What
is Heli-Hiking?
Are you
looking for a new experience in 2012? Do
you love to escape from the day to day? To be pampered and enjoy
exquisite food? What about the company? Looking to share stories
of discovery with like-minded people? You can do all of this
and more. It's hard to explain. But the Walking Connection we
can show you.
We stress
personalized service and flexibility above all. Activities
ranging from ambling and walking to hiking and trekking, or
even full-blown mountaineering, are tailored to suit your wishes
and ability. Whether you are 6 or 96, our objective is to exceed
your vacation expectations in every way. The use of a helicopter
gives us the flexibility to accommodate all levels of activity.
Based from a remote
lodge, we spend the day hiking and exploring, always at a comfortable
pace, with long or short, strenuous or leisurely hikes to choose
from. Our guests, not our guides, set the gait. Each day we
immerse ourselves in different terrains. The guides are in constant
communication with the lodge's helicopter, so we may make two
or three different hikes during the day. Our golden rules are
flexibility and adaptability.
Following
an early morning stretch session (or a bit of a sleep-in!) and
breakfast, we might begin with a nice, above-the-world ridge
walk. This may be followed by a helicopter pickup and
a quick flight for a serene picnic on a meadow beneath a stupendous
glacial cirque. Then a quick flight up higher to traverse around
a little cobalt lake, all the time soaking up rays of summer
mountain beauty. In the late afternoon, we fly back to the lodge
for a massage, an outdoor hot tub soak or a sauna, a chapter
or two a good book, a well-earned, beautifully prepared dinner,
and some story-swapping by the fireplace.
More About
The Heli-Hiking Experience!
I'm
not a hiker! Can I do this?
Whether it's a hike, walk, or amble, each Heli-Hiking day is
tailored to all levels of fitness, experience, and age. We split
the group as necessary so everyone can stay within their comfort
level. All you really need is a workable pair of feet and the
thirst for adventure. In fact, we enjoy taking inexperienced
hikers up to the mountains; it's a revelation, for them and
for us.
I'm
an experienced hiker. Will I be challenged?
Yes. Our guides are mountain people and they're ready to give
you a good hiking workout.
Is
Heli-Hiking suitable for families?
Absolutely. Last year, three of our family groups had up to
20 people each and ranged in ages from 12 - 72! Every generation
can create its own perfect day with a wide range of activities
for each to choose from. And each time the verdict has been
"We all had the time of our lives!".
How
far do we hike each day?
Since we form our hiking groups based on ability and desires,
our mileage varies quite a bit, from a kilometer or so (1/2
mile) to 15 kilometers (9 miles). The guides are not taskmasters;
our guests hike as much or as little as they want.
Why
use a helicopter?
Because without helicopters our remote mountains
would be essentially inaccessible except to a very few, hardy
backpackers. Our short, concise flights take us to and from
our secluded lodges, up to magic places utterly without roads,
trails, or evidence of humanity. Helicopters also give us the
ability to gently hop from one area to another during the day,
visiting that meadow in sudden full bloom, and getting closer
to that inviting little lake we saw to the east.
