The American Ski Magazine considers CMH Valemount to be one of the "Five Most Luxe Ski Lodges". The lodge's rise to this illustrious circle is also thanks to a Swiss man who has a world-famous summit on his doorstep, but prefers to strap on his skis in Canada.
A trip to CMH Valemount is one of the most sought-after heliskiing experiences of all. SKI KANADA(www.ski-kanada.ch) calls it "boutique heliskiing at its best". There are many reasons for this, from the exclusivity and exceptional service to the wonderful lodge and the outstanding terrain. Mother Nature alone takes the credit for the quality of the terrain. Two people from Valais have a hand in everything else: lodge manager Danny Stoffel and Anjan Truffer, heliskiing guide and assistant lodge manager at the flagship of Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH).
I have been organizing heliskiing trips worldwide since 1986 - with know-how and a genuine passion for skiing. TRAVELZONE combines the best of 35 years of heliskiing experience. That's why heliskiing with TRAVELZONE is different: safe, unique and unforgettable!
It's hardly surprising that Anjan would develop a passion for the mountains - after all, he grew up in Zermatt within sight of the Matterhorn. He climbed the iconic peak for the first time at the age of 13. He went on to climb countless other peaks in the Alps, the Andes and the Himalayas, alone or later as a qualified mountain guide with guests. As head of rescue for Air Zermatt, he now sees the mountains from above even without a previous ascent.
And as a heli-ski guide in British Columbia anyway. Canada appeals to him, says Anjan, because of the endless mountain ranges, the huge cedar forests and the wonderful powder snow. In the CMH Valemount area, these three factors come together in an inimitable way. "Heliskiing here is one of the best in the world, that's no longer a secret," says Anjan. "We place enormous value on bringing our guests to the best snow and skiing the greatest that the Cariboos have to offer."
The guides and pilots have around 1,500 square kilometers at their disposal. Half of the area is glaciers and open terrain, the other half is forest runs. "The tree skiing in the North Thompson Valley is second to none," enthuses Anjan. "And because we only fly with a single group, we can ski completely different lines than with 40 guests." What's more, the small group is tailored precisely to the needs of the winter sports enthusiasts - heliskiing made to measure. This is usually taken full advantage of. Statistically, there have never been more than four down days per season at CMH Valemount in recent decades.
Anjan has been part of the team since the lodge was built in 1998 and took over as Assistant Area Manager in 2004. In addition to guiding operations, he is also responsible for personnel, working with the flight crew, work schedules, accounting and much more. "With all the preparations, we always have something to do in the fall and summer," grins the man from Valais.
The effort behind the operation of a high-end heliski lodge often remains hidden from most guests, but the result is all the more eye-catching. At CMH Valemount, the luxury vacation begins with the arrival. The maximum of ten skiers and snowboarders are flown in by private jet from Calgary.
On site, a private chef and an in-house baker pamper the winter sports enthusiasts with star-level culinary delights, while a qualified massage therapist looks after exhausted muscles and takes care of the morning warm-up. The private bathroom in the ten single rooms, each with two queen-size beds, is still not a matter of course when compared to heliskiing. In addition to a jacuzzi, sauna and gym, the facilities also include a ski store with all the important utensils. And as the helicopter takes off for heliskiing in the morning just 50 meters from the lodge, it only takes a few minutes to get to the first runs. Pure comfort.
It's understandable that a week at CMH Valemount is at the top of many skiers' and snowboarders' wish lists. But it's just as understandable that most of them have to be patient - the lodge is often fully booked for years. "But sometimes there are still opportunities," says Anjan, giving hope to those interested, "especially at the beginning of the season in December or at the end in April, sometimes even at short notice." An inquiry with the heliski experts at TRAVELZONE is therefore always worthwhile.
Once you've got your foot in the door, you won't be pulling it back any time soon. 90 percent of guests are regular customers, Anjan reveals. "CMH Valemount is primarily for people who already have heliskiing experience and are good skiers." He makes no secret of the fact that they also need to have the necessary budget. After all, such exclusive vacations come at a price.
Anjan himself used to be able to enjoy the benefits of CMH Valemount for an entire winter. In the meantime, the father of three and Air Zermatt rescue chief is increasingly in demand at home. Nevertheless, Anjan still manages to spend six to eight weeks at the luxury lodge over the course of the season. Most heliskiers and boarders would consider themselves extremely lucky if they could swap places with him for just one week a year.
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Strong enough?
Not sure if you're strong enough for heliskiing? Get in touch with us. We can also do a video check-up. We have been heliskiing with thousands of skiers and know all the areas. So we can assess with you where you will have the most fun in the powder!
