The day ends with a quick flight back to the lodge where you are treated to a gourmet dinner, followed by swapping stories and reveling in your day’s adventure. It may sound like a scene from a lottery commercial, but anyone can go heli-hiking. Who says the backcountry is reserved exclusively for winter enjoyment? Heli-hiking is the perfect summer adventure for those wanting to explore off the beaten path, to blaze their own trail through undeveloped terrain. There are two heli-hiking tours that operate out of our very own Heather Mountain Lodge that we would recommend:
Heli-hiking with Terry Makos
Terry Makos, better known as “TM”, has been heli-hiking for more than 20 years and has been a heliskiing guide at GCH for nearly as long. He specializes in creating custom heli-hiking trips for any size group and ability level (even beginners!) ranging from single day trips to multi-day packages with accommodations and meals included.Working with Mike from Coldstream Helicopters and fellow guide Al Dakin, Terry recently had a family reunion of 10 people from around North America descend upon Heather Mountain Lodge for a heli-hiking experience of a lifetime. High above the tree line near Iconoclast Mountain, the group spent the day taking in the magnificent views of snow covered glaciers, jagged peaks and a stunning alpine lake. For pricing, availability or more information, please contact Terry Makos at tmakos@telusplanet.net – This link will open your default email application or 250-490-5887 – This link will open your default phone application.
Mountain Travel Sobek
Mountain Travel Sobek offers exclusive heli-hiking holidays in the backcountry of Banff and Yoho National Parks, which include 3 nights at our very own Heather Mountain Lodge. During the 8-day trip, you’ll leave the crowds behind in favour of far-flung, high alpine meadows where you’ll hike beneath glaciers, along turquoise lakes, take in the famous Takakkaw Falls and even tour Burgess Shale, the world’s best preserved fossil beds. The Heather Mountain Lodge portion boasts 4 days of customised heli-hiking. With over 1000 km2 of exclusive terrain and a private helicopter for the group, the guides and pilot choose each day’s hikes based on weather, group interest and season. All trips are 8 days long and have set start dates during the peak season of July and August. Lead guide and trip organizer Ken Bélanger has been involved in outdoor adventures both in the mountains and on the water for over 20 years. He spent the better part of 10 years designing and guiding active international holidays in Europe, North and Central America, North Africa and Asia. He is now firmly rooted in Canadian soil and has personally created this epic 8-day heli-hiking holiday. Trips start at $4695 for the full 8-day experience including all meals, accommodations and transportation (starting and ended in Banff, Alberta). For more information, please visit Heli Hike with Mountain Travel Sobek – This link opens in a new browser tab.
As summer winds down, the 2013 heli-hiking season does as well. But it’s never too early to start dreaming about, researching and planning your summer adventures for next year. If you’re craving something different, heli-hiking might just be the ticket.
