Okay, it's time to reserve your spot! Here's what to do Tuesday morning (10/22):
- Call CMH on 1.800.661.0252 and ask for Rylan Decorato, who's our CMH contact for this trip.
- Tell him you want to place your deposit for the Ski Patrol/Booth Ski Group for January 2021. He's know exactly what you're looking for.
- Deposit is 20% of the trip price, remaining due a couple months before the trip.
- Note: They charge the fees in CDN$. Current exchange rate is CDN$1.32/$US1.00. Tip: use a credit card that doesn't charge a currency exchange fee.
- Also note that Monday (10/21) was million-footer reservation day and Tuesday (10/22) reservations open to the general public. So, it may be a bit tough to get through before 9AM or so. But as I noted, our 22 spots are already pre-reserved and waiting for us. So, I'd recommend you give him a call starting 9 or 10, and it'll be easier to connect with him.
Other notes:
- Rylan will have some paperwork for you to complete (via Docusign)
- Rylan can also answer any questions you have about the trip, either now or anytime before our trip.
Some common questions:
- Travel: You can make any flight arrangements you like to get you to Kelowna by Saturday, Jan 2. Most people arrive in the evening. As last season, for those that get in in time for dinner, we'll meet up for pizza and beer for a bite to eat.
- Sunday night: We'll stay at the Four Point Sheraton in Kelowna. Right up the hill from the airport. Rylan can make a reservation there for you. CMH has preferential rates. Best to partner up with your roommate you'll have @ Galena.
- Travel to Galena: The CMH bus will meet us in front of the Four Points Sheraton (very) early on Sunday, Jan 3. It's about a 3 hour bus ride, then a ferry (very beautiful), then another 30 mins or so to the helicopter pad. From there, the helicopter will shuttle us into the lodge.
- The lodge is a remote lodge with its own full off-the-grid support systems (power, water systems, etc.). There is no town or other services nearby (without a helicopter ride back out). But, no worries, the lodge is full CMH-level as you see on their webpage, with private rooms, jacuzzi, sauna, chef, baker, massage therapist, wine list, bar & bartender who will know your name, ski shop, etc.
- As noted, CMH provides a selection of powder skis. Bring your boots & ski clothes. The ski shop person will also know your name and take care of any needs you have, including trying out different skis during the week, etc. Also, no need to bundle up too much, as you'll be working hard skiing down, and then in a quick helicopter ride to the top of another mountain. No cold chairlift ride. More details on this as we get closer to the trip date.
- Yes, at the lodge you can get a single room if you like, just ask Rylan. CMH charges a small premium for this. Most people, however, just partner-up and share a room.
- Unlike the old days when the only communication was by radio-telephone, the lodges now have full internet access. No cell signals, but it's easy to use Skype, What'sApp, Viber, or any number of tools to communicate. There's no cell or other communication tools while you're skiing, so you'll have to close that business deal before you jump on the helicopter.
- Some of you have asked about the level of skiers. We have a variety of skiers on this trip - some aggressive and some interested in just having a good time. Some are patrollers, some are friends from other sports, and some are friends from college. Several are bringing a family member. As I've told several folks - no worries about falling behind, this will give the patrollers a chance to practice their rescue skills. ;-0 Seriously, no problem. If you're on this list, I know you can ski and will be fine.
- And yes, the better shape you're in, the more fun you'll have. Start training, well, now.
Shoot me a note with any further questions you may have. Psych-up!
