MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Spring 2019

SPRING 2019 ML BLUE 49 words :: Ben Osborne In 1936, Orville Wright wrote a letter to a colleague who was involved in the aircraft engine world. The letter was focused on the budding technology of helicopters, and their commercial viability. “I don’t think any individual can afford to undertake them as a business proposition,” wrote the American aviation legend. “The helicopter type of airplane offers several seemingly insurmountable difficulties.” Lucky for us, Hans Gmoser wasn’t listening. As a young Austrian, Gmoser arrived in Canada in the 1950s, fresh-legged and eager, ears pinned back and ready to explore the mountains. One of the first ranges he explored on skis was the Cariboos in eastern British Columbia, where Gmoser had his first vision of a business that would forever change the world of outdoor recreation: a remote heli-ski lodge deep in the Canadian wilderness. Fast-forward six decades, and we know a few truths: helicopters are certainly a useful tool, and Canadian Mountain Holidays, more commonly known as CMH, certainly knows how to use them. For decades CMH has solidified its place in the heli world through an excellent reputation for safety, customer service, terrain choice, and amenities. When I was asked if I wanted to go on a heli-hiking trip, I will admit—I scoffed. I’ve been lucky enough to spend enough time in helicopters that although these machines continue to mystify me, they also terrify me a bit. On top of that, I had become more attached to my mountain bike and splitboard in past years, and the idea of walking around the mountains (in comparison to snowboarding or biking) had become of a bit of a punching bag in my friend group. But I had heard the rumours of CMH’s incredible terrain and accommodation, and the pull of their reputation drew me in. And so I was booked for three days of heli-hiking at the newly re-opened-for-the-summer Cariboos Mountain Lodge. What is heli-hiking, you might ask? In short, it’s the best kind of hiking. But there is a bit more explaining to do. Let’s start off with a simple question: what’s your least favourite part of hiking? Now, imagine your favourite part. Finally, imagine if hiking had none of those bad parts, and only the good parts. So take out the long approaches, and really everything in between, leaving only the moments of pure bliss in the mountains. That’s heli-hiking. After arriving on the first day just after noon, we were immediately fit for boots, backpacks, and all other necessary hiking gear for the coming days. Next up was a buffet of charcuterie, smoothies, and CLOCKWISE STARTING TOP RIGHT KATIE GOLDIE; KATIE GOLDIE; JOHN EVELY; LIAM KERR.ALL PHOTOS COURTESY CMH.