A Life-Changing Ski Adventure

Struggling with exhaustion, I attempted to hoist myself up out of deep snow after a fall. Beads of sweat dripped down my face as I spotted my guide, Kris Robinson, waiting patiently below. Unable to muster more strength, I sank down and took a moment to absorb the vastness of Canada’s Columbia Mountains. Then I radioed Kris for help. “Cross your poles on your inside ski,” he said. It worked, and it was advice that I won’t soon forget.

This felt like a once-in-a-lifetime trip for me. I’d never backcountry skied in British Columbia before; usually my time outdoors means cycling, hiking, or skiing near Boulder, Colorado, where I live. Yet here I was in the heart of the northern Selkirk and Monashee Mountains, where snowcapped peaks meet untouched powder, staying at the Gothics Lodge, on a trip in March with CMH Heli-Skiing and Summer Adventures.

For a backcountry destination, the lodge is relatively easy to reach. It’s located an hour north of Revelstoke, an old mining town and dream outpost for diehard skiers known for its spectacular alpine terrain and abundant precipitation.

I’d been invited to join a group of other outdoor-industry people for a four-day heli-skiing experience. “The Gothics is one of the CMH’s most approachable and welcoming destinations,” Jared Smith, president and CEO of Alterra Mountain Company—which owns CMH—told us. “Like all our lodge staff, the Gothics team makes you feel completely comfortable, by guiding you from the moment you arrive to the day you depart.” Jared said this trip would be a combination of training and incredible skiing that would lead to impactful experiences. He was right.

Our group counted just over 30 people, including athletes and innovators, some familiar faces, and others I was meeting for the first time. I was a backcountry novice compared to the likes of Olympic snowboarder Shaun White, actress Nina Dobrev, Olympic skier Nina O’Brien, former professional skier Drew Duffy, snowboarder Kimmy Fasani, freeskier and artist Chris Benchetler (Fasani’s husband), and Jesse White, Shaun’s brother and a creative-brand director.

The first thing I noticed upon arrival was a fleet of fat bikes and cross-country skis, a hint of the adventures ahead. Each day we’d wake at 7 A.M. for different activities. Day one was dedicated to training and preparation for handling backcountry powder, including avalanche safety sessions, helicopter familiarization, radio operation, and equipment adjustments by Pontus Carlsson, a ski tech from Sweden, who made sure we were ready.

That afternoon, in thick fog and stormy conditions, our guides led us through tree runs and gladed slopes. Justin Clarke was my patient tail guide. After a few falls and unclipped skis hidden under the snow, I began to find my balance and remembered that powder is soft. I also learned how to stay away from tree wells, which can swallow a skier, and that I should’ve worn bright clothing to make it easier for Justin to find me.

One of the things that can make or break a trip is the team in place. At Gothics, we were looked after by the best in the business, including longtime CMH guide and assistant area manager Pete Murray and his group of skilled guides. The rest of the lodge staff welcomed us with warmth that set the tone for days to come, led by Brittany Johnston, Laoise O’Neill, and Alan Fraiser, a native of Scotland, who was in his first year with CMH as the new director of hospitality.

The terrain the group covered the morning of day two. Powered by Trailforks.com

Evenings at the lodge were a mix of relaxation, camaraderie, and delicious food—and a nice respite for my burning quads. One night, CMH president and COO Rob Rohn told us about his start as an apprentice ski guide in 1984, working alongside CMH founder Hans Gmoser. Rohn has been with CMH for 37 years, and the company now offers trips in ten other B.C. locations in addition to the Gothic Lodge, as well as heli-hiking in summer. All told, CMH has access to three million acres of terrain, with over 750 square miles at Gothics alone.

After a snowy night, on day two we stayed on lower slopes and within the trees to mitigate avalanche risk. Helicopter pilots Blaze Oliver, Rich Fries, and Michael Beran took us to remote locations with spectacular views. On board, we were encouraged to drink “heli juice”—an electrolyte concoction to keep us hydrated. Stepping out of a helicopter at the top of a mountain, with no one to rely on but your guides and your group, gave me a sense of fear and awe.

On day three we went up higher to the Liberty plateau. The skiing was beautiful and rigorous, and we covered a large amount of terrain over three days, skiing almost 60,000 vertical feet.

Getting to know the group was as invigorating as the skiing. One night we got a preview of Fasani’s forthcoming documentary, which delves into the realities of being a professional athlete and mother, the lingering effects of past trauma, and her recent battle with breast cancer. “Being tucked away in a backcountry lodge is an amazing way to connect with such a wonderful group of people,” Fasani said. “The bonus is that the snow conditions are some of the best we’ve ridden all season.”

As I bid farewell to Gothics Lodge and new friends, I left with a renewed respect for the mountains, overcome with gratitude, humility, and inspiration. I know that this was an exceptional trip to be included on. But the feeling I left with is how I feel after any outdoor experience, whether it’s with friends on a weekly ride or going on a hike with my kids.

Boarding my flight home, I felt reenergized to support Outside Inc.’s—and my—mission to inspire everyone to get outside. Since starting the company, I’ve had the opportunity to travel extensively for work, spending time with partners, investors, and outdoor enthusiasts. On a personal level, I try to get outside at least 300 days a year. I consider time outdoors an investment in my health, a feeling backed by numerous scientific studies. It doesn’t matter to me what the activity is. I include walking my two dogs as an outdoor activity, too.

Like many parents, I also have concerns about my kids’ screen time and them spending too much time indoors. I’m constantly trying to figure out ways for them to do things outdoors, as an investment in their health.

I am passionate about Outside Inc.’s mission, and I plan to share more stories and photos of my travels with you to the places I’m fortunate to see. I want to be a role model for my kids, and for our entire Outside community. See you on the trails.

Because the staff at places where travelers stay are a crucial part of any trip and don’t always get acknowledgement, it’s important to me to thank everyone on the team at Gothics who isn’t already mentioned above, including lodge staff Rosie Marshall, Viviane Gerard, Ebony Sloots, and Dom Blais; guides Fridjon Thorleifsson, Paul Sautelli, Kris Robinson, Andrew Wrench, and Benny Groundwater; massage therapists Kim Younger and Ocean Forester; helicopter mechanics Kenton Johnson and Dean Armeneau; talented chefs Barbara Carillo, Scott Hanon, Robin Lilley, Andy Kerr, and Patrice Soulabaille; and bartenders Nic Groulx and Luke Suto. Thank you for a wonderful visit.

And a special shout out to photographer Michael Dawson (a.k.a. Dawsy) for the use of his beautiful photos.