The world's largest heli-skiing operator, CMH Heli-Skiing, just announced that several of its backcountry properties are undergoing major overhauls. Headquartered in Banff, Alberta, CMH has 11 lodges throughout British Columbia and they've been helping skiers score powder since before many of us were skiing (1965, to be exact). Now, in partnership with Portland's Skylab Architecture, three CMH lodges are currently undergoing facelifts in preparation for the 2014/2015 ski season. Let's take a look at the plans, shall we?
In celebration of CMH's 50th anniversary, refurbishments will take place at three CMH properties- Bugaboos, Gothics, and Valemount- and all of the updates are meant to supplement the already killer heli-skiing experience. The Bugaboo Lodge was CMH's first backcountry lodge originally built in 1968, and although it's received several updates over the years, this new project will renovate the main bar, add a new wine cellar, and upgrade the common areas. The Gothics Lodge will get updated rooms, while the common areas and spa at CMH Valemount (one of Ski Magazine's "Five Most Luxe Ski Lodges") will be upgraded.
From Jeff Kovel, AIA, Principal of Skylab Architecture, "We strive to design environments that create lasting effects on the natural and built worlds. CMH properties are based amidst some of the most magnificent surroundings on earth and we look forward to designing areas that are sympathetic to those amazing environments, as well as functional and aesthetically pleasing for their guests."
Based on the preliminary sketches, the new digs feature an updated mountain-chic aesthetic dominated by timber, stone, and a woodsy-hipster vibe that jives with what's happening in mountain design. And while we're stoked to see the big reveal this fall, the subtle updates don't take away from what CMH is all about: the powder.
Check out more photos, courtesy of Skylab Architecture.
· CMH Heli-Skiing [Official Site]
· Sky Lab Architecture [Official Site]
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