Canada West Review and Skiing

Do more than dream of a white Christmas this year. Witness the best of the Canadian West in the midst of its winter glory. The magic, tranquility and stunning beauty of Canada this time of year is impressive to say the least. And Canada’s favorable exchange rate makes a winter vacation all the more value added.

Pristine snow, majestic vistas and the comforts of a cozy lodge will help you start the New Year rested. We have a mountain of great winter destinations. Here are just a few:

Heli-Ski at the Top of the World

If you want to ski, there are three ways up the mountain. You can hike, take a chair lift or you can take a helicopter. Heli-Skiing provides skiers fresh virgin snow and untracked powder. In the Canadian Rockies CMH Heli-Skiing has been offering its guest the ultimate deep powder Heli-Skiing experience for over thirty years. With eleven areas (adamants, Bobbie Burns, Bugaboos, Cariboos, Galena, Gothics, Kootenay, McBride, Monashees, Revelstoke, Valemount) located in the remote and spectacular mountains of British Columbia, the immense terrain covers over 20,000 square kilometers!

The season begins in December and runs through the spring months depending on the snow conditions. Heli-skiing is only for advanced intermediate skiers. Specially designed heli-skis make it possible to negotiate the deep, virgin powder, but these cannot compensate for a lack of skiing ability. You should be comfortable on black runs and able to handle any snow and weather conditions. If this is to be your first time heli-skiing, you may wish to sign up for a Powder Introduction program and ski as much as possible before your trip. Spring skiing offers a variety of ski and snow conditions ranging from corn snow on south facing slopes to powder on north facing slopes. The days are long and the temperatures are warmer, generally allowing for more skiing than other times during the season. Skiers are transported by Helicopter to various mountain ranges where they will descend down remote mountain areas with a dedicated professional guide leading the way. Each guide brings extensive experience for evaluating snowpack stability, assessing hazards in the terrain and guiding guest to safe skiing conditions. Skier's experience runs from 500 to 2,100 vertical meters of powder terrain enjoyment. Each area encompasses more than 1,500 square kilometers and offers spectacular views of the beautiful mountain country. Heli-Skiing is not for the novice skiers. Conditions and terrain can vary from spacious open glaciers with moderate pitches to steep tree skiing. Skiers need to be experience and capable of handling a variety of snow conditions from light fluffy powder to wind affected crust and everything in between.

After a day of skiing guest can relax in one of the lodges especially built for Heli-Skiing in the remote mountains areas. The comprehensive vacation includes all meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, accommodations, transfers from the Calgary Airport, certified guides, use of specially designed Heli-Skis and all applicable taxes. Heli-Skiing vacations vary from 3 to 10 days. During the summer month, Heli-Hiking is available to explore off-the-beaten-path hiking in the majestic, unspoiled Canadian Rockies. James TravelPOINTS has complete details brochures and information about Heli-Skiing, Heli-Hiking or simply enjoying the comforts of the lodges in Canada and dude ranches in the United States.