Canadian Mountain Holidays offers mountaineering experiences at all five summer lodges for 2003

Canadian Mountain Holidays offers mountaineering experiences at all five summer lodges for 2003

October 22, 2002. (PRWEB) October 26, 2002 --Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH) recently announced the expansion of their helicopter assisted mountaineering program to all five summer lodges for the upcoming season, adding on the Cariboo and Valemount Lodges.

In many lodges opportunities still exist for first ascents, under the guidance of CMHs IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Association) and/or ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides) certified mountain guides. Challenges can start off easy and gradually pick up throughout each trek, or experienced mountaineers can tackle the toughest terrain from day one. All mountaineering packages begin with a thorough instruction or review on the use of ropes, knots, equipment and safety before being taken out into the mountains.

Valemount Lodge manager and IFMGA guide-examiner, Danny Stoffel said, "Our mountaineering team at all CMH lodges are very adept at introducing peaks to first-timers and hard-charging mountaineering experts." Danny adds, "Our guides are the best in the business and first and foremost, take the guests skill level, comfort and safety into account."

Samplings of mountaineering possibilities available at CMH lodges are:
Adamant Lodge -- offers a climb of majestic Mount Sir Sanford, the highest peak in the Columbia Range. The east ridge of Remillard Peak is a fine, classic granite route with 4th or 5th class climbing and a glacial decent of two to three hours. Serendipidity Spire offers a pleasing mixed climb. Other possibilities include Casanova Mountain or Enterprise Peak.

Bobbie Burns Lodge -- offers beginners from all ages the opportunity to tackle the summit of Mount Syphax. The ascent involves glacier crossing, rock scrambling, and some easy technical climbing, with a nice series of rappels after a summit lunch.

Bugaboo Lodge -- offers mountaineering ranging from technical climbs of a high standard to moderate routes like The Empress, which summits the highest peak of the Quintet group via a short glacier approach and a few sections of 5.5 climbing.
Cariboo Lodge -- offers magnificent climbing and mountaineering adventures, including first ascents. Mount Lester Pearson, a mix of snow, ice and ridge climbing, is ideal for beginners and intermediate climbers. Mount Sir John Thompsons long ridge climb is for more experienced climbers and is endowed with vast views characteristic of the Cariboos.
Valemount Lodge - offers a variety of routes ideal for beginning mountaineers, mixing glacier travel with some fine rock scrambling. The aptly named Little Matterhorn, set in a gorgeous amphitheater of glaciers and peaks, rarely climbed because of its remoteness, is made accessible with CMHs helicopters. This is a superb day for climbers who want to push their limits.

CMHs mountaineering program runs from late June to mid-September and starts at approximately $1,167 USD per person, based on a ratio of three guests per guide for a two night stay, including all meals, accommodation, equipment and the undivided attention of your certified mountain guide.

Canadian Mountain Holidays is the largest Heli-hiking and Heli-skiing Company in the world, offering adventures for all ages and abilities. After 25 years of providing spectacular summer adventures to over 43,000 visitors, CMH continues to refine trips to meet the ever-changing needs of todays vacationer. CMH offers specialty trips such as mountaineering, family adventures, private guides, photography and culinary workshops. CMH is a founding member of the Adventure Collection, the US based family of the worlds most trusted and experienced active travel companies. Members share common values of environmental and cultural protection, sustainable tourism, and the highest operating standards. CMH ranked in the top ten 2001 Tour Operators and Outfitters by Travel + Leisure. For Bookings call 1-800-661-0252 or visit www.cmhmountaineering.com or contact your local travel agent.