Imagine the thrill of running singletrack trail in White River National Forest with views spanning from the Gore Range to Mount of the Holy Cross — then picture yourself on an alpine ridge in the Canadian wilderness, among sky-scraping granite spires, with a helicopter as your shuttle. That’s exactly what CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures (Canadian Mountain Holidays) offers with its guided heli-running trips in the remote Bugaboos of British Columbia.
Photo courtesy of Amanda McCracken
A Different Kind of Ascent
In July 2025, I joined an intimate group of 10 runners of varying levels for a three-day guided trip in the stunning backcountry with CMH — the first and largest heli-skiing operation in the world. More than 60 years ago, renowned Austrian mountain guide Hans Gmoser, the founder of CMH, organized the first heli-skiing excursion. A few years later, the Bugaboo Lodge (where we stayed) was built. The backcountry slopes of the Bugaboos, framed by the iconic Snowpatch, Houndstooth and Pigeon Spires, remain a premier destination for skiers, hikers and runners. Today, CMH operates out of 11 luxurious lodges, three of which have summer operations.
Out of the 10 of us (ages about 25 to 60), there was a married couple, three female friends (with different matching hats for each day) and five individuals seeking a unique getaway with complete strangers grinding away together at 8,600 feet.
Every morning began with an optional yoga/stretching class followed by a buffet breakfast of fresh produce, made-to-order omelets and petite pastries with both heli-hiking and heli-running groups (about 30 in total). After packing our packs with fuel for the trek, we loaded the drop bag of lunches and extra water. Then came the part that I originally most feared and came to most love: the huddle. As the sky-taxi approached the staging-pad near the lodge, we’d crouch down in the scree as instructed, and then, when given the signal, waddle over to and enter the helicopter, paying close attention to the swoosh of the blades swirling overhead.
Within seconds, we were hundreds of feet above the lodge and on our way to Grizzly Ridge above slopes that would’ve taken us hours of time and loads of energy to surmount. This exhilarating shortcut allowed us more time to explore above tree line and marvel at the towering granite titans as we (mostly) ran mountain goat-made trails through deep valleys, took dips in glacial lakes and stopped for the occasional panoramic photo op among puffball mushrooms and some of the most richly colored Indian paintbrush I’ve ever seen.
Photo courtesy of CMH
TYPICAL DAY
Day 1:
3-5-mile intro day
Day 2:
3-6 miles with 1,300-2,000 feet of elevation gain
Day 3:
Up to 12 miles with 1,600-3,300 feet of elevation gain
High-Alpine Playground
Our professionally certified mountain guides, leader James Madden (the cofounder of the alpine trail running program) and the sweeping Aleta Corbett, were a wealth of knowledge about CMH history and the local flora and fauna. And while our group sometimes got strung out a bit, our guides regularly initiated regrouping to check in. After five to six miles, I joined the optional post-lunch helicopter pick up to return to the lodge for the après-run spread, hot tub soak or massage, and a French 77. Others who wanted to venture further returned by helicopter a few hours later in time for a five-course meal prepared nightly. Daily ascent varied between approximately 1,300 to 3,300 feet.
By day three, we’d learned of each other’s career aspirations and complicated relationships. One group member admitted the trip was part of her overcoming her fear of heights. Another young mother disclosed how the trip was a reprieve from serious illness in her family. That’s how quickly strangers bond in a gritty environment where transparency and trust are just as valued as perseverance and courage.
In my opinion, the meticulously organized trip was the best combination: both challenging and pampering. But more importantly, it was an opportunity to practice what my kindergartner does so well — connect with total strangers on one of the world’s most gorgeous playgrounds.
CMH is offering two alpine trail running programs this summer: July 13-16 and July 31-Aug. 3, 2026. Learn more at cmhsummer.com.
