to local initiatives, including the Golden Ski Club, surpassed $28,000—another sign of its commitment to the communities it calls home.
Last-Minute Deals for Locals
For Golden-area residents, one of the most appealing aspects of CMH Purcell might be its last-minute specials. When last-minute seats become available, locals can access discounts of 50% off a heli-ski day—deep savings on a world-class experience, with stashes of powder guaranteed.
Locals can visit the link below to sign up for notifications from CMH Purcell on last-minute deals. When spots open up on short notice, subscribers receive a message and can jump on the opportunity.
With its unique day-trip model, small groups, community partnerships, and a strong connection to Golden’s local organizations, CMH Purcell is set to play a big role again this winter—both on the mountain and in the community.
