MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Summer 2018

84 ML BLUE SUMMER 2018 46 No Crowds, No Trails: Exploring BC via Helicopter Having taken guests on the best skiing and hiking experiences for over 50 years, CMH knows a thing or two about accessible adventure in true wilderness. Based in British Columbia, three of their eleven lodges open in the summer: the Bugaboos, Bobbie Burns, and Cariboos. Each lodge is ‘remote’, meaning you need a helicopter to get there. The good news is that CMH have a few on hand. On the first day of your trip, you’ll board the heli and fly 50km into the towering mountain ranges to your impressive and sweet accommodation nestled within the untouched landscape. While on a 2, 3, 5, or 6-day trip, you choose whichever activity whets your adventurous appetite the most; whether that’s a gentle amble through alpine meadows or ambitiously summiting peaks. Two of the lodges offer the chance to conquer their remarkable cable-assisted via ferratas with no previous climbing experience necessary. ACMG Mountain Guide Carl Trescher notes, “Via ferratas allow people who’ve never climbed the chance to feel the elation of summiting a mountain.” Unlike traditional rock climbing and mountaineering, which requires some serious technique and heavy equipment, just about anyone can climb a mountain on a via ferrata. “Via ferratas allow people who’ve never climbed the chance to feel the elation of summiting a mountain.” TAYLOR BURK/COURTESY CMH MULTIDAY TRIPS